The Maid: A Novel

I received a free electronic copy of this excellent novel from Nita Prose, Netgalley, and Ballantine Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Nita Prose is an author I will follow. She writes a sharp, edgy tale with marvelous characters and hidden life lessons. I envy Molly both her vulnerability and her positive outlook. She is a joyful character despite her surrounding worldview and makes me slightly ashamed for the negative thoughts circling my tiny mind. I should be channeling Gran.

As the market finally expands to include more books featuring unconventional characters, it can be difficult to find one that is not too “preachy” or condescending. The Maid, by Nita Prose, is a recent example. The narrator here is Molly Maid, a woman whose apparent difficulties are revealed at the outset. The storyline centers around a murder that Molly discovers while cleaning a suite. As Molly becomes more involved in the mystery, the novel perfectly aligns with the familiar “Wrongly Accused” plot device. Her naiveté prevents the young woman from accurately judging character, deciphering emotions, and navigating the social world. She is depicted as single-mindedly devoted to her job and a strict adherent to well-defined rules. The reader is tasked to “translate” Molly’s experiences, from a distinctly privileged position. She is meant to be endearing despite her robotic demeanor. Her unique talents do allow her to notice details as an “invisible” observer, but her inability to discern deceit and falsity undercut any usefulness. As a mystery it is gentle, predictable and occasionally clever. The Maid goes astray from the author’s intention. Prose is trying to be inclusive, but the tone comes across as patronizing, both for Molly and the reader.

family, friendship, hospitality-industry, sly-humor, cozy-mystery, murder, bullies, friction***** Molly is 25, quite naive, incredibly literal (think Detective Monk), definitely socially awkward (more so since her Gran recently died), and had all their money stolen by a man who pretended to be her boyfriend. Now she still has her job as a maid in a fine hotel (in which she takes great pride) but is too behind in her rent. And now she is involved in some very messy things. But she is an excellent friend who has excellent friends. Fantastic read! I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine / Ballantine Books via NetGalley. Thank you!