Book #16: The Maid, Nita Prose

 

The Synopsis 

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.

Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.

But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?

Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.

Book Club Questions for The Maid

  1. Let’s first talk in-depth about Molly. It appears she’s on the autism spectrum, although it’s never specifically said. What are your thoughts about Molly, her interactions with others and how you feel about her as a protagonist as a whole?
  2. Why was working in the maid service industry the right fit for Molly?
  3. Molly’s Gran helped interpret the world for her. How did things change for Molly after her Gran passed away? 
  4. Who did you first think was responsible for Mr. Black’s death? 
  5. Why was Molly the main suspect? 
  6. Why did Giselle take a special interest in Molly? Do you believe they were truly friends? Why did Molly tell Giselle to leave the country after the arrest of Rodney?
  7. How did this experience—being the number one murder suspect to opening herself up to newfound friends—help Molly grow and understand actions by others a bit more?
  8. What are your thoughts about the romance with Juan Manuel? 
  9. Who was your favorite side character and why?
  10. So the big twist is that Molly knew more than she let on. Mr. Black’s first wife is the one who killed him. Why did Molly cover up for Mrs. Black? What was behind the sort-of kinship Molly felt with Mrs. Black? 
  11. What did you think about the ending overall? What’s next for Molly?
  12. How do you interpret the quote we are all the same in different ways?
  13. What were some of your other favorite Gran quotes?
  14. Florence Pugh will star in the film version of this novel. What do you think about the casting?

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