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Utterly charming contemporary mystery.

Molly Gray, AKA Molly the Maid, works at the Regency Grand Hotel "restoring guest rooms to a state of perfection." Every day the same. Cleaning is her passion. All is routine until the afternoon when she finds wealthy Mr. Charles Black dead in his bed in his luxury suite. Although she is most assuredly not guilty, Molly finds herself a murder suspect. The cause for that suspicion is likely due to the fact that Molly is different -- she is quite literal, probably on the spectrum, and is socially awkward completely misunderstanding social cues. One thing leads to another and soon Molly is arrested and has to prove her innocence.

Molly is a true delight as a character. (If you're of an age to have read the Amelia Bedelia book series popular back in the 1980s or before, you will remember that she was also a maid and had a penchant for interpreting everything in a similar literal manner.) Molly doesn't see or interpret things the same as most others, and she is maligned, misunderstood, and deemed weird. For the most part ignored, she makes an easy target and patsy for what her dearly departed Gran termed "bad eggs." And there are many who take advantage of Molly. I loved this heartwarming story of triumph and self-discovery as Molly eventually finds true friends who help her navigate the world and expose the real killer.

The narrator on the audiobook was excellent and I loved following along in the book while listening. I so enjoy that dual experience and highly recommend it for the ultimate reading experience. The story was sweet and unexpected for being a mystery, so unlike most of those in this genre that I typically enjoy. I can see why it was such a remarkable debut and I'm very much looking forward to reviewing the next book featuring Molly the Maid. ( )

If you enjoy character driven stories, this is highly recommended. The story is told from the POV of Molly Gray. She is a maid at a hotel who seems to have a social disability. This makes it difficult for her to interpret social cues. She is a rule follower, and working as a maid gives her a routine and a list of expected interactions and specific expectations. She takes her job very seriously.
Molly Gray was such a sympathetic character. In wanting to do the right thing, she was too trusting! After being taken advantage of, she learns the true meaning of friendship. She really grows as a person, but still maintains the hope and "joie de vivre" that makes her such a refreshing protagonist.
"If all of this has taught me anything, it is this: there's a power in me I never knew was there. I always knew there was power in my hands- to clean, to wipe away dirt, to scour and disinfect, to set things right. But now I know there's power elsewhere- in my mind. And in my heart too." (p. 285)

I enjoyed the surprise ending...although some questions remain. I am looking forward to a sequel.!!

I recommend this to all Columbo fans...(my favorite series). Nita Prose is obviously a kindred spirit. Molly refers to the show as she tries to solve the mystery. It is an "easter egg" for me as a reader :) ( )

Molly - The Maid - is quirky and affable in an Eleanor Oliphant type of way (for all you bookies - Eleanor Oliphant is Just Fine by Gail Honeyman is great book).

A bit off, always proper, never comfortable in social settings, Molly is navigating life alone following the death of her grandmother, the woman who raised her. At 25, Molly has never found love, never had a friend other than Gran, and never worked anywhere but the Regency Grand. It is during Molly's daily cleaning of the Blacks' suit, where she finds Mr. Black dead, that Molly's real troubles begin, and her outlook on people and life is put to the test when she is accused of murder.

It is implied that Molly is neurodivergent, perhaps on the Spectrum, the same but different than everyone else, seeing life through a lens that makes others find her simple, weird, odd. But Molly is honest, loving, and diligent in being the best maid possible.

Author Nita Prose writes with good description as to the world through Molly's eyes and it is interesting that the deeper the reader goes into the character, the more understanding they will have as to Molly's view of things.

A good read with some real eye-opening moments on life as a person who is the same but different. ( )

Fun read. The protagonist is, at times, a bit too much to take yet the story keeps the pages turning. ( )