What do you think?
Rate this book
Make Me Clean
Maria is a good woman and a good cleaner.
She cleans for Elsie, the funny old bird who's losing her marbles, with the terrible husband. She cleans for Brian, the sweet man with the terrible boss. She cleans for the mysterious Mr Balogan, with the terrible neighbours.
If you're thinking of hiring her, you should probably know that Maria might have killed the terrible husband, the terrible boss and the terrible neighbours. She may also have murdered the man she loved. She didn't set out to kill anyone, of course, but her clients have hired her to clean up their lives, and she takes her job seriously - not to mention how much happier they all are now.
The trouble is, murder can't be washed out. You can only sweep it under the carpet, and pray no one looks too closely...
She cleans for Elsie, the funny old bird who's losing her marbles, with the terrible husband. She cleans for Brian, the sweet man with the terrible boss. She cleans for the mysterious Mr Balogan, with the terrible neighbours.
If you're thinking of hiring her, you should probably know that Maria might have killed the terrible husband, the terrible boss and the terrible neighbours. She may also have murdered the man she loved. She didn't set out to kill anyone, of course, but her clients have hired her to clean up their lives, and she takes her job seriously - not to mention how much happier they all are now.
The trouble is, murder can't be washed out. You can only sweep it under the carpet, and pray no one looks too closely...
Audible Audio
First published February 16, 2023
32 people are currently reading
1382 people want to read
About the author
Tina Baker
5 books122 followersTina Baker, the daughter of a window cleaner and fairground traveller, worked as a journalist and broadcaster for thirty years and is probably best known as a television critic for the BBC and GMTV. After so many hours watching soaps gave her a widescreen bum, she got off it and won Celebrity Fit Club. She now avoids writing-induced DVT by working as a Fitness Instructor.
Call Me Mummy is Tina's first novel, inspired by her own unsuccessful attempts to become a mother. Despite the grief of that, she's not stolen a child - so far. But she does rescue cats, whether they want to be rescued or not.
Call Me Mummy is Tina's first novel, inspired by her own unsuccessful attempts to become a mother. Despite the grief of that, she's not stolen a child - so far. But she does rescue cats, whether they want to be rescued or not.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
November 4, 2022
4-5 stars
Karma is a cleaner.
Maria is an excellent cleaner, she’ll leave your surfaces gleaming and carpets pristine. She cleans for elderly Elsie, sadly losing the battle against dementia. Elsie has an awful husband and a world-weary nephew with his eyes on the prize of Elsie’s house. She cleans for Brian near Crouch End who offers her dubious tea concoctions as he tries to find the wherewithal to tackle his bully of a boss. Then there’s mysterious nightclub owner Balogan whose luxury flat in Southbank with its wonderful views of the London skyline is blighted by dreadful neighbours. Maria works incredibly hard, she’s long suffering and financially strapped. However, one way or another Maria is a survivor, she’s world-weary that’s for sure and underneath the somewhat silent exterior she’s stewing pot of fury.
This one grabs me from the startling start to the very satisfying finish. It’s darkly funny and very easy to read as it’s refreshingly different and I glide through it. At one point there’s quite a shock (okay, there are quite a few shocks!) often followed by a sprinkling of glee (sorry!) then a chuckle or three.
It’s very well written with excellent dialogue especially when Elsie is around and who couldn’t love her and her cats. Whilst Maria‘s tension is absolutely palpable, she’s a bag of nerves a lot of the time and brim full of fear which she tries to scrub from her mind but with limited success. You can’t help liking her as life really has chucked a lot of lemons at her, in fact more like a whole tree load of sour tasting unpleasantness. She is extremely kind and loving to Elsie which in my book makes her a good person.
Overall, this is a cracking read. It’s a really good combination of the dark, there’s violence but also a lot of humour. Maria will not be easy to forget.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Serpents Tail/Viper/Profile Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Karma is a cleaner.
Maria is an excellent cleaner, she’ll leave your surfaces gleaming and carpets pristine. She cleans for elderly Elsie, sadly losing the battle against dementia. Elsie has an awful husband and a world-weary nephew with his eyes on the prize of Elsie’s house. She cleans for Brian near Crouch End who offers her dubious tea concoctions as he tries to find the wherewithal to tackle his bully of a boss. Then there’s mysterious nightclub owner Balogan whose luxury flat in Southbank with its wonderful views of the London skyline is blighted by dreadful neighbours. Maria works incredibly hard, she’s long suffering and financially strapped. However, one way or another Maria is a survivor, she’s world-weary that’s for sure and underneath the somewhat silent exterior she’s stewing pot of fury.
This one grabs me from the startling start to the very satisfying finish. It’s darkly funny and very easy to read as it’s refreshingly different and I glide through it. At one point there’s quite a shock (okay, there are quite a few shocks!) often followed by a sprinkling of glee (sorry!) then a chuckle or three.
It’s very well written with excellent dialogue especially when Elsie is around and who couldn’t love her and her cats. Whilst Maria‘s tension is absolutely palpable, she’s a bag of nerves a lot of the time and brim full of fear which she tries to scrub from her mind but with limited success. You can’t help liking her as life really has chucked a lot of lemons at her, in fact more like a whole tree load of sour tasting unpleasantness. She is extremely kind and loving to Elsie which in my book makes her a good person.
Overall, this is a cracking read. It’s a really good combination of the dark, there’s violence but also a lot of humour. Maria will not be easy to forget.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Serpents Tail/Viper/Profile Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
August 7, 2023
Maria is a cleaner to her clients trying to make ends meet, she is very good at her job or maybe … too good, she is a carer for Elsie an elderly lady who has dementia she looks after the cat 🐱 Minty who Elsie treats as a part of her family aren’t all animals treated like that Well that’s not all Maria does she helps her clients by getting rid of bad husbands , boyfriends etc.
This got me in from the beginning but slowed down to where nothing was going on, I thought this would be darker than it was a bit funny at times which got me through it I won’t say any more I went in blind not knowing anything t just was an okay ✅ read 3.5 ⭐️
This got me in from the beginning but slowed down to where nothing was going on, I thought this would be darker than it was a bit funny at times which got me through it I won’t say any more I went in blind not knowing anything t just was an okay ✅ read 3.5 ⭐️
July 17, 2023
Is Cleanliness Next to Godliness?
Probably not in this book.
Main character Maria is invested in the welfare of her clients. Her own life is rather bleak and so she takes pride in her profession. In addition to her dedication to making things clean, she offers a sympathetic ear to her patrons. She cares.
However, she may have gone too far and murdered someone antagonistic to her clients. Or maybe more than one person.
A feeling of quiet despair regarding Maria’s everyday existence was created that had me anxious for her. It made me think of a dialed back Les Miserables and as much as I liked this book, I had to read another more uplifting story afterward.
I thought the writing was superlative. The story was told in a sometimes oblique manner where I was wondering “Did she or didn’t she? Or will she?”
Another book brought to the forefront by a friend review. I don’t know how Ceecee is able to root out so many unique stories but I appreciate it!
I purchased this as the last of three books before the closing of the Book Depository a few weeks ago. I’m already missing them.
Probably not in this book.
Main character Maria is invested in the welfare of her clients. Her own life is rather bleak and so she takes pride in her profession. In addition to her dedication to making things clean, she offers a sympathetic ear to her patrons. She cares.
However, she may have gone too far and murdered someone antagonistic to her clients. Or maybe more than one person.
A feeling of quiet despair regarding Maria’s everyday existence was created that had me anxious for her. It made me think of a dialed back Les Miserables and as much as I liked this book, I had to read another more uplifting story afterward.
I thought the writing was superlative. The story was told in a sometimes oblique manner where I was wondering “Did she or didn’t she? Or will she?”
Another book brought to the forefront by a friend review. I don’t know how Ceecee is able to root out so many unique stories but I appreciate it!
I purchased this as the last of three books before the closing of the Book Depository a few weeks ago. I’m already missing them.
February 16, 2023
“Is she a woman who cares deeply for a vulnerable old woman? Someone reliable, a hard worker? A good friend who’d do anything for someone? A good person? Or is she selfish and untrustworthy? A cold-hearted murderer?”
