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A woman hires a housekeeper to care for her aging parents—only to watch as she takes over their lives in this riveting novel from the New York Times bestselling author called "an ingenious master of domestic suspense" (Samantha M. Bailey).
In the end, I have only myself to blame. I’m the one who let her in.
Jodi Bishop knows success. She's the breadwinner, a top-notch real estate agent. Her husband, Harrison . . . not so much. Once, he had big dreams. But now, he's a middling writer who resents his wife's success.
Jodi's father, Vic, now in his late seventies and retired, is a very controlling man. His wife, Audrey, was herself no shrinking violet. But things changed when Audrey developed Parkinson's ten years ago, and Vic retired to devote himself to her care. But while still reasonably spry and rakishly handsome, Vic is worn down by his wife's deteriorating condition.
Exhausted from trying to balance her career, her family, and her parents’ needs, Jodi starts interviewing housekeepers to help care for Audrey and Vic. She settles on Elyse Woodley, an energetic and attractive widow in her early sixties, who seems perfect for the job. While Vic is initially resistant, he soon warms to Elyse’s sunny personality and engaging ways.
And Jodi is pleased to have an ally, someone she can talk to and occasionally even confide in. Until . . .
She shuts Jodi out. And Audrey's condition worsens—rapidly. Who is this woman suddenly wearing her mother’s jewelry? What is she after? And how far will she go to get it?
In the end, I have only myself to blame. I’m the one who let her in.
Jodi Bishop knows success. She's the breadwinner, a top-notch real estate agent. Her husband, Harrison . . . not so much. Once, he had big dreams. But now, he's a middling writer who resents his wife's success.
Jodi's father, Vic, now in his late seventies and retired, is a very controlling man. His wife, Audrey, was herself no shrinking violet. But things changed when Audrey developed Parkinson's ten years ago, and Vic retired to devote himself to her care. But while still reasonably spry and rakishly handsome, Vic is worn down by his wife's deteriorating condition.
Exhausted from trying to balance her career, her family, and her parents’ needs, Jodi starts interviewing housekeepers to help care for Audrey and Vic. She settles on Elyse Woodley, an energetic and attractive widow in her early sixties, who seems perfect for the job. While Vic is initially resistant, he soon warms to Elyse’s sunny personality and engaging ways.
And Jodi is pleased to have an ally, someone she can talk to and occasionally even confide in. Until . . .
She shuts Jodi out. And Audrey's condition worsens—rapidly. Who is this woman suddenly wearing her mother’s jewelry? What is she after? And how far will she go to get it?
608 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2022
643 people are currently reading
14459 people want to read
About the author
Joy Fielding
121 books2,196 followersJoy Fielding (née Tepperman; born March 18, 1945) is a Canadian novelist and actress. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, she graduated from the University of Toronto in 1966, with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. As Joy Tepperman, she had a brief acting career, appearing in the film Winter Kept Us Warm (1965) and in an episode of Gunsmoke. She later changed her last name to Fielding (after Henry Fielding) and began writing novels.
Fielding is also the screenwriter of the television film Golden Will: The Silken Laumann Story.
At the age of 8, Joy Tepperman wrote her first story and sent it into a local magazine, and at age 12 sent in her first TV script, however both were rejected. She had a brief acting career, eventually giving it up to write full-time in 1972. She has published to date 22 novels, two of which were converted into film. Fielding's process of having an idea to the point the novel is finished generally takes a year, the writing itself taking four to eight months. Joy Fielding sets most of her novels in American cities such as Boston and Chicago. She has said that she prefers to set her novels in "big American cities, [as the] landscape seems best for [her] themes of urban alienation and loss of identity. Fielding is a Canadian citizen. Her husband's name is Warren, and they have two daughters, Annie and Shannon. They have property in Toronto, Ontario, as well as Palm Beach, Florida.
Fielding had an interview with the Vancouver Sun in 2007, just after her publication of Heartstopper. She enjoys catching readers off guard with the endings of her stories, but insists that "[it] isn't what her fiction is about", but rather more about the development of her characters. Discussing her novels with the Toronto Star in 2008, she said "I might not write fiction in the literary sense. But I write very well. My characters are good. My dialog is good. And my stories are really involving. I'm writing exactly the kind of books I like to write. And they're the kind of books I like to read. They're popular commercial fiction. That's what they are."
Fielding has been noted as a novelist who is more popular in the United States and foreign countries, rather than in her native Canada. For example, the novel Kiss Mommy Goodbye was more popular in the States, and See Jane Run in Germany. In addition, she had an American agent and publisher, although she has now switched to a Canadian publisher.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, she graduated from the University of Toronto in 1966, with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. As Joy Tepperman, she had a brief acting career, appearing in the film Winter Kept Us Warm (1965) and in an episode of Gunsmoke. She later changed her last name to Fielding (after Henry Fielding) and began writing novels.
Fielding is also the screenwriter of the television film Golden Will: The Silken Laumann Story.
At the age of 8, Joy Tepperman wrote her first story and sent it into a local magazine, and at age 12 sent in her first TV script, however both were rejected. She had a brief acting career, eventually giving it up to write full-time in 1972. She has published to date 22 novels, two of which were converted into film. Fielding's process of having an idea to the point the novel is finished generally takes a year, the writing itself taking four to eight months. Joy Fielding sets most of her novels in American cities such as Boston and Chicago. She has said that she prefers to set her novels in "big American cities, [as the] landscape seems best for [her] themes of urban alienation and loss of identity. Fielding is a Canadian citizen. Her husband's name is Warren, and they have two daughters, Annie and Shannon. They have property in Toronto, Ontario, as well as Palm Beach, Florida.
Fielding had an interview with the Vancouver Sun in 2007, just after her publication of Heartstopper. She enjoys catching readers off guard with the endings of her stories, but insists that "[it] isn't what her fiction is about", but rather more about the development of her characters. Discussing her novels with the Toronto Star in 2008, she said "I might not write fiction in the literary sense. But I write very well. My characters are good. My dialog is good. And my stories are really involving. I'm writing exactly the kind of books I like to write. And they're the kind of books I like to read. They're popular commercial fiction. That's what they are."
Fielding has been noted as a novelist who is more popular in the United States and foreign countries, rather than in her native Canada. For example, the novel Kiss Mommy Goodbye was more popular in the States, and See Jane Run in Germany. In addition, she had an American agent and publisher, although she has now switched to a Canadian publisher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,497 reviews
July 16, 2022
4.5⭐
This is my fourth book by the highly talented Joy Fielding, and my favorite to date. She is now front and center on my list of go-to authors.
Jodi is desperately trying to hold her own family together while keeping a close eye on her aging parents. Her mother is mostly bedridden with Parkinson’ and Jodi knows she must find help for her father, who’s been the main caregiver.
Enter Elyse - the answer to Jodi’s prayers. She ticked all boxes and then some. But something is bothering Jodi. Is this model employee too good to be true? Did she just make the biggest mistake of her life?
Desperate, Jodi turns to her sister and husband for help. But finding no help from either, she realizes she alone in trying to prevent a looming disaster. As Jodi’s anxiety ramped up…so did mine.
Though the storyline was a tad predictable, I loved every minute and found that I could not put it down!
Can’t wait for Ms. Fielding’s next release!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine for granting my wish.
This is my fourth book by the highly talented Joy Fielding, and my favorite to date. She is now front and center on my list of go-to authors.
Jodi is desperately trying to hold her own family together while keeping a close eye on her aging parents. Her mother is mostly bedridden with Parkinson’ and Jodi knows she must find help for her father, who’s been the main caregiver.
Enter Elyse - the answer to Jodi’s prayers. She ticked all boxes and then some. But something is bothering Jodi. Is this model employee too good to be true? Did she just make the biggest mistake of her life?
