When a debut novel comes out as an instant New York Times Bestseller, A Good Morning America Book Club Pick, and one of the most anticipated books of 2022 – it definitely has my attention. The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose is an original mystery with an original protagonist.
Molly the maid finds navigating life difficult since the death of her grandmother. On the autism spectrum Molly finds it challenging to read social cues and understand the nuances of language and actions. What she does understand is dirt and grime and making each room pristine once again with her carefully arranged cleaning cart and her commitment to the Regency Grand Hotel.
When she discovers a dead body in the hotel, her words and demeanor are interpreted by the police as “suspect” and she finds herself accused of murder.
Telling the story in the first person, the author reveals the details through Molly’s mind and how she sees events unfolding. As the reader, you are on the edge of your seat listening to Molly try to understand what is going on, who she thinks is trustworthy, hoping she will connect the dots in this crime before it’s too late.