Make Me Clean is the third novel by British journalist, broadcaster and author, Tina Baker. Meet Maria: an efficient, hard-working cleaner whose remit has just extended to removing nasty, intimidating men. Having checked that her elderly, sometimes-dementia-affected client is safe, she’s burying the woman’s estranged husband in the backyard, under the roses.
Determined to escape her dark past, Maria moved to London, where she has worked as a cleaner for ten years. The work requires interaction with a wide spectrum of people: some are snobbish, demanding, and critical, but some are appreciative and friendly, and a few that she regards as family, lacking her own.
Maria keeps a low profile; working hard barely makes ends meet. Yet she finds herself in a carer role for seventy-six-year-old Elsie, and being a supportive friend to Brian when his homophobic, bullying boss makes life difficult at work. And during one of her night cleans for enigmatic night-club owner, Balogan, she encounters a young woman who seems to be under the control of his noisy, violent next-door neighbour.
She worries about each of them: Elsie’s greedy nephew who wants to sell her house, get rid of her cats, and put her away; the way Brian’s boss erodes his self-confidence; and whether young Cass is in danger from that man. Her current anxieties, the recent flashes of violence, dredge up worse memories from a different time, that dark past that she’s tucked away in a corner of her brain, the other person she’s killed. And those for whose death she somehow feels responsible. She seems to attract violence: is she cursed, or is she the curse?
“Perhaps there’s a sense of how she might make things a little nicer in the world, one flat at a time. To clean away filth and restore some portion of order. Retribution and reparation in microscopic increments. Atonement.”
Baker gives the reader a gutsy protagonist whose intentions are essentially good even if, by the end of the story, she’s amassed quite a body count: one of those, admittedly, is a bit of an oops, but still. But in amongst all the blood and bleach, there’s also quite a bit of humour, courtesy Elsie and Brian, and some of the plot turns are darkly funny. As the daughter of a window cleaner and fairground traveller, Baker’s personal experience clearly informs the story and gives it oodles of authenticity. Original and very entertaining.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Serpent’s Tail/Viper
Make Me Clean is the third novel by British journalist, broadcaster and author, Tina Baker. Meet Maria: an efficient, hard-working cleaner whose remit has just extended to removing nasty, intimidating men. Having checked that her elderly, sometimes-dementia-affected client is safe, she’s burying the woman’s estranged husband in the backyard, under the roses.
Determined to escape her dark past, Maria moved to London, where she has worked as a cleaner for ten years. The work requires interaction with a wide spectrum of people: some are snobbish, demanding, and critical, but some are appreciative and friendly, and a few that she regards as family, lacking her own.
Maria keeps a low profile; working hard barely makes ends meet. Yet she finds herself in a carer role for seventy-six-year-old Elsie, and being a supportive friend to Brian when his homophobic, bullying boss makes life difficult at work. And during one of her night cleans for enigmatic night-club owner, Balogan, she encounters a young woman who seems to be under the control of his noisy, violent next-door neighbour.
She worries about each of them: Elsie’s greedy nephew who wants to sell her house, get rid of her cats, and put her away; the way Brian’s boss erodes his self-confidence; and whether young Cass is in danger from that man. Her current anxieties, the recent flashes of violence, dredge up worse memories from a different time, that dark past that she’s tucked away in a corner of her brain, the other person she’s killed. And those for whose death she somehow feels responsible. She seems to attract violence: is she cursed, or is she the curse?
“Perhaps there’s a sense of how she might make things a little nicer in the world, one flat at a time. To clean away filth and restore some portion of order. Retribution and reparation in microscopic increments. Atonement.”
Baker gives the reader a gutsy protagonist whose intentions are essentially good even if, by the end of the story, she’s amassed quite a body count: one of those, admittedly, is a bit of an oops, but still. But in amongst all the blood and bleach, there’s also quite a bit of humour, courtesy Elsie and Brian, and some of the plot turns are darkly funny. As the daughter of a window cleaner and fairground traveller, Baker’s personal experience clearly informs the story and gives it oodles of authenticity. Original and very entertaining.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Serpent’s Tail/Viper
April 20, 2023
I'm glad I picked this up because it was just what I needed: a dark story that silently creeps up on you. A main character, Maria, who has a very good heart. Maybe a little too good, as she discovers when she helps certain people with more than just cleaning. And I also just loved Elsie - so sad to read how her mind unravelled.
It's funny, because what happens is just totally unexpected, but when you're reading along, the story just flows and everything that happens seems quite natural. There is humour, love and hope all through this deliciously dark story.
It's funny, because what happens is just totally unexpected, but when you're reading along, the story just flows and everything that happens seems quite natural. There is humour, love and hope all through this deliciously dark story.
June 4, 2023
3.25 / 5
I was disappointed about this book, I was fully expecting a serial killer plot that’s a full time cleaner, with a high paced detective chase. But it was nothing like that. It was slow, it dragged on, I was losing what the purpose of the plot is and in general I still don’t know.
I really struggled to get into this book, it didn’t have the gut punch of a book others had. Basically the book follows Maria who works in London making ends meet working as a cleaner and a carer for Elise (an elderly women living in London, suffering from the effects of dementia). At the start it’s good, you’re thrown into action, but it’s very short lived and the book proceeds to document her life with flashbacks of her past. And sooner or later you get an understanding of Maria the trial and tribulations of her life. You also get an insight on life with someone suffering from dementia and how this has an overall impact on others close by. The book did give me a new found appreciation to all carers that has to tackle how emotionally draining it can be. There are equally many good day and bad days which I do give the book credit for, showing how difficult, frustrating but equally as unique and beautiful it can be.
But for me, personally it’s slow, as morbid as it sounds, the book makes killing people mundane. It genuinely felt like they kills were happening for the sake of things to happen in the plot. It also felt like the purpose and plot was lost. I feel as though the blurb of the book is misleading massively as its not as sinister, and not much happens within the plot. I had high hopes for this book, expecting some high paced action/ suspense scenes, but that never happened. I do need to put a warning out there for others that may not like scenes where an abusive relationship is portrayed.
Overall it’s a really slow read. I wouldn’t recommend this book if you were expecting some high paced suspense between serial killer and detective it’s nothing close to It. Unfortunately this is a plot and book that I will forget the premise, as nothing that major happens within the book, other than some character development of Maria.
I was disappointed about this book, I was fully expecting a serial killer plot that’s a full time cleaner, with a high paced detective chase. But it was nothing like that. It was slow, it dragged on, I was losing what the purpose of the plot is and in general I still don’t know.
I really struggled to get into this book, it didn’t have the gut punch of a book others had. Basically the book follows Maria who works in London making ends meet working as a cleaner and a carer for Elise (an elderly women living in London, suffering from the effects of dementia). At the start it’s good, you’re thrown into action, but it’s very short lived and the book proceeds to document her life with flashbacks of her past. And sooner or later you get an understanding of Maria the trial and tribulations of her life. You also get an insight on life with someone suffering from dementia and how this has an overall impact on others close by. The book did give me a new found appreciation to all carers that has to tackle how emotionally draining it can be. There are equally many good day and bad days which I do give the book credit for, showing how difficult, frustrating but equally as unique and beautiful it can be.
But for me, personally it’s slow, as morbid as it sounds, the book makes killing people mundane. It genuinely felt like they kills were happening for the sake of things to happen in the plot. It also felt like the purpose and plot was lost. I feel as though the blurb of the book is misleading massively as its not as sinister, and not much happens within the plot. I had high hopes for this book, expecting some high paced action/ suspense scenes, but that never happened. I do need to put a warning out there for others that may not like scenes where an abusive relationship is portrayed.
Overall it’s a really slow read. I wouldn’t recommend this book if you were expecting some high paced suspense between serial killer and detective it’s nothing close to It. Unfortunately this is a plot and book that I will forget the premise, as nothing that major happens within the book, other than some character development of Maria.
January 31, 2023
Maria is a cleaner and is very good at her job and she is also a killer. Her back story is tragic and goes some way to explain why she does what she does. Her only constant in her life is Elsie one of her ladies she cleans for and has dementia. A heart breaking story but for me not as good as some her other work.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
June 5, 2023
Make me Clean is an escapist pleasure. This is a story that standouts in a crowded genre and has you aching to read more.
