The Maid
By Nita Prose
The Maid is a fascinating whodunit that unravels mystery after mystery…and then unravels more that you hadn’t noticed. I lost sleep because I could not stop reading until I finished the book.
Prose starts off by immediately drawing the line between the hotel staff and, well, the rest of the human race. We meet Molly the maid, who fits perfectly in the role of an unseen presence meeting the wishes of the clientele.
Do you know someone who has difficulty reading social cues? They misunderstand facial expressions, can’t recognize subtle changes in behavior, or struggle communicating with others. Even if you don’t, you’ll understand how Molly’s unique perspective can lead to misinterpretation and social isolation. If you do know a Molly, you’ll uncomfortably read through her problems wishing that you could save her from being taken advantage of and insulted.
The Maid is a fascinating whodunit that unravels mystery after mystery…and then unravels more that you hadn’t noticed. #TheMaid @NitaProse @PenguinRandom Click To TweetIt’s easy to visualize the opulent hotel thanks to Prose’s vivid descriptions. She offers plenty of suspects, most of whom have easily understood motives. Molly had the opportunity, but her motive isn’t clear. Did she do it, or is she getting framed?
As each question is answered, new ones crop up. The answers – and new questions – fit well into the plot. Secrets are revealed that shed light on the characters’ actions and motivations. Characters that seemed one-note at the beginning are beautifully fleshed out as their secrets come to light. Even when it seems the story has been wrapped up, more secrets are revealed. The secrets flow in the plot and do not feel like they were tacked on for shock value.
This is Nita Prose’s debut novel. Wow. I can’t wait until she writes another one. I’m a fan!
Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Random House – Ballantine or providing a copy of the book.
