The Mystery Guest
Summary
Molly Gray, the Head Maid at the prestigious Regency Grand Hotel, faces a sudden upheaval when renowned mystery author J.D. Grimthorpe is found dead in the hotel’s tea room. Detective Stark, Molly’s old adversary, investigates and deems it a murder. Various suspects, including a new Maid-in-Training, the author’s secretary, and the hotel’s doorman, emerge. As Molly’s past connection with Grimthorpe surfaces, she becomes determined to solve the mystery to protect the hotel’s reputation. Delving into her memories and revisiting her childhood, Molly uncovers hidden secrets and races against time to unveil the killer before the hotel’s pristine image is tarnished.
Nita Prose’s debut novel, ‘The Maid’ became a best-selling novel in 2022, and introduced the readers to Molly the Maid. After the success of her murder mystery, Prose has released the sequel to ‘The Maid’. ‘Mystery Guest’ is book two in the Molly the Maid series and this one too falls into the realm of mystery and suspense. The book takes readers on a thrilling journey into the world of a mysterious guest who arrives unexpectedly, disrupting the lives of the characters and unraveling a series of secrets. With its engaging premise, the book promises to keep readers glued to its pages.
Plot
The narrative unfolds approximately three to four years after the events of ‘The Maid’. Molly, has now been serving as Head Maid at the hotel for roughly 3.5 years. Recently, she has taken on Lily as a Maid in Training, mentoring her closely. The story begins with the anticipation of an important event at the hotel: a renowned author is scheduled to deliver a speech, potentially unveiling his latest novel. Molly is tasked with overseeing the event, which is to occur in the newly-inaugurated tea room. Excitement fills the venue as press and fans gather, eager for the author’s announcement. However, tragedy strikes when the author suddenly collapses and dies before he can speak. Suspicions of foul play arise immediately.
Characters
The prose reveals a diverse and well-rounded cast of characters. Sarah, the protagonist, is a relatable and sympathetic character whose vulnerability and determination make her easy to root for. The mysterious guest, whose identity remains shrouded for much of the story, is enigmatic and compelling. Other supporting characters, such as Sarah’s skeptical best friend and a persistent detective, all add depth to the narrative and provide interesting dynamics within the plot. Each character is developed with care, contributing to the overall intrigue of the story.
Settings
The author brings the story to life through vivid descriptions of the settings. From Sarah’s cozy home to the guest’s eerie hideaway, the settings play an integral role in creating the atmosphere of mystery and suspense. Prose’s attention to detail allows readers to visualize the scenes vividly, thus making a memorable reading experience possible.
Writing and Language
Nita Prose’s writing style is both captivating and fluid, creating a seamless reading experience. The author possesses a talent for building tension and maintaining suspense throughout the narrative. The pacing is well-balanced, ensuring that readers remain engaged while slowly uncovering the layers of the mystery. The language used is accessible yet rich in imagery, allowing readers to connect with the characters and the story effortlessly.
Final Verdict
‘Mystery Guest’ is a captivating mystery novel that keeps readers engaged right from the start. Ms. Prose delivers a well-crafted plot with intriguing twists and compelling characters that will leave readers guessing until the final reveal. The skillful use of settings, immersive writing style, and well-developed characters heighten the overall reading experience. It’s not hard to miss that the books are beginning to look a lot like Christie mysteries. Reading book one first is advised to get a better peek into Molly’s character.
About the Author
Nita Prose is the author of THE MAID, a #1 New York Times bestseller and a Good Morning America Book Club Pick. The book has been widely recognized, with nominations for an Edgar Award and winning the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction and a Goodreads Choice Award. It has been published in over forty countries and has sold over a million copies worldwide.
Have you read ‘Mystery Guest’? What did you think?