If you are feeling like the thriller genre is full of the usual twists and turns, character tropes and narrative styles then please give Tina Bakers work a whirl. She proves that fiction can never be too dark or depraved. You’ll instantly fall in love with the morally grey character, Maria and still find yourself rooting for her by the end.
I’ve read hundreds of psychological thrillers. Its kind of like a drug. Feeling down? Read in the genre. Feeling happy, read the genre, feeling the rage? Read the genre. It’ll instantly make you feel better about your own life. It’s kind of like therapy but much cheaper and still has that instant euphoric high. I need these types of stories in my life, and I think Tina Baker writes with a flourish of the mischievous dark. Like a wizard of the authoring world. You’re a wizard, Tina. Anyway, I digress.
Make Me Clean centres around feminist rage. Maria has had about enough of men trying to ruin her life through control and domination. The opening pages leaves no doubt that something awful has happened. I loved it, the perfect way of opening a story is to have the reader unfooted in the first few sentences. Her inner monologue left me needing answers, a woman I wanted to find out more about. Maria’s story wraps the reader in a tight fog, movement and vision is impaired and the only way out is to read on. I was hooked.
Maria is cleaner. She cleans for Elsie, the sweet woman who is in the midst of dementia. My favourite character, she has a devious personality and doesn’t mince her words, a spade is indeed a spade with her. She has two cats who are her world – always going to love someone who is cat person. She has a conniving nephew, Del, who is making it is one man mission to get his aunt into a care home under the guise of being better looked after. The truth is all he wants is her money. Maria sees right through him and what she sees is mainly yellow, a coward through and through.
She also cleans for Brian. He’s a sensitive man who Maria instantly builds a friendship with. They don’t have a lot in common, but she can see how kind he is. He has a bully for a boss who often comments on how his generation are a lot weaker than his. He picks at him constantly and when Brian decides to throw a party for his co-workers and his boss just invites himself along, Maria knows she needs to do something to help him.
Her final client is the mysterious night club owner, Balogan. She cleans there at night at the man himself is a walking enigma. He’s huge and foreboding and some of the things he tells Maria makes her wonder what his story is. She knows he’s dangerous, his neighbours can attest to that. Shared looks, whispers and comments from Mal and Cass – two people who seem to thrive from their party lifestyle. Do they know more about the big man next door than their letting on?
If you are feeling like the thriller genre is full of the usual twists and turns, character tropes and narrative styles then please give Tina Bakers work a whirl. She proves that fiction can never be too dark or depraved. You’ll instantly fall in love with the morally grey character, Maria and still find yourself rooting for her by the end.
I’ve read hundreds of psychological thrillers. Its kind of like a drug. Feeling down? Read in the genre. Feeling happy, read the genre, feeling the rage? Read the genre. It’ll instantly make you feel better about your own life. It’s kind of like therapy but much cheaper and still has that instant euphoric high. I need these types of stories in my life, and I think Tina Baker writes with a flourish of the mischievous dark. Like a wizard of the authoring world. You’re a wizard, Tina. Anyway, I digress.
Make Me Clean centres around feminist rage. Maria has had about enough of men trying to ruin her life through control and domination. The opening pages leaves no doubt that something awful has happened. I loved it, the perfect way of opening a story is to have the reader unfooted in the first few sentences. Her inner monologue left me needing answers, a woman I wanted to find out more about. Maria’s story wraps the reader in a tight fog, movement and vision is impaired and the only way out is to read on. I was hooked.
Maria is cleaner. She cleans for Elsie, the sweet woman who is in the midst of dementia. My favourite character, she has a devious personality and doesn’t mince her words, a spade is indeed a spade with her. She has two cats who are her world – always going to love someone who is cat person. She has a conniving nephew, Del, who is making it is one man mission to get his aunt into a care home under the guise of being better looked after. The truth is all he wants is her money. Maria sees right through him and what she sees is mainly yellow, a coward through and through.
She also cleans for Brian. He’s a sensitive man who Maria instantly builds a friendship with. They don’t have a lot in common, but she can see how kind he is. He has a bully for a boss who often comments on how his generation are a lot weaker than his. He picks at him constantly and when Brian decides to throw a party for his co-workers and his boss just invites himself along, Maria knows she needs to do something to help him.
Her final client is the mysterious night club owner, Balogan. She cleans there at night at the man himself is a walking enigma. He’s huge and foreboding and some of the things he tells Maria makes her wonder what his story is. She knows he’s dangerous, his neighbours can attest to that. Shared looks, whispers and comments from Mal and Cass – two people who seem to thrive from their party lifestyle. Do they know more about the big man next door than their letting on?
February 16, 2023
My Review:
This is my first book by Tina Baker and I can confidentally say that I will now move her first two books Nasty Little Cuts and Call Me Mummy up my huge TBR pile.
I do love a good old twisty psychological thriller especially one with a female killer and a dry sense of humour and that is exactly what you get with Make Me Clean.
Meet Maria, a full-time cleaner with a variety of clients and part-time carer for a lovely old lady with dementia called Elsie. Maria is a true perfectionist, she is thorough, professional and takes immense pride in her work. She has a knack for removing all kinds of stains and has a particular skill when it comes to blood, brain matter and body parts.
When we first meet Maria she is with Elsie, carefully putting her back to bed, ensuring she is safe and comfortable and then gets on with the minor task of dragging Elsie’s dead husband Nick down to the end of the garden and burying him under the rose bushes. Although I’m pretty sure that isn’t on her list of jobs to do, the book slowly takes the reader back to why and how Nasty Nick ended up smelling the roses 6 feet under.
It’s fairly obvious that Maria isn’t your usual “cleaner” and is running from something or someone in her past. She’s a fascinating character with a sad and violent past who just wants to be happy and fit in. With a really dark and vicious temper, Maria works hard to keep in control, she’s loyal to her clients and friends and isn’t not entirely her fault when she accidentally kills a few people along the way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The humour was fabulous, the relationship between Elsie and Maria was both tender and beautiful, despite the blood and I was routing for Maria throughout.
I am so happy that I already have Tina’s previous books on my kindle and look forward to reading both very soon.
5 sparkling stars from me.
This is my first book by Tina Baker and I can confidentally say that I will now move her first two books Nasty Little Cuts and Call Me Mummy up my huge TBR pile.
I do love a good old twisty psychological thriller especially one with a female killer and a dry sense of humour and that is exactly what you get with Make Me Clean.
Meet Maria, a full-time cleaner with a variety of clients and part-time carer for a lovely old lady with dementia called Elsie. Maria is a true perfectionist, she is thorough, professional and takes immense pride in her work. She has a knack for removing all kinds of stains and has a particular skill when it comes to blood, brain matter and body parts.
When we first meet Maria she is with Elsie, carefully putting her back to bed, ensuring she is safe and comfortable and then gets on with the minor task of dragging Elsie’s dead husband Nick down to the end of the garden and burying him under the rose bushes. Although I’m pretty sure that isn’t on her list of jobs to do, the book slowly takes the reader back to why and how Nasty Nick ended up smelling the roses 6 feet under.
It’s fairly obvious that Maria isn’t your usual “cleaner” and is running from something or someone in her past. She’s a fascinating character with a sad and violent past who just wants to be happy and fit in. With a really dark and vicious temper, Maria works hard to keep in control, she’s loyal to her clients and friends and isn’t not entirely her fault when she accidentally kills a few people along the way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The humour was fabulous, the relationship between Elsie and Maria was both tender and beautiful, despite the blood and I was routing for Maria throughout.
I am so happy that I already have Tina’s previous books on my kindle and look forward to reading both very soon.
5 sparkling stars from me.
February 5, 2023
Maria is a cleaner. She’s hard working, loyal and caring. She cleans for Elsie, her favourite client. Elsie has four cats, dementia and a real nasty piece of work for a husband. She cleans for Brian, a lovely man who is dreadfully intimidated by his boss. She also cleans for Balogan, a mysterious and menacing man who unnerves her somewhat. She gets to know her clients well; after all she’s in their houses every week, she sometimes sees things she shouldn’t…
But what is Maria’s story? She knows a lot about everyone else but no one seems to know the real her. She was once a wife, falling in love with Jody when she was just a young girl, with dreams of a great life ahead. So why does the opening chapter have her calmly and methodically getting rid of a dead body?
