A Book A Week

October usually signals the beginning of the spooky season for me, but I've been momentarily sidetracked by thoughts of future holidays. After reading her first two mysteries, I’ve become quite taken with Nita Prose’s quirky, neurodivergent character, Molly the Maid. So, when I discovered that Prose would be releasing a Christmas-themed novella featuring Molly, it immediately landed on my TBR list. Even better, I was fortunate to receive a copy from her publisher. And so, despite this being a month typically dedicated to horror reads—and with South Texas still experiencing scorching summer-like temperatures—I find myself enjoying The Mistletoe Mystery. This cozy Yuletide novella serves as the perfect prelude to the holiday season.

The opulent Regency Grand Hotel is decked out in holiday splendor, warmly welcoming guests into the festive season. For Molly, the hotel's head maid, the holidays have always been about upholding cherished traditions. Ever since her Gran passed away, Christmas hasn’t quite been the same. Gran always ensured Molly's holiday was filled with joy and warmth, and adjusting to life without her has been difficult. But Molly has her boyfriend, Juan Manuel, by her side this year. He’s helping her honor those old traditions and introducing new ones, making this Christmas a special blend of the familiar and the new for them both.

Juan Manuel certainly seems like Molly’s prince charming, but she can't shake her nagging doubts. Is this relationship truly as perfect as it seems? He’s always attentive, going out of his way to make her life easier—cooking meals, walking her to work, and even gifting her an Advent calendar filled with thoughtful surprises. Yet, there are little things that don’t quite add up. Lately, Juan Manuel appears more drained than ever, with dark circles under his eyes and an unusual tendency to sleep in. Then there's the matter of his lengthy trips to do laundry, even though the dirty clothes remain untouched in the hamper. Something feels off, but surely there must be a reasonable explanation. Without her Gran’s wisdom to lean on, Molly must face her most personal and consequential mystery yet.

In The Mistletoe Mystery, Nita Prose blends cozy mystery elements with festive holiday charm. Molly remains as endearing as ever, with her quirks leading her into a situation that's a joy to watch her unravel. While the plot's direction was evident early on, that's never been the core appeal of this series. The true delight is in observing Molly puzzle through things, even when they seem glaringly obvious to others. The novella beautifully captures the spirit of the season, emphasizing the importance of the people we surround ourselves with. Molly may not be everyone's cup of tea, but she's created a found family that loves and cherishes her just as she is. Although occasionally sentimental, it’s a fitting touch for a holiday story as heartwarming as this one. With themes of community, kindness, and the traditions that bring us together, The Mistletoe Mystery is a delightful read that should keep fans content until Molly’s next adventure releases in the spring.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

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