The Maid
Molly the Maid, I’m so happy to make your acquaintance. I can see now why so many of my friends love you!
Twenty-five-year-old Molly Gray, who displays social behavior and speech consistent with being on the spectrum, has loved two things above all others: her Gran who raised her, and her job as a maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. Now, after losing her Gran, all her energy is focused on returning guests’ rooms to a “state of perfection”. As she says:
“I don’t cut corners, I shine them. No fingerprint left to erase, no smear left to clear.”
When her cleaning duties for VIP guest Charles Black and his latest wife, Giselle, put her too close to the action after she discovers Charles dead in his bed one morning, Molly finds herself under suspicion from the police and questioning who her real friends are. Can she trust Giselle, who befriended her? Rodney, the helpful, hunky bartender she’s interested in? Juan Manuel, the kind dishwasher? Mr. Preston, the doorman who was friends with her Gran? Mr. Snow, her boss? It’s so tricky when you can’t quite understand everyone’s behaviors.
So here’s what I really liked:
Molly. She’s quirky, forthright, loyal and honest, though she might bend the truth a bit if required to help a friend in need. Her heart is in the right place, even if her actions aren’t always wise.
The story. It’s a sweet, simple, straightforward story, uncomplicated by all those flashy twists and turns other books offer, making it a perfect cozy read.
The writing. Its engaging, gentle humor and Molly’s first-person narrative made for a winning combo.
Here’s where it lost a star:
The plot. It’s no small irony that the TV detective show, Columbo, was so frequently mentioned, because the story reads like a TV episode where everything is neatly tied up in the span of an hour with little drama or intrigue. I was hoping for a bit more depth.
Personal triggers. Because I have a son of similar age on the spectrum, I found this a little more sad and stressful to read at times due to how Molly was taken advantage of and treated by other characters.
The ending. I’m not sure I can get behind the “end justifies the means” message it sends.
All things said, I think Nita Prose has written an excellent debut, and one I’m very excited to see has been optioned for film. I’ll be eager to see what she comes up with next!
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine, NetGalley and author Nita Prose for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. It's due for publication on January 4, 2022.
Twenty-five-year-old Molly Gray, who displays social behavior and speech consistent with being on the spectrum, has loved two things above all others: her Gran who raised her, and her job as a maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. Now, after losing her Gran, all her energy is focused on returning guests’ rooms to a “state of perfection”. As she says:
“I don’t cut corners, I shine them. No fingerprint left to erase, no smear left to clear.”
When her cleaning duties for VIP guest Charles Black and his latest wife, Giselle, put her too close to the action after she discovers Charles dead in his bed one morning, Molly finds herself under suspicion from the police and questioning who her real friends are. Can she trust Giselle, who befriended her? Rodney, the helpful, hunky bartender she’s interested in? Juan Manuel, the kind dishwasher? Mr. Preston, the doorman who was friends with her Gran? Mr. Snow, her boss? It’s so tricky when you can’t quite understand everyone’s behaviors.
So here’s what I really liked:
Molly. She’s quirky, forthright, loyal and honest, though she might bend the truth a bit if required to help a friend in need. Her heart is in the right place, even if her actions aren’t always wise.
The story. It’s a sweet, simple, straightforward story, uncomplicated by all those flashy twists and turns other books offer, making it a perfect cozy read.
The writing. Its engaging, gentle humor and Molly’s first-person narrative made for a winning combo.
Here’s where it lost a star:
The plot. It’s no small irony that the TV detective show, Columbo, was so frequently mentioned, because the story reads like a TV episode where everything is neatly tied up in the span of an hour with little drama or intrigue. I was hoping for a bit more depth.
Personal triggers. Because I have a son of similar age on the spectrum, I found this a little more sad and stressful to read at times due to how Molly was taken advantage of and treated by other characters.
The ending. I’m not sure I can get behind the “end justifies the means” message it sends.
All things said, I think Nita Prose has written an excellent debut, and one I’m very excited to see has been optioned for film. I’ll be eager to see what she comes up with next!
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine, NetGalley and author Nita Prose for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. It's due for publication on January 4, 2022.
Comments
Post a Comment