Maria was something else! Despite her clearly being a murderer I couldn’t help but love her. The way her story was revealed so slowly and cleverly in short, snappy chapters had me gripped from the very start. The characters were all brilliant, everyone of them playing a crucial part. Elsie was outstanding; she reminded me of Catherine Tate’s ‘Nan’ with her cockney dialogue and affectations. The relationship she and Maria had was so heartwarming and loving and was a real contrast between the cold hearted killer Maria appeared to be.
But what I loved most of all was Maria’s back story; how she came to be with Joby - and how it all went terribly wrong. The glimpses into the gypsy community were fascinating, a real fly on the wall look at a very unique lifestyle and it had me utterly captivated.
This is the third book I’ve read by Tina Baker. I’d class myself as a hard core fan by now and, for me personally, this might be her best work. She has her own unique style of humour, horror and tender moments which I absolutely adore. Make Me Clean is no exception.
Out February 16th
But what is Maria’s story? She knows a lot about everyone else but no one seems to know the real her. She was once a wife, falling in love with Jody when she was just a young girl, with dreams of a great life ahead. So why does the opening chapter have her calmly and methodically getting rid of a dead body?
Maria was something else! Despite her clearly being a murderer I couldn’t help but love her. The way her story was revealed so slowly and cleverly in short, snappy chapters had me gripped from the very start. The characters were all brilliant, everyone of them playing a crucial part. Elsie was outstanding; she reminded me of Catherine Tate’s ‘Nan’ with her cockney dialogue and affectations. The relationship she and Maria had was so heartwarming and loving and was a real contrast between the cold hearted killer Maria appeared to be.
But what I loved most of all was Maria’s back story; how she came to be with Joby - and how it all went terribly wrong. The glimpses into the gypsy community were fascinating, a real fly on the wall look at a very unique lifestyle and it had me utterly captivated.
This is the third book I’ve read by Tina Baker. I’d class myself as a hard core fan by now and, for me personally, this might be her best work. She has her own unique style of humour, horror and tender moments which I absolutely adore. Make Me Clean is no exception.
Out February 16th
November 24, 2022
My Rating Style: 4.5 rounded down to 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ticked most of the boxes LOVED IT!!!
Maria will clean your surfaces so well that they will sparkle - depending on the type of person you are she may just leave you dead.
She cleans for Elsie, the funny old lady who is struggling with dementia who also has a terrible husband.
She cleans for Brian, a sweet, sensitive man with a bully of a boss.
She cleans for Balogan, a mysterious giant of a man who has disrespectful and disruptive neighbours.
If you are considering hiring Maria you should know she has a killer secret - she might have killed the terrible husband, the bully boss and the disrespectful disruptive neighbour. She may have also murdered the man she once loved.
Maria is a good woman, a kind woman who of course didn’t set out to kill anyone let alone hurt them. Her clients are so much happier these days without these terrible, horrible people around - but can Maria live with herself and how much longer can she get away with ‘Cleaning’ away murder!!
In the opening pages of this one you know something terrible has happened to someone and you can guess what happened and why based on the synopsis. However the story is slowly drip fed to you leaving you guessing, wondering and needing to know more. The story is told from Maria’s POV which worked really well but we travel back to her younger days when she meets the love of her life (or so she thinks) and to the present where she is a struggling cleaner, trying to make ends meet.
Maria works so very hard and you can feel her bones ache through the pages but she has a rage that simmers beneath her when she sees injustice. She is a thorough cleaner with a knack for being able to clean up the most ‘murderous’ messes. The trouble is there is always that guilty feeling for the wrong’s shes tried to right and the burdens she has to bear.
As the story unfolded I found myself needing to read more and more and more and I devoured this in almost one sitting. The writing was engaging just giving me enough to keep me hooked but not so much that it was being spoon fed to me. This was a really nice change compared to some of the books I have read recently where every word spoken, feeling felt and thing done was spelt out for me without me having to think… I much prefer being left to think and feel for myself. This was done really well.
Maria was relatable - you know something terrible has happened in her life but you don’t get all the details all at once you are led down the path of her past through flashbacks and dreams that she shares. It is a sad and sorry tale of a young girl led astray and no one standing up and taking proper care of her. Even though Maria has done, and does bad things you never really get the sense of her being bad… she is kind and caring and loving. But does not suffer injustice to those she cares about - those people suffer the rage she suppresses.
This probably wont be for everyone especially if you are looking for a standard thriller or an action packed spills and thrills kind of read. This is full of suspense and an impending sense of dread and exhaustion. I loved that about the writing it drew me in and made me absolutely feel like I couldn’t put it down.
I enjoyed the dark humour throughout the story as well, the dry and sarcastic British humour that I find relatable. It definitely gave it that next level. If you are on the fence about this one and feel like giving it a go then I definitely recommend it…
Thank you to Viper, NetGalley and Tina Baker for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Maria will clean your surfaces so well that they will sparkle - depending on the type of person you are she may just leave you dead.
She cleans for Elsie, the funny old lady who is struggling with dementia who also has a terrible husband.
She cleans for Brian, a sweet, sensitive man with a bully of a boss.
She cleans for Balogan, a mysterious giant of a man who has disrespectful and disruptive neighbours.
If you are considering hiring Maria you should know she has a killer secret - she might have killed the terrible husband, the bully boss and the disrespectful disruptive neighbour. She may have also murdered the man she once loved.
Maria is a good woman, a kind woman who of course didn’t set out to kill anyone let alone hurt them. Her clients are so much happier these days without these terrible, horrible people around - but can Maria live with herself and how much longer can she get away with ‘Cleaning’ away murder!!
In the opening pages of this one you know something terrible has happened to someone and you can guess what happened and why based on the synopsis. However the story is slowly drip fed to you leaving you guessing, wondering and needing to know more. The story is told from Maria’s POV which worked really well but we travel back to her younger days when she meets the love of her life (or so she thinks) and to the present where she is a struggling cleaner, trying to make ends meet.
Maria works so very hard and you can feel her bones ache through the pages but she has a rage that simmers beneath her when she sees injustice. She is a thorough cleaner with a knack for being able to clean up the most ‘murderous’ messes. The trouble is there is always that guilty feeling for the wrong’s shes tried to right and the burdens she has to bear.
As the story unfolded I found myself needing to read more and more and more and I devoured this in almost one sitting. The writing was engaging just giving me enough to keep me hooked but not so much that it was being spoon fed to me. This was a really nice change compared to some of the books I have read recently where every word spoken, feeling felt and thing done was spelt out for me without me having to think… I much prefer being left to think and feel for myself. This was done really well.
Maria was relatable - you know something terrible has happened in her life but you don’t get all the details all at once you are led down the path of her past through flashbacks and dreams that she shares. It is a sad and sorry tale of a young girl led astray and no one standing up and taking proper care of her. Even though Maria has done, and does bad things you never really get the sense of her being bad… she is kind and caring and loving. But does not suffer injustice to those she cares about - those people suffer the rage she suppresses.
This probably wont be for everyone especially if you are looking for a standard thriller or an action packed spills and thrills kind of read. This is full of suspense and an impending sense of dread and exhaustion. I loved that about the writing it drew me in and made me absolutely feel like I couldn’t put it down.
I enjoyed the dark humour throughout the story as well, the dry and sarcastic British humour that I find relatable. It definitely gave it that next level. If you are on the fence about this one and feel like giving it a go then I definitely recommend it…
Thank you to Viper, NetGalley and Tina Baker for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2023
I shall start with the acknowledgements which are moving, funny, thankful and give a clear insight re this author, found them fascinating
Onto the book, after the authors previous book ‘Nasty Little Cuts’ I knew to expect the unexpected and knew that whatever the story was it would be uniquely written….and it was
Told from Maria, a cleaner’s viewpoint we meet her various clients and also look back at why she is in semi hiding in London and what that horrific back story has made her ( do ) today!