Desperate, Jodi turns to her sister and husband for help. But finding no help from either, she realizes she alone in trying to prevent a looming disaster. As Jodi’s anxiety ramped up…so did mine.
Though the storyline was a tad predictable, I loved every minute and found that I could not put it down!
Can’t wait for Ms. Fielding’s next release!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine for granting my wish.
August 20, 2022
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House-Ballantine, and Joy Fielding for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 8.16!**
Like the world's most famous nanny, she's practically perfect in every way...that is, if Mary Poppins were:
*older
*greyer
and
*had a devious streak...or perhaps even a deadly one!
Jodi has had to work twice as hard in life, just to be noticed in her own family. Golden child sister Tracy is quite LITERALLY golden...blonde, slender, and beautiful, and the apple of her parents' eyes. Jodi has tried to make a name for herself in her own way, fighting and clawing her way to success in the real estate world, working for her wealthy father Vic's company. She has a writer husband Harrison, on a mission to write the Next Great American Novel, and two adorable kids to boot.
All is not well, however...Jodi's mom Audrey has been suffering with Parkinson's for ten years and her husband is growing weary of being her primary caretaker. When slim, trim, and fashionable Elyse shows up to interview for a housekeeper position in Vic's home, Jodi feels an overwhelming sense of calm and relief: THIS woman is the answer to her prayers and will keep the family running. And from jump, she settles smoothly into the family, even helping with the grandchildren and ticking off every box.
...Until Jodi notices her mother's blouse in Elyse's closet and her Cartier watch dangling from Elyse's wrist. Is there more to this 'charming widow than meets the eye...and is this PERFECT stranger more of a...perfect stranger? Can Jodi and sister Tracy protect their father, their mother, and themselves before Elyse 'cleans house'...for good?
Joy Fielding is one of those authors I've been meaning to get to for ages, and the creepy cover (which gave me Bates Motel vibes!) and the synopsis drew me in and got me excited to pick this particular book up. I'm happy to say that this was a solid, quick, and fun domestic suspense book, and was JUST the sort of read I needed!
Fielding drew me in right away with her character development (FABULOUS), her sharp, snappy writing, and one of my favorite elements in thrillers or suspense: short chapters that WORK and make you think "Eh, I can read a few more, why not?"...and then by the time you look up, you realize you've blown through 5 or 6 of them! It's so rare I finish a book in a few days lately, but this was an EASY read. And yep, just like that easy Sunday morning the Commodores sang about, this book doesn't try too hard, doesn't reinvent the wheel...and doesn't NEED to do any of that. It's absolutely PERFECT beach reading, which is not what I suspected going in, but I was pleasantly surprised to not have to sift through an overwrought plot, suspend my disbelief too much, or groan my way through an ending.
There's also an extra DELIGHTFULLY devious little twist thrown in towards the end, like the perfect dessert you didn't know you needed (but are THOROUGHLY going to enjoy anyway, thank you!) 🎂
The plot of this book may not be new, but Fieldng uses just enough of her own personal flair and crafty writing to make it FEEL new. And best of all?
No spoonful of sugar required!
😉
4 stars
Like the world's most famous nanny, she's practically perfect in every way...that is, if Mary Poppins were:
*older
*greyer
and
*had a devious streak...or perhaps even a deadly one!
Jodi has had to work twice as hard in life, just to be noticed in her own family. Golden child sister Tracy is quite LITERALLY golden...blonde, slender, and beautiful, and the apple of her parents' eyes. Jodi has tried to make a name for herself in her own way, fighting and clawing her way to success in the real estate world, working for her wealthy father Vic's company. She has a writer husband Harrison, on a mission to write the Next Great American Novel, and two adorable kids to boot.
All is not well, however...Jodi's mom Audrey has been suffering with Parkinson's for ten years and her husband is growing weary of being her primary caretaker. When slim, trim, and fashionable Elyse shows up to interview for a housekeeper position in Vic's home, Jodi feels an overwhelming sense of calm and relief: THIS woman is the answer to her prayers and will keep the family running. And from jump, she settles smoothly into the family, even helping with the grandchildren and ticking off every box.
...Until Jodi notices her mother's blouse in Elyse's closet and her Cartier watch dangling from Elyse's wrist. Is there more to this 'charming widow than meets the eye...and is this PERFECT stranger more of a...perfect stranger? Can Jodi and sister Tracy protect their father, their mother, and themselves before Elyse 'cleans house'...for good?
Joy Fielding is one of those authors I've been meaning to get to for ages, and the creepy cover (which gave me Bates Motel vibes!) and the synopsis drew me in and got me excited to pick this particular book up. I'm happy to say that this was a solid, quick, and fun domestic suspense book, and was JUST the sort of read I needed!
Fielding drew me in right away with her character development (FABULOUS), her sharp, snappy writing, and one of my favorite elements in thrillers or suspense: short chapters that WORK and make you think "Eh, I can read a few more, why not?"...and then by the time you look up, you realize you've blown through 5 or 6 of them! It's so rare I finish a book in a few days lately, but this was an EASY read. And yep, just like that easy Sunday morning the Commodores sang about, this book doesn't try too hard, doesn't reinvent the wheel...and doesn't NEED to do any of that. It's absolutely PERFECT beach reading, which is not what I suspected going in, but I was pleasantly surprised to not have to sift through an overwrought plot, suspend my disbelief too much, or groan my way through an ending.
There's also an extra DELIGHTFULLY devious little twist thrown in towards the end, like the perfect dessert you didn't know you needed (but are THOROUGHLY going to enjoy anyway, thank you!) 🎂
The plot of this book may not be new, but Fieldng uses just enough of her own personal flair and crafty writing to make it FEEL new. And best of all?
No spoonful of sugar required!
😉
4 stars
May 30, 2022
3.5 STARS
Jodi Bishop has come to the conclusion that her parents can no longer manage on their own. Her dad is caring for her mom who has Parkinson’s while maintaining their creaky old house. He is nearing eighty years old himself. She finds the perfect housekeeper, Elyse. She is a spry sixty-two year old, short blond hair, slender with toned arms and an engaging smile.
Things were amazing for awhile......
Jodi blames herself for what transpired. The subtle clues, the red flags waving, the missing jewelry and abrupt phone calls. If only she could take it all back.
A tale of how someone can take advantage of the elderly. How things can get out of hand before you realize what is happening. Throw in a highly dysfunctional family, some super angsty characters who like to ruffle up feathers for fun and you have a recipe for disaster.
Much of the story focused on Jodi and the issues in her marriage. Everyone playing a game. I just never felt much tension or suspense. ALL the twists were all very predictable for me, but I still wanted to finish and see who would win the battle of deception.
This is the second book I've read by Fielding, and they both rated 3.5 for me, but I'd still pick up her next because there is something engaging about her writing that keeps me turning the pages and curious.
Thanks to publisher for granting my wish! OUT August 16, 2022
Jodi Bishop has come to the conclusion that her parents can no longer manage on their own. Her dad is caring for her mom who has Parkinson’s while maintaining their creaky old house. He is nearing eighty years old himself. She finds the perfect housekeeper, Elyse. She is a spry sixty-two year old, short blond hair, slender with toned arms and an engaging smile.
Things were amazing for awhile......
Jodi blames herself for what transpired. The subtle clues, the red flags waving, the missing jewelry and abrupt phone calls. If only she could take it all back.
A tale of how someone can take advantage of the elderly. How things can get out of hand before you realize what is happening. Throw in a highly dysfunctional family, some super angsty characters who like to ruffle up feathers for fun and you have a recipe for disaster.
Much of the story focused on Jodi and the issues in her marriage. Everyone playing a game. I just never felt much tension or suspense. ALL the twists were all very predictable for me, but I still wanted to finish and see who would win the battle of deception.
This is the second book I've read by Fielding, and they both rated 3.5 for me, but I'd still pick up her next because there is something engaging about her writing that keeps me turning the pages and curious.
