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Reviewed by: Sarah Wergin, High School Librarian Title: The Mystery Guest Author: Nita Prose Publisher: Ballantine Books
Year: 2023 Good for Grades: 10-Adult Genre/Type of Book: Mystery
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: No Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: It is a sequel to, "The Maid", a book I loved! If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: Molly, head maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, is once again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation when a world famous author drops dead during an afternoon tea. Will the police blame Molly for this murder, like they did the last one?
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Review:
Molly has been promoted to Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel after she was the police's' prime suspect for the murder investigation of THE most wealthy and famous patron who frequented the hotel. Since she was cleared of all wrongdoing, Molly has established a training guide, has hired a maid in training, Lily, and has been flourishing alongside her amor, Juan Manuel following the passing of her gran. Molly even has the honor of hosting the first event in the hotels newly remodeled and revitalized tea room. This event features a mysterious famous author, J. D. Grimthorpe, who promised a jaw dropping secret. Will it be a new book as so many suspect? The press and the authors top fan group, the LAMBS ((Ladies Auxiliary Mystery Book Society), are all on the edge of their seat as Grimthorpe takes the stage - only as he begins to speak he drops dead. Was it a heart attack? Murder? Until they get the autopsy results back, Detective Stark is once again is tasked with investigating the crime. Molly is wary, and rightfully so! The last time Stark was at the Regency Grand Hotel Molly was the prime suspect. Even more so, Molly has not told anyone she once knew the now dead author! If she shares that secret, will Stark once again blame Molly for Grimthorpe's death? Molly is determined to solve the mysterious murder before she, or anyone else at the Regency Grand Hotel can be wrongfully blamed. As Molly and her coworkers discover hidden secrets at the Regency Grand Hotel, they are forced to work together with Detective Stark.
Readers are given a glimpse at Molly's past as we revisit the Grimthorpe mansion where Molly spent time a as a young girl. The story has touching moments between Molly, her gran, and her chosen family.
Molly, who seems to have a knack for noticing things no one else does, would make an excellent detective. It seems Detective Stark was wrong after all - and would love to see Molly in a different type of uniform.
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I loved this book! Molly, who is never diagnosed or labeled, has many characteristics of a neurodivergent person. It is welcoming to see a character develop and grow in such a positive light. She is sweet, naive and innocent. A welcomed change in a protagonist. She is a breath of fresh air and this book is truly a “state of perfection”.
I think The Maid and The Mystery Guest would be great books for a teen who loves thriller or mystery books. There is no mature/adult themes or content. It is a safe nice murder book! LOL
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