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The housekeepers
On the night of London's grandest ball, a bold group of women launches a daring revenge heist against Mayfair society.
Mrs. King is no ordinary housekeeper. Born into a world of con artists and thieves, she’s made herself respectable, running the grandest home in Mayfair. The place is packed with treasures, a glittering symbol of wealth and power, but dark secrets lurk in the shadows. When Mrs. King is suddenly dismissed from her position, she recruits an eclectic group of women to join her in revenge: A black-market queen out to settle her scores; an actress desperate for a magnificent part; a seamstress dreaming of a better life; and Mrs. King’s predecessor, with her own desire for vengeance.
Mrs. King is no ordinary housekeeper. Born into a world of con artists and thieves, she’s made herself respectable, running the grandest home in Mayfair. The place is packed with treasures, a glittering symbol of wealth and power, but dark secrets lurk in the shadows. When Mrs. King is suddenly dismissed from her position, she recruits an eclectic group of women to join her in revenge: A black-market queen out to settle her scores; an actress desperate for a magnificent part; a seamstress dreaming of a better life; and Mrs. King’s predecessor, with her own desire for vengeance.
399 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,117 reviews
August 14, 2023
In a Nutshell: Ocean's Eleven (or rather, Ocean's Eight) meets Downton Abbey. Good premise, but tries too hard. A praiseworthy debut though.
Story Synopsis:
I've always enjoyed heist movies but hadn't ever considered if heist fiction would generate the same high in me. So when the opportunity to read this historical heist novel came up, I couldn't resist grabbing it.
On paper, this premise sounds wonderful to my ears. Historical fiction is among my favourite genres and an all-woman gang planning a revenge heist promises a delectable treat. However, a successful heist story ought to be simultaneously complicated and believable. That doesn't happen with this book, which ends up simplistic and farfetched.
I was pretty invested until the first half or so, despite the slow pace. I assumed that the extensive build-up would lead to a thrilling secret burglary being executed during the ball. But the actual heist fell quite flat. Not once was I biting my fingernails in anticipation or anxiety. Even when the hurdles started popping up, the tension didn't correspondingly surge upwards. I'm not exactly sure why this happened, but here are two guesses:
1. Despite the detailed backstories for the main characters, I never felt close to a single one. Each of them has a secret worry--in some cases, a major burden, but that never generated feelings of empathy in me. So when I couldn't connect with the characters, I automatically couldn't root for them.
2. This was a revenge heist and it should have stayed a revenge heist. Sadly, the book succumbs to the "kitchen sink syndrome" so common to debut novelists. Instead of sticking to a couple of solid reasons for wanting the heist, the book inserts a bucketload of themes, some of which were not even relevant to the main flow. When there's too much for the reader to worry about, there's too little to focus on and the overall impact gets diluted.
That doesn't mean that the book is a disaster. It offers quite a lot of value to its readers. I enjoyed the planning put into the heist, and also liked a couple of the minor characters. (The two Janes were the best! They deserved a bigger role.) The grandiose ball also seemed true to the flamboyant extravagance displayed by the wealthy in 1900s London.
More importantly, despite such a huge cast of characters, it is never confusing to remember who is who. This is even more significant when we keep in mind that the third-person narrative baton keeps shifting across various characters to give us a bird's eye view of the planning and implementation. The story is surprisingly easy to follow despite many intricacies and characters.
Maybe, just maybe, this plot was too ambitious for a debut novelist to carry off successfully. But there's no denying that he has the imagination as well as the talent. I love the promise he showed in this novel, and I'm sure that with some fine-tuning and experience, he can pen a winner. I'll keep an eye out for his future works.
At the same time, I think I'll stick to watching heist movies rather than reading heist novels. Such stories are more fun to watch, and this one too will make an outstanding movie if the thematic frills are edited out.
Recommended to those who will have more patience with a ponderous but interesting heist story.
3.25 stars.
My thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Housekeepers”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Story Synopsis:
1905, London. When Mrs King is suddenly dismissed from her position as housekeeper at the de Vries home, she isn't worried because she has an ace plan up her sleeve. On the night of the de Vries's ball coming up about three weeks later, Mrs King, along with her carefully chosen group of six women, will strip the de Vries mansion of its valuables. Is this just a revenge for being fired, or does Mrs King have some ulterior motive? How will this heist proceed?
The story comes to us from the limited third person perspective of several key characters.
I've always enjoyed heist movies but hadn't ever considered if heist fiction would generate the same high in me. So when the opportunity to read this historical heist novel came up, I couldn't resist grabbing it.
On paper, this premise sounds wonderful to my ears. Historical fiction is among my favourite genres and an all-woman gang planning a revenge heist promises a delectable treat. However, a successful heist story ought to be simultaneously complicated and believable. That doesn't happen with this book, which ends up simplistic and farfetched.
I was pretty invested until the first half or so, despite the slow pace. I assumed that the extensive build-up would lead to a thrilling secret burglary being executed during the ball. But the actual heist fell quite flat. Not once was I biting my fingernails in anticipation or anxiety. Even when the hurdles started popping up, the tension didn't correspondingly surge upwards. I'm not exactly sure why this happened, but here are two guesses:
1. Despite the detailed backstories for the main characters, I never felt close to a single one. Each of them has a secret worry--in some cases, a major burden, but that never generated feelings of empathy in me. So when I couldn't connect with the characters, I automatically couldn't root for them.
2. This was a revenge heist and it should have stayed a revenge heist. Sadly, the book succumbs to the "kitchen sink syndrome" so common to debut novelists. Instead of sticking to a couple of solid reasons for wanting the heist, the book inserts a bucketload of themes, some of which were not even relevant to the main flow. When there's too much for the reader to worry about, there's too little to focus on and the overall impact gets diluted.
That doesn't mean that the book is a disaster. It offers quite a lot of value to its readers. I enjoyed the planning put into the heist, and also liked a couple of the minor characters. (The two Janes were the best! They deserved a bigger role.) The grandiose ball also seemed true to the flamboyant extravagance displayed by the wealthy in 1900s London.
More importantly, despite such a huge cast of characters, it is never confusing to remember who is who. This is even more significant when we keep in mind that the third-person narrative baton keeps shifting across various characters to give us a bird's eye view of the planning and implementation. The story is surprisingly easy to follow despite many intricacies and characters.
Maybe, just maybe, this plot was too ambitious for a debut novelist to carry off successfully. But there's no denying that he has the imagination as well as the talent. I love the promise he showed in this novel, and I'm sure that with some fine-tuning and experience, he can pen a winner. I'll keep an eye out for his future works.
At the same time, I think I'll stick to watching heist movies rather than reading heist novels. Such stories are more fun to watch, and this one too will make an outstanding movie if the thematic frills are edited out.
Recommended to those who will have more patience with a ponderous but interesting heist story.
3.25 stars.
My thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Housekeepers”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
January 27, 2023
Loved the concept for this book but the execution just didn’t work for me at all. I don’t feel like I got to know the characters, the heist was so unrealistic to me, there was so many character subplots that it got confusing at times, so many complicated words (for me anyway), I just couldn’t connect with any of the characters or their motives. It was quite an irritating read for me if I’m completely honest.
