The Maid

By Nita Prose

Book Overview

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK - "A heartwarming mystery with a lovable oddball at its center" (Real Simple), this cozy whodunit introduces a one-of-a-kind heroine who will steal your heart.

FINALIST FOR THE EDGAR(R) AWARD - "The reader comes to understand Molly's worldview, and to sympathize with her longing to be accepted--a quest that gives The Maid real emotional heft."--The New York Times Book Review (Editors' Choice)

"Think Clue. Think page-turner."--Glamour

ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Reader's Digest
WINNER: The Anthony Award, The Fingerprint Award, The Barry Award

In development as a major motion picture

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.

Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life's complexities all by herself. No matter--she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.

But Molly's orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what's happening, Molly's unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black--but will they be able to find the real killer before it's too late?

A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different--and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, The Guardian, Glamour, Elle, PopSugar, Newsweek, Mental Floss, She Reads, Kirkus Reviews

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593356179
• ISBN13: 9780593356173
• Release Date: January 2023
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.0" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Meh

I really wanted to love this like everyone else seems to, but to me the book was just kind of meh. I will watch the adaptation when it comes out, I think this is a rare instance I'd personally enjoy it as a movie or show rather than a book.

Couldn't Put I Down

What an incredible story with so many themes woven throughout the mystery surrounding events around the death of a hotel guest: friendship (both genuine and not), pride in one's work, and the struggle for justice and how its defined. A thought-provoking read!

Molly is my She-Ro

Molly, the maid was a bit of quirky, homely, innocent and clever. Her innocence was so real. This book will have you guessing from start to end. It was so good that I read it in a day. Any one who is a fan of Columbo, the television detective, will love this book.

Ex-library book Very good condition

This book was listed as Very Good. It arrived in brand new mint condition, hard back. Love this!

Pleasantly surprised by this one!

As a neurodivergent myself, I fell in love with Molly. If you are looking for a book that lets you walk in someone elses shoes through an exciting event, such as being accused of murder, but also has you deeply rooting for this character and isn't a dark read as some murder mysteries get, I recommend The Maid. I finished it in 24 hours, due to a quick attachment to sweet Molly. You get a bit of "whodoneit" mixed with a lot of empathy for this unique person, a couple of surprises, and a pretty accurate look into someone's mind that works differently than most.