For day 3 we’ve got a short and sweet novella that continues the Maid series by Nita Prose. The Mistletoe Mystery catches us up with Molly the maid and her cinnamon roll boyfriend Juan as they celebrate the holidays together. This one is really tiny, clocking in at just 128 pages. (I’ve also seen a lot of search traffic for “Mistletoe Murders” recently, so if you’re looking for the post on the P.D. James collection, here are my thoughts. Otherwise, welcome!)

For those unfamiliar with the Maid series, Molly Gray is an autistic maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. Molly loves her job and she’s great at it – her autism gives her attention to detail and a tolerance for routine that allow her to excel. Those same qualities, combined with her curiosity, also make her an excellent detective. It’s the coziest blend of mystery and found family, with a neurodivergent twist – but how does it fare in the holidays?

A sprinkling of mystery…

I’ll be up-front: there is not much mystery to solve in The Mistletoe Mystery. The novella primary serves as a sweet check-in with some of our favorite characters from the series, and allows us to watch Molly operate through the holidays. There is zero murder to be solved, and instead Molly’s main mystery is explaining why all her friends are acting so weird this holiday season. The answer is one you can see coming a mile away – but no less heartwarming for that. Sometimes you just want to root for your favorite characters, and it’s kind of fun for dramatic irony to be happy rather than stressful.

…in the warmest holiday vibes

On the other hand, the holiday spirit in this novella is next-level. Molly’s boyfriend Juan works hard to make Christmas special, and the result is a parade of sweet traditions. From the custom advent calendar housed in an heirloom from Molly’s grandmother other the makeshift Christmas tree, Juan’s efforts to make Molly happy are adorable. (I think I grinned the entire way through this read.)

As if Juan’s efforts weren’t enough, Molly also has to contend with that trickiest of holiday traditions – a Secret Santa! Here, the Secret Santa shows the growth of Molly’s relationships at the Regency, and it’s yet another way the novella packs holiday spirit into a tiny package.

A cozy, quick read

If you’re expecting to read a full-blown mystery, I’d skip The Mistletoe Mystery. But if you love Molly and her friends and want to spend a few short hours having your heart completely melted, this is a great choice.

Next up is an equally lighthearted read with just a touch more mystery. Until tomorrow – stay cozy, and stay curious!