Today we honor the hospitality industry — the people who feed you, entertain you, and ensure a good night’s sleep for the weary travelers. They are often overlooked and under appreciated. According to the National Labor Board, the hospitality industry is the lowest paid group of workers even though they make up 10% of the work force. Many do not find long term careers in the industry, making this workforce young and inexperienced. But without these important workers, the world would certainly be a different place.

Hollywood has certainly not overlooked these workers over the years. Many hit television shows and movies have featured characters working in the service industry. In the 1970s and 80s, televisions shows like Alice, Cheers and The Bob Newhart Show entertained large audiences. The most binge-worthy shows on Netflix are Gilmore Girls, Schitt’s Creek, and The Bear. Currently running shows like Ghosts and The White Lotus feature the hospitality industry. Even children’s cartoons have SpongeBob SquarePants whipping up Crabby Patties for all in Bikini Bottom. All of these feature memorable characters working in the hospitality industry.

The literary world is no different in recognizing this trend. Lovable characters from the hospitality industry are solving crimes, falling in love, and creating mischief just like the rest. A series getting some press is Nita Prose’s the Molly the Maid series.

This two-book series with the promise of more in the future focuses on the young maid Molly Gray. Molly Gray has difficulties reading other’s intentions, which causes her to struggle socially. She is considered neurodivergent. These struggles are somewhat amplified since the death of her gran, who helped her understand the world. To keep her sanity, she throws herself into her work as a hotel maid.

Working at the Regency Grand Hotel, Molly enjoys doing a good job and display proper etiquette at all times. It is how her beloved gran taught her navigate the world. But her life is thrown into turmoil when she discovers the disorderly room of Mr. Charles Black. Mr. Black is deceased in the bed. Molly’s unusual behavior has the police labeling her a suspect. Thankfully, Molly has good friends that are willing to help her solve the murder.

In the second novel, Molly has been promoted to the head of housekeeping at the Grand Regency hotel. When a famous author, J.D. Grimthrope, drops dead in the hotel’s tea room, the police again begin to suspect Molly. Molly hides the fact that she knew the author long ago, which only convinces Detective Stark that she is guilty, but Molly must face the past to find the murderer.

So today, be polite and remember to tip your hospitality worker, or they just might poison you.