July 5, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
Downton Abbey meets Oceans 11… that certainly had my attention. I have never read anything like this, an historical heist novel and it was a lot of fun. The audio narration was excellent, with such a large cast of characters, they made it easy to distinguish between them all. Aside from feeling a little long at times, I really enjoyed my time in 1905 London.
When housekeeper Mrs King is dismissed from Manor House, revenge is in her mind. She gets together a team of friends and plan the robbery of the century, during the lady of the houses party of the century. There were many laughs, but some more serious subjects also came up.
If you enjoy historical fiction then give this one a go.
Thanks to Headline and a NetGalley for the advanced listening copy to read. Out in July 6th.
Downton Abbey meets Oceans 11… that certainly had my attention. I have never read anything like this, an historical heist novel and it was a lot of fun. The audio narration was excellent, with such a large cast of characters, they made it easy to distinguish between them all. Aside from feeling a little long at times, I really enjoyed my time in 1905 London.
When housekeeper Mrs King is dismissed from Manor House, revenge is in her mind. She gets together a team of friends and plan the robbery of the century, during the lady of the houses party of the century. There were many laughs, but some more serious subjects also came up.
If you enjoy historical fiction then give this one a go.
Thanks to Headline and a NetGalley for the advanced listening copy to read. Out in July 6th.
July 14, 2023
Well, I had a reading slump before picking up this book, which I had no intention of reading so soon, but I found the premises quite interesting enough to capture my curiosity. Plus, it was immediately available from my library, both hardcover and audiobook.
I enjoyed the writing, but the development of the storyline, regardless of its structure, was very slow and it failed to keep me interested or to make me connect with any character. I simply didn’t care for a single one.
For a historical fiction, I didn’t think that the telling was good enough to evoke the year of 1905.
Perhaps there were too many characters for a book of only 368 pages (and 43 chapters). There was a lack of depth.
The twists or secrets were not that big, in my opinion, and, at the end, it all felt farfetched. Also, the reason for the heist was a bit weak and unrealistic.
I do hope that this author will continue writing, because I do see some potential.
I read and simultaneously listened to the audiobook narrated by Jasmine Blackborow, who did a great job.
Had I felt some connection or highly entertained, I would have given 4 stars.
I enjoyed the writing, but the development of the storyline, regardless of its structure, was very slow and it failed to keep me interested or to make me connect with any character. I simply didn’t care for a single one.
For a historical fiction, I didn’t think that the telling was good enough to evoke the year of 1905.
Perhaps there were too many characters for a book of only 368 pages (and 43 chapters). There was a lack of depth.
The twists or secrets were not that big, in my opinion, and, at the end, it all felt farfetched. Also, the reason for the heist was a bit weak and unrealistic.
I do hope that this author will continue writing, because I do see some potential.
I read and simultaneously listened to the audiobook narrated by Jasmine Blackborow, who did a great job.
Had I felt some connection or highly entertained, I would have given 4 stars.
March 7, 2023
Says Erin Kelly, author of He Said/She Said, on one of the blurbs: “Imagine Ocean’s 8 had an illegitimate baby with Fingersmith — a big fat diamond of a book, sharp and shiny, joyful and generous, intricately plotted and featuring an ingenious use for a trapeze.”
Most of these blurbs or summaries comparing a new book to one or two others are exaggerations or downright false. Not here — although I would have called Alex Hay’s debut novel a cross between Ocean’s 8 and Upstairs, Downstairs. Dinah King — Mrs. King to you, thank you very much — has been dismissed from her position at the grandest house on Park Lane in Mayfair, a seven-floor marble temple to nouveau riche splendor and ambition. But Mrs. King has plenty of ambition of her own — and a grand plan for a daring heist and a grand collection of friends. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as the plan unfurls, step by step, with one surprise after another, and one twist after another. It was very hard to put down until the very last satisfying page.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley. Harlequin Trade Publishing and Graydon House in exchange for an honest review.
Most of these blurbs or summaries comparing a new book to one or two others are exaggerations or downright false. Not here — although I would have called Alex Hay’s debut novel a cross between Ocean’s 8 and Upstairs, Downstairs. Dinah King — Mrs. King to you, thank you very much — has been dismissed from her position at the grandest house on Park Lane in Mayfair, a seven-floor marble temple to nouveau riche splendor and ambition. But Mrs. King has plenty of ambition of her own — and a grand plan for a daring heist and a grand collection of friends. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as the plan unfurls, step by step, with one surprise after another, and one twist after another. It was very hard to put down until the very last satisfying page.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley. Harlequin Trade Publishing and Graydon House in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2023
This was a very interesting book. It has strong Oceans 8 vibes which I loved. I will say for a historical story it didn’t feel historical most of the time. There were good details, but conversations overall just didn’t feel historical to me. I really liked the characters and how as you read more and more their connections and motivations changed. The story wasn’t really a mystery, but it was a great heist story. Mrs. King has been let go from her job as Housekeeper, but that’s ok, she has other plans anyway. Enter a group of women all determined with the same goal for different reasons.
August 8, 2023
Anyone who knows me knows I adore a good heist book or movie, and The Housekeepers by Alex Hay gave me everything I could have hoped for! This would make a super fun movie, but as a book, I loved it just as much. It has all the elements of a great story with interesting and dynamic characters, humor, a revenge plot, and plenty of tense moments. I loved the way Hay structured this debut, and the countdown to the day of the heist was an excellent way to build extra tension. There are even some surprises along the way and not only is it historical fiction, but it has a mysterious quality as well that added to my enjoyment.
And I do have to say the audiobook is absolutely fantastic. Jasmine Blackborow did a wonderful job narrating and I'm so happy I listened to this as opposed to reading it. She was easy to understand, her flow was spot on, and she did an AMAZING job with the different character voices. Also, important to mention, there is more than one viewpoint, and the story does jump around a bit, but I didn't have any issues following along and I loved each and every POV Hay included. There is a touch of darkness to The Housekeepers, but overall, this was just a really pleasurable and entertaining read that I never wanted to end. I desperately hope Hay will continue writing, and I can't wait to see what he will come up with next!
And I do have to say the audiobook is absolutely fantastic. Jasmine Blackborow did a wonderful job narrating and I'm so happy I listened to this as opposed to reading it. She was easy to understand, her flow was spot on, and she did an AMAZING job with the different character voices. Also, important to mention, there is more than one viewpoint, and the story does jump around a bit, but I didn't have any issues following along and I loved each and every POV Hay included. There is a touch of darkness to The Housekeepers, but overall, this was just a really pleasurable and entertaining read that I never wanted to end. I desperately hope Hay will continue writing, and I can't wait to see what he will come up with next!
November 2, 2022
The Housekeepers by Alex Hay is a great historical fiction that has it all: mystery, intrigue, suspense, action, and a heist like no other.
