“An endearing debut…. Prose threads a steady needle with the intricate plotting, the locked-room elements of the mystery and especially Molly’s character. 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 most interesting (and endearing) main character in a long time.”
“Devotees of cozy mysteries, rejoice: Nita Prose’s debut, The Maid, satisfies on every level—from place to plot to protagonist. What begins as a sprightly murder mystery turns into a meaningful, and at times even delicate, portrait of growth.”
“A delightful cosy mystery…. [Molly’s] bravery, kindness and lack of artifice are engaging enough to have you rooting for her all the way."
“A heartwarming mystery with a lovable oddball at its center.”
“A classic murder mystery that manages to be funny, touching and soothing all at once, rendered in a pristine, crystal-clear writing style.”
“Prose delves into the issues—of difference, of justice—with a touch as gentle as the humour. That gentle tone, compelling narrative and whip smart plotting have added up to a debut novel that seems to fall into the category of overnight success.”
“Uplifting, emotional and full of heart.”
“I defy you not to root for Molly; she is a gem of a character whose language and demeanour makes her stand out."
“Charming, inspiring and hugely original.”
“[An] outstanding debut. The character-rich mystery ends with several twists that will appeal to fans of Eleanor Oliphant and other sympathetic heroines.”
“A gratifying, kind-hearted whodunnit with a sharply drawn protagonist for whom readers can’t help rooting. Fans of fresh takes on traditional mysteries will be delighted.”
“An instantly gripping and delightful whodunnit.”
“A cozy, quirky whodunit perfect for savouring on a snowy winter afternoon.”
“A thoroughly beguiling read…. Full of offbeat charm.”
“Warm and quirky…. This charming debut is set to be huge.”
“A heartwarming journey.”
“A smart, riveting, and deliciously refreshing debut. Prose knows how to pen a murder mystery with tremendous heart.”
“A masterful, charming mystery that will touch your heart in ways you could never expect. The endearing, unforgettable Molly reminds us to challenge our assumptions about one another, and shows us how meaningful it is to feel truly seen in the world. More than a whodunnit, The Maid is layered—Prose makes us consider how far we’d go for the people we love, and what we owe ourselves above all else. This is the smart, quirky, uplifting read we need.”
“Molly the Maid has captured my heart! I loved this charming and utterly original whodunit—Molly is an eccentric and unforgettable sleuth who captivated me and kept me furiously turning the pages. Put this on your to-read pile immediately. A brilliant debut.”
“The Maid is elegant, warm-hearted and wry, and Molly the most winningly offbeat narrator since Eleanor Oliphant. An absolute joy—I didn't want it to end!”
“It’s impossible not to love Molly, an endearing, eccentric hotel maid.... Like any cozy whodunit, clean appearances may in fact hide a few smudges. The twists and surprises keep coming until the very last page of this delightfully fresh debut.”
“This is going to be HUGE in January 2022! A heroine as loveable and quirky as Eleanor Oliphant, caught up in a crime worthy of Agatha Christie. Loved it!”
“Unforgettable and a total must-read. Molly is such an original, moving character, and I loved the twists and turns as the intrigue unfolded.”
"A sensational, inspiring debut.... It took only a few lines for me to fall hopelessly in love with hotel maid Molly Gray. Flawlessly paced, with a mesmerizing Clue-like plot and a meticulous mystery with unexpected twists and turns. Once you flip the last page, you'll want to start this brilliant, unforgettable book again from the very beginning."
"For anyone who has ever felt out of step with the world, no matter how hard they try to fit it, Nita Prose has blessed us with Molly Gray. Molly Gray is a charmingly naïve maid who uses Columbo as a moral compass and considers Olive Garden the fanciest restaurant on Earth. Her endearingly odd interactions with gangsters and murderers made me love her more with every page. Prose has written an outrageously delightful murder mystery."
“With The Maid comes an exciting and formidable new voice. A gripping and heart-warming whodunnit narrated by an intriguing and original heroine. Skilfully layered and masterfully told. I loved it.”
“Uplifting and assured, this debut will have readers rooting for its eccentric yet lovable protagonist Molly. A cozy whodunit with heart, The Maid is sure to leave mystery lovers delighted, charmed and eager for more of Prose’s work.”
"I am bedazzled by the charm of Molly the Maid.... This novel is thoroughly entertaining, intriguing and utterly compelling, with a central character who will fascinate and engage readers all over the world."
“The most charming, original, and nuanced book you'll read all year. The Maid manages to be mysterious, propulsive, and heartwarming at once, and Molly is a character you'll fiercely love. Nita Prose is an explosive talent and The Maid is a one-of-a-kind masterwork that defies labels.”
“A murder mystery set in a luxury hotel, The Maid is equal parts fun and intrigue. Prose nails the voice of her narrator, Molly The Maid, who reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant with her shrewd observations and inadvertent humor. I felt like I was leaving a friend behind when I turned the last page. A supremely clever and heartwarming story that is not to be missed.”
“This is a fabulous debut, deftly written by Nita Prose. I loved following Molly The Maid’s struggle to make sense of the world and cheered on those who showed her kindness. The Maid is a delight from start to finish.”
“This book is an absolute treat. Funny, clever, with a unique and captivating narrator who will keep you guessing until the very end. Delightful!”
“Wow, what an incredible debut! I've seldom come across such a great cast of fictional characters, especially, of course, Molly The Maid. I was completely enthralled by her adventure and enjoyed every minute of this charming book.”