One of her clients, Elsie, has dementia and this is the first book I think that has explored the sometimes happy nature this shocking disease can give sufferers at times, alongside the truly awful times as well, it was more than interesting to read and be a part of Elsie’s very high and darkly low times
I found the book endearing throughout and dark when it wasn’t! and did really enjoy it, the authors way of describing feelings and emotions in a polar way is amazing Ie how something can make you feel good and bad at the same time and the attention to the human mind’s nitpickingness ( not sure a word ) refreshing
Can really only recommend reading this and seeing what you get from the book but can guarantee it will be something
Onto the book, after the authors previous book ‘Nasty Little Cuts’ I knew to expect the unexpected and knew that whatever the story was it would be uniquely written….and it was
Told from Maria, a cleaner’s viewpoint we meet her various clients and also look back at why she is in semi hiding in London and what that horrific back story has made her ( do ) today!
One of her clients, Elsie, has dementia and this is the first book I think that has explored the sometimes happy nature this shocking disease can give sufferers at times, alongside the truly awful times as well, it was more than interesting to read and be a part of Elsie’s very high and darkly low times
I found the book endearing throughout and dark when it wasn’t! and did really enjoy it, the authors way of describing feelings and emotions in a polar way is amazing Ie how something can make you feel good and bad at the same time and the attention to the human mind’s nitpickingness ( not sure a word ) refreshing
Can really only recommend reading this and seeing what you get from the book but can guarantee it will be something
February 16, 2023
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.
Overall rating : 4*
Writing skill : 5*
Pace: 3*
Characters: 5*
Thrilling: 4*
Another year, another super Tina Baker book.
Absolutely adored the character building in this one, what a whirlwind of a life Maria has had. And Elsie, she has my heart! That was a blossoming love story I needed on Valentine’s Day!
If you’ve read Tina’s other two novels you’ll know she creates the DRAMA, the build up of tension again in this is a triumph. I won’t look at my letter opener at work the same way again!
Funny, dramatic, thrilling and another domestic situation you just don’t know where it’s heading! Publication is TODAY, go buy it!
Overall rating : 4*
Writing skill : 5*
Pace: 3*
Characters: 5*
Thrilling: 4*
Another year, another super Tina Baker book.
Absolutely adored the character building in this one, what a whirlwind of a life Maria has had. And Elsie, she has my heart! That was a blossoming love story I needed on Valentine’s Day!
If you’ve read Tina’s other two novels you’ll know she creates the DRAMA, the build up of tension again in this is a triumph. I won’t look at my letter opener at work the same way again!
Funny, dramatic, thrilling and another domestic situation you just don’t know where it’s heading! Publication is TODAY, go buy it!
June 24, 2024
W ostatnim czasie rynek wydawniczy zalewa fala thrillerów psychologicznych. Większość z nich kusi czytelników opisem sugerującym niebanalną fabułę, bądź, jak to w moim przypadku bywa, intrygującą okładką. I takim oto sposobem skusiłam się na kolejny thriller, licząc na pełną zaskakujących zwrotów akcji historię, która będzie trzymała mnie w napięciu.
Maria pracuje jako sprzątaczka. Kobieta dokładnie wykonuje swoje obowiązki, a domy jej pracodawców zawsze lśnią czystością. Jednak Maria nie jest tylko panią do sprzątania, ma również inne zadania – stara się zawsze pomóc w uporządkowaniu życia swoim zleceniodawcom. Klienci darzą Marię ogromną sympatią, są zadowoleni z rezultatu wykonywanych przez nią obowiązków, jednak Maria pod powierzchnią perfekcyjnej pani do sprzątania skrywa mroczne sekrety, które najlepiej, gdyby nigdy nie ujrzały światła dziennego.
„Posprząta Twoje mieszkanie, ale równie dobrze może sprzątnąć Ciebie”.
Dość dobrze znam twórczość Tiny Baker, czytałam dwie książki jej autorstwa. O ile „Zła mamusia” bardzo mi się podobała, tak „Ostre małe cięcia” nie spełniły moich oczekiwań. Jednak należę do osób, którym, mimo wcześniejszych rozczarowań, trudno jest się oprzeć kolejnym książkom znanych autorów, dlatego też chętnie, ale z lekką obawą, sięgnęłam po najnowszy thriller Tiny Baker. Niestety, moje obawy okazały się słuszne.
„Pani do sprzątania” autorstwa Tiny Baker to książka, która, choć wciągnęła mnie od pierwszych stron, nie spełniła moich oczekiwań. Sięgając po thriller, przede wszystkim oczekuję dreszczyku emocji, napięcia, które będzie mi towarzyszyło do samego końca, zaskakujących zwrotów akcji i szybkiej akcji. Niestety, wszystkich wymienionych przeze mnie cech tak charakterystycznych dla dobrego thrillera, zabrakło w najnowszej powieści Tiny Baker. Przyznać jednak muszę, że książkę czyta się naprawdę dobrze i szybko. Z zaciekawieniem, jednak bez większego entuzjazmu, śledziłam losy Marii, pomału, odkrywając jej mroczną przeszłość i skrywane tajemnice. Brnęłam przez tę historię z nadzieją na zaskakujące zakończenie, pragnęłam poczuć niepokój i strach, który odczuwała główna bohaterka, jednak nic takiego się nie wydarzyło.
„Pani do sprzątania” to historia, która zapowiadała się naprawdę dobrze, to powieść, która miała duży potencjał, jednak w moim odczuciu została niedopracowana. Mimo to nie zniechęcam, a wręcz namawiam do lektury, gdyż doskonale zdaje sobie sprawę, że wśród Was znajdą się czytelnicy, którym historia Marii przypadnie do gustu.
Maria pracuje jako sprzątaczka. Kobieta dokładnie wykonuje swoje obowiązki, a domy jej pracodawców zawsze lśnią czystością. Jednak Maria nie jest tylko panią do sprzątania, ma również inne zadania – stara się zawsze pomóc w uporządkowaniu życia swoim zleceniodawcom. Klienci darzą Marię ogromną sympatią, są zadowoleni z rezultatu wykonywanych przez nią obowiązków, jednak Maria pod powierzchnią perfekcyjnej pani do sprzątania skrywa mroczne sekrety, które najlepiej, gdyby nigdy nie ujrzały światła dziennego.
„Posprząta Twoje mieszkanie, ale równie dobrze może sprzątnąć Ciebie”.
Dość dobrze znam twórczość Tiny Baker, czytałam dwie książki jej autorstwa. O ile „Zła mamusia” bardzo mi się podobała, tak „Ostre małe cięcia” nie spełniły moich oczekiwań. Jednak należę do osób, którym, mimo wcześniejszych rozczarowań, trudno jest się oprzeć kolejnym książkom znanych autorów, dlatego też chętnie, ale z lekką obawą, sięgnęłam po najnowszy thriller Tiny Baker. Niestety, moje obawy okazały się słuszne.
„Pani do sprzątania” autorstwa Tiny Baker to książka, która, choć wciągnęła mnie od pierwszych stron, nie spełniła moich oczekiwań. Sięgając po thriller, przede wszystkim oczekuję dreszczyku emocji, napięcia, które będzie mi towarzyszyło do samego końca, zaskakujących zwrotów akcji i szybkiej akcji. Niestety, wszystkich wymienionych przeze mnie cech tak charakterystycznych dla dobrego thrillera, zabrakło w najnowszej powieści Tiny Baker. Przyznać jednak muszę, że książkę czyta się naprawdę dobrze i szybko. Z zaciekawieniem, jednak bez większego entuzjazmu, śledziłam losy Marii, pomału, odkrywając jej mroczną przeszłość i skrywane tajemnice. Brnęłam przez tę historię z nadzieją na zaskakujące zakończenie, pragnęłam poczuć niepokój i strach, który odczuwała główna bohaterka, jednak nic takiego się nie wydarzyło.
„Pani do sprzątania” to historia, która zapowiadała się naprawdę dobrze, to powieść, która miała duży potencjał, jednak w moim odczuciu została niedopracowana. Mimo to nie zniechęcam, a wręcz namawiam do lektury, gdyż doskonale zdaje sobie sprawę, że wśród Was znajdą się czytelnicy, którym historia Marii przypadnie do gustu.