This book takes us into the fascinating and complex world of the turn of the 20th century and the backdrop most certainly includes the dichotomy of the upstairs and downstairs personas. The exploration and exposure of the class structures, their respect “worlds”, and how that is incorporated into the narrative is that is so crucial in setting the scene for story. That being said, I also have to say that this also has an excellent vibe that I feel was a mix of Oceans 11 and Downton Abbey all whipped together into one delicious narrative.
I definitely have not read anything like this and enjoyed every minute of it. The prelude, planning, and scheming…all the way to the action, the heist, the high stakes…and finally to the conclusion and ending.
It was entertaining, intriguing, and kept my interest throughout. The character cast was intricate, well-developed, and I really enjoyed going along for the ride.
Too much fun. Definitely recommending.
4.5/ 5 stars
Thank you EW and Graydon House for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/11/23.
This book takes us into the fascinating and complex world of the turn of the 20th century and the backdrop most certainly includes the dichotomy of the upstairs and downstairs personas. The exploration and exposure of the class structures, their respect “worlds”, and how that is incorporated into the narrative is that is so crucial in setting the scene for story. That being said, I also have to say that this also has an excellent vibe that I feel was a mix of Oceans 11 and Downton Abbey all whipped together into one delicious narrative.
I definitely have not read anything like this and enjoyed every minute of it. The prelude, planning, and scheming…all the way to the action, the heist, the high stakes…and finally to the conclusion and ending.
It was entertaining, intriguing, and kept my interest throughout. The character cast was intricate, well-developed, and I really enjoyed going along for the ride.
Too much fun. Definitely recommending.
4.5/ 5 stars
Thank you EW and Graydon House for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/11/23.
January 25, 2024
Never underestimate the power of a woman.
This story…
For the most part is…
Charming.
And…
A historical fiction revenge tale.
With…
A cast of unique characters with powerful personalities that perfectly complement each other.
And…
Societal themes that are wonderfully woven into this tale about a dismissed housekeeper on a mission to recruit a bunch of like-minded, self-sufficient women to assist her in an extraordinary heist.
But…
Don’t think she is after just money or things of value…
There is something more for her to find.
Considering all of the above, there was a slight flaw in the story for me when too much of the book was devoted to the characters heist plans.
Which…
Made it a bit tedious and a slow-build up to the climax readers typically appreciate.
Still…
For the most part it was...
An original plausible plotline that was somewhat entertaining.
Do I sound conflicted about this book?
Probably because I am. I leave it to you to decide how to feel about this book.
3.5 stars rounded up.
This story…
For the most part is…
Charming.
And…
A historical fiction revenge tale.
With…
A cast of unique characters with powerful personalities that perfectly complement each other.
And…
Societal themes that are wonderfully woven into this tale about a dismissed housekeeper on a mission to recruit a bunch of like-minded, self-sufficient women to assist her in an extraordinary heist.
But…
Don’t think she is after just money or things of value…
There is something more for her to find.
Considering all of the above, there was a slight flaw in the story for me when too much of the book was devoted to the characters heist plans.
Which…
Made it a bit tedious and a slow-build up to the climax readers typically appreciate.
Still…
For the most part it was...
An original plausible plotline that was somewhat entertaining.
Do I sound conflicted about this book?
Probably because I am. I leave it to you to decide how to feel about this book.
3.5 stars rounded up.
July 1, 2023
Mrs King is no ordinary housekeeper. Born into a world of con artists and thieves, she's made herself respectable, running the grandest home is Mayfair. The place is packed with little treasures, a glittering symbol of wealth and power, but dark secrets lurk in the shadows. When Mrs King is suddenly dismissed from her position, she recruits an eclectic group of women to join her in revenge: A black market queen out to settle her scores. An actress desperate for magnificent part. A seamstress dreaming of a better life. And Mrs King's predecessor, with her own desire for vengeance.
Revenge is sweet and this group of eclectic women intend to get theirs. Mrs King was the housekeeper for William des Vires until the butler found her in the men's quarters after hours. Thrown out on the streets, Mrs King plans her revenge and calls in the favours she's owed to pull off the biggest heist - stealing all the contents of the grandest house on Park Lane while a ball is taking place. This is a historical work of fiction set in 1905. The author has definitely done his research on what it was like living below stairs in Edwardian London. The females are strong, likeable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Headline and the author #AlexHay for my ARC of #TheHousekeepers in exchange for an honest review.
Revenge is sweet and this group of eclectic women intend to get theirs. Mrs King was the housekeeper for William des Vires until the butler found her in the men's quarters after hours. Thrown out on the streets, Mrs King plans her revenge and calls in the favours she's owed to pull off the biggest heist - stealing all the contents of the grandest house on Park Lane while a ball is taking place. This is a historical work of fiction set in 1905. The author has definitely done his research on what it was like living below stairs in Edwardian London. The females are strong, likeable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Headline and the author #AlexHay for my ARC of #TheHousekeepers in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2023
I listened to the audio version which was well narrated by Jasmine Blackborow (although the older women's voices did wander into Barbara Windsor "Get outta my pub" territory on the odd occasion). Otherwise it was clearly read with no problem figuring out who was who.
The story is quite unusual. Rather than your run-of-the-mill upstairs downstairs we get a revenge story. And this is one revenge thats served very cold. Right that's enough waffle.
The housekeeper of the largest house in Mayfair, Mrs King, has been kicked out after canoodling with another staff member. She decides that the time is ripe to take revenge for a historical wrong done to her mother by the house's original owner, Mr De Vries (aka Danny O'Flynn). She needs help and money to pull this off and turns to Danny's sister. The two (plus a small army of helpers) decide to pull off the heist of the century by divesting Miss De Vries (Danny's daughter) of all her wordly goods - in one night - while the lady of the house is still in it.
Okay, I admit that the storyline does wander into the utterly fantastical at times (and occasionally unbelievable) it us nonetheless a good, fast-paced tale that has some interesting characters, a few twists and an interesting denouement.
I enjoyed it. It would certainly make a good holiday read. You even get a princess thrown in for good measure. The plot is clever and a little crazy. What's not to like.
The story is quite unusual. Rather than your run-of-the-mill upstairs downstairs we get a revenge story. And this is one revenge thats served very cold. Right that's enough waffle.
The housekeeper of the largest house in Mayfair, Mrs King, has been kicked out after canoodling with another staff member. She decides that the time is ripe to take revenge for a historical wrong done to her mother by the house's original owner, Mr De Vries (aka Danny O'Flynn). She needs help and money to pull this off and turns to Danny's sister. The two (plus a small army of helpers) decide to pull off the heist of the century by divesting Miss De Vries (Danny's daughter) of all her wordly goods - in one night - while the lady of the house is still in it.
Okay, I admit that the storyline does wander into the utterly fantastical at times (and occasionally unbelievable) it us nonetheless a good, fast-paced tale that has some interesting characters, a few twists and an interesting denouement.
I enjoyed it. It would certainly make a good holiday read. You even get a princess thrown in for good measure. The plot is clever and a little crazy. What's not to like.
July 4, 2023
Said to be a blend of Downton Abbey and Ocean's 11, The Housekeepers had a great concept that centred around a housekeeper who is out for revenge after she is fired after decades of service. She brings together a ragtag group of people and plans a heist to get back at her rich former employer by emptying their entire house during a ball.
