The Maid Book Review

18 January 2022

The Maid was not what I expected. This is a story about being different, about memories and truth as one person sees it. It’s about self-discovery and justice and how sometimes doing something wrong can be the right thing to do.

You can expect to be drawn into Molly world, where you might see things just a little differently, but be warned, this intriguing tale will crawl under your skin and keep you gripped until you read the very last page. I raced through this book only to reach the end and wish I could spend more time wrapped up in this story.

I only discovered after reading the book that this is a debut novel. What a marvellous way to start. This author created a different character. Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She is a unique young woman who does her best to fit into the world. I found myself blown away by this creativity and fell in love with Molly. The story is clever, riveting and heart-warming. A refreshing whodunnit that leaves a smile on your face. I cannot wait to see what Nita Prose comes up with next.

Molly Gray, a maid at the Regency Hotel, is not like other people. She struggles with social interaction and battles to understand people. Her grandmother, who raised her, helped her understand peoples’ actions and developed a set of rules to help Molly live her life. But when her Gran dies, Molly is left alone. She focuses all her energy on her job, which she loves. It is the one thing that provides her with a purpose. Cleaning makes her happy.

When Molly discovers a guest, Mr Black, dead in his room, her world is turned upside down. Police, baffled by Molly’s reactions and responses soon focus on her as a prime suspect. Molly finds herself caught up in deception and unsure who she can trust. When a group of friends, she never released she had, joins her in a hunt for the truth, they do not have a lot of time, can this usual group find the real killer before Molly is left taking the blame?

This is a deliciously refreshing whodunnit novel that will have you reading late into the night as you join Molly in her search for the truth. I found myself completely engrossed as Molly stole my heart. I simply could not read this book fast enough, only to reach the last page and have to close the cover with a heavy heart – I did not want this book to end.

Molly Gray is an incredible character that reminds you how easy it is to misunderstand someone different. While Molly battled with social interaction and seems incapable of reading facial expressions and body language, she is an intelligent, loyal, and committed person. She is passionate about her job, even if she is just a maid, it brings her joy to restore the hotel rooms she cleans to perfection. Molly steals your heart with her vulnerability, yet as you turn the pages, you get to know her better and very quickly you realise that you too have underestimated this unique young woman. Molly is so much more than she appears to be. The author did a remarkable job with this character. Highlighting how easily people who are different are misunderstood.

The Maid is a five-star read. I loved this clever, heart-warming tale. This is a whodunnit that is refreshing and smart.

Mystery fans who enjoy a lighter touch will fall in love with this fantastic tale. This is a whodunnit that will keep you engrossed from start to finish. I highly recommend this book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to get yourself a copy. You will not be disappointed.