NITA PROSE is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of
The Mystery Guest and The Maid, which has sold more than
two million copies worldwide. A Good Morning America Book Club
pick, The Maid won the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime
Fiction, the Fingerprint Award for Debut Book of the Year, the
Anthony Award for Best First Novel, and the Barry Award for Best
First Mystery. The Maid was also an Edgar Award finalist for
Best Novel. Visit Nita at nitaprose.com.
Instagram and X: @NitaProse
INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER
A NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS’ CHOICE
WINNER OF THE CRIME WRITERS OF CANADA WHODUNIT AWARD FOR BEST
TRADITIONAL MYSTERY
NOMINATED FOR THE GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD FOR READERS' FAVOURITE
MYSTERY & THRILLER
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]"
New York Post’s “13 best cozy mystery books we recommend for
2024”
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
“With a hotel setting and a quirky yet brilliantly minded
protagonist, [The Mystery Guest] should be at the top of your
reading list.”
—New York Post
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