Set in 1905 (but often with a more Victorian era vibe), from the blurb I expected a story about a good 'ol heist with a nod to Upstairs Downstairs. But the execution of the story, with its myriad of characters and subplots fell far short of my expectations.
My issues were many. From the slow pacing and loooong set up, to the very large cast and their convoluted motivations, to extraneous subplots and the actual heist. The heist for which the whole story is centred around, doesn't happen until almost 60% into the story and requires readers to suspend disbelief that a group of people can clear out an entire grand home under the watchful eyes of the homeowner and her large group of guests who are attending a grand ball on the main floor. The 'take it all' mentality of the thieves made me immediately think of The Grinch and how he steals every morsel from Whoville. The next time I move, I'll be hiring Mrs. King and her cronies to pack up my whole house with nary a sound in 8 hours flat.
This book didn't live up to its hype for me and wasn't a story I was eager to pick up. I wanted an exciting caper with a ragtag group of interesting characters and a big heist! Instead, I got a story with too many moving parts, unnecessary subplots, a mess of characters that blended together and a feeling that too much was going on and also not enough was happening.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Graydon House Publishing for my complimentary advanced copy which was provided in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2025
Fantastic. What a delight.
July 11, 2023
The Housekeepers is a smartly written Downton Abbey like story with humor, intrigue and empowered women during the early 1900’s. When a group of housekeepers band together to plot the heist of the century from the estate of a recently departed wealthy businessman who it seems left everything to his narcissistic spoiled daughter, well, they have had enough. Especially because as housekeepers they see all and know all and it’s not pretty. The housekeepers plan the con of cons, and chaos ensues!
The two lead scammers are Mrs. King who works as a housekeeper at The Mayfair a huge estate owned by the wealthy late Wilhelm de Vries in Park Lane London and Mrs. Bone, the owner of a pawnshop in town, but owner of much more. They have much in common, especially intelligence and a history of getting what they want.
An intricate conspiracy is put in place, and they must convince the cast of characters they have chosen to accept. They must convince the daughter, Miss de Vries to throw a costume ball. Difficult since her father has just died, but quite easy when you believe the world revolves around you. So hence it begins.
With the countdown of the days to the costume ball, they set up the scam with the help of Mrs. King’s sister Alice, Winnie, the two Janes, Sue and Hephzibah. All take incredible skills to the table which will be used to prepare for the night and work the steal before, during and after the Ball. And practice makes perfect!
The goal? Clean out the estate. Of everything. Leaving nothing. Of course, along the way they come to many crossroads but with determination they will not fail. They will stay strong not for themselves but for the justice that will be served for all the housekeepers who have had to pay with sweat, tears and sometimes their lives. These housekeepers will learn they are extremely strong and capable with more skills they ever thought they had which gives them the courage needed to get the job done.
The night of the Ball arrives and of course disaster after disaster occurs, but with this group of unwavering women, they will fight to the very end for what they are rightly due.
The Housekeepers is the female version of Robin Hood and his merry men (women) who only want to take from the rich and give what is rightly due to the poor. But don’t let this story fool you. Woven within the plot are secrets and lies and shocking twists which makes the story even more exciting.
Thank you #NetGalley #GraydonHouse #TheHousekeepers #AlexHay for the advanced copy.
The two lead scammers are Mrs. King who works as a housekeeper at The Mayfair a huge estate owned by the wealthy late Wilhelm de Vries in Park Lane London and Mrs. Bone, the owner of a pawnshop in town, but owner of much more. They have much in common, especially intelligence and a history of getting what they want.
An intricate conspiracy is put in place, and they must convince the cast of characters they have chosen to accept. They must convince the daughter, Miss de Vries to throw a costume ball. Difficult since her father has just died, but quite easy when you believe the world revolves around you. So hence it begins.
With the countdown of the days to the costume ball, they set up the scam with the help of Mrs. King’s sister Alice, Winnie, the two Janes, Sue and Hephzibah. All take incredible skills to the table which will be used to prepare for the night and work the steal before, during and after the Ball. And practice makes perfect!
The goal? Clean out the estate. Of everything. Leaving nothing. Of course, along the way they come to many crossroads but with determination they will not fail. They will stay strong not for themselves but for the justice that will be served for all the housekeepers who have had to pay with sweat, tears and sometimes their lives. These housekeepers will learn they are extremely strong and capable with more skills they ever thought they had which gives them the courage needed to get the job done.
The night of the Ball arrives and of course disaster after disaster occurs, but with this group of unwavering women, they will fight to the very end for what they are rightly due.
The Housekeepers is the female version of Robin Hood and his merry men (women) who only want to take from the rich and give what is rightly due to the poor. But don’t let this story fool you. Woven within the plot are secrets and lies and shocking twists which makes the story even more exciting.
Thank you #NetGalley #GraydonHouse #TheHousekeepers #AlexHay for the advanced copy.
December 28, 2023
Ocean’s Eight meets Downton Abbey! Well, maybe an Ocean’s Eight/Ocean’s Thirteen hybrid, since there are a couple of revenge elements involved.
After getting through the somewhat slow beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed this. In 1905 London, Mrs. King, a former housekeeper at the largest mansion on Park Lane, recruits a crew of women to pull off the theft of the entire contents of the house on the night an elaborate costume ball is to be held there. There’s the financier, the actress, the mole inserted into the household, the circus performers for the tricky bits, and Mrs. King’s right hand woman.
As with any good heist book or movie, we have only partial advance views of the plan, and Hay’s writing makes our experience of the actual execution a ton of fun. What gives it an extra dimension are the varying, and at times competing, motivations of the women.
I’ve read a criticism that there is an inappropriate 21st century sensibility in the book, but I think that’s slightly off point. It’s true that contemporary idioms pop up from time to time, but they didn’t really bother me. And at times there are words or concepts that seem out of place for a young woman with a minimal education, but that would be true regardless of whether the book was set in the early 20th or 21st century.
For me, the issues driving all of the main characters also ring true regardless of the era. Women’s feelings about the world, and men in particular, just don’t change that much.
After getting through the somewhat slow beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed this. In 1905 London, Mrs. King, a former housekeeper at the largest mansion on Park Lane, recruits a crew of women to pull off the theft of the entire contents of the house on the night an elaborate costume ball is to be held there. There’s the financier, the actress, the mole inserted into the household, the circus performers for the tricky bits, and Mrs. King’s right hand woman.
As with any good heist book or movie, we have only partial advance views of the plan, and Hay’s writing makes our experience of the actual execution a ton of fun. What gives it an extra dimension are the varying, and at times competing, motivations of the women.
I’ve read a criticism that there is an inappropriate 21st century sensibility in the book, but I think that’s slightly off point. It’s true that contemporary idioms pop up from time to time, but they didn’t really bother me. And at times there are words or concepts that seem out of place for a young woman with a minimal education, but that would be true regardless of whether the book was set in the early 20th or 21st century.
For me, the issues driving all of the main characters also ring true regardless of the era. Women’s feelings about the world, and men in particular, just don’t change that much.