Thanks to publisher for granting my wish! OUT August 16, 2022
August 26, 2022
Let me start off by saying I absolutely love Joy Fielding! Her books are almost always a hit with me. This one…ehhh! Let’s just say it wasn’t my favorite.
A woman named Jodi hires a housekeeper to take care of her ailing mother…and to help alleviate her father’s duties (even though he doesn’t do anything besides act like a pr*ck). The housekeeper isn’t what she seems. Jodi has a terrible support group, including her self-absorbed sister and gaslighting d*ck of a husband. Things transpire and get worse and worse because Jodi is oblivious to everything that is DIRECTLY in front of her face. Bad things happen. People die, and others are harmed.
I expected more from this, but it was pretty run of the mill. The characters were terrible. I hated all of them, and unfortunately it wasn’t a “love to hate” situation. Jodi was the one I was supposed to be rooting for, and yet I couldn’t help but wonder why she didn’t open her eyes to see what was really going on around her.
Despite all of this, I was entertained throughout and flew through this one. Fielding provides amusing moments and always keeps things entertaining. While I won’t actively recommend this particular book, I recommend the author 1000%.
2.5 stars rounded up.
A woman named Jodi hires a housekeeper to take care of her ailing mother…and to help alleviate her father’s duties (even though he doesn’t do anything besides act like a pr*ck). The housekeeper isn’t what she seems. Jodi has a terrible support group, including her self-absorbed sister and gaslighting d*ck of a husband. Things transpire and get worse and worse because Jodi is oblivious to everything that is DIRECTLY in front of her face. Bad things happen. People die, and others are harmed.
I expected more from this, but it was pretty run of the mill. The characters were terrible. I hated all of them, and unfortunately it wasn’t a “love to hate” situation. Jodi was the one I was supposed to be rooting for, and yet I couldn’t help but wonder why she didn’t open her eyes to see what was really going on around her.
Despite all of this, I was entertained throughout and flew through this one. Fielding provides amusing moments and always keeps things entertaining. While I won’t actively recommend this particular book, I recommend the author 1000%.
2.5 stars rounded up.
August 29, 2022
Jodi Bishop is a loving, dependable and supportive wife, mother, daughter and sister to a family who takes her for granted no matter how hard she tries to please and take care of them all. Jodi is finally reached the point of being over overwhelmed and stressed emotionally as well as.physically and she must make a decision that will benefit her whole family whether they're agreeable or not to a new change. Jodi is a top selling realtor at her retired father's real estate agency, her husband Harrison is an established writer although he hasn't written another book in ten years so Jodi is the main breadwinner in the family. Jodi's mother suffers from Parkinson's which is a horrid disease without a cure and just continues to worsen over time and her domineering, still strong eighty year old father has been caring for her but needs more help than he is willing to admit. So, Jodi decides to hire a live-in housekeeper.
In comes Elyse, A lovely, efficient attractive woman in her early sixties who has impeccable references and the attitude and patience of a saint. When something seems to good to be true it usually isn't true in the end. Jodi thinks Elyse is a gift from heaven and one day she will realize that Elyse, indeed is a fallen angel from heaven.
I loved this fantastic book that is filled with twisty, domestic suspense. Joy Fielding has written another winner and I can't wait for her next book. The story is engaging from page one and held my deadfast attention until the very end. Most of the characters are unlikeable yet they are the type you love to hate and can't wait to see what they'll say or do next. Jodi is a people pleaser and allows herself to be walked on because she hates confrontation of any kind and she is just a good person inside. As Jodi slowly finds her life turning upside down and questioning Elyse's role behind many suspicious happenings at her parent's home and also finding her own home life in a downward spiral, she knows she must take a new stand but unfortunately it may be too late in.every avenue that Jodi travels down and she will soon find out that everything changed for the worse the moment she hired the "The Housekeeper".
I have enjoyed all of the Joy Fielding's books that I have read, some more than others but she is an author that I will never pass up. Many of her earlier books are a real treat and almost timeless so I highly recommend trying some of them as well as her recent novels. This book was so much fun and a delight to read with the very flawed cast of characters who were quite despicable at times and to see Jodi slowly begin to grow and become a much stronger woman and person. If any reader enjoys domestic suspense or a tantalizing and fun drama which includes murder, blackmail, lies, adultery, manipulation, wealth and so much more then please, don't miss out on reading this book.
I want to thank the publisher " Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine" and Netgalley for the.opportunity to read this book and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this terrific novel A rating of 4 1/2 TWISTED AND CAPTIVATING 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
In comes Elyse, A lovely, efficient attractive woman in her early sixties who has impeccable references and the attitude and patience of a saint. When something seems to good to be true it usually isn't true in the end. Jodi thinks Elyse is a gift from heaven and one day she will realize that Elyse, indeed is a fallen angel from heaven.
I loved this fantastic book that is filled with twisty, domestic suspense. Joy Fielding has written another winner and I can't wait for her next book. The story is engaging from page one and held my deadfast attention until the very end. Most of the characters are unlikeable yet they are the type you love to hate and can't wait to see what they'll say or do next. Jodi is a people pleaser and allows herself to be walked on because she hates confrontation of any kind and she is just a good person inside. As Jodi slowly finds her life turning upside down and questioning Elyse's role behind many suspicious happenings at her parent's home and also finding her own home life in a downward spiral, she knows she must take a new stand but unfortunately it may be too late in.every avenue that Jodi travels down and she will soon find out that everything changed for the worse the moment she hired the "The Housekeeper".
I have enjoyed all of the Joy Fielding's books that I have read, some more than others but she is an author that I will never pass up. Many of her earlier books are a real treat and almost timeless so I highly recommend trying some of them as well as her recent novels. This book was so much fun and a delight to read with the very flawed cast of characters who were quite despicable at times and to see Jodi slowly begin to grow and become a much stronger woman and person. If any reader enjoys domestic suspense or a tantalizing and fun drama which includes murder, blackmail, lies, adultery, manipulation, wealth and so much more then please, don't miss out on reading this book.
I want to thank the publisher " Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine" and Netgalley for the.opportunity to read this book and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this terrific novel A rating of 4 1/2 TWISTED AND CAPTIVATING 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
February 14, 2022
3.5*
"In the end, I have only myself to blame. I'm the one who let her in."
In this domestic suspense, a family's nightmare reveals a housekeeper/caretaker taking charge of an elderly couple's fate. Jodi is successful in real estate and looks to find help for her parents when her mother's life debilitates due to Parkinson. Her father is in his 70's, and very active. He comes across as a controlling grump. He finds Elyse taking over the reins and their life.
Jodi's mother, Audrey, deteriorates quickly under Elyse's care, given cause for Jodi to investigate. She finds Elyse wearing her mother's belongings and her father acting strangely. Jodi has her own problems brewing at home with her husband. He is a writer and resents her success.
This book reminds me of the Netflix movie "I Care a Lot." A court appointed guardian sets out to defraud older clients, then contains them in a nursing home. There are many scams like this that target our vulnerable elderly. It played out predictable, but I can't say I didn't enjoy it. I kept reading for a surprise and to see what stunt this caretaker was going to pull.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballatine for this title in exchange for my honest review.
"In the end, I have only myself to blame. I'm the one who let her in."
In this domestic suspense, a family's nightmare reveals a housekeeper/caretaker taking charge of an elderly couple's fate. Jodi is successful in real estate and looks to find help for her parents when her mother's life debilitates due to Parkinson. Her father is in his 70's, and very active. He comes across as a controlling grump. He finds Elyse taking over the reins and their life.
Jodi's mother, Audrey, deteriorates quickly under Elyse's care, given cause for Jodi to investigate. She finds Elyse wearing her mother's belongings and her father acting strangely. Jodi has her own problems brewing at home with her husband. He is a writer and resents her success.
