The Mystery Guest

Friends, writers, and publishing people—you know who you are. If I wrote down all of your names, I might cause another paper shortage. Adria Iwasutiak, Sarah St. Pierre, Janie Yoon, Felicia Quon, Sarah Gibson, Jessica Scott, Adriana Pitesa, and Carolina Testa—you remind me what passion in publishing looks like. Aileen Umali, Eric Rist, Ryan Wilson, Sandy Gabriele, Roberto Verdecchia, Sarah Fulton, Jorge Gidi, Martin Ortuzar, Jimena Ortuzar, Ingrid Nasager, Ellen Keith, Matthew Lawson, Zoe Maslow, Liz Nugent, Dan Mallory, Amy Stuart, Nina de Gramont, and Ashley Audrain—you keep me sane (well, you try your best anyhow). Thanks also to Arlyn Miller-Lachmann for her wise comments and thoughts.

I must apologize for having the best brother in the world, Dan Pronovost (sorry to the rest of you who have other brothers; they just can’t compare). I also have the gift of his family, my wonderful sister-in-law, Patty; my niece, Joane; and my nephew, Devin. You make me laugh, and I’m grateful that you laugh at me, too. If that doesn’t deserve acknowledging, I don’t know what does. Freddie and Pat—long may we raise margaritas. Ma tante Suzanne et ma cousine Louise, you’re in these pages and forever in my DNA. And my beloved Tony, I don’t know how or why you put up with me, but I’m so glad you do.

Readers, you are wonderful. You make the world a better place. Thank you for your support.

Dad, you were the first reader of this book. It’s okay that you’re not with us anymore because I hear your voice every time I call you in my head. Thank you for answering.

By Nita Prose

The Mystery Guest

The Maid

About the Author

Nita Prose is the author of The Maid, which has sold over one million copies worldwide and was published in more than forty countries. A #1 New York Times bestseller and a Good Morning America Book Club pick, The Maid won the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction, the Fingerprint Award for Debut Novel 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. Nita lives in Toronto, Canada, in a house that is only moderately clean. She would love to hear from you at nitaprose.com.

Twitter and Instagram: @NitaProse