January 16, 2024
I enjoyed this heist novel set in 1905. It just took quite awhile to get going.
I will definitely look for new books by this author.
I will definitely look for new books by this author.
April 20, 2023
Interesting story, well written and good characters. The storyline kept a good pace throughout. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC
May 26, 2023
A perfect book for Bookclub discussions!
A derailing story of relationships and secrets between the housekeepers and the house owners. When a particular "X" event comes to light, Mrs King decides it's time for revenge. With the upcoming ball, everyone is on their toes. Only a few of them are busy instead of planning a heist!
The book does a great job of building up the Suspense. For the most part of the book, that kept me wondering, why are they doing this? The reason is the key info to piece together the mystery. I would have enjoyed it more if the latter of the book was also equally scrupulous. However, I felt it was a bit easygoing, making things just happen. Yet I did have a good time reading this one and did find the book a good one-time read. Also, I do feel this would do good as a book club read as it has a lot of perspectives to be discussed and questioned.
Genre: #womensfiction #historicalfiction
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️
#TheHousekeepers #NetGalley
A derailing story of relationships and secrets between the housekeepers and the house owners. When a particular "X" event comes to light, Mrs King decides it's time for revenge. With the upcoming ball, everyone is on their toes. Only a few of them are busy instead of planning a heist!
The book does a great job of building up the Suspense. For the most part of the book, that kept me wondering, why are they doing this? The reason is the key info to piece together the mystery. I would have enjoyed it more if the latter of the book was also equally scrupulous. However, I felt it was a bit easygoing, making things just happen. Yet I did have a good time reading this one and did find the book a good one-time read. Also, I do feel this would do good as a book club read as it has a lot of perspectives to be discussed and questioned.
Genre: #womensfiction #historicalfiction
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️
#TheHousekeepers #NetGalley
August 6, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
Alex Hay’s debut novel The Housekeepers won the 2022 Caledonia Novel Award. This upstairs versus downstairs tale is filled with issues of power, inequality, class tensions and personal revenge. A historical romp with plenty of fanciful events, readers of good old fashioned mystery novels will appreciate The Housekeepers.
Just as plans are put in place to host the ball of the season, the respected housekeeper of a sumptuous abode in Mayfair is suddenly fired after years of loyal service. Understandably disgruntled with the move, Mrs King enacts a plan of revenge to send a clear message to her previous employers. As Mrs King assembles a small army of worthy accomplices, the scene is set for plenty of trouble, along with secrets to expose. Will Mrs King’s daring plan work and more importantly, will her employers get wind of this act of sabotage?
With a number of famous writers in the book world such as Sarah Penner and Erin Kelly lining up to support Alex Hay’s debut, I was definitely all over this new historical fiction release. An opportunity came my way to take part in a social media campaign hosted by Tandem Global Collective to read this one so I put up my hand. I really did warm to the creative and intriguing set-up of The Housekeepers.
The Edwardian era and London at the turn of the twentieth century is perhaps one of my favourite pockets of time to read about. The Housekeepers is set in 1905, which is defined by strict Edwardian rules and customs. Alex Hay studied history at the University of York before his writing career, which has given this debut author the groundwork needed to pen his first historical mystery novel. The Housekeepers is presented with plenty of authentic period detail. The people, events, places and behaviours appear to be reflective of this bygone era. What becomes abundantly clear is the tension between the wealthy and those who serve them. Power, privilege, access, inequality, class and wealth is at the heart The Housekeepers. These key themes really set the scene and tension level in the book. It also provides fertile ground for the heist plan to take shape.
Hay’s cast is quite full bodied. It is easy to root for the party members who are involved in the undercover takeover heist. The heist sections of The Housekeepers moves along at a decent pace, involving the reader in the plan of attack. It does seem quite serious stuff, but there are glimmers of humour and frivolity along the way. I sped through this one over three days in fits and starts. I think that’s where I lost my way. I would have much preferred to have read The Housekeepers in one big gulp. The final act of the heist seemed a bit confusing and I didn’t have a good handle on all the motives. However, that is my own personal failing and I’m not sure if it can be attributed to the book itself.
The Housekeepers attacks the class system, the chains of domestic service, wealth distribution, social status and inequality during Edwardian times in the format of a heist caper. Alex Hay’s debut was an entertaining historical rollick.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
AD-PR PRODUCT
3.5 stars
Alex Hay’s debut novel The Housekeepers won the 2022 Caledonia Novel Award. This upstairs versus downstairs tale is filled with issues of power, inequality, class tensions and personal revenge. A historical romp with plenty of fanciful events, readers of good old fashioned mystery novels will appreciate The Housekeepers.
Just as plans are put in place to host the ball of the season, the respected housekeeper of a sumptuous abode in Mayfair is suddenly fired after years of loyal service. Understandably disgruntled with the move, Mrs King enacts a plan of revenge to send a clear message to her previous employers. As Mrs King assembles a small army of worthy accomplices, the scene is set for plenty of trouble, along with secrets to expose. Will Mrs King’s daring plan work and more importantly, will her employers get wind of this act of sabotage?
With a number of famous writers in the book world such as Sarah Penner and Erin Kelly lining up to support Alex Hay’s debut, I was definitely all over this new historical fiction release. An opportunity came my way to take part in a social media campaign hosted by Tandem Global Collective to read this one so I put up my hand. I really did warm to the creative and intriguing set-up of The Housekeepers.
The Edwardian era and London at the turn of the twentieth century is perhaps one of my favourite pockets of time to read about. The Housekeepers is set in 1905, which is defined by strict Edwardian rules and customs. Alex Hay studied history at the University of York before his writing career, which has given this debut author the groundwork needed to pen his first historical mystery novel. The Housekeepers is presented with plenty of authentic period detail. The people, events, places and behaviours appear to be reflective of this bygone era. What becomes abundantly clear is the tension between the wealthy and those who serve them. Power, privilege, access, inequality, class and wealth is at the heart The Housekeepers. These key themes really set the scene and tension level in the book. It also provides fertile ground for the heist plan to take shape.
Hay’s cast is quite full bodied. It is easy to root for the party members who are involved in the undercover takeover heist. The heist sections of The Housekeepers moves along at a decent pace, involving the reader in the plan of attack. It does seem quite serious stuff, but there are glimmers of humour and frivolity along the way. I sped through this one over three days in fits and starts. I think that’s where I lost my way. I would have much preferred to have read The Housekeepers in one big gulp. The final act of the heist seemed a bit confusing and I didn’t have a good handle on all the motives. However, that is my own personal failing and I’m not sure if it can be attributed to the book itself.
The Housekeepers attacks the class system, the chains of domestic service, wealth distribution, social status and inequality during Edwardian times in the format of a heist caper. Alex Hay’s debut was an entertaining historical rollick.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
AD-PR PRODUCT
May 24, 2023
A lush and exhilarating heist novel that deftly explores the splendour, decadence and corruption of upper class living in Edwardian London — through the eyes of the women who know it best.
When Mrs King, the respected housekeeper in one of the grandest homes in Mayfair, is suddenly dismissed from her post, she decides to take action— by stripping the place bare.