This book reminds me of the Netflix movie "I Care a Lot." A court appointed guardian sets out to defraud older clients, then contains them in a nursing home. There are many scams like this that target our vulnerable elderly. It played out predictable, but I can't say I didn't enjoy it. I kept reading for a surprise and to see what stunt this caretaker was going to pull.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballatine for this title in exchange for my honest review.
September 16, 2022
Long, tedious and frustrating until the end when it's too late to care. The miraculous dad ending comes far too late to save it. 2 of 10 stars
August 13, 2022
3.5 Stars I enjoy books by Joy Fielding, a Canadian best-selling writer of domestic suspense. She writes in an engaging manner, and her books are easy, quick reads involving domestic drama and mystery. This is a fast-paced, entertaining, character-based psychological thriller. The story is based on twisted family dynamics with unpleasant, flawed characters. Even the most appealing, Jodi, who narrates this compelling tale, has some annoying personality traits.
Jodi has always been searching for approval and is subject to harsh, undeserved criticism from her parents, who clearly preferred her sister Tracy. Nevertheless, she visits her aging parents regularly, a duty avoided by her sister. Tracy is supported by her parents in a lavish style.
Jodi's husband is regularly finding fault with her, and she is hurt by his lack of appreciation. She has an exhausting real estate position and two children to care for. Her husband often isolates himself in the den, trying to complete a book he has been writing for ten years or absenting himself to teach classes for aspiring authors. Jodi is the sole source of household income, but her husband resents the time she spends at her real estate job. Jody is always apologizing for unfair criticism from her husband and father, failing to stand up to their constant fault-finding.
Jodi's father is a spry, dapper man approaching eighty years of age. He quit a lucrative position to care for Jodi's mother, who has Parkinson's disease, and her condition is deteriorating. Jodi realizes that her cranky, controlling father is approaching the stage where caregiving and house maintenance is becoming too much for him. Jodi hires Elyse, an attractive, outwardly pleasant, obliging sixty-two-year-old woman. She seems perfect for the job and goes beyond her required duties, offering to care for the children, working weekends, and quickly charms Jodi's children and her father.
We know from the beginning that Jodi has strong regrets about hiring Elyse and concedes it was a huge mistake. Soon she notices that the housekeeper is wearing her mother's expensive jewellery and fashions. She is not surprised that her father makes excuses and takes Elyse's side when confronted about helping herself to the mother's possessions. After her mother's tragic death, Elyse and her besotted father soon marry. A tangled web of lies, scheming, and deceit becomes apparent.
Jodi and her sister join forces to try to stop some alarming developments in their father's home. They can find no help from lawyers or police with merely their suspicions and without concrete proof. Jodi is concerned her father may be in mortal danger, and Tracy is worried that her inheritance will be lost to her.
Added to the story of a dysfunctional family, this book addresses some very real and significant social problems, such as elder abuse and defrauding senior citizens of their wealth and property.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Canada/Doubleday Canada for the ARC of this compelling thriller.
Jodi has always been searching for approval and is subject to harsh, undeserved criticism from her parents, who clearly preferred her sister Tracy. Nevertheless, she visits her aging parents regularly, a duty avoided by her sister. Tracy is supported by her parents in a lavish style.
Jodi's husband is regularly finding fault with her, and she is hurt by his lack of appreciation. She has an exhausting real estate position and two children to care for. Her husband often isolates himself in the den, trying to complete a book he has been writing for ten years or absenting himself to teach classes for aspiring authors. Jodi is the sole source of household income, but her husband resents the time she spends at her real estate job. Jody is always apologizing for unfair criticism from her husband and father, failing to stand up to their constant fault-finding.
Jodi's father is a spry, dapper man approaching eighty years of age. He quit a lucrative position to care for Jodi's mother, who has Parkinson's disease, and her condition is deteriorating. Jodi realizes that her cranky, controlling father is approaching the stage where caregiving and house maintenance is becoming too much for him. Jodi hires Elyse, an attractive, outwardly pleasant, obliging sixty-two-year-old woman. She seems perfect for the job and goes beyond her required duties, offering to care for the children, working weekends, and quickly charms Jodi's children and her father.
We know from the beginning that Jodi has strong regrets about hiring Elyse and concedes it was a huge mistake. Soon she notices that the housekeeper is wearing her mother's expensive jewellery and fashions. She is not surprised that her father makes excuses and takes Elyse's side when confronted about helping herself to the mother's possessions. After her mother's tragic death, Elyse and her besotted father soon marry. A tangled web of lies, scheming, and deceit becomes apparent.
Jodi and her sister join forces to try to stop some alarming developments in their father's home. They can find no help from lawyers or police with merely their suspicions and without concrete proof. Jodi is concerned her father may be in mortal danger, and Tracy is worried that her inheritance will be lost to her.
Added to the story of a dysfunctional family, this book addresses some very real and significant social problems, such as elder abuse and defrauding senior citizens of their wealth and property.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Canada/Doubleday Canada for the ARC of this compelling thriller.
December 16, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded down
The Housekeeper is a slow burn psychological thriller. Jodi may be the younger daughter, but she’s the responsible one. Her aging parents’ care falls more and more to her, so she finally hires a housekeeper to help look after them. At first, Elyse seems perfect. She manages to charm Jodi’s. cranky father and she’s the perfect caregiver for her mother with Parkinson's.
The book is written looking back in time. As Jodi “speaks” to the reader, she makes comments like - looking back, I should have seen or this should have given me a clue. So, from the very beginning, we know things won’t end well.
Jodi was meant to be a sympathetic character. She basically supports her jerk of a husband, still trying to finish his second novel after ten years. If women marry men like their fathers, she’s done just that. Because her father is equally hard to please, doting on Jodi’s older sister who has never found a way to support herself. I wanted to see Jodi grow a pair and walk out on the lot of them, instead of constantly apologizing and trying harder to please. Flip side, her sister has the best line in the whole book when asked what she would do about a particular situation.
The story isn’t entirely believable. .
The story also isn’t original, in fact it was very predictable. I enjoyed seeing how many of the supposed big twists I could guess before they occurred. The answer was every one of them. That said, the book is entertaining in a mindless sort of way.
My thanks to Netgalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book.
The Housekeeper is a slow burn psychological thriller. Jodi may be the younger daughter, but she’s the responsible one. Her aging parents’ care falls more and more to her, so she finally hires a housekeeper to help look after them. At first, Elyse seems perfect. She manages to charm Jodi’s. cranky father and she’s the perfect caregiver for her mother with Parkinson's.
The book is written looking back in time. As Jodi “speaks” to the reader, she makes comments like - looking back, I should have seen or this should have given me a clue. So, from the very beginning, we know things won’t end well.
Jodi was meant to be a sympathetic character. She basically supports her jerk of a husband, still trying to finish his second novel after ten years. If women marry men like their fathers, she’s done just that. Because her father is equally hard to please, doting on Jodi’s older sister who has never found a way to support herself. I wanted to see Jodi grow a pair and walk out on the lot of them, instead of constantly apologizing and trying harder to please. Flip side, her sister has the best line in the whole book when asked what she would do about a particular situation.
The story isn’t entirely believable. .
The story also isn’t original, in fact it was very predictable. I enjoyed seeing how many of the supposed big twists I could guess before they occurred. The answer was every one of them. That said, the book is entertaining in a mindless sort of way.
My thanks to Netgalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book.
July 11, 2024
Meh. This author has had some good books but this was just not one of them.
Jodi is a 40-something married mom of two young children. She's a successful realtor and her husband is a writer who wrote one moderately successful book years ago and has been struggling to repeat that success while Jodi supports their family. Jodi's mom has Parkinson's disease and has been going downhill recently, and her elderly father is having difficulty caring for her. Jodi, with the "help" of her older sister Tracy, ends up hiring Elyse, a sixtyish woman with impeccable references, to be the live in housekeeper to care for their mother. At first, things go well, but then things begin to change.
