The Maid’s Secret

Molly the Maid #3

by Nita Prose

When a daring art heist takes place at the Regency Grand, Molly’s life is threatened. The question is who’s out to get her, and why? Long-buried secrets will be revealed in this intriguing and heartwarming novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid and The Mystery Guest

A wedding. A heist. A secret.

Molly Gray’s life is about to change in ways she could never have imagined. As the esteemed Head Maid and recently promoted Special Events Manager of the Regency Grand Hotel, good things are just around the corner, including her marriage to her beloved fiancé, Juan Manuel, only two months away. 

But Molly’s entire existence is upended when a film crew descends upon the hotel to shoot the hit reality TV show Hidden Treasures, starring popular art appraisers Brown and Beagle. On a whim, Molly brings in a shoebox containing a few of her gran’s old things for appraisal, and much to everyone's surprise, one item turns out to be a rare and priceless treasure. Instantly, Molly is both a multi-millionaire and a media sensation—the world’s rags-to-riches darling—until the priceless piece vanishes from the hotel in the boldest, brashest antiquities heist in recent memory.

The key to the mystery lies in the past, in a long-forgotten diary written by Molly’s gran. For the first time ever, Molly learns about Gran’s true-to-life fairytale, a young girl to the manor born, the only child of a wealthy magnate. But when Gran falls head over heels in love with a young man her parents deem below her station, her life is thrown into turmoil. As fate would have it, the greatest love of Gran’s life is someone Molly knows quite well….

Together with her friends, Molly combs the past and the present to catch the thief before looming threats against her become real.

A spirited heist caper and an epic love story, The Maid’s Secret is a spellbinding whodunnit that will capture and warm your heart.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Cozy Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary

416 pages, Paperback

First published April 8, 2025

About the author

NITA PROSE is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery Guest and The Maid, which has sold more than two million copies worldwide. A Good Morning America Book Club pick, The Maid won the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction, the Fingerprint Award for Debut Book of the Year, the Anthony Award for Best First Novel, and the Barry Award for Best First Mystery. The Maid was also an Edgar Award finalist for Best Novel. Visit Nita at nitaprose.com or on Instagram and X @NitaProse.

Reviews

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars ⭐️

Molly Gray is the esteemed Head Maid and recently promoted Special Events Manager of the Regency Grand Hotel. And, with her upcoming marriage to Juan Manuel only two months away, life seems too good to be true.

When the hit reality TV show “Hidden Treasures” starring popular art appraisers Brown and Beagle, chooses to film an episode at the hotel, Molly brings in a shoebox containing a few of her gran’s old things for appraisal, and much to everyone's surprise, one item turns out to be a rare and priceless treasure.

Could life become even better?

Molly and Juan will become multi-millionaires if she agrees to auction off the item-but the priceless heirloom vanishes in a daring heist before the sale is final!

The key to the mystery lies in the past, in a long-forgotten diary written by Molly’s Gran -which you can see her clutching in her hands, on the adorable book cover!

The story unfolds in alternating chapters, Present Day and Gran’s Diary entries. .

Although I have LOVED the earlier installments of this cozy mystery series-I struggled to stay engaged with this one mainly because of Gran’s chapters.

Gran was always humble and wise-but in this book she’s a young girl you WON’T recognize-and she DID NOT even resemble the woman we have grown to love! She is written as a completely different character!

In her diary she tells of her upbringing and forbidden love, and the story reads more like Historical Romance than a cozy mystery. I really didn’t need to know THIS much about her younger life.

Molly’s chapters are authentically Molly, but only comprise 50% of the book.

Nita Prose cleverly ties the two timelines together, when Molly figures out who is behind the heist because of things she learns in her Gran’s diary, but I found myself wanting to skim to get to the final page, which is never a good sign.

Perhaps, it is time for Molly to retire…

Sadly, Molly the Maid #3 only earns 3 stars from me, but other reviewers have loved it-so you might too! Be sure to read a sample of reviews!

A buddy read with Ceecee? Did she agree?

Available NOW!

Thank You to Viking for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, I am offering my candid thoughts!

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a devoted fan of Molly Gray—she’s a truly one-of-a-kind, deeply resonant character, and I love following her adventures! If The Housemaid is worthy of a movie adaptation, then surely Molly deserves her own big-screen moment too, don’t you think? And now, in this latest installment, she’s finally about to walk down the aisle with Juan Manuel—an event worth celebrating on its own! But, of course, nothing in Molly’s world happens without a twist, and this time, she finds herself entangled in a high-stakes art heist that threatens her very safety.

With an unexpected treasure discovery turning her into an overnight sensation, Molly’s simple life as the Regency Grand’s Head Maid and Special Events Manager takes a dramatic turn. What starts as an exciting TV appraisal quickly spirals into chaos when her newly unearthed artifact—worth millions—vanishes in broad daylight. Suddenly, Molly is at the center of a daring theft, and the only clues to unraveling the mystery lie within the pages of her Gran’s old diary. As Molly delves into long-buried family secrets, she uncovers shocking revelations about her grandmother’s past—a love story that echoes through time and holds the key to the present mystery.