Returning to her criminal roots and the world of con artists and thrives that raised her, Mrs King recruits an eclectic group of women, each seeking their own form of revenge.
From black market Queens and trapeze trained housemaids to actresses and seamtresses looking for a big break—Mayfair society will soon learn to never to underestimate the women downstairs…
I absolutely loved this! I devoured it at breakneck speed and was soo thoroughly ensnared I didn’t want it to end. The ensemble cast of characters were all well written and fabulously multilayered, breathing life and purpose into each of their nuanced (and intricately intertwined) backstories.
It is a multi POV story which alternates between the POVs of each co-conspirator: Mrs. King, Mrs. Bone, Winnie, Alice and the Janes, with each chapter cleverly serving as a countdown to the heist and each woman’s thoughts and feelings leading up to it.
The complexity involved, from the drip-fed snippets which allow us to slowly piece together the motivations behind each woman, to the anticipatory sense of urgency that creeps into every aspect of their plans—made for such an engrossing and thoroughly immersive experience. And the shocking twists and big reveals were AMAZING!
Naturally, given the focus on characters from lower socioeconomic backgrounds; wealth, class privilege and corruption play a huge role in plot and really amp up the girl gang/ female empowerment vibes (which I absolutely loved.) It does however touch upon aspects of life in domestic servitude that weren’t so great for everyone, so I do suggest checking any TWs beforehand.
That being said, Alex Hay does a spectacular job of navigating sensitive issues and topics in his engaging prose without veering into an exploitative territory.
I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything so I’ll leave things here, however I do think this needs to be adapted into a movie or TV show ASAP. I mean ,women getting back at the rich and powerful people who’ve wronged them—I’d totally watch that!
So, If you loved the scheming, no holds barred grittiness of Peaky Blinders or enjoyed Downton Abbey-not for the Crawley family’s escapades, but for the compelling glimpses into the lives of their servants—then you’re definitely gonna enjoy this ambitiously pacey and delightfully audacious debut.
Also, a huge thank you to Caitlin Raynor and Headline books for the proof.
When Mrs King, the respected housekeeper in one of the grandest homes in Mayfair, is suddenly dismissed from her post, she decides to take action— by stripping the place bare.
Returning to her criminal roots and the world of con artists and thrives that raised her, Mrs King recruits an eclectic group of women, each seeking their own form of revenge.
From black market Queens and trapeze trained housemaids to actresses and seamtresses looking for a big break—Mayfair society will soon learn to never to underestimate the women downstairs…
I absolutely loved this! I devoured it at breakneck speed and was soo thoroughly ensnared I didn’t want it to end. The ensemble cast of characters were all well written and fabulously multilayered, breathing life and purpose into each of their nuanced (and intricately intertwined) backstories.
It is a multi POV story which alternates between the POVs of each co-conspirator: Mrs. King, Mrs. Bone, Winnie, Alice and the Janes, with each chapter cleverly serving as a countdown to the heist and each woman’s thoughts and feelings leading up to it.
The complexity involved, from the drip-fed snippets which allow us to slowly piece together the motivations behind each woman, to the anticipatory sense of urgency that creeps into every aspect of their plans—made for such an engrossing and thoroughly immersive experience. And the shocking twists and big reveals were AMAZING!
Naturally, given the focus on characters from lower socioeconomic backgrounds; wealth, class privilege and corruption play a huge role in plot and really amp up the girl gang/ female empowerment vibes (which I absolutely loved.) It does however touch upon aspects of life in domestic servitude that weren’t so great for everyone, so I do suggest checking any TWs beforehand.
That being said, Alex Hay does a spectacular job of navigating sensitive issues and topics in his engaging prose without veering into an exploitative territory.
I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything so I’ll leave things here, however I do think this needs to be adapted into a movie or TV show ASAP. I mean ,women getting back at the rich and powerful people who’ve wronged them—I’d totally watch that!
So, If you loved the scheming, no holds barred grittiness of Peaky Blinders or enjoyed Downton Abbey-not for the Crawley family’s escapades, but for the compelling glimpses into the lives of their servants—then you’re definitely gonna enjoy this ambitiously pacey and delightfully audacious debut.
Also, a huge thank you to Caitlin Raynor and Headline books for the proof.
June 8, 2023
Mrs King is fired from her housekeeping job that she's held for 20 years and decides to plan a heist to strip the house of its treasures on the night of a ball, in order to enact her revenge.
For a book where the whole concept is the heist, it really doesn't cover much to do with it. I had such a hard time picturing how they would carry out the heist even when those parts were mentioned. Everything happened way too slowly for me with the actual heist not beginning until the 57% mark, which made me want things to be sped up. I was worried for the ending as there was still so much to tie up and evidently, it suffered as a consequence as it felt rushed and I wasn't satisfied with the conclusion.
There were a lot of subplots mentioned in this book, a lot that did not make any sense to the main plot line of the heist and I think this book fell victim to wanting to include too much. It would have worked better if there were less subplots because it was giving very much let's include this subplot then later on, oh never mind, let's backtrack on that and shut down that subplot in a way that makes you question what was the point in including it in the first place? There were some plot twists that worked well where I was shocked but others that fell flat.
I felt bored reading this because the heist and the action weren't at the forefront in this story. It took more of a back seat and for all the drama that was in this book, I just didn't care for any of it as I didn't feel like I knew the characters at all to care about any of them. I feel like they were all forgettable. I was confused for the entirety of this book as it took me a while to realise who was talking in each single POV chapter, then it switched to each chapter having multiple POVs which completely lost me. The transitions between these POVs were not as clear as they could have been. I also had problems with the timelines as they would jump quite a lot and I couldn't keep up with them.
⚠️ CWs: mental illness, violence, classism, alcohol use, sexual assault; mentions death, guns ⚠️
* Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Review for the opportunity to read this book! *
For a book where the whole concept is the heist, it really doesn't cover much to do with it. I had such a hard time picturing how they would carry out the heist even when those parts were mentioned. Everything happened way too slowly for me with the actual heist not beginning until the 57% mark, which made me want things to be sped up. I was worried for the ending as there was still so much to tie up and evidently, it suffered as a consequence as it felt rushed and I wasn't satisfied with the conclusion.
There were a lot of subplots mentioned in this book, a lot that did not make any sense to the main plot line of the heist and I think this book fell victim to wanting to include too much. It would have worked better if there were less subplots because it was giving very much let's include this subplot then later on, oh never mind, let's backtrack on that and shut down that subplot in a way that makes you question what was the point in including it in the first place? There were some plot twists that worked well where I was shocked but others that fell flat.
I felt bored reading this because the heist and the action weren't at the forefront in this story. It took more of a back seat and for all the drama that was in this book, I just didn't care for any of it as I didn't feel like I knew the characters at all to care about any of them. I feel like they were all forgettable. I was confused for the entirety of this book as it took me a while to realise who was talking in each single POV chapter, then it switched to each chapter having multiple POVs which completely lost me. The transitions between these POVs were not as clear as they could have been. I also had problems with the timelines as they would jump quite a lot and I couldn't keep up with them.