This is a very predictable story with unlikable characters. Every single male character is horrific--misogynistic gaslighting awful people. Tracy is in her 40s and has no job, is sponging off of her parents who think she can do no wrong. Jodi is a massive doormat who just takes the abuse of her father and her husband and made me want to sit her down and give her a serious talking-to. I mean, when her husband misses her mom's memorial service to go to a "writer's conference" that would have been the last straw for me. And all of his whining and complaining about how much she was working when he had NO JOB. It's honestly no wonder she loved and fell for everything Elyse was dishing out, she was so starved for love and attention.
I powered through to hope for some redemption at the end, but was left rolling my eyes at the ridiculous conclusion. This is honestly just a silly book and I cannot for the life of me understand how it gets such high ratings.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Jodi is a 40-something married mom of two young children. She's a successful realtor and her husband is a writer who wrote one moderately successful book years ago and has been struggling to repeat that success while Jodi supports their family. Jodi's mom has Parkinson's disease and has been going downhill recently, and her elderly father is having difficulty caring for her. Jodi, with the "help" of her older sister Tracy, ends up hiring Elyse, a sixtyish woman with impeccable references, to be the live in housekeeper to care for their mother. At first, things go well, but then things begin to change.
This is a very predictable story with unlikable characters. Every single male character is horrific--misogynistic gaslighting awful people. Tracy is in her 40s and has no job, is sponging off of her parents who think she can do no wrong. Jodi is a massive doormat who just takes the abuse of her father and her husband and made me want to sit her down and give her a serious talking-to. I mean, when her husband misses her mom's memorial service to go to a "writer's conference" that would have been the last straw for me. And all of his whining and complaining about how much she was working when he had NO JOB. It's honestly no wonder she loved and fell for everything Elyse was dishing out, she was so starved for love and attention.
I powered through to hope for some redemption at the end, but was left rolling my eyes at the ridiculous conclusion. This is honestly just a silly book and I cannot for the life of me understand how it gets such high ratings.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 7, 2022
I could not get enough of the drama.It’s a story you’ve probably heard a million times before but it was so good. I sat up into the wee hours of the morning trying to finish it because it was so good. The plot twists shocked me.
Jodi Bishop hires a live-in housekeeper to look after her elderly mother who had Parkinson’s disease and her father.Enter Elyse. She is perfect. She’d give Mrs. Doubtfire a run for her money.
Jodi is grateful is grateful for the help so she can devote more time to her real estate job as well as her writer husband and children. Even her hard to please father warmed up to and seems very fond of Elyse.
What do they say about things that seem to be too good to be true? They usually are. Suddenly Jodi sees Elyse wearing her mother’s clothes and jewelry. Pretty soon she is shut out completely having no contact with her family. As her mother’s condition declines Jodi becomes more anxious. Who is this women she let into her parents home?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Jodi Bishop hires a live-in housekeeper to look after her elderly mother who had Parkinson’s disease and her father.Enter Elyse. She is perfect. She’d give Mrs. Doubtfire a run for her money.
Jodi is grateful is grateful for the help so she can devote more time to her real estate job as well as her writer husband and children. Even her hard to please father warmed up to and seems very fond of Elyse.
What do they say about things that seem to be too good to be true? They usually are. Suddenly Jodi sees Elyse wearing her mother’s clothes and jewelry. Pretty soon she is shut out completely having no contact with her family. As her mother’s condition declines Jodi becomes more anxious. Who is this women she let into her parents home?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 4, 2023
The Housekeeper is an amazing first read of 2023. It’s fast paced, character driven with a constant sense of foreboding throughout. I have enjoyed all of the books I’ve read by Joy Fielding and this is definitely no exception. I love how Joy Fielding makes me care about the characters. The character development drives this twisty, suspenseful psychological thriller while keeping me hooked and reading late into the night. Just when I thought the story was going one way, it quickly turned in a direction I never saw coming. Highly entertaining and addictive! Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Ballantine for my copy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 3, 2022
2.5 stars
Jodi hires a housekeeper to look after her ailing mother who has Parkinson’s disease her father Vic is helpless & can’t look after her after a fall.
But nothing is as it seems with the lovely Elyse things start to happen accidents & even a body Vic is a total Dick & Harrison is a total wanker. Not enjoyable at all
Jodi hires a housekeeper to look after her ailing mother who has Parkinson’s disease her father Vic is helpless & can’t look after her after a fall.
But nothing is as it seems with the lovely Elyse things start to happen accidents & even a body Vic is a total Dick & Harrison is a total wanker. Not enjoyable at all
June 8, 2022
I’m giving this 4 stars, but I didn’t actually enjoy this novel that much, mostly because all of the characters are simply awful. Technically, the protagonist, Jodi, is a nice, hard-working person and she really cares about her family. However, I didn’t find her likeable because she let absolutely everyone walk all over her, which is not an admirable quality. Her kids are great, but everyone else is ghastly. Her husband had a successful novel 10 years ago, and even though their two young children are in school or daycare much of the time and Jodi is an equal partner raising the kids while being the breadwinner, he tries to blame the erratic schedule of her being a real estate agent on why he can’t finish his next novel. Even worse are her father who only says horrible things to her and her incredibly lazy but beautiful 45-year-old sister. I really can’t imagine a 45-year-old who has never even attempted to make her own money but instead buys expensive name-brand clothes with an allowance from her wealthy father. I mean, to not even try to make a living?
Since Jodi is doing everything for everyone, she needs help. Her mother has had Parkinson’s for the last ten years, and that’s a disease that just gets worse. When she finds Elyse, she thinks she’s found the jackpot. Elyse jumps at the chance to look after Jodi’s kids even though it’s not her job, and the dominating dickhead father likes her because she’s an attractive 60-something woman who knows how to say all the right things (he’s approaching 80). It’s little things at first that concern Jodi, but those concerns escalate. The resolution of the book is well done.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 16, 2022.
Since Jodi is doing everything for everyone, she needs help. Her mother has had Parkinson’s for the last ten years, and that’s a disease that just gets worse. When she finds Elyse, she thinks she’s found the jackpot. Elyse jumps at the chance to look after Jodi’s kids even though it’s not her job, and the dominating dickhead father likes her because she’s an attractive 60-something woman who knows how to say all the right things (he’s approaching 80). It’s little things at first that concern Jodi, but those concerns escalate. The resolution of the book is well done.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 16, 2022.
August 25, 2022
Jodi hires the “perfect” housekeeper to look after her father, who is nearing 80, and her mother, whose condition has seriously deteriorated from Parkinson’s disease. Obviously, Elyse turns out to be less than perfect, or there wouldn’t be a book.
Parts of the book were too “women’s fiction” for me. Jodi’s father was a despicable old coot and I often wondered why Jodi bothered with him. Jodi’s sister and husband were also seriously defective. The book sets Jodi up to be the only responsible adult in the family. A lot of the twists in this book were too obvious and the story started to drag for me so I began to skim. Nevertheless, I still found the book entertaining. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
Parts of the book were too “women’s fiction” for me. Jodi’s father was a despicable old coot and I often wondered why Jodi bothered with him. Jodi’s sister and husband were also seriously defective. The book sets Jodi up to be the only responsible adult in the family. A lot of the twists in this book were too obvious and the story started to drag for me so I began to skim. Nevertheless, I still found the book entertaining. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
August 7, 2022
This is my 10th book by this author. She's Not There is still a book I recommend years later, so obviously I was super excited for this new release.
Jodi is trying to do it all ~ raise her 2 children, Sam & Daphne, support her writer husband, Harrison, and help her parents, all while being a real estate agent. Her mother has Parkinson's and her father is having a tough time managing her care. Her older sister, Tracy, offers no assistance at all. Jodi hires the perfect woman to move in and help out full time, Elyse. But apparently looks and actions can be deceiving of this 62 year old who originally put off the perfection vibe.
