The Mystery Guest

Reviews

INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER
A NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS’ CHOICE 
WINNER OF THE CRIME WRITERS OF CANADA WHODUNIT AWARD FOR BEST TRADITIONAL MYSTERY

One of:
The Walrus's "Best Books of Fall 2023"
Amazon's "Best Books of 2023"
Popsugar's "Best Thriller and Mystery Books of 2023"
Harper's Bazaar's "45 Best New Books of 2023"
CrimeRead's "The Best Traditional Mysteries of 2023"
CBC's "The top 20 Canadian books of 2024, so far [according to Indie bookstores]"

Praise for The Mystery Guest:

“Lives up to the hype . . . both a delightful whodunit and a pointed social commentary.”
—The Washington Post

“The sequel to Prose’s award-winning debut The Maid marks the return of a charming protagonist with awkward social skills and a big heart.”
—Library Journal, starred review

“Among the most anticipated thrillers this fall, The Mystery Guest delivers resoundingly on its promise.”
—The Walrus

“Prose peppers the mystery with sly jokes about the vagaries of crime writing, but Molly's voice remains central and moving.”
—The New York Times

“Tightly written and reminiscent of Agatha Christie's whodunnits, this is a charming thriller with heart and wit.”
—Harper's Bazaar

“Molly is a singular character—she’s intelligent, unfailingly honest and the epitome of a professional maid—and readers will enjoy checking into the Regency Grand to follow her and her exploits.”
—BookPage

“The Mystery Guest is a fun mystery. If you like character-driven stories, this one’s for you. Molly Gray is one of the most unique characters I’ve come across in a long time and is oddly lovable. Enjoy this rousing mystery. It’s great entertainment.”
—BookReporter

“Prepare to be swept away again into the wonderfully endearing and unforgettable world of Molly. This time, we’re treated to a look back at the early days of young Molly and Gran, a tender ode to the devotion between a grandparent and grandchild—while ‘detective’ Molly attempts to solve the latest murder at the Regency Grand Hotel. Nita Prose writes like no other—I loved this even more than her utterly delightful debut.”
—Ashley Audrain, bestselling author of The Push and The Whispers

“Polished to perfection!”
—Shari Lapena, New York Times bestselling author of Everyone Here Is Lying

“Prose’s intricate plotting is seamless, but it’s Molly’s character that sets this mystery apart, giving it real emotional heft.”
—The New York Times

“Wise and winning and altogether wondrous: a mystery, yes—a nimble, crafty one, too, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Knives Out, and tasteful whodunits of any vintage—but, oh, so much more! The Mystery Guest is a bright comedy of (mostly good) manners; it’s a full-hearted, clear-eyed ode to innocence; it’s a celebration of goodness and truth; it’s a mug of hot chocolate, rich and dark and bittersweet. And what a world Nita Prose has built here at the Regency Grand, with its revolving doors, its Art Deco tearoom, its plush suites and cozy housekeeping quarters—the most inviting high-society funhouse since Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel. Above all, though, The Mystery Guest, like The Maid before it (you can enjoy one without reading the other!), is a novel to restore your faith in proudly old-fashioned, character-driven storytelling—of the kind that crime buffs and book clubs alike can embrace. I was nearly hugging myself as I turned the pages of this splendid novel. Read it, as I did, with ‘an attitude of gratitude.’” 
—A.J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window

“The Mystery Guest is a page-turning delight from start to finish. Once I checked into the Regency Grand I never wanted to leave.”
—Jenny Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of  Pineapple Street

“There have been two murders at the Regency Grand Hotel, and one maid has been a suspect in both. But I still want to book a room there, and I still want Molly in charge of cleaning it—that’s how beautifully Nita Prose has updated and perfected the cozy murder. The Mystery Guest meticulously balances past and present to create a story you’ll never want to stop reading, full of twists you’ll never see coming. Molly Gray is a gift to the world, with a perspective so clear-eyed and refreshing, you’ll hear her voice as a comfort if ever something in your own life looks bleak. This is a book to hug when you finish, it all comes together so sublimely. Solving a crime has never been more delightful.”
—Nina de Gramont, New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair

“Nita Prose shines with the return of Molly the maid who is one of the most memorable, endearing characters I've ever read. From page turning suspense, to laugh-out-loud humour and moments that are deeply heartfelt, The Mystery Guest has it all! This book is a knockout.” 
—Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of Local Woman Missing

“Nita Prose and her protagonist share an eye for detail, but it’s not just that which makes The Mystery Guest such a satisfying and enjoyable read. It is also the masterly characterisation, the deft plotting, the whipsmart dialogue and the clever structure. A flawless and brilliant read.”
—Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond

“Nita Prose is back with another winning page turner featuring hotel maid Molly Gray, the most charming amateur sleuth in modern literature. This time, when a hotel guest turns up dead—very dead—Molly must dig into her own memory for clues not only to solve the murder, but also to put together the pieces of her own past. Prepare to fall in love with this utterly charming, fast-paced, clever whodunit full of laughs and overflowing with heart. I loved every second spent in Molly’s world and can’t wait to see where Prose takes us next.”  
—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names

“A rollicking, riotous, rollercoaster of a mystery. Clever clues, a smorgasboard of suspects, and a rocket-fuel pace mean Molly the Maid deserves her place not only as Head Maid of The Regency Grand, but in the pantheon of great literary detectives.”
—Benjamin Stevenson, internationally bestselling author of Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone
 
“Oh, how I enjoy Molly's take on life! Another gorgeous book from Nita Prose, cleverly conceived, written with panache and jam-packed with Joy. I loved every page.”
—Hazel Prior, bestselling author of How the Penguins Saved Veronica

“Molly the maid is back and she’s as smart and funny as ever! The Mystery Guest is a strong and stylish whodunnit that captivates from page one—a pitch-perfect plot delivered with Nita Prose’s brand of joyful storytelling. A tale that captures your heart while it baffles your mind. . . . Be sure to put out the ‘do not disturb’ sign while you lose yourself in this exquisite follow-up.”
—Janice Hallett, internationally bestselling author of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels

“The fabulous Molly is back and shining as brightly as her silverware in another charming and compelling mystery.”
—Mark Billingham, bestselling author of The Last Dance

“Excellent and insightful. . . . Molly is someone you want to root for. Almost everything about this book is perfect—language, characters, and descriptions of the setting. As Molly tries to solve the mystery of a famous novelist’s murder, the author builds the puzzle with inventive skill. Just when we are sure we have the answer, the plot turns another corner and we’re off again. Along with Molly, we learn that nothing is as it seems at first glance. . . . Delightful.”
—Crime Writers of Canada Award Jury

“A pleasure to read. Molly is one of those characters you can’t help thinking about.”
—Belfast Telegraph

“Heartwarming.”
—NPR Expand reviews