⚠️ CWs: mental illness, violence, classism, alcohol use, sexual assault; mentions death, guns ⚠️
* Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Review for the opportunity to read this book! *
December 27, 2025
Trama/Plot ⭐⭐⭐
Personaggi/Characters ⭐⭐
Stile/Style ⭐
Valutazione bassa, sotto la media. Letta la trama, avevo sperato di avere un bel libro intricato tra le mani, non dico un capolavoro ma mi aspettavo qualcosa che mi stupisse un po' alla Ocean's eleven, purtroppo mi sono trovata con un romanzo il cui intreccio è farraginoso e scritto maluccio, le sequenze degli avvenimenti sono confuse e non ben descritte ed i personaggi sono talmente privi di carattere da risultare piatti e inespressivi, quasi indistinguibili tra loro. Salvo solo la copertina, che trovo affascinante.
***
A low rating, below average. After reading the plot, I had hoped to have a nice intricate book in my hands, I won't say a masterpiece but I expected something that would surprise me a bit like Ocean's Eleven: unfortunately I found myself with a novel whose plot is cumbersome and poorly written, the sequences of events are confused and not well described and the personages are so lacking in character that they are flat and inexpressive, almost indistinguishable from each other. I only save the cover, which I find fascinating.
Personaggi/Characters ⭐⭐
Stile/Style ⭐
Valutazione bassa, sotto la media. Letta la trama, avevo sperato di avere un bel libro intricato tra le mani, non dico un capolavoro ma mi aspettavo qualcosa che mi stupisse un po' alla Ocean's eleven, purtroppo mi sono trovata con un romanzo il cui intreccio è farraginoso e scritto maluccio, le sequenze degli avvenimenti sono confuse e non ben descritte ed i personaggi sono talmente privi di carattere da risultare piatti e inespressivi, quasi indistinguibili tra loro. Salvo solo la copertina, che trovo affascinante.
***
A low rating, below average. After reading the plot, I had hoped to have a nice intricate book in my hands, I won't say a masterpiece but I expected something that would surprise me a bit like Ocean's Eleven: unfortunately I found myself with a novel whose plot is cumbersome and poorly written, the sequences of events are confused and not well described and the personages are so lacking in character that they are flat and inexpressive, almost indistinguishable from each other. I only save the cover, which I find fascinating.
May 9, 2024
★★ 1/2
Who doesn't love a good heist story? In this one, which takes place in Edwardian England, the "crew" are all women looking to get some revenge on a privileged household led by a nasty and unpleasant man.
The premise is fantastic and hooked me immediately when I saw this book recommended by one of my local librarians. The author is Canadian and I am intentional about reading from as many Canadian authors as possible so this one seemed like it would be a winner.
And it wasn't horrible. I know, not the most resounding recommendation. The premise is wonderful but the execution did not quite hit the mark. We got a glimpse into the backstories of too many characters. I think it would have worked better if we got more in-depth with our main cast of thieves. The statement the author makes on how women were treated in 1905 England is a strong one but it isn't fleshed out as much as I would have liked.
There is simply a lot going on in the story and it left me feeling like I got a little taste of everything rather than a generous helping of the best course.
This was the first book by this author and even though I didn't love this one, I will pick up his second as there is definitely promise in his story telling.
Who doesn't love a good heist story? In this one, which takes place in Edwardian England, the "crew" are all women looking to get some revenge on a privileged household led by a nasty and unpleasant man.
The premise is fantastic and hooked me immediately when I saw this book recommended by one of my local librarians. The author is Canadian and I am intentional about reading from as many Canadian authors as possible so this one seemed like it would be a winner.
And it wasn't horrible. I know, not the most resounding recommendation. The premise is wonderful but the execution did not quite hit the mark. We got a glimpse into the backstories of too many characters. I think it would have worked better if we got more in-depth with our main cast of thieves. The statement the author makes on how women were treated in 1905 England is a strong one but it isn't fleshed out as much as I would have liked.
There is simply a lot going on in the story and it left me feeling like I got a little taste of everything rather than a generous helping of the best course.
This was the first book by this author and even though I didn't love this one, I will pick up his second as there is definitely promise in his story telling.
February 23, 2023
sad about this one because I loved the premise but I just didn’t gel with the writing style and couldn’t connect with the characters. I do think it’ll really work for some people but wasn’t a hit for me I’m afraid!
October 7, 2023
Never underestimate the wiles of a group of women who pull off an unbelievable heist. A fun historical mystery with elements of Oliver Twist. The reader of the audiobook truly brought the story to life.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
June 17, 2023
I enjoyed this heist novel set in 1905 and undertaken by a disparate group of ladies. It had good pace although I found it hard to connect with the characters. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
July 30, 2023
when your personality is heist and your profession is justice for women. really it is giving 1905 ocean’s 8
November 3, 2024
Four generous stars for a book written by someone with a great deal of talent writing their debut novel.
Genuinely, there is some lovely historical writing in here, not overwrought and over-delighted with itself, but just competently evoking a time and place with a few well-chosen words, some finely crafted descriptions. Not for Hay to take you on fifty page journeys across 1905 London for no other reason but to show you he has researched it. No, he places you right in the middle of it, with confidence that you'll see what he's seeing. Nicely done.
I also think the idea for this book is really good. The opening sentence, when I looked at it in the bookshop, really drew me in. It was just an original, bold idea and Hay really committed to it.
Would I read another novel by this author? Yes. I hope he only grows stronger and more confident in his powers.
***Spoilers below this line***
There were two big issues with this story, which I feel could have been fixed with some stronger editorial guidance.
1. The Twist
This is a rookie mistake, I feel, but again, this is a published novel and someone should have let Hay in on the secret: don't hide the motivations. Don't ever hide the motivations of the main character. Just don't. It just rarely, if ever, works. If you want to give us a twist in the form of the main characters real motivations, that's fine, but you have to give us some other motivations in the meantime. Why?
Well, first of all, motivations are important for the reader to feel invested in the events you're so carefully building. If there's absolutely nothing, no reason for the character to commit themselves to the daring endeavour you just read the story with a
And secondly, twists--good twists, that is--only work when you don't know they're coming. And if you don't tell me the main character's motivation, but you hint there is one, then I know it's coming and, having a few brain cells still somewhat engaged, I'll guess it. And the twist comes and you're like
The original "I am your father" twist, remember, was only so devastatingly powerful because we didn't know that Luke's father's identity was a central mistery to the story. We didn't know this was going to be revealed. Because we didn't know it was a secret. The reason this same trick didn't work in those lame Star Wars sequels, is because they set it up as a mystery from the very beginning, getting the whole world to speculate, until every single possibility has been exhausted and it leaves the author absolutely nowhere to go to actually surprise or, more importantly, delight you.