Just about every character was unbearable. Jodi is a doormat. Her father was horrible to her and I wanted to punch his 80 year old face. Harrison was not an ideal husband when he's feeling stressed about completing his next novel that's somehow taking a decade to complete! Tracy is so self absorbed and stills rely's on financial support from their parents at age 40, really!?
Side note ~ I went to college some 20 years or so ago, so maybe this is a more current thing, but I found it odd that Harrison hosted a bbq for his new students every year. I could never imagine hanging out with a professor and I especially wouldn't go to their home.
Overall, this one has it's up and down's, but it was a decent read. Not an original plot, predictable and not twisty enough for me, but some might not see the obvious coming. Each chapter ending gives off the vibe that things aren't what they seem and the bad will be coming soon. Could the police really not have done more to help?? Although not my favorite by her, I will still continue to read her work.
TW ~ adultery, body image shaming in abundance
*Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Joy Fielding and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
More reviews here ➡ Heather Adores Books
Jodi is trying to do it all ~ raise her 2 children, Sam & Daphne, support her writer husband, Harrison, and help her parents, all while being a real estate agent. Her mother has Parkinson's and her father is having a tough time managing her care. Her older sister, Tracy, offers no assistance at all. Jodi hires the perfect woman to move in and help out full time, Elyse. But apparently looks and actions can be deceiving of this 62 year old who originally put off the perfection vibe.
Just about every character was unbearable. Jodi is a doormat. Her father was horrible to her and I wanted to punch his 80 year old face. Harrison was not an ideal husband when he's feeling stressed about completing his next novel that's somehow taking a decade to complete! Tracy is so self absorbed and stills rely's on financial support from their parents at age 40, really!?
Side note ~ I went to college some 20 years or so ago, so maybe this is a more current thing, but I found it odd that Harrison hosted a bbq for his new students every year. I could never imagine hanging out with a professor and I especially wouldn't go to their home.
Overall, this one has it's up and down's, but it was a decent read. Not an original plot, predictable and not twisty enough for me, but some might not see the obvious coming. Each chapter ending gives off the vibe that things aren't what they seem and the bad will be coming soon. Could the police really not have done more to help?? Although not my favorite by her, I will still continue to read her work.
TW ~ adultery, body image shaming in abundance
*Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Joy Fielding and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
More reviews here ➡ Heather Adores Books
October 22, 2023
Joy Fielding is back following Cul-de-sac (2021) with her thirtieth novel, THE HOUSEKEEPER —a sixty-two-year-old femme fatale wreaks havoc on an entire family in this wicked and witty devious game of cat-and-mouse.
With twisty thrills and seduction by the minute, from gaslighting, manipulation, and blackmail to murder. Your head will be spinning as to who will wind up dead next!
In the end, I have only myself to blame. I'm the one who let her in.
Meet Jodi, married to Harrison. Jodi is a real estate agent and a high producer at her father's real estate company. She is the breadwinner and makes the money. She is married to Harrison, an author (writing teacher) who has not produced anything recently. Jodi wants to be an interior designer.
He whines and complains about everything, including taking care of the two kids (Daphne and Sam) and anytime she has a showing. She also thinks he is having an affair (which he is). She needs to dump him. He also complains about her spending too much time caring for her aging parents, particularly her mom with Parkinson's. Her dad cannot be bothered.
Jodi is getting tired of Harrison, and because she thinks he is having an affair, she has a little fling herself with a man she recently showed a condo to. But that will turn out as not a chance meeting. She later discovers this man is an accomplice and will wind up blackmailing her. Very funny at the dinner party with the connection.
In light of this, she finally talks her father into hiring a live-in Housekeeper to take care of her father's household and her mother. The mom put up with abuse from her dad their entire life. Neither are very warm and caring parents. The father is demanding, unfaithful, abusive, and controlling. They also have money and prestige, and their home is worth millions. The father is in his late seventies and does not have the patience to deal with his wife's Parkinson's.
Jodi is the younger of the sisters, and Tracy is the eldest. Tracy is worthless. She is only good at spending money and buying designer clothes. But she is funny. The dad pays all her bills, including her credit cards. She does want to be an inspiring writer but, as of yet, has not produced anything, but that may change if her money goes away.
Enter Elyse Woodley. The new housekeeper. A young looking sixty-two, tall, slender, muscular, short blond hair and an engaging smile and manner. She had personal references (which turned out to be fake) and knew the right thing to say. However, the devil in disguise.
She says she has a son about Jodi's page who lives in California. Is he her son? The jury is out on this one. She appears to be able to cook and entertain and steal things. (that would be jewelry, people, and money).
In the blink of an eye, the spider has made her move. She is sleeping with the father, wearing the mother's jewelry and clothes, and not caring for the mother. Elyse and the dad try and keep Jodi and Tracy away. No one is safe in this house. The gold digger is out for the money, and soon, the girls will be cut out of the will entirely, and she is already pursuing selling the house.
Frantic, Jodi tries everything from going to the police to the attorney. What is wrong with her dad? Can he not see what she is doing, but he is crazy about her, and soon the wife ends up dead, and the father and new housekeeper run off to Niagra Falls and marry with no prenup. Is her dad crazy?
Then the blackmail starts, but at this point, Jodi does not care. Then Evelyn starts drugging her dad with pills in his food, wants to change the will, and starts changing doctors and attorneys. She tries to keep them away, and they cannot get rid of her. Her dad is spellbound.
Later the dad seems to be afraid, hiding, making calls during the night to Jodi. From gaslighting, manipulation, lies, and deceit. Who will wind up dead next?
I loved the ending- two years later! Priceless. Jodi and Tracy are hilarious and by the end you like them both.
Witty, wacky, smart, twisty, comic, and surprising! I laughed out loud and thought this book was hilarious. Joy is a pro when it comes to plotting, domestic suspense with colorful characters both flawed and believable.
A few things- my take First, this is the wrong cover for the book. Does not do the book justice. It needs to be WOW, funny, and dangerous. Secondly, I disagree with the reference from the Library Journal blurb. I have read every Mary Kubica and Ruth Ware book, and for me, this one is a standout comic/satire and reads like a funny Sally Hepworth, Kaira Rouda, Ellen Meister, and Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan novels— full of dark humor, flawed characters, mixed with some devilish wicked fun and games with everyday life issues.
Pick this one up and get some laughs! I love Joy's books and must go back and read Cul de sac, which I missed.
Thank you to #RandomHouse and #NetGalley for an ARC to read, review, and enjoy.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins |#JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars ✨✨✨✨✨
Pub Date: Aug 16, 2022
Aug 2022 Must-Read Books
With twisty thrills and seduction by the minute, from gaslighting, manipulation, and blackmail to murder. Your head will be spinning as to who will wind up dead next!
In the end, I have only myself to blame. I'm the one who let her in.
Meet Jodi, married to Harrison. Jodi is a real estate agent and a high producer at her father's real estate company. She is the breadwinner and makes the money. She is married to Harrison, an author (writing teacher) who has not produced anything recently. Jodi wants to be an interior designer.
He whines and complains about everything, including taking care of the two kids (Daphne and Sam) and anytime she has a showing. She also thinks he is having an affair (which he is). She needs to dump him. He also complains about her spending too much time caring for her aging parents, particularly her mom with Parkinson's. Her dad cannot be bothered.
Jodi is getting tired of Harrison, and because she thinks he is having an affair, she has a little fling herself with a man she recently showed a condo to. But that will turn out as not a chance meeting. She later discovers this man is an accomplice and will wind up blackmailing her. Very funny at the dinner party with the connection.