February 19, 2023
Maria works as a cleaner, her clients include Elsie (an elderly woman who has dementia), Brian (a sweet man with a horrible boss), & the mysterious Mr Balogan (his flat is usually empty & Maria has never met him up till now). Maria likes to help people but it sometimes goes too far - as Elsie's abusive cheating husband found out when he ends up dead & buried in the garden, just like she doesn't mean to kill Brian's obnoxious boss. Times like these give cleaning up a whole new meaning!
We first meet Maria & Elsie whilst Maria is cleaning up the crime scene following the death of Elsie's husband. Elsie has treated Maria like a member of her family, & Maria wants to repay the favour by taking care of her now she's vulnerable, including abusive spouse removal. She has to go to work at her other jobs & hope that Elsie doesn't let anything slip to the day nurse, Comfort, or Elsie's nephew, Del, who stay there whilst Maria is out. She has also become involved in the lives of her other clients & the deaths keep happening.
The narrative is told from Maria's point of view both now & in the past, telling the reader the story of her first relationship with older man, Joby. The reader gets to know the past that Maria is running from & why she acts the way she does. I really liked Elsie & her four cats, Brian is ok but a bit spineless, whilst Mr Balogan should really be played by Dave Bautista in the film. It was an okay read, but for me it was missing that something that propels a book into a great read. I just didn't click with it. I am in the minority though, so if you like offbeat crime fiction, then give it a go.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Serpent's Tail/Viper/Profile Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
We first meet Maria & Elsie whilst Maria is cleaning up the crime scene following the death of Elsie's husband. Elsie has treated Maria like a member of her family, & Maria wants to repay the favour by taking care of her now she's vulnerable, including abusive spouse removal. She has to go to work at her other jobs & hope that Elsie doesn't let anything slip to the day nurse, Comfort, or Elsie's nephew, Del, who stay there whilst Maria is out. She has also become involved in the lives of her other clients & the deaths keep happening.
The narrative is told from Maria's point of view both now & in the past, telling the reader the story of her first relationship with older man, Joby. The reader gets to know the past that Maria is running from & why she acts the way she does. I really liked Elsie & her four cats, Brian is ok but a bit spineless, whilst Mr Balogan should really be played by Dave Bautista in the film. It was an okay read, but for me it was missing that something that propels a book into a great read. I just didn't click with it. I am in the minority though, so if you like offbeat crime fiction, then give it a go.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Serpent's Tail/Viper/Profile Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
February 13, 2023
Maria works as a cleaner, she is used to hardship and always counting the pennies to make ends meet.
She is meticulous and goes the extra mile for her clients. There is Elsie, an elderly eccentric lady with Alzheimer’s, who is more like a mother to Maria, but also a friend.
There is Brian, who makes her cups of weirdly flavoured teas, and who always complains about his nasty boss.
Then, there is mysterious Mr Balogan, who always works nights and that’s when Maria cleans his swanky London flat. He has terrible neighbours, who constantly play thumping music and have loud arguments.
Whether she likes it or not, Maria gets entangled in her clients’ lives. Elsie’s estranged husband, Nick, ends up dead and buried in Elsie’s garden.
Then, Brian’s boss dies in a mysterious accident, and Maria gets dangerously close to Mr Balogan…
I loved this psychological thriller. It was tense, dark, but there were joyful moments.
My favourite character by far was Elsie – she was a naughty lady, who treated Maria like she was her family. She didn’t have an easy life, being married to Nick, who was a grumpy drunk and a womaniser. Elsie didn’t have any children, but she loved her cats (a woman of my own heart!) and wished to stay in her own home with them, however, her money grabbing nephew had different ideas.
I loved Elsie’s random outbursts and her eclectic taste of music. The friendship between her and Maria was unique and heart-warming.
I enjoyed the snippets of Maria’s past and the Gypsy community and their culture. Baker raises an important issue of control and domestic violence, something that is valid and current.
Overall, this is a great offering by Tina Baker. It’s her third book and having read them all, I can confirm that this one is her best yet.
She is meticulous and goes the extra mile for her clients. There is Elsie, an elderly eccentric lady with Alzheimer’s, who is more like a mother to Maria, but also a friend.
There is Brian, who makes her cups of weirdly flavoured teas, and who always complains about his nasty boss.
Then, there is mysterious Mr Balogan, who always works nights and that’s when Maria cleans his swanky London flat. He has terrible neighbours, who constantly play thumping music and have loud arguments.
Whether she likes it or not, Maria gets entangled in her clients’ lives. Elsie’s estranged husband, Nick, ends up dead and buried in Elsie’s garden.
Then, Brian’s boss dies in a mysterious accident, and Maria gets dangerously close to Mr Balogan…
I loved this psychological thriller. It was tense, dark, but there were joyful moments.
My favourite character by far was Elsie – she was a naughty lady, who treated Maria like she was her family. She didn’t have an easy life, being married to Nick, who was a grumpy drunk and a womaniser. Elsie didn’t have any children, but she loved her cats (a woman of my own heart!) and wished to stay in her own home with them, however, her money grabbing nephew had different ideas.
I loved Elsie’s random outbursts and her eclectic taste of music. The friendship between her and Maria was unique and heart-warming.
I enjoyed the snippets of Maria’s past and the Gypsy community and their culture. Baker raises an important issue of control and domestic violence, something that is valid and current.
Overall, this is a great offering by Tina Baker. It’s her third book and having read them all, I can confirm that this one is her best yet.
May 22, 2024
"Jedz, śpij, sprzątaj, powtórz."
Dokładnie tak wygląda życie Marii, młodej kobiety z bolesną przeszłością, choć jej plany i ambicje były zupełnie inne. Teraz wyczerpująca, fizyczna praca z jednej strony jest próbą ucieczki przed ścigającymi ją demonami, z drugiej w pewnym sensie karą, którą nałożyła na samą siebie za to, co zrobiła. Za przekleństwo, jakim się stała.
Oczywiście praca pozwala jej też przeżyć w Londynie, do którego trafiła w rzeczach darowanych przez organizację humanitarną. Jak do tego doszło? Co spotkało tę ogoloną na zapałkę młodą kobietę z ranami na duszy i ciele?
"Sposób, w jaki ludzie traktują sprzątaczki, dużo o nich mówi." Gdyby tylko znali Marię, nie odważyliby się do niej odezwać lekceważąco, lub z pogardą…
Wraz z Marią, o której od samego początku wiemy, że nie jest zwykłą sprzątaczką, wkraczamy do domów i życia jej pracodawców. Czasem poznaje ich lepiej niż by chciała i angażuje się w ich sprawy zbyt mocno. A sprzątaczce tak łatwo jest odkryć brudy skrywane przez innych za zamkniętymi drzwiami. "Jej specjalne, dogłębne sprzątanie dotyczy teraz pozbywania się brutalnych mężów i ich ciał, a nie zwykłych kuchennych odpadków." Ale jej czyny nie przechodzą bez echa, dręcząc ją wyrzutami sumienia, strachem przed odkryciem i przywołując wspomnienia z przeszłości.
Podążając naprzemiennie dwiema liniami czasowymi zgłębiamy stopniowo zarówno historię kobiety i jej motywacje, jak też morderczą — dosłownie i w przenośni — pracę, której się podjęła. Poznajemy również dwoistość jej charakteru, czyniącą ją zdolną do pełnej miłości opieki nad Elsie, staruszką z demencją, ale i czynów, od których przechodzą ciarki.
Ta historia wciąga od pierwszych stron, podczas których Maria zakopuje pewne zwłoki w ogródku. Atmosfera mroku i napięcia towarzysząca kobiecie wpełza i pod skórę czytelnika, towarzysząc aż do budzącego uśmiech końca. Bo mimo kilku szokujących zdarzeń, powodów do uśmiechu, a nawet szalonego chichotu jest zdecydowanie więcej. Dialogi z Elsie niepowtarzalne, styl lekki, a klimat powieści dwoisty, zupełnie jak charakter głównej bohaterki. Momentami brutalny i nieprzewidywalny, a za chwilę cudownie delikatny, ciepły i pełen miłości. Ta gra kontrastów kupiła mnie zupełnie, podobnie jak mroczna i barwna zarazem historia Marii.
Za takie thrillery uwielbiam ten gatunek!