2. The Wrong Main Character
Again, a completely rookie mistake. You know how there is the "kill your darlings" rule in writing? Well, there should be another one. I call it the "abandon your friend" rule. So you've written a story, and you have a main character you like, for some reason, but by the end they seem kind of meh? And meanwhile there is a side character who seems to be doing a lot of the heavy lifting, has real complexity, experiences real growth as a person, the stakes are enormous for them? Maybe they're not cool like your main character? Maybe they're not as photogenic? Think again, oh my dear rookie. Think again. Mrs King is a bland creature, not made any better by not having her motivations made clear until very late in the game. She's cool and calculating, but that, again, is hardly endearing or engaging. You know who I did find myself caring about? Mrs Bone. Yeah, the one who has been around a few blocks, who is bitter and resentful and down on her luck, and who used to be a respected crime queen but has lost a lot of her power. The stakes for her are huge. She's driven by pure hatred and resentment. But as the story unfolds she discovers the core of her, and her hatred is re-directed to the protection of young women. With a few tweaks, she'd have genuinely pumped some life and heart into this story and elevated it immeasurably.
***End of spoilers***
Anyway, I could nitpick but this isn't the point of this review. I just wanted to share my impressions. I genuinely think Hay is a talented writer, and I want to read more of his work, especially if it is historical, because he did a genuinely lovely job. Also, shout out to a guy writing a novel about women where I didn't want to slap him at any point. The cast are mainly women, and they're all different and diverse and interesting. No mention of a woman's breasts. Like not once! No awkward men writing women stuff at all!
Genuinely, there is some lovely historical writing in here, not overwrought and over-delighted with itself, but just competently evoking a time and place with a few well-chosen words, some finely crafted descriptions. Not for Hay to take you on fifty page journeys across 1905 London for no other reason but to show you he has researched it. No, he places you right in the middle of it, with confidence that you'll see what he's seeing. Nicely done.
I also think the idea for this book is really good. The opening sentence, when I looked at it in the bookshop, really drew me in. It was just an original, bold idea and Hay really committed to it.
Would I read another novel by this author? Yes. I hope he only grows stronger and more confident in his powers.
***Spoilers below this line***
There were two big issues with this story, which I feel could have been fixed with some stronger editorial guidance.
1. The Twist
This is a rookie mistake, I feel, but again, this is a published novel and someone should have let Hay in on the secret: don't hide the motivations. Don't ever hide the motivations of the main character. Just don't. It just rarely, if ever, works. If you want to give us a twist in the form of the main characters real motivations, that's fine, but you have to give us some other motivations in the meantime. Why?
Well, first of all, motivations are important for the reader to feel invested in the events you're so carefully building. If there's absolutely nothing, no reason for the character to commit themselves to the daring endeavour you just read the story with a
And secondly, twists--good twists, that is--only work when you don't know they're coming. And if you don't tell me the main character's motivation, but you hint there is one, then I know it's coming and, having a few brain cells still somewhat engaged, I'll guess it. And the twist comes and you're like
The original "I am your father" twist, remember, was only so devastatingly powerful because we didn't know that Luke's father's identity was a central mistery to the story. We didn't know this was going to be revealed. Because we didn't know it was a secret. The reason this same trick didn't work in those lame Star Wars sequels, is because they set it up as a mystery from the very beginning, getting the whole world to speculate, until every single possibility has been exhausted and it leaves the author absolutely nowhere to go to actually surprise or, more importantly, delight you.
2. The Wrong Main Character
Again, a completely rookie mistake. You know how there is the "kill your darlings" rule in writing? Well, there should be another one. I call it the "abandon your friend" rule. So you've written a story, and you have a main character you like, for some reason, but by the end they seem kind of meh? And meanwhile there is a side character who seems to be doing a lot of the heavy lifting, has real complexity, experiences real growth as a person, the stakes are enormous for them? Maybe they're not cool like your main character? Maybe they're not as photogenic? Think again, oh my dear rookie. Think again. Mrs King is a bland creature, not made any better by not having her motivations made clear until very late in the game. She's cool and calculating, but that, again, is hardly endearing or engaging. You know who I did find myself caring about? Mrs Bone. Yeah, the one who has been around a few blocks, who is bitter and resentful and down on her luck, and who used to be a respected crime queen but has lost a lot of her power. The stakes for her are huge. She's driven by pure hatred and resentment. But as the story unfolds she discovers the core of her, and her hatred is re-directed to the protection of young women. With a few tweaks, she'd have genuinely pumped some life and heart into this story and elevated it immeasurably.
***End of spoilers***
Anyway, I could nitpick but this isn't the point of this review. I just wanted to share my impressions. I genuinely think Hay is a talented writer, and I want to read more of his work, especially if it is historical, because he did a genuinely lovely job. Also, shout out to a guy writing a novel about women where I didn't want to slap him at any point. The cast are mainly women, and they're all different and diverse and interesting. No mention of a woman's breasts. Like not once! No awkward men writing women stuff at all!
July 12, 2023
This book was right up my dark and devious alley. I have always been one to champion the underdog and while Mrs King may seem to be exactly that, she is not to be underestimated. Her plot bands together a fantastic group of women that made my feminist little heart want to own a petticoat containing a secret plan too.
It starts off slowly, introducing the characters and you become privy to their lifestyles and how they came to be there. Upstairs and downstairs really not being that different when you have the knowledge of Wilhelm de Vries previous identity being Danny O’Flynn.
But it was the intrepid plan to remove every single item from the grand house, all while a costumed ball is underway that really intrigued me. Leave your disbelief in the servants quarters and just enjoy the dancing.
Set in a time of new money, inventions and women being told how to behave this high society heist novel has opulence, wrongs being made right, a sublime cast of characters and a story that is worthy of any silver screen. Unbelievable that this is a debut and I hope that we see some of these women in future books.
It starts off slowly, introducing the characters and you become privy to their lifestyles and how they came to be there. Upstairs and downstairs really not being that different when you have the knowledge of Wilhelm de Vries previous identity being Danny O’Flynn.
But it was the intrepid plan to remove every single item from the grand house, all while a costumed ball is underway that really intrigued me. Leave your disbelief in the servants quarters and just enjoy the dancing.
Set in a time of new money, inventions and women being told how to behave this high society heist novel has opulence, wrongs being made right, a sublime cast of characters and a story that is worthy of any silver screen. Unbelievable that this is a debut and I hope that we see some of these women in future books.
August 16, 2023
This much-hyped debut historical mystery/thriller was a tad disappointing for me unfortunately.
After being marketed as a cross between Downton Abbey and Ocean's Eleven, in which the servants pull off a heist and thwart their employers. I really wanted to root for the main character and while parts of this were fun and enjoyable for the most part it felt longer than it needed to be and I contemplated DNF'ing at multiple points.
It definitely won't be a memorable one for me but I will keep an eye out for what the author writes next. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I did listen to this one and perhaps if I had read a physical copy I would have gotten into the story more.
After being marketed as a cross between Downton Abbey and Ocean's Eleven, in which the servants pull off a heist and thwart their employers. I really wanted to root for the main character and while parts of this were fun and enjoyable for the most part it felt longer than it needed to be and I contemplated DNF'ing at multiple points.
It definitely won't be a memorable one for me but I will keep an eye out for what the author writes next. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I did listen to this one and perhaps if I had read a physical copy I would have gotten into the story more.
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