Oh, the holidays! A time of twinkling lights, festive cheer, and… suspicious behavior from your beloved? In Nita Prose’s latest novella, “The Mistletoe Mystery,” our favorite neat freak with a heart of gold, Molly Gray, finds herself knee-deep in tinsel and turmoil. It’s enough to make anyone want to hide behind the Christmas tree! But fear not, dear readers, for Molly’s back, armed with her mop and her uncanny ability to clean up messes both literal and figurative.
A Stocking Stuffed with Intrigue
Prose serves up a cozy mystery that’s as warm and comforting as a cup of hot cocoa… with just a dash of arsenic to keep things interesting. Set against the backdrop of the Regency Grand Hotel’s holiday festivities, “The Mistletoe Mystery” sees Molly navigating the treacherous waters of love, trust, and the dreaded office Secret Santa exchange.
The Plot Thickens Like Eggnog Left Out Too Long
Molly’s relationship with the charming Juan Manuel has been smooth sailing, but as Christmas approaches, his behavior becomes as erratic as a string of faulty fairy lights. Late nights, hushed phone calls, and mysterious meetings with other women have Molly’s mind spinning like a dreidel on overdrive. Is Juan planning a surprise, or is he hiding something more sinister?
Meanwhile, the hotel staff is abuzz with excitement over the upcoming holiday party and its Secret Santa gift exchange. But when Molly stumbles upon a series of odd occurrences—from misplaced bouquets to clandestine conversations—she begins to suspect that not everyone is feeling the Christmas spirit. Could the gift exchange be a cover for something more nefarious?
Character Depth: More Than Just Holiday Cardboard Cutouts
Prose continues to develop Molly’s character with the care of a master baker frosting a gingerbread house. Our protagonist’s growth is evident as she grapples with complex emotions and tries to reconcile her deep-seated trust issues with her love for Juan. The supporting cast, from the gruff-but-lovable Mr. Preston to the fiery Angela, adds flavor to the story like a perfectly spiced mulled wine.
Juan Manuel, in particular, gets more time in the spotlight, and Prose skillfully keeps readers guessing about his true intentions. Is he a prince in chef’s clothing or a frog waiting to hop away with Molly’s heart? The tension is as palpable as the scent of pine needles in the air.
Prose’s Prose: A Gift That Keeps on Giving
Nita Prose’s writing style is as distinctive as a snowflake and as comforting as a well-worn Christmas sweater. Her ability to blend humor, heart, and mystery is on full display in this novella. The narrative voice, filtered through Molly’s unique perspective, is a delight:
“His face lights up the second I utter her name. ‘Oh, she’s wonderful. I’ve been getting to know her better lately. She’s very helpful. And I really like her. But you know that,’ he says.
‘I do now,’ I reply.”
Moments like these showcase Prose’s talent for infusing seemingly innocent exchanges with layers of meaning and doubt. It’s like finding a surprise filling in your Christmas pudding—unexpected, but oh so satisfying.
Themes as Rich as Figgy Pudding
While “The Mistletoe Mystery” is a quick read, it doesn’t skimp on thematic depth. Prose explores the nature of trust, the challenges of communication, and the importance of chosen family with the deftness of a reindeer navigating rooftops. The novella also touches on the difficulties of navigating social cues and relationships for someone like Molly, who sees the world through a unique lens.
The author weaves in poignant reflections on grief and the bittersweet nature of holiday memories, adding a touch of melancholy to balance out the festive cheer. It’s like the perfect Christmas cookie—sweet, but with just enough salt to make it interesting.
A Mystery Wrapped in Shiny Paper and Bow
The central mystery of Juan’s behavior and the true nature of the Secret Santa exchange is well-crafted, with enough red herrings to stock a Scandinavian smorgasbord. Prose keeps readers guessing until the very end, sprinkling clues like breadcrumbs for a trail of festive deduction.
While some readers might find the resolution a bit too neat and tidy (it is Christmas, after all), the journey is undeniably enjoyable. The pacing is as brisk as a winter wind, propelling the story forward with the momentum of a runaway sled.
A Novella-Sized Treat
At just over 100 pages, “The Mistletoe Mystery” is the perfect bite-sized morsel for busy holiday readers. It’s like those little chocolate truffles that come in festive tins—small, but packed with flavor. The compact format allows Prose to maintain tension throughout, without any of the saggy middle that can plague full-length novels.
However, some readers might find themselves wishing for a more substantial meal. The brevity of the story means that some of the secondary characters and subplots don’t get as much development as they might in a full-length novel. It’s a bit like getting a taste of your favorite holiday dish but not being able to go back for seconds.
Deck the Shelves: Where This Fits in the Molly Gray Canon
“The Mistletoe Mystery” slots neatly between “The Maid” and “The Mystery Guest” in the Molly Gray series. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone story, readers familiar with Molly’s previous adventures will appreciate the callbacks and character development.
For newcomers, this novella serves as an excellent introduction to Prose’s world. It’s like getting a sample at a Christmas market—just enough to make you want to come back for the full experience.
Comparisons and Recommendations
Fans of cozy mysteries with a dash of romance will find much to love here. If you enjoy the works of Richard Osman, M.C. Beaton, or Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple series, “The Mistletoe Mystery” will fit nicely in your stocking.
For those seeking similar holiday-themed mysteries, Alan Bradley’s Flavia de Luce series offers a delightful Christmas installment in “I Am Half-Sick of Shadows.” Alternatively, Rhys Bowen’s “The Twelve Clues of Christmas” provides another dose of festive sleuthing.
Wrapping It Up: Final Thoughts
“The Mistletoe Mystery” is a delightful addition to the Molly Gray series, perfect for readers looking for a quick, cozy read to get them in the holiday spirit. Nita Prose continues to charm with her unique protagonist and clever plotting, delivering a story that’s as satisfying as finding the perfect gift for a loved one.
While it may not break new ground in the mystery genre, the novella offers a warm, engaging escape into a world where even the most tangled of Christmas lights can be unraveled with persistence and a keen eye for detail. It’s a reminder that sometimes the greatest mysteries are the ones closest to our hearts, and that trust—like a fragile ornament—must be handled with care.
So, pour yourself a cup of cocoa, curl up by the fire, and let Molly Gray sweep you away on a holiday adventure. Just be careful not to get any crumbs on the pages—you know how she feels about messes!
“The Mistletoe Mystery” proves that good things do indeed come in small packages. It’s a heartwarming, intriguing read that will leave you feeling as merry and bright as a well-decorated Christmas tree. And really, isn’t that the best gift of all?