This novel seamlessly blends a clever whodunnit with a deeply emotional journey of love, legacy, and self-discovery. Molly’s signature charm and sincerity shine through, making her an unforgettable protagonist. But this time, it’s Gran’s backstory that adds a whole new depth, weaving historical intrigue into Molly’s modern-day troubles. The dual timeline approach keeps the suspense high, and while the heist itself is thrilling, the real magic lies in the emotional weight of Gran’s revelations.

Heartfelt, engaging, and irresistibly charming, The Maid’s Secret is the perfect mix of mystery and heart. Whether you’re in it for the twists, the nostalgia, or just to spend more time with Molly, this book is an absolute treat. Fans of the series will be delighted, and newcomers will be drawn in by its warmth and wit. Highly recommend!

A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for sharing this highly anticipated sequel's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Lindsay L · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

A disappointing conclusion to this series.

I will start off by saying that I really enjoyed books 1 and 2 in this series. Molly was a unique and unforgettable character who grabbed my heart in those first two books. Unfortunately, in this book, she took on a more cutesy and cheesy tone causing me to lose my connection completely. I didn’t find myself invested in the mystery at all.

Gran’s words of wisdom that would whisper in Molly’s ear in the first two books (my favourite parts), were instead, letters from Gran to Molly that showed a side of Gran’s character that didn’t make sense to me. I found the letters unrealistic and forced. Perhaps a timeline change would have been better? I don’t see how someone would include so many quotes and exact situational circumstances in their letters. This didn’t ring true for me. These letters are what pushed the plot forward so I had no connection or investment.

Overall, I’m 2 out of 4 for this series. I enjoyed books 1 and 2, rating them 3.5 and 4 stars. Book 2.5, the Christmas novella, didn’t work for me as it was all romance and no mystery. This is one I should have skipped. I know the author hadn’t intended to write a series when she wrote the first book, as she explained in an author event I attended. Sometimes a push from publishing agents can stretch an author too far.

There are plenty of favourable reviews for this book, so please make sure to check those out before deciding on this. This comes out on April 8th, so grab a copy and see for yourself.

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Rosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: The grand finale of the ‘Molly the Maid’ series, and sadly, the weakest book of the set, even counting that disappointing novella. Molly’s story is interesting, but her Gran’s story, which gets greater focus, is too typical. The mystery is also quite lacklustre. Recommended only to staunch Molly fans. Not to be read as a standalone.

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Note: This review might contain minor spoilers from the earlier books of the series.

Plot Preview:

Still working at the Regency Grand as the Head Maid and also the Special Events Manager, Molly is looking forward to her nuptials with Juan Manuel. When a TV crew comes to the hotel to shoot the hit reality TV show ‘Hidden Treasures’, starring art appraisers Brown and Beagle evaluating ordinary belongings in hopes of finding a priceless treasure, Molly never expects that her life would change overnight after one of her Gran’s heirlooms turns out to be a rare artefact. But with great fame comes great peril, and Molly’s heirloom soon vanishes. The clue might lie in Gran’s old diary, through which Molly finally learns of her Gran’s past.
The story comes to us in the usual first-person perspective of Molly, and also in Gran’s first-person POV through her diary entries.

I was a huge fan of the first Molly book, ‘The Maid’, falling instantly in love with the quirky titular character. The second book, ‘The Mystery Guest’, was also very good, even if the mystery itself wasn’t satisfying. The third entry of the series, a Christmas novella titled ‘The Mistletoe Mystery’, was a mixed bag, as it failed to do justice to Molly. I was hoping that this fourth book, which is known to be the last of the series, would end on a high note. Sadly, it wasn’t to be.

By now, I have learnt not to read this series as a mystery, even though every book contains some or the other enigma. The novels work far better as character-oriented dramas than as crime stories. But even with this altered expectation, this final book fails to impress beyond a level.

Unlike in the first two novels, there’s no murder or death in this book. The suspense is connected to a theft. It is not so difficult to narrow down the possible suspects, and the reveal is also not that impressive. So it would be better not to expect any mystery from this novel. Rather, read it for Molly and Flora (Molly’s Gran.)

A great chunk of the book comes from Flora’s perspective. In fact, the titular ‘maid’ character this time isn't Molly but Flora. At first, I was thrilled to be finally able to learn Flora’s backstory. These chapters started off quite well, with the content written exactly how a diary would be penned, with personal notes, observations, recollections, and confessions. However, after a point, the diary lost its identity and felt more like a typical novel full of back-and-forth conversations and scene-by-scene detailing. This is one of my pet peeves in fiction: a diary not written as a diary. Once the “diary” feel disappeared from Flora’s POV, the appeal of her confession was lost. Moreover, the content of this tell-all was mostly straightforward (with only one major surprise), feeling like a historical romantic drama. It might work for those who enjoy women’s fiction, but I didn’t expect this kind of storyline while reading a Molly the Maid book.

Further, because of the earlier books in the series, we are aware of Flora’s end, her doomed relationship with Mr. Preston, and her failed connection with her estranged daughter Margaret. As such, the backstory doesn’t hold much suspense. We already know the destination; we just have to wait to see how Flora reached that destination, which isn’t that tricky to guess.

More disappointing to me is the fact that Flora’s younger personality isn’t exactly in continuation with what we’ve learnt about her so far. Some of her reveals are disappointing, even though I accept that her youthful mistakes probably helped in making her the beloved Gran whose wise aphorisms made the first Molly book extra-special.