Dokładnie tak wygląda życie Marii, młodej kobiety z bolesną przeszłością, choć jej plany i ambicje były zupełnie inne. Teraz wyczerpująca, fizyczna praca z jednej strony jest próbą ucieczki przed ścigającymi ją demonami, z drugiej w pewnym sensie karą, którą nałożyła na samą siebie za to, co zrobiła. Za przekleństwo, jakim się stała.
Oczywiście praca pozwala jej też przeżyć w Londynie, do którego trafiła w rzeczach darowanych przez organizację humanitarną. Jak do tego doszło? Co spotkało tę ogoloną na zapałkę młodą kobietę z ranami na duszy i ciele?
"Sposób, w jaki ludzie traktują sprzątaczki, dużo o nich mówi." Gdyby tylko znali Marię, nie odważyliby się do niej odezwać lekceważąco, lub z pogardą…
Wraz z Marią, o której od samego początku wiemy, że nie jest zwykłą sprzątaczką, wkraczamy do domów i życia jej pracodawców. Czasem poznaje ich lepiej niż by chciała i angażuje się w ich sprawy zbyt mocno. A sprzątaczce tak łatwo jest odkryć brudy skrywane przez innych za zamkniętymi drzwiami. "Jej specjalne, dogłębne sprzątanie dotyczy teraz pozbywania się brutalnych mężów i ich ciał, a nie zwykłych kuchennych odpadków." Ale jej czyny nie przechodzą bez echa, dręcząc ją wyrzutami sumienia, strachem przed odkryciem i przywołując wspomnienia z przeszłości.
Podążając naprzemiennie dwiema liniami czasowymi zgłębiamy stopniowo zarówno historię kobiety i jej motywacje, jak też morderczą — dosłownie i w przenośni — pracę, której się podjęła. Poznajemy również dwoistość jej charakteru, czyniącą ją zdolną do pełnej miłości opieki nad Elsie, staruszką z demencją, ale i czynów, od których przechodzą ciarki.
Ta historia wciąga od pierwszych stron, podczas których Maria zakopuje pewne zwłoki w ogródku. Atmosfera mroku i napięcia towarzysząca kobiecie wpełza i pod skórę czytelnika, towarzysząc aż do budzącego uśmiech końca. Bo mimo kilku szokujących zdarzeń, powodów do uśmiechu, a nawet szalonego chichotu jest zdecydowanie więcej. Dialogi z Elsie niepowtarzalne, styl lekki, a klimat powieści dwoisty, zupełnie jak charakter głównej bohaterki. Momentami brutalny i nieprzewidywalny, a za chwilę cudownie delikatny, ciepły i pełen miłości. Ta gra kontrastów kupiła mnie zupełnie, podobnie jak mroczna i barwna zarazem historia Marii.
Za takie thrillery uwielbiam ten gatunek!
February 15, 2023
Make Me Clean is a dark and gripping read with touches of humour (and violence) scattered throughout. Maria’s story is slowly unravelled as we learn more about her younger days, how she’s got to the place in her life and what’s happened along the way - and I loved how we saw how the different people in her life had shaped her to some degree.
I became caught up in Maria’s story straight away and found her to be a compelling and honest narrator - she had that blunt truth about her which was quite endearing. Her story was not one for the faint-hearted and the twists in the story came thick and fast as each page turned. I’ll definitely be searching out more from Tina Baker.
I became caught up in Maria’s story straight away and found her to be a compelling and honest narrator - she had that blunt truth about her which was quite endearing. Her story was not one for the faint-hearted and the twists in the story came thick and fast as each page turned. I’ll definitely be searching out more from Tina Baker.
May 24, 2024
Niestety nie. Miałam oczekiwania co do tej historii, ale żadne z nich się nie spełniło (pod koniec jest jakaś wzmianka, ale cóż, trochę za późno). Spodziewałam się, że będzie to pełna emocji, może akcji historia o pani sprzątającej zwłoki - tak też poniekąd sugeruje okładka, ale dostałam niesamowicie powolną książkę, bez jakiegokolwiek napięcia i skupiającą się na przeszłości pani, która sprząta... domy. Owszem sprzątnęła paru ludzi, ale całość jest napisana w tak nieciekawy sposób, że kompletnie mnie nie interesowało kim są ci ludzie, a nie odczułam też, żeby mieli jakieś większe znaczenie. W ogóle nie nazwałabym tego thrillerem i strasznie się rozczarowałam.
dnf
June 26, 2023Too slow for me and has dementia mentioned in detail, which I'm not keen on reading. It's a me problem🥲
April 14, 2023
Enjoyed the adventure, though a little far-fetched at times.
The men in this cleaner's life really do struggle, for one reason or another, just to keep on breathing.
Keep them coming, Tina - loving your stories.
The men in this cleaner's life really do struggle, for one reason or another, just to keep on breathing.
Keep them coming, Tina - loving your stories.
March 11, 2023
After absolutely devouring and loving Nasty Little Cuts last year I was super excited when I learned that Tina was releasing a new book this year, and boy oh boy did it not disappoint.
The humour in this one is as dark and delicious as molasses, and we all know that I totally adored Elsie’s cats. I mean who doesn’t love animals in books!? I couldn’t help but sympathise and root for Maria throughout the entire book, there was just something about her that made me think she was a decent person. This is an easy 5 star for me.
Thank you to Viper for sending me a proof of this one.
The humour in this one is as dark and delicious as molasses, and we all know that I totally adored Elsie’s cats. I mean who doesn’t love animals in books!? I couldn’t help but sympathise and root for Maria throughout the entire book, there was just something about her that made me think she was a decent person. This is an easy 5 star for me.
Thank you to Viper for sending me a proof of this one.
February 14, 2023
4.5⭐
Make Me Clean is my first introduction to author Tina Baker and what a wonderful introduction it is.
As it's such a twisty, dark, thrilling, fun story.
That features Maria a full-time cleaner. Who has a real ability to remove all types of stains, particularly blood, brain matter and other bodily fluids. Oh, and the occasional body part too.
Which definitely comes in handy!
And in addition to being a very skillful cleaner, Maria looks after a lovely old lady named Elsie. Who has dementia and because of this Maria ends up burying Elsie's dead husband, Nick, in the back garden. For reasons that become apparent, as the story progresses.
So it's fair to say Maria isn't your average cleaner or carer and it soon becomes clear that she's fleeing from someone or something bad in her past and this is what drives her to act as she does.
And I found Maria to be a very intriguing and genuinely likable, flawed character. Who though extremely loyal to her customers and friends does have a tendency to kill people along the way. And with such hard to forget characters and storyline, Make Me Clean was a captivating read. That I found extremely hard to put down and I would definitely recommend it to others.
I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Make Me Clean is my first introduction to author Tina Baker and what a wonderful introduction it is.
As it's such a twisty, dark, thrilling, fun story.
That features Maria a full-time cleaner. Who has a real ability to remove all types of stains, particularly blood, brain matter and other bodily fluids. Oh, and the occasional body part too.
Which definitely comes in handy!
And in addition to being a very skillful cleaner, Maria looks after a lovely old lady named Elsie. Who has dementia and because of this Maria ends up burying Elsie's dead husband, Nick, in the back garden. For reasons that become apparent, as the story progresses.
So it's fair to say Maria isn't your average cleaner or carer and it soon becomes clear that she's fleeing from someone or something bad in her past and this is what drives her to act as she does.
And I found Maria to be a very intriguing and genuinely likable, flawed character. Who though extremely loyal to her customers and friends does have a tendency to kill people along the way. And with such hard to forget characters and storyline, Make Me Clean was a captivating read. That I found extremely hard to put down and I would definitely recommend it to others.
I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
May 8, 2024Gave up at only 10%, on 8th of May 2024.
I was expecting a funny story, in the lines of the Finlay Donovan series, but Make Me Clean sounded so depressing :(
I was expecting a funny story, in the lines of the Finlay Donovan series, but Make Me Clean sounded so depressing :(
February 3, 2023
What a bloody good read...review incoming
February 16, 2023
After awarding Tina Baker's previous novels 4 stars, I have had to succumb to the persuasive writing in Make Me Clean to give this latest endeavour 5 stars.
Why?