In light of this, she finally talks her father into hiring a live-in Housekeeper to take care of her father's household and her mother. The mom put up with abuse from her dad their entire life. Neither are very warm and caring parents. The father is demanding, unfaithful, abusive, and controlling. They also have money and prestige, and their home is worth millions. The father is in his late seventies and does not have the patience to deal with his wife's Parkinson's.
Jodi is the younger of the sisters, and Tracy is the eldest. Tracy is worthless. She is only good at spending money and buying designer clothes. But she is funny. The dad pays all her bills, including her credit cards. She does want to be an inspiring writer but, as of yet, has not produced anything, but that may change if her money goes away.
Enter Elyse Woodley. The new housekeeper. A young looking sixty-two, tall, slender, muscular, short blond hair and an engaging smile and manner. She had personal references (which turned out to be fake) and knew the right thing to say. However, the devil in disguise.
She says she has a son about Jodi's page who lives in California. Is he her son? The jury is out on this one. She appears to be able to cook and entertain and steal things. (that would be jewelry, people, and money).
In the blink of an eye, the spider has made her move. She is sleeping with the father, wearing the mother's jewelry and clothes, and not caring for the mother. Elyse and the dad try and keep Jodi and Tracy away. No one is safe in this house. The gold digger is out for the money, and soon, the girls will be cut out of the will entirely, and she is already pursuing selling the house.
Frantic, Jodi tries everything from going to the police to the attorney. What is wrong with her dad? Can he not see what she is doing, but he is crazy about her, and soon the wife ends up dead, and the father and new housekeeper run off to Niagra Falls and marry with no prenup. Is her dad crazy?
Then the blackmail starts, but at this point, Jodi does not care. Then Evelyn starts drugging her dad with pills in his food, wants to change the will, and starts changing doctors and attorneys. She tries to keep them away, and they cannot get rid of her. Her dad is spellbound.
Later the dad seems to be afraid, hiding, making calls during the night to Jodi. From gaslighting, manipulation, lies, and deceit. Who will wind up dead next?
I loved the ending- two years later! Priceless. Jodi and Tracy are hilarious and by the end you like them both.
Witty, wacky, smart, twisty, comic, and surprising! I laughed out loud and thought this book was hilarious. Joy is a pro when it comes to plotting, domestic suspense with colorful characters both flawed and believable.
A few things- my take First, this is the wrong cover for the book. Does not do the book justice. It needs to be WOW, funny, and dangerous. Secondly, I disagree with the reference from the Library Journal blurb. I have read every Mary Kubica and Ruth Ware book, and for me, this one is a standout comic/satire and reads like a funny Sally Hepworth, Kaira Rouda, Ellen Meister, and Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan novels— full of dark humor, flawed characters, mixed with some devilish wicked fun and games with everyday life issues.
Pick this one up and get some laughs! I love Joy's books and must go back and read Cul de sac, which I missed.
Thank you to #RandomHouse and #NetGalley for an ARC to read, review, and enjoy.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins |#JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars ✨✨✨✨✨
Pub Date: Aug 16, 2022
Aug 2022 Must-Read Books
August 19, 2022
This "Housekeeper" is a keeper.
What happens when a daughter hires the "perfect housekeeper" to care for her elderly parents?
In the beginning, the housekeeper sweeps the entire family off their feet.
And then things start spiraling out of control.
Although much of "The Housekeeper"'s storyline is predictable, the book is a fast-paced, character-driven, twisty, and engaging read.
Author Joy Fielding and I go waaay back. After reading "Kiss Mommy Goodbye" in the 1980s, I became an instant fan. My "oldie-but-goodie" Joy Fielding favorites were "The Other Woman" and "Life Penalty".
Unfortunately, Joy Fielding's recent releases were not in the same league as her earlier psychological thrillers.
But the good news is that Joy Fielding just upped her game with "The Housekeeper" and, hopefully, she'll continue to do with her upcoming releases.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration was good but not great.
What happens when a daughter hires the "perfect housekeeper" to care for her elderly parents?
In the beginning, the housekeeper sweeps the entire family off their feet.
And then things start spiraling out of control.
Although much of "The Housekeeper"'s storyline is predictable, the book is a fast-paced, character-driven, twisty, and engaging read.
Author Joy Fielding and I go waaay back. After reading "Kiss Mommy Goodbye" in the 1980s, I became an instant fan. My "oldie-but-goodie" Joy Fielding favorites were "The Other Woman" and "Life Penalty".
Unfortunately, Joy Fielding's recent releases were not in the same league as her earlier psychological thrillers.
But the good news is that Joy Fielding just upped her game with "The Housekeeper" and, hopefully, she'll continue to do with her upcoming releases.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration was good but not great.
December 22, 2024
I have such exasperation and frustration after finishing this novel.
Just no. I did like two of her books previously but this one was bad. I do not understand the excellent reviews. She wrote Mad River Road and Whispers and Lies, liked them both.
Just no. I did like two of her books previously but this one was bad. I do not understand the excellent reviews. She wrote Mad River Road and Whispers and Lies, liked them both.
August 26, 2023
This book was twisty and turning! Loved it!
April 21, 2025
A solid psychological thriller by old pro Joy Fielding.
It’s only a bit painful to see the protagonist’s docility and the fact that she’s taken advantage of by her family all the time (an estate agent, really?). But otherwise it’s so suspenseful that I read the book in one go.
It’s only a bit painful to see the protagonist’s docility and the fact that she’s taken advantage of by her family all the time (an estate agent, really?). But otherwise it’s so suspenseful that I read the book in one go.
December 7, 2022
The Housekeeper reminded me of those classic Lifetime movies from the early 2000s. If you've ever seen one of those than you know exactly what I'm saying.
The Housekeeper is about a woman Jodi who hires a Housekeeper for her parents. Her father is a rich asshole and her mother is battling Parkinson's. The Housekeeper Elyse seems perfect, she's a Godsend, she's almost too good to be true...spoiler alert: she is too good to be true.
Slowly Elyse works her way deeper and deeper into Jodi's family. Jodi who is a doormat and truly one of the dumbest protagonist I've ever read about, is deal with a trashcan for a husband, 2 kids, an annoying sister, a thriving career and she's doing everything in her power to look past all the red flags Elyse is waving.
It may seem like I didn't like this book and that's half right. Jodi was so infuriating that I almost dnf'd this book....but than I remember that Jodi was just behaving like those protagonist in the classic Lifetime movies. After that I was able to sit back and just enjoy this book.
I can't remember if I've read any other Joy Fielding novels, I do own one but I haven't read it yet. I think I'd like to read more from her in the future. She's pretty well known and in the acknowledgements she says that this is her 30th novel. So I don't think I need to recommend her to anyone...but I will anyway. If you enjoy classic Lifetime movies, than I think you'll enjoy this book.
The Housekeeper is about a woman Jodi who hires a Housekeeper for her parents. Her father is a rich asshole and her mother is battling Parkinson's. The Housekeeper Elyse seems perfect, she's a Godsend, she's almost too good to be true...spoiler alert: she is too good to be true.
Slowly Elyse works her way deeper and deeper into Jodi's family. Jodi who is a doormat and truly one of the dumbest protagonist I've ever read about, is deal with a trashcan for a husband, 2 kids, an annoying sister, a thriving career and she's doing everything in her power to look past all the red flags Elyse is waving.
It may seem like I didn't like this book and that's half right. Jodi was so infuriating that I almost dnf'd this book....but than I remember that Jodi was just behaving like those protagonist in the classic Lifetime movies. After that I was able to sit back and just enjoy this book.
I can't remember if I've read any other Joy Fielding novels, I do own one but I haven't read it yet. I think I'd like to read more from her in the future. She's pretty well known and in the acknowledgements she says that this is her 30th novel. So I don't think I need to recommend her to anyone...but I will anyway. If you enjoy classic Lifetime movies, than I think you'll enjoy this book.
May 27, 2022
This is my second Joy Fielding novel. I read and enjoyed Cul-de-sac and have been looking forward to another Fielding story.
In this story Jodi Bishop hires Elyse Woodley as a live-in care giver/housekeeper to help with her aging parents.
Jodi’s mother, Audrey has Parkinson’s.
Her father Vic is devoted to caring for his wife.
Jodi is a successful real estate agent with two young children Sam who is eight years old and Daphne is three years old needless to say she is very busy; so she is happy to have a live in care taker help with her parents.
Jodi’s husband Harrison is a writer but not all that successful and is jealous of his wife’s success.
Jodi is super pleased with Elyse, who is in her early sixties and is very energetic. Vic is not happy with someone taking care of his wife but soon adjusts to Elyse’s personality as well as her help.
Hmm Jodi notices that her mother’s condition has worsens and Elyse is wearing some of her jewelry.
There is no doubt there are characters in this that you just want to slap! Tracy is on the top of my list!
But I kept pulling for Jodi and was hopeful that she would ‘fix’ this situation as well as ‘fix’ herself!
There is a twist that had me gasp out loud and then I nearly threw my e Reader across the room!
Although the plot was somewhat predictable, it kept me reading. It was good in a strange way as I ended up sad about the whole situation. I am looking forward to the next Fielding read!
Want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group ~ Ballantine for this uncorrected eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for my honest comments.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 16, 2022.
In this story Jodi Bishop hires Elyse Woodley as a live-in care giver/housekeeper to help with her aging parents.
Jodi’s mother, Audrey has Parkinson’s.
Her father Vic is devoted to caring for his wife.
Jodi is a successful real estate agent with two young children Sam who is eight years old and Daphne is three years old needless to say she is very busy; so she is happy to have a live in care taker help with her parents.
Jodi’s husband Harrison is a writer but not all that successful and is jealous of his wife’s success.
Jodi is super pleased with Elyse, who is in her early sixties and is very energetic. Vic is not happy with someone taking care of his wife but soon adjusts to Elyse’s personality as well as her help.
Hmm Jodi notices that her mother’s condition has worsens and Elyse is wearing some of her jewelry.
There is no doubt there are characters in this that you just want to slap! Tracy is on the top of my list!
But I kept pulling for Jodi and was hopeful that she would ‘fix’ this situation as well as ‘fix’ herself!
There is a twist that had me gasp out loud and then I nearly threw my e Reader across the room!
Although the plot was somewhat predictable, it kept me reading. It was good in a strange way as I ended up sad about the whole situation. I am looking forward to the next Fielding read!
Want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group ~ Ballantine for this uncorrected eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for my honest comments.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 16, 2022.
April 20, 2022
This is my 4th book by Joy Fielding and I was excited when my “wish” was granted by NetGalley!! Meet Elyse Woodley, the new housekeeper hired to help Jodi’s aging parents. Mrs Woodley will have her hands full with the mother who has Parkinson’s but she steps up to the plate and seems to be perfect for the job. But then wait … things start happening that Jodi starts to question. This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page and I just could not put it down. And at 75%, a nice twist thrown in that I did not see coming at all! I really enjoyed this a lot! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my early review.
July 24, 2022
This book was a super fast and easy read - it had entertaining characters, a decent amount of suspense and the writing was great. Unfortunately, it was very formulaic, predictable and not dramatic enough for my taste.
The premise is the usual setup: woman hires housekeeper for her ailing parents, housekeeper seems perfect at first, then things quickly take a turn for the worse. It’s the same story you’ve probably read before, either in headlines or other books. It was executed very well, but I was hoping for something a bit different.
If you’re looking for a quick, mindless thriller, then this is your book. Like I said, it was quite entertaining, but nothing special. 3.5 stars for great writing in a good story with an overdone plot and mediocre ending.
(Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Joy Fielding, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
The premise is the usual setup: woman hires housekeeper for her ailing parents, housekeeper seems perfect at first, then things quickly take a turn for the worse. It’s the same story you’ve probably read before, either in headlines or other books. It was executed very well, but I was hoping for something a bit different.
If you’re looking for a quick, mindless thriller, then this is your book. Like I said, it was quite entertaining, but nothing special. 3.5 stars for great writing in a good story with an overdone plot and mediocre ending.
(Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Joy Fielding, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
December 30, 2022
What a stupid, horrible book with the worst characters you could ever imagine. I suppose the author was trying to redeem these people in the last 15 minutes of the audiobook but it didn’t work. Terrible. Just terrible. The ratings shock me.
September 17, 2022
2.5
Jodi hires Elyse, a housekeeper for her father to help him care for his dying wife. Everyone loves Elyse; she is so perfect. Too perfect? Absolutely. Don't believe anything she says. But at first, it's all good.
The problem I had with this book, and maybe the audio reader exaggerated the tone and aggressiveness of the male voices, was that Jodi was an undeserving victim of the verbal abuse coming at her from all sides, and she simply took it all in. We heard her thoughts in her own defense, but she didn't voice them. Her father and usually her husband were mean and despicable. Her mother and sister not much better. All the while, Elyse is pulling the wool over everyone's eyes, except Jodi.
It was hard for me to tolerate these people. I stuck with it, and finally the last hour of the eleven hour book was better than tolerable. Was it worth eleven hours of my time? Debatable.
Jodi hires Elyse, a housekeeper for her father to help him care for his dying wife. Everyone loves Elyse; she is so perfect. Too perfect? Absolutely. Don't believe anything she says. But at first, it's all good.
The problem I had with this book, and maybe the audio reader exaggerated the tone and aggressiveness of the male voices, was that Jodi was an undeserving victim of the verbal abuse coming at her from all sides, and she simply took it all in. We heard her thoughts in her own defense, but she didn't voice them. Her father and usually her husband were mean and despicable. Her mother and sister not much better. All the while, Elyse is pulling the wool over everyone's eyes, except Jodi.
It was hard for me to tolerate these people. I stuck with it, and finally the last hour of the eleven hour book was better than tolerable. Was it worth eleven hours of my time? Debatable.
August 15, 2022
Jodi Bishop has a lot on her plate. She's a mother of two juggling family life with her job as a real estate broker. Her husband Harrison had seen early success with his first novel and has yet to write another book. He's unsupportive of Jodi's successful career and is a bit of a jerk. Vic and Audrey Dundas are Jodi's parents. Her mother's Parkinson's disease is worsening so Jodi hires Elyse Woodley as a live-in housekeeper to help them, even though her father initially objects. The 62-year-old, widowed Elyse seems perfect. Jodi is initially thrilled and even Vic ends up being very happy with her. But the clever and manipulative Elyse is soon calling the shots in the household leaving Jodi with no means to protect her parents from the very woman she hired.
The Housekeeper is a captivating domestic thriller. Most people are faced with the challenge of ensuring the care of elderly parents at some point making this story very relevant. Abuse of the aged is all too real a problem. Author Joy Fielding has such a talent for creating interesting characters. In addition to Elyse, who is clearly not the ideal housekeeper Jodi was convinced she was, most of the men are duds. There's good tension and suspense. When Audrey's possessions start finding their way into Elyse's hands, you can feel Jodi's angst. Check out this fast-paced book from an author who never lets me down.
Many thanks to Ballantine Books / Random House for the opportunity to read The Housekeeper in advance of its release.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
The Housekeeper is a captivating domestic thriller. Most people are faced with the challenge of ensuring the care of elderly parents at some point making this story very relevant. Abuse of the aged is all too real a problem. Author Joy Fielding has such a talent for creating interesting characters. In addition to Elyse, who is clearly not the ideal housekeeper Jodi was convinced she was, most of the men are duds. There's good tension and suspense. When Audrey's possessions start finding their way into Elyse's hands, you can feel Jodi's angst. Check out this fast-paced book from an author who never lets me down.
Many thanks to Ballantine Books / Random House for the opportunity to read The Housekeeper in advance of