As about half of the book comes from Flora’s perspective, Molly’s POV doesn’t get as much focus as in the previous books. What little we get of Molly still matches her established persona, and I was delighted to see her settled in her profession, comfortable with Juan Manuel, and looking forward to the next phase of her life. While I would have loved reading more about Molly, I still enjoyed the little glimpses I saw of her life. I am glad her story comes to a satisfactory finish.

One of the things I most appreciated about Molly’s arc is how she read Flora’s entire diary in one go, unlike in most other novels where characters read a page or a chapter at a time when they find a secret/long-lost diary. A binge-reading session is so much more realistic and believable!

Molly’s first-person is still filled with her “Molly-isms”, her Gran’s morals, and her formal vocabulary. But she has also incorporated some of Juan Manuel’s modern lingo into her speech. So it is quite funny to see that her linguistic struggles still persist, thanks to new hotel recruit Speedy, whose utterances are limited to GenZ phrases.

Speedy is the best of the new characters in the book. There are a few other new characters, thanks to the TV crew and Flora’s confessions. But as this is the final book of the series, I enjoyed seeing the old favourites – especially Angela who finally gets her due – making their presence felt even in their limited appearance.

All in all, I loved Molly’s arc, had mixed feelings about the “mystery” in the contemporary timeline (decently intriguing but poor resolution) and was somewhat bored by Flora’s arc. I don’t regret reading this book, but I do wish the overall novel had lived up to the standards set by the first two Molly books and that it had much more of Molly and at least a little more (and better) mystery.

Recommended only to those who have read the earlier novels, and want to know Flora’s life story and to see Molly settled. This book wouldn’t be effective as a standalone.

3 stars. (Mostly for Molly’s story.)


My thanks to HarperCollins UK and HarperFiction for providing the DRC of “The Maid's Secret” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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[JaymeO · Rating 4 out of 5]

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!

A fairy tale in reverse!

The Maid’s Secret is likely the last installment in Molly the Maid’s story. Prose does a wonderful job at closing the gaps in the series by filling readers in on the Gray family secrets!

The book begins with excellent recap, so readers can catch up to where Molly’s story left off in the novella. This book could be read as a stand alone, but is best read in order for full comprehension and enjoyment. In this installment, we are given the backstory on gram’s riches to rags family history through her own words in a diary she left for Molly. This information fills a much needed gap in the readers’ understanding of Flora Gray.

As Molly and Fiancé Juan Manuel are planning their wedding, the Regency Grand Hotel hosts an Antiques Roadshow type reality show in its grand ballroom. Mr. Snow allows the staff the opportunity to get their own items appraised for the televised event. Molly brings several of her gran’s trinkets, including the beautiful egg they duped “the Faberge.” However, when Molly learns the egg is actually an authentic Faberge egg and worth millions, her whole life is turned upside down. She is given her 15 minutes of fame, but does not enjoy all of the attention that comes with it. When the egg is mysteriously stolen and Molly’s life is threatened, Detective Starks and the staff of the Regency Grand Hotel are on the case.

Who stole the Faberge egg and why? Molly will need to read her gran’s diary to figure out the answer!

While the plot begins in the usual quirky fashion, readers are immediately thrust out of Molly’s world and thrown into the past through reading Gran’s diary. Unfortunately, this alternating timeline detracts from Molly, which is the true magic of the series. I immediately missed the day to day happenings at the Regency Grand Hotel and felt while learning Gran’s past was necessary, it was not as intriguing as Molly herself. My rating wavered around 2.5 - 3 stars until the last few chapters, where the magic came together in a most satisfying manner. Thankfully, the beloved Maid series closes with a heartwarming ending that promises that “Love cannot be stolen” and is sure to satisfy readers.

3.5/5 stars rounded up

Expected publication date: 4/8/25

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing-Ballantine for the ARC of The Maid’s Secret in exchange for an honest review.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Maid’s Secret is the third in the Molly the Maid series. But it’s a big departure from the prior two. And a huge disappointment. We learn about Flora, Molly’s Gran’s, her early life and how she fell from being to the manor born to being a maid. But the story was so inane and trite, it was all I could do to finish it. I kept plugging along hoping it would improve, but it never did.
The book begins when an appraisal show (think Antique Roadshow) comes to the Regency Hotel and one of Gran's possessions turns out to be a Faberge egg worth millions. The book is almost half over before the theft of the egg occurs and the pace picks up at all.
Interspersed with the present day story are entries from a journal that Gran has written to Molly, providing the story of her youth. It’s filled with two dimensional caricatures - think pompous rich people (including Flora for much of the story).
While I found the first two books clever, this one seemed insipid. It was much more a predictable silly romance than a mystery. If this is the way the series is going, it will be the last I read.
I am definitely in the minority with my thoughts, so if you are a fan of Molly, make sure to read other reviews. This definitely is not a stand-alone and will only appeal to those that have seen a much more enticing version of Molly in the earlier books.
My thanks to Netgalley and Random House -Ballantine for an advance copy of this book.

[Norma ~ The Sisters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, whimsical, and unforgettable! Molly will always have a key to my heart.

Returning to the Regency Grand feels like stepping into a world where kindness, loyalty, and just the right amount of mischief hold everything together. And at the center of it all is Molly Gray, precise, endearing, and wonderfully herself, even when life throws her into yet another tangled mystery. This time, it’s not just a stolen artifact; it’s a whirlwind of long-buried secrets, hidden treasures, and a past that reaches out with a story of its own.

I loved watching Molly navigate the chaos with her signature earnestness, from reality TV crews to the surprising discoveries she brought with her from Gran’s treasures in her curio cabinet, carefully placed in a shoebox for appraisal. The glimpse into Gran’s past was just as enchanting as the present-day heist, weaving together love and intrigue into something far greater than a mystery. It became a celebration of resilience, deep connections, and a love that endures across generations.

One of my favourite parts was how the previous books and a certain item tied into this one. I always had a feeling about it. I also love how light and cozy these mysteries are. It’s fun to just sit back, enjoy, and have a good sense of where the story is headed. That said, I was a little surprised by Gran’s backstory. I wasn’t expecting it, but I really enjoyed it and thought it answered a lot of lingering questions. The dual timeline made this read even more suspenseful and interesting, adding an extra layer to Molly’s already delightful world.

And of course, no trip to the Regency Grand would be complete without the heartwarming friendships and delightful quirks that make this world such a joy to visit. Whether solving crimes, preparing for her upcoming wedding, or simply being the Molly we adore, she proves once again why she’s impossible not to root for. And that ending—I absolutely loved it. It was extremely satisfying, wrapping me in warmth and leaving me with the happiest of feelings. In the end, I felt it was deeply moving and touching.

🇨🇦 Canadian Author ** Happy Publication Day: April 8, 2025

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy. I highly recommend picking this one up. It’s an absolute delight!

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wedding bells are about to ring for our favorite maid known to all as Molly.

But first, the Regency Grand Hotel will be hosting the “Bees” who produce the popular T.V. series Hidden Treasures. A show that allows an expert to appraise any item you own. Is it junk, or worth enough to be life changing?

Molly has a few trinkets to bring in and at the last minute, her fiancé Juan Manuel adds one extra item. Who knew that it could potentially be worth millions? But can Molly and Juan cash in on this windfall? Or has this just put a huge target on their backs?

Molly's grandmother also plays a large role in this book as we get an insight into her background and upbringing.

I adore Molly’s character. She is so refreshingly innocent and kind. This read gave me a good sense of closure on all my favorite characters.

Alas, we have reached the end of the series and I do believe this is the perfect place to say goodbye to sweet Molly.🫶🏼

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing

[Dee (in the Desert) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 disappointed stars, rounded up for the MC. I have really enjoyed this series, but it’s sure going out with a whimper, sigh. My main issue with this one was the chapters from Flora (Gran) - just so much that was really, really not necessary & took away from Molly’s tale and the action I did care about (Molly & Juan). I do understand that there was important back-story here, but this could have been imparted with way fewer chapters. Also, the time setting for Gran seems kinda off to me - the misogyny & upper class robber baron stuff feels more like the 1920 or 30’s, but it’s supposed to be the 1950’s?? 🤷🏻‍♀️ Molly’s chapters and escapades were very good though and quite enjoyable and the HEA was really great, so overall, it’s another mixed review from me.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molly Gray’s life is never dull! There always seems to be something going on in Molly, the maid's life! In The Maid's Secret, Molly does continue to be endearing and courageous. Molly is also preparing to marry the love of her life, Juan Manuel in two months! Readers of this series know, things at the Regency Grand Hotel are never dull and there is always something going on. When a hit TV show "Hidden Treasures" hosted by appraisers Brown and Beagle is set to film at the hotel, Molly brings in a few things from her beloved Gran's cabinet and learns that one of the items is worth millions!!!!!!!! With an auction underway and bids are coming in, the prized egg goes missing!!!!!!!!

The story goes back and forth in time as more is learned about Molly's precious Gram and how she came to be in possession of the egg in question. While I enjoyed learning more about Molly's gram earlier life and the egg in question, it took up quite a bit of the book. Molly the Maid is the star but, in this book, I felt as if she took a back seat too much of the time. She is the charm and draw of the book for me. I enjoyed The Maid's Secret but did not enjoy it as much I did the first book in the series, The Maid.

While I enjoyed the mystery and tension that it created, I wanted more Molly and her quirky way of looking at things and solving mysteries. What did work was Molly and Juan Manuel's relationship and Molly doing her best to do her job and how she encouraged another maid and invited her to her wedding.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Ceecee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molly the Maid #3
Before she dies, Moly’s beloved Gran presses a key into her hand, saying that it is the key to her heart, the key to everything. However, what does it unlock? Molly hasn’t a clue. To this day, Molly’s Gran impacts her life, she hears her voice and keeps her close.
In the present day, it’s a huge one for The Regency Grand as the popular TV show Hidden Treasures is due to film there and Molly and the love of her life Juan Manuel, are big fans. Molly takes a shoe box containing some of Grans items including the key and a decorative item she is sure is worthless. All that glitters is not gold as she might say. What Molly learns is a big shock, it propels her into an uncomfortable spotlight and that’s just for starters. The story alternates between Molly and Gran.

I find the start a delight as Molly and Juan Manuel are so likeable and their positive outlook is a lesson to us all. Mr Preston and Angela are good characters too and I enjoy the interactions between them all. Speedy the doorman is vey funny and there’s some witty dialogue there.

However, much as I love these characters and we do learn some unexpected things, the book does not work as well for me as 1 and 2. The TV programme which I assume is a more ‘excitable’ version of our more muted but very enjoyable Antiques Roadshow, is too much for me. It feels cheesy with the two presenters Beagle and Brown resembling caricatures which I find hard to accept. What transpires is too much of a stretch, it’s overdone and overblown though I can see why others find it very entertaining. It’s not too hard to see the direction in which the plot will head as clues are in plain sight.

As for the Gran sections they don’t sound like the Gran we have come to know and admire and although parts of what we learn are interesting and fill some gaps, it’s Molly who is the star of the show and so I think what we have here is contrived in order to produce a third book.

I also have grown weary of some of the repeated phrases that we’ve heard now in three books so they’ve worn thin. The ending is a bit saccharine for my taste but it is happy and that’s all to the good. I hope this is it now for Molly as it’s reached a natural conclusion and I for one will leave it here.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable book in places as Molly is so loveable but other sections work less well for me. However, be sure to read other reviews as mine is out of step as there are a lot of 4 and 5 star ratings.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction for the epub in return for an honest review.

A buddy read with my friend Jayme - do we agree?!!?

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

On May 3, 2025, I reluctantly put myself on the waitlist for this book at my local library.

Why reluctant you ask?

Well…the truth is, I wasn’t too into the last book I read in the series. Still, it is, for the most part, a sweet series. And, knowing that this is the last book, I felt I owed it to myself to read all the books in the series. And, I always have hope that a series will end well.

So, does it? End well? Afterall, Molly is a lovely character. One that once readers meet her, we always hope the best for her.

And…Will this last book evoke emotions, elicit tears and smiles and ultimately leave readers with a sense of peace for its ending?

“What did you learn?
That my life isn’t so bad after all.
…that a life without love is not worth living.”

Well, this wasn’t just to be Molly’s story. This was also Gran’s story. Which means, that readers shouldn’t read this one as a stand-alone. It is best to read the full arc to understand who Gran is to Molly, so that you can appreciate why Gran’s story is important.

But does that necessarily mean this is a good ending to the series?

Readers will be taken to the past as we read-along with Molly through Gran’s diary passages. Readers also find themselves in present time with Molly and her fiancé Juan Manuel at their beloved employer setting the Grand Hotel in the midst of a special event, when the popular television series, “Hidden Treasures” comes to film an episode. After all, both Molly and Juan Manuel now both hold important positions at the hotel.

Molly decides to share some of her own collections with the show’s hosts. Will what she shares prove beneficial and set something in motion? Also, what will Molly learn about her Gran’s past and herself as she reads the diary?

How will this final story end? Will there be an HEA for Molly? Will she and Juan Manual finally get married? (No spoilers from me.)

To be honest, I wasn’t sure that I was reading this story under the right conditions. I started it during the negotiations and final vote (7/3/25) of Trumps ‘big beautiful bill’ which is anything but. And, all I could think about was a quote by author, Oliver Bullough when he said…

“All money corrupts, and big money corrupts bigly.”

So, obviously when the bill was approved by the Republican majority, I couldn’t help but feel deeply saddened.

How does the politics of today play into this book you wonder? Well, so much of what happens within this story has to deal with the discovery of something that is worth a lot of money, and people’s reaction to it. And, unfortunately, it just seems like what we are witnessing in today’s politics is that money corrupts. I couldn’t help but compare the two circumstances, unfortunately.

So, as I was reading about Gran, and considering Molly’s ‘treasure’ dilemma, and the eventual ending of this trilogy, I could only surmise that this maid’s secret final book, was okay, at best. Would the timing of my read make the story feel differently? I’m not sure. Please check-in with other reviews.

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly Gray has everything she has ever wanted: a fiancé she loves, a circle of friends that have become family, and a recent promotion to Head Maid and Special Events Manager at the Regency Grand Hotel. When a reality tv show takes up residence at the hotel to film their hit series Hidden Treasures, and Molly brings in a few of the momentos her gran left her, she has no idea that one of the items is not only rare and priceless, but will unlock a door to her family’s past.

My favorite part of The Maid’s Secret is the twist on just which maid held the secret. I absolutely loved learning about Gran’s backstory in this final installment. She had such an interesting and tumultuous upbringing, forcing her to make pivotal and life-altering decisions throughout her most formative years, but underpinning it all was her love for her daughter and ultimately for Molly. This historical fiction element of the book was a fun addition to the traditional cozy mystery this series is known for.

I admit that the present-day aspect wasn’t quite as intriguing to me as the past; however, I loved seeing Molly fully come into her own in this one as the missing pieces of her family legacy finally fall into place. I could spend many more installments alongside Molly and the gang, so it pains me a bit that this is the end of their run, but I am so happy this is how the series concluded.

🎧 I have listened to this series almost entirely on audio due in large part to the incredible narration of Lauren Ambrose. I cannot imagine anyone else giving voice to our dear Molly. If you have the chance, definitely read this one with your ears versus your eyes.

Read if you like:
▪️genre mashups
▪️historical fiction
▪️cozy mysteries
▪️quirky and fun characters
▪️found family
▪️comfort reads


Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥

Thank you Ballantine Books and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly is one of my favorite literary characters. In the third book of the series, Nita Prose continues to deliver a beautiful and brilliant soul, and the hotel backdrop offers the perfect scenery for diverse crimes and mysteries. From Molly's engagement to her shocking find in her grandmother's hidden treasures box, the book is filled with highs and lows, allowing readers the privilege of experiencing all the same emotions as Molly. Prose gives a dual timeline thru the grandmother's journal, and we discover what happened to her all those years ago (hinted at in prior books). I have two thoughts on her grandmother tho now... one, still loving her as a person but two, she was a bit of a difficult child and obnoxious teenager given her wealth and lot in society. But people change, and I can see how the evolution of her life as a maid brought that progress. My primary niggles here... no actual murder! It was all about theft, and while it was intriguing, it was a letdown on some levels. Still a huge fan of the book and series!

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly, I am so glad you are back! I have missed you. Molly, the maid, once again has pulled my heartstrings and won’t let go. Her direct, honest approach, big heart, and dedication to perfection are on full display in this entertaining, original, and emotional mystery. Stolen treasure, long-hidden secrets, and everlasting love dominate this touching and at times, heartbreaking tale. Molly is, as always a breath of fresh air as she embarks on a new beginning. The meticulous maid once again touches my heart as the mystery unfolds. Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molly the maid, what a strange bird you are. In this installment the best part was learning about her grandmother, it was a beautiful retelling. The whole millionaire thing however wasn’t very exciting.
I also didn’t like the police investigation, which seemed a bit strange (they wanted to stage an fake auction to make the thieves reveal themselves) 🙄

[Phrynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This last book in the series is a pleasant enough read but not as good as the first two books. It is told in two time lines with Molly in the present day, and her grandma as a young person in the past, told via a journal.

For me there was too much past and not enough present although the story of the Faberge egg was rather amusing. At least there was a happy ending and good prospects for Molly's future.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[NILTON TEIXEIRA · Rating 3 out of 5]

a generous 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just a short opinion.
As I was disappointed with the second book and the novella, I had very low expectations for this work.
Like the second, this one was not that engaging and fun.
The characters’ personalities seemed to have changed quite a lot.
It felt that someone else wrote this book or that the author was under great pressure to continue writing a series.
I did appreciate the writing, concept and timeline structure, but I did not feel connected with the story or characters.

E-book (Kobo): 304 pages (default), 99k words, 37 chapters

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I oscillated on this one! Starting out quite slow, it felt a little cliched, contrived. I wasn’t completely vibing to start with. Building up, I became more invested as we learned about Molly’s grandmother’s past, the way she was brought up, the gluttony and meanness of her family of origin. She had heart from the beginning, once she learned to grapple with the love/hate feelings of her first and one and only love. The mystery in these ones are the cosy vibes I suppose, the parts that make this series lighthearted and unrealistic, but I did have fun with it. Molly has a deep love for her grandmother, and it’s nice to witness Molly learn about her beloved Gran via a diary left behind, with the origins of this diary and the folk in the earlier years of Gran’s life all well drawn and brought to life with a genuineness. This has been a nice series, number one being my favourite and I do have to admit Molly is sweet. This is a feel good all the way, a series not to be taken too seriously!

I listened to this via the Borrowbox app and my public library.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published April 8, 2025.

3 stars

Molly the maid is about to marry her Juan Manuel (um, wait a minute. I think I’ve seen this movie before?!) and the hosts of an “Antiques Roadshow” type program are at the Regency Grand. And, in what should come as a surprise to no one, Molly has something worth a fortune. And, naturally, problems ensue.

The present day story is interspersed with yet more back story from Gran (who definitely never told Molly anything at all, and for the next book we are going to have to move to Gran’s past lives, in a Shirley MacLaine moment) by way of a diary. Gran, your life was a lie.

So, there’s a small mystery and a love story. I really thought Prose and Molly might have jumped the shark with this one but they did manage to tie things up. Barely. Well, it was better than the dreadful Christmas book, anyway (which I guess we are supposed to pretend like doesn’t exist?)

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this third story featuring Molly the Maid to be so heart-warming! It's actually two stories in one--the first, what's happening to Molly in the present as she plans her future with Juan; and the second, her gran's complete story which she wrote in a journal as she lay dying. She entrusted the locked journal to her beloved John to share with Molly 'when he feels the time is right.' The second story is actually the part of the book I enjoyed the most. So sorry to hear this completes the series.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Barbara Peter's interview with Nita Prose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWStg...

[Erica⭐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Maid's Secret picks up from the events of the Christmas novella, The Mistletoe Mystery. Molly and Juan are now engaged and planning a modest wedding within their limited budget, and are blissfully happy, but, life is about to change in ways Molly could never have imagined.

Hidden Treasures, a hugely popular American version of the Antiques Roadshow, is to be filmed at The Grand Regency Hotel, and Molly takes some of Gran's trinkets to be appraised on the show.

One of the items is revealed to be a rare and coveted artifact worth millions. Molly becomes a rags-to-riches sensation, and a media frenzy swirls as she prepares to sell her priceless treasure. Then, on auction day, the treasure suddenly vanishes. and Molly and her friends find themselves at the centre of the boldest art heist in recent memory...

This time, instead of a murder mystery Nita Prose presents us with a novel that successfully manages to be both a heist caper and a love story. We see Molly, the wonderful team at the hotel and the formidable Detective Stark solve the mystery of the theft, in chapters which alternate with entries from a long-forgotten diary written by Molly’s Gran.

