Book Review: The Maid’s Secret (Molly the Maid, #3) by Nita Prose
There’s something undeniably charming about Molly Gray, the beloved head maid of the Regency Grand Hotel, that keeps drawing me back into her quirky world. Nita Prose has crafted a delightful series with this character, and as a fan of cozy mysteries, I was eager to dive into The Maid’s Secret. Maybe it was the promise of a hidden treasure or the allure of exploring Molly’s roots that piqued my curiosity. But as I turned the pages, I found myself on a rollercoaster of intrigue mixed with an unexpected twist that left me pondering my attachment to these characters.
In The Maid’s Secret, Molly is on the brink of a life-altering transition, both personally and professionally, as she gears up for her wedding to Juan Manuel. The stakes seem high as reality TV show “Hidden Treasures” takes over the Regency Grand Hotel, and a shoebox of her gran’s forgotten keepsakes leads to the discovery of a priceless heirloom. At first, it felt like the perfect setup for an engaging romp, but what unfolded was a narrative that took some surprising detours.
The structure of the novel alternates between present-day escapades and diary entries from Molly’s gran, a device that Nita Prose has used effectively in the past. However, I found myself struggling to connect with these diary sections. Instead of the wise, humble matriarch I adored, we are introduced to a younger, more rebellious gran whose story veered more towards historical romance than the cozy mystery I was hoping for. I longed for the gran we’ve come to love, and I found myself occasionally skimming through these chapters, eager to return to Molly’s authentic voice.
Molly, ever the delightful and quirky character, remains true to her roots and brings so much charm to the narrative. Her moments of realization and clever deductions are anchored in the mystery that unites the two timelines, yet the balance felt a bit off with gran’s sections taking up almost half of the book. I admired how Prose cleverly wove the two plots together, but the pacing lagged for me, making it a challenge to stay engaged.
The writing style is still plush with Prose’s trademark wit, and I couldn’t help but root for Molly as she navigated the chaos of a heist at her beloved hotel. Still, there were moments where the weight of gran’s history overshadowed the cozy elements that drew me to the series originally.
Although only earning 3 stars from me, I believe this installment could resonate with readers who appreciate deeper dives into character backstories—especially those who enjoy a historical twist in their mysteries. If you’re searching for a cozy read that breaks the mold, you might find satisfaction in The Maid’s Secret. For its loyal fans like myself, it may also ignite curiosity about gran’s youth, even if it diverged from the cozy formula we’ve come to cherish.
In conclusion, while I felt the pull of nostalgia for Molly and her hotel antics, I can’t deny that this entry sparked intriguing discussions with fellow readers, including my buddy read with Ceecee. Perhaps it’s reflective of life’s own twists and turns—sometimes we explore paths that surprise us. So, grab your favorite mug of tea, open to a page, and see where Molly’s journey takes you this time. Happy reading!
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