#nitaprose – the shiny diaries

Molly Gray is back. She’s socially awkward, fails to understand the world around her, misses the obvious, has a keen eye for the unobvious and has a flair for the English language. She’s now the Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, has a loving relationship with her boyfriend Juan and has again become entangled in another scandalous murder. J. D. Grimthorpe, an award winning mystery writer, is supposed to make a big announcement and has booked the hotel’s Tea room for the event. The room is packed to the rafters with journalists, media professionals, photographers and eager fan club members. Grimthorpe takes the stage, sips his tea on stage and drops dead. Lily, a maid-in-training under Molly was responsible for arranging his tea cart and had handed him the tea in front of everyone. Detective Stark is tasked with solving this mystery and again Molly becomes her unlikely partner.

It’s a very simple murder mystery and the author presents various characters as suspects including Grimthorpe’s secretary, Serena Sharpe; Hotel’s manager Mr. Snow and even Mr. Preston, the kind grandfather figure in the life of Molly who continues to dote on her. The happenings in the book are fast paced and this time around the author provides substantial backstory on Molly’s childhood growing up with her Gran. Molly continues to fight the social odds stacked against her and with her grit, perseverance, unassuming intelligence and cheeky wit cracks this murder too.

For all those who have read Nita Prose’s debut book, The Maid, which for the first time introduced us to Molly, this second book, doesn’t disappoint. Through Molly, the author drives home the message that, everybody deserves to be seen and no one should be underestimated because of their appearance or background. Nita has created a world of hope and optimism, while Molly brings in the beauty in her oddity.

Heartwarming, once again!

This story is so much more than just a murder mystery. At the heart of it, it’s a story that encapsulates the human spirit; celebrates humanity and drives home the message that all of us are the same and kindness matters to each one of us. The protagonist is Molly Gray, a maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. She’s proud of her job and takes it seriously. Her personality and traits show similarities with Sheldon Cooper from TBBT. She finds it difficult to read people and surroundings, interpret their emotions, and decipher sarcasm. Hence she has a structure to her day and goes about it in the most meticulous manner. One day, when Molly discovers the dead body of a wealthy businessman, Mr Black, whilst cleaning his suite; she becomes caught up in the aftermath of the event, soon becoming the prime murder suspect.

Throughout the narration, Molly comes across resilient and determined. Despite her inability to understand the world around her, which does chip away at her confidence and makes her question her self worth; she stands tall and never lets go of her pride and dignity. Her command of the English language coupled with requisite politeness, makes Molly Gray, the most lovable character.

Kudos to the author, Nita Prose, for portraying such a delightful character like Molly and centring her in the midst of a murder mystery. Through her, the author makes a strong case for, how assumptions based on someone’s appearance and station can be detrimental to them. The narration is fast paced and by the time it’s the end, you are rooting for Molly and the real murderer remains just an afterthought.

“It’s not your station in life that matters. It’s how you conduct yourself that counts.”

“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

~ JUST A GAY BOY. 🤗