The diary, an inspired addition to this latest instalment, means that, for the first time ever, Molly learns about her grandmother’s secret past, something she would never speak about to her, and, it also provides Molly with the key to the mystery of the stolen artifact.

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly the Maid is back and becoming a media sensation in the latest installment of the series. Weeks before Molly and Juan Manuel's wedding, the popular hit TV show, Hidden Treasures, films an episode at The Regency Grand. All of the employees bring in family heirlooms to be appraised by art experts. During a live filming, one of Molly's items from Gran is appraised for millions! But the excitement turns sinister when the greatest art heist takes place during the item's auction, and Molly's existence is threatened. Who would want to hurt Molly, and do this to her? Detective Stark is back on the case, and Molly finds the key to unlock the secrets in Gran's diary. Flora Gray's tale of love and loss alternates with Molly trying to solve the art heist. Molly learns much about her grandmother and herself. Will it be enough to save her?

I loved this whodonit intertwined with messages from Gran's diary about what really matters in life and that love can never be stolen. This cozy mystery is unique in the genre because of the heartwarming messages expertly woven into the story at just the right time to solve the crime. It came full circle as everything we wondered about Gran was answered for us and for Molly. Highly recommend for fans of Molly the Maid and those who want to read a cozy mystery with a feel-good message. Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Nita Prose for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly the maid and the staff of the Grand Regency Hotel returns in The Maid's Secret. Molly Gray's life is changing in exciting ways. She is now Head Maid and in charge of special events and Molly can't wait to get married in two short months to her fiancé, Juan. When the popular TV show Hidden Treasures chooses the Grand Regency Hotel to shoot their next episode, Molly brings a box of her grandmother items to be appraised. When one of those items turns out to be a rare antique possibly worth millions, Molly is turned into an instant celebrity. In a daring heist, the priceless heirloom goes missing during the auction. Molly and her friends must look into the past to find who is behind the theft.

This book is the perfect ending to this series. The chapters alternate between Molly and her friends as she investigates the theft and diary pages from her grandmother that tells the story of her past. I loved reading the diary chapters and learning more about Molly's grandmother. I was excited to see many of the same characters from the previous books (even Cheryl) make an appearance throughout the story and I couldn't have asked for a better ending. If you have followed Molly since the beginning, you do not want to miss reading the conclusion of Molly the Maid.

The Maid's Secret comes out April 8th.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the opportunity to review The Maid's Secret. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When you have something of value, there’s always someone ready to take it from you.”

This third book in Nita Prose’s ‘The Maid’ series is a perfect balance of compelling storytelling, intriguing mystery and sweet romance. I was anxious for Molly, willing her to telepath or lock into my street smarts and help herself. I yelled at my Kindle more than once! I loved getting to know Gran better through her diary and unraveling more of the secrets that she held dear.

I was thoroughly wrapped up in the mystery of The Golden Huevo! Thanks for another great mystery.

Worthy of all the stars!

I was gifted this copy by Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[.•º°༺×Ṩสℛสℋ×༻°º•. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Warning, this will be a rant. I apologise to anyone who liked this book. Please just skip this review. This is just an expression about my personal taste. Disclaimer I loved Book 1, and rather enjoyed Book 2.

But this book is one big cliché of eyerolling boredom. So much so, that it hurt continuing to read.

I don't know how many times I rolled my eyes. At least once per page, often a lot more. Let's count a few:
"She puts the key in the lock and like magic something clicks" - that's how keys work. FFS. Eyeroll 1

"The wedding dress is very much mermaid. Yeah it's s bit too fishy." A fishy dress, whatever that is - wow. eyeroll 2.

"Beware of men in trench coats. You never know what they might do." What do you even want to say here? Stop being so cliché. Eyeroll 3.

And the all annoying "What now?" Of the lead female character, who needs rescuing and the author has no other original sentence to further the plot to get the story going. Every time I read those words in books or hear them in movies I roll my eyes so strongly, I am afraid they stay that way.

And don't get me started on that "love" scene (not spoiling whose). "I love you. I always have." And then they fall in each others arms. And all is good. Girl. Can you take like a breather before you run from one cliché to the next? You just got out of an abusive relationship, someone died, 5 seconds later you are in love again.

I forgot to count the eyerolls by now. There are too many.

And on every single page there are so many platitudes, so many sayings, I mean the whole book can be summarised as one big cliché, running from one annoying idiom and boring eyerolling phrase and pun to the next. If it would just be coming from Molly, because that's how her brain works, that would be one thing, but no. Every single character only speaks in phrases. not one original thought behind their eyes. The other characters did it even more than Molly. It felt like the whole book is one phrase after the other without the connecting dots, as if you could win something the more fit on one page. Let's also count those over the next couple of pages:

"A tissue for your issue."
"It won't kill you if you do XYZ"
"We'll leave no stone unturned."
"I am mean and I'm clean."
"A good egg, can turn into a bad egg."
"Low and slow, the tortoise wins the race."
"All that glitters isn't gold."
"Boys will be boys."
"Let sleeping dogs lie."
"Rise and shine."
"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery."
"There's no time like the present."
"He got cold feet."
"pretty as a picture."
"Fair and square."
"Why did the chicken cross the street?"
"Shite on a kite."
"Look on the bright side."
"Life is short, but art is long."
"Believing is a virtue."
"Faith used for good can move mountains."
"Green as a bean."
"This case is closed."
"We fitted together like lock and key."
"Start a new chapter."
"You are stuck with me for better or worse"
"The golden boy."
"Turn their back on us."
"You won't get away with this."
"They left for good."
"They were as cold as ice."
"Pitched to the curb."
"Live to see the day."
"Where there's a will there's a way."
"Stare you right in the face."
"Right infront of your nose."
"Like a missing puzzle piece."
"It's all water under the bridge."
"Like seeing for the very first time."
"This is a joke. Where's the hidden camera?"
Please stop. Just stop. STOOOP!!! I can't take it anymore!!!!

Throw in a few "mi amor"s and "El huevo"s, plus some "there she is" - when the men of this story stumble upon the females, and thats basically the whole book. It felt artificial, constructed, disconnected and far-fetched. It went in circles, repeated so many things and seems to go nowhere at the same time.

It feels like as if ChatGPT wrote this. I need to go find some more braincells after this train wreck (oh my god I am already infected to think in metaphors)

[Rachel L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Molly the maid is back and now she's getting married to the man of her dreams and her favorite tv show is filming at her work! When it's discovered Molly owns a priceless item (that she didn't realize the value of) elation is quick to disappear when the item is stolen. This story is also told alongside Molly's grandmothers life story told in epistolary form.

I had to think about my rating on this one for a bit. While I think this book did a great job at almost being a prequel in some ways, filling in family history and such, it was very easy for me to stop listening for long periods of time. It almost felt like, Molly's mystery parts of the story weren't strong enough to be a full length novel, so we also got Gran's story instead. And it was great! But the book meandered a bit for my liking.

ALC provided by Libro.fm as a part of their librarian ALC program

[John (LHBC) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If The Maid made you fall for Molly Gray’s earnestness and quirky logic, then The Maid’s Secret might just make you want to wrap her in a big, warm hug—and then immediately start reanalyzing the clues she drops along the way.

This one’s part cozy mystery, part origin story, and 100% Molly. Prose brings us back to the Regency Grand Hotel, where a new mystery stirs not just in the polished halls of the posh establishment, but within Molly herself. This time, the stakes feel more personal. There’s something buried in her past—something about Gran, the woman who raised her with so much quiet strength and ritual—that resurfaces in a way that feels both inevitable and quietly devastating.

There’s a dual-timeline structure here that works really well. It gives us deeper insight into Gran, elevating her from the wise voice in Molly’s head to a flesh-and-blood woman with her own secrets. And it adds emotional heft to a mystery that’s already cleverly spun. This isn’t just about whodunnit—it’s about how what was done years ago still echoes through today.

Compared to The Maid, The Maid's Secret feels a bit more grown up. Not heavier, exactly, but more layered. The humor’s still there—Molly’s literal interpretations and dry observations haven’t dulled a bit—but they’re balanced with a touch more tenderness, a shade more melancholy. If The Maid was about learning how to be seen, The Maid’s Secret is about what happens when people start looking closely.

There’s also a sweet thread of romance here, the kind that doesn’t dominate the story but rather enriches it. It’s not swoony—think more warm glance than grand gesture—but it fits Molly’s world perfectly. You root for her, not just to solve the mystery, but to trust, to open up, to believe she deserves good things.

And the ending? Very well done. Not in a loud, twisty, gotcha way like many mysteries—but in the quiet, satisfying way that leaves you smiling at the final page, maybe even wiping away a tear if you're the sentimental type.

This might be the best in the series. At the very least, it’s tied with the original—but if you ask me tomorrow, I might be leaning toward this one. There’s something beautiful about a sequel that doesn’t just continue a story, but deepens it.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing me an advance copy of the book for review.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Maid's Secret, Nita Talbot's wonderful latest book in her Molly Brown series, reminded me of why I was instantly drawn into the series after I finished the ARC of Talbot's series debut, The Maid.
Molly Brown like me is neurodivergent (I've been delivered the full package of ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, and PTSD) which gave me a understanding of her logic and thinking process in the previous books and her latest. Talbot keeps it simple in the "Secret." Molly is set to appear on Hidden Treasures to see if any of her merchandise she brought has any value? The hosts known as "The Bees" find only one object has any value that turns out to be a Faberge egg worth millions. Molly becomes an instant celebrity after she faints on camera. She doesn't take to celebrity well so she escapes by reading her beloved Grandmother's, Fiona's, journal that tells her backstory, but the history of the egg itself. The egg is eventually which puts Molly back into investigative mode, but how far will she go once she finds a note that threatens her life. I feared that the series was going to jump the shark with Molly's instant fame, but to my relief Molly's discomfort with fame reassured me that her character remains entact. The multiple POV's blended beautifully. I loved reading Fiona's journal where she writes in full detail about her sad and lonely upbringing. I also appreciated how Prose doesn't complicate the story with unnecessary subplots or too many characters so Molly can maintain her focus on finding the highly prized egg.

Molly Gray is the first recuring character that I've found enduring in years which why I'll miss reading her stories. The Maid's Secret thankfully closes the Gray series while it's still on top. I'll always think of Molly whenever I see a clean window or a fluffed pillow which my instincts tell me would please her.