The killing, which is always in a TB novel, is still very much present, and that can make me feel very unsettled. However, it is the cleverness of the author, her ability to write characters who do dreadfully bad things, but in spite of yourself, make you actually like, warm to and wish the best for them, that propels me into giving the story top marks! And it is an actual story which flows, makes sense, has depth and tension, rather than clumsily put together sections which have been the hallmark of some of the books I have read of late.
Men never come off well in Tina's narratives and this book is no exception. I found myself appalled, scared, aghast but also smiling and chuckling. The care Maria shows Elsie, her elderly friend she cleans for and looks after, the way she deals with how dementia changes Elsie, is touching.
I love the twist with Del and the flip back right near the end of the novel and can only give a top notch recommendation; if I see Tina Baker's name on a novel, I know immediately that I want to read it and that it will be good. I don't even care about the synopsis. Has to be a good author to feel like this!
With gratitude to Pigeonhole, the interactive book club in your pocket, for hosting Make Me Clean. I have now read all 3 of Baker's novels this way and would never have 'found' this dark, disturbing and compelling author otherwise.
Why?
The killing, which is always in a TB novel, is still very much present, and that can make me feel very unsettled. However, it is the cleverness of the author, her ability to write characters who do dreadfully bad things, but in spite of yourself, make you actually like, warm to and wish the best for them, that propels me into giving the story top marks! And it is an actual story which flows, makes sense, has depth and tension, rather than clumsily put together sections which have been the hallmark of some of the books I have read of late.
Men never come off well in Tina's narratives and this book is no exception. I found myself appalled, scared, aghast but also smiling and chuckling. The care Maria shows Elsie, her elderly friend she cleans for and looks after, the way she deals with how dementia changes Elsie, is touching.
I love the twist with Del and the flip back right near the end of the novel and can only give a top notch recommendation; if I see Tina Baker's name on a novel, I know immediately that I want to read it and that it will be good. I don't even care about the synopsis. Has to be a good author to feel like this!
With gratitude to Pigeonhole, the interactive book club in your pocket, for hosting Make Me Clean. I have now read all 3 of Baker's novels this way and would never have 'found' this dark, disturbing and compelling author otherwise.
March 22, 2023
This is a psychological thriller, which is well written, with a great storyline. Maria is the main character of the story, and she is a cleaner, who also happens to be a murderer who kills and gets rid of the people who are upsetting her cleaning clients.
Throughout the book, we are shown Maria's life in the past, as well as what she is doing in the present. Both are weaven together beautifully, and this gives us an insight into Maria's character, and why she is the way she is.
I highly recommend this book, which is quirky, interesting, grisly and compelling. It will draw you in and keep you engrossed until the last page. I loved it.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, NetGalley and The Pigeonhole for a copy of this book.
Throughout the book, we are shown Maria's life in the past, as well as what she is doing in the present. Both are weaven together beautifully, and this gives us an insight into Maria's character, and why she is the way she is.
I highly recommend this book, which is quirky, interesting, grisly and compelling. It will draw you in and keep you engrossed until the last page. I loved it.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, NetGalley and The Pigeonhole for a copy of this book.
January 22, 2023
Make Me Clean by Tina Baker
I give this book 4.5 stars
Maria is a good cleaner. She cleans for Elsie,with the terrible husband. She cleans for Brian, with the terrible boss. She cleans for the mysterious Mr Balogan, with the terrible neighbours.
Her clients have hired her to clean up their lives, and she takes her job seriously - not to mention how much happier they all are now. The trouble is, how much can you sweep under the carpet, and pray no one looks too closely?!
Oh wow,I loved this one!!
A cleaner who is good at her job and cares enough to go above and beyond for her special clients.Brilliantly written and compulsive to read,dark, twisted and fast paced. I loved Maria and her relationship with Elsie was the best.
This is one of those books that stands out for me and l don’t want to say too much, as you all need to read it (it’s that good)
With thanks to Netgalley,Tina Baker and Serpent's Tail / Viper / Profile Books for my chance to read and review this book
November 9, 2022
Raw, engaging and darkly funny.
Tina’s writing is absolutely brilliant. I enjoy her dry humour and no frills attitude to life and how it can sometimes be a bit ‘rubbish’. Her words are beautifully crafted and she never repeats herself or endlessly over describes events and surroundings. What you get is raw and totally engaging.
You can tell that Tina loves her cats (well all animals really!). She has made extra effort with the descriptions and activities of Elsie’s furry companions throughout this book. It’s this hilariously insightful comedy that keeps the book from being a bit stale and lacking emotion.
I don’t want to undersell the book, as it is a genuinely good read. It’s just taking me awhile to realise it’s not the book I thought it was. The story itself is a lot ‘softer’ than I thought it might be and not as dark as I was hoping. It did however keep me turning pages and at times laughing.
The murders mentioned in the synopsis can best be described as ‘accidentally on purpose’. Maria isn’t a killer, but she kills. She’s a complex character which is mostly because she never had the opportunity to find out who she really. Although she understands completely what she’s capable of.
I found her disconnected view of these ‘accidents’ a bit jarring. For someone who is so kind and caring, who goes out of her way to defend the defenceless … she has no feelings towards those that cease to exist. It’s like the only time she feels anything other than empathy is when she’s murdering someone. Then, as their life ceases to exist so do her feelings towards them and what she has done.
One of the many things I love about Tina is that she tackles crime fiction in a ‘action for..’ way. Just like ‘Call Me Mummy’ gave 10% of proceeds to Action for Children. This book is doing the same for Age UK. This is something that is quite unique to this author and something I find so commendable and noteworthy.
I really enjoyed this book and have loved all of the previous by Tina Baker. But this is not my favourite, I’m genuinely on the fence. I loved it but wanted more. I loved reading it and wasn’t finding myself distracted or bored. But for me, there was something missing that I can’t quite put my finger on. This thing is what made this book a 3 star not 4.
Tina’s writing is absolutely brilliant. I enjoy her dry humour and no frills attitude to life and how it can sometimes be a bit ‘rubbish’. Her words are beautifully crafted and she never repeats herself or endlessly over describes events and surroundings. What you get is raw and totally engaging.
You can tell that Tina loves her cats (well all animals really!). She has made extra effort with the descriptions and activities of Elsie’s furry companions throughout this book. It’s this hilariously insightful comedy that keeps the book from being a bit stale and lacking emotion.
I don’t want to undersell the book, as it is a genuinely good read. It’s just taking me awhile to realise it’s not the book I thought it was. The story itself is a lot ‘softer’ than I thought it might be and not as dark as I was hoping. It did however keep me turning pages and at times laughing.
The murders mentioned in the synopsis can best be described as ‘accidentally on purpose’. Maria isn’t a killer, but she kills. She’s a complex character which is mostly because she never had the opportunity to find out who she really. Although she understands completely what she’s capable of.
I found her disconnected view of these ‘accidents’ a bit jarring. For someone who is so kind and caring, who goes out of her way to defend the defenceless … she has no feelings towards those that cease to exist. It’s like the only time she feels anything other than empathy is when she’s murdering someone. Then, as their life ceases to exist so do her feelings towards them and what she has done.
One of the many things I love about Tina is that she tackles crime fiction in a ‘action for..’ way. Just like ‘Call Me Mummy’ gave 10% of proceeds to Action for Children. This book is doing the same for Age UK. This is something that is quite unique to this author and something I find so commendable and noteworthy.
I really enjoyed this book and have loved all of the previous by Tina Baker. But this is not my favourite, I’m genuinely on the fence. I loved it but wanted more. I loved reading it and wasn’t finding myself distracted or bored. But for me, there was something missing that I can’t quite put my finger on. This thing is what made this book a 3 star not 4.
February 3, 2023
I struggled with this one. I liked Maria’s story and respected her & her decisions, but I was also left feeling unsatisfied at the same time. I thought this was much darker than Tina’s previous two novels, and while there are some spots of brilliantly well written dark humour (Brian’s boss’s comeuppance springs to mind), it’s a lot. I admired Maria - existing, struggling with life & wanting to do better so that she can take care of Elsie, and her relationship with Elsie was a delight. While I was not expecting the ending, I’m glad it went the way it did. While this book fell a bit flat for me, I still can’t wait to see what she does next.
Thanks to Serpent’s Tail / Viper / Profile Books & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Serpent’s Tail / Viper / Profile Books & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews