The Mystery Guest
by Nita Prose
RATING: 4.5/5
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose kicks off with another murder at the Regency Grand Hotel, where Molly Gray, the hotel’s Head Maid, finds herself at the center of the intrigue. Just when Molly thinks her life is finally falling into place, the renowned mystery author J.D. Grimthorpe collapses and dies on the hotel’s tearoom floor. Detective Stark, Molly's old adversary, is called to investigate, revealing that Grimthorpe’s death was anything but natural.
Molly is a delightful protagonist—kind-hearted and coded autistic—whose journey through the investigation is both engaging and deeply personal. We not only follow her sleuthing but also gain insight into her life and childhood, which is poignantly affected by the cruelty of adults. One particularly touching aspect of the novel is Molly’s relationship with her late grandmother, a bond that continues to influence her life in profound ways. As someone who was close to my own grandmother, this connection resonated deeply with me.
This was my first foray into the "cozy mystery" genre, and I was initially skeptical about how murder could be considered cozy. However, Nita Prose masterfully blends suspense with warmth and charm, making the genre feel surprisingly inviting. While this book stands alone, there is another Molly Gray mystery available that I plan to dive into, especially with spooky season approaching. If you’re looking for a heartwarming mystery with a memorable protagonist, The Mystery Guest is a must-read.
