THE MAID

5 stars out of 5

If nothing else, I'll give this one 5 stars for originality, not to mention grabbing my attention from the beginning and holding it throughout. The focus is on Molly Gray, who is employed as a maid at a fancy hotel. But she's neither typical nor run-of-the-mill; I'd describe her as someone who is seriously socially deficient with OCD. Her whole life is wanting to please and going to extremes to follow instructions to the letter from those she respects - her boss and, until her death a few months ago, her grandmother, with whom she lived.

Now, one of her two life's compasses is gone - her Gran - leaving her to fend for herself with nothing but memories of things the elderly woman used to say to keep her grounded. More than ever before, Molly's work becomes her life; nothing makes her happier than making a guest's room spotless - just as she continues to make her home that way even though Gran is gone. The slightest rule infraction by others or upset in her routine drives her almost over the edge; imagine, then, her reaction when she starts to clean the hotel suite occupied by wealthy Charles Black and his beautiful wife Giselle and discovers the man in his bed - quite dead.

As the subsequent investigation proceeds, Molly finds herself moving from person of interest to prime suspect. In her naivete, Molly is, if nothing else, a trusting soul - totally unable to see the bad in people or comprehend that anyone would ever even think about taking advantage of her. That attribute cost her dearly in the past, and it stands to do her in now as she turns to for help to people who may not be on the up-and-up. On the plus side, she's certainly not devoid of real friends - people who understand her quirkiness and social shortcomings and want to help. Eventually, everything gets sorted out, with a couple of twists I didn't see coming (though they're not as serious as I'd expected to see happen).

Bottom line? If you're looking for a story that's thoroughly entertaining and a bit different, I suggest giving this one a try. I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy. Well done!

The Maid by Nita Prose (Ballantine Books, January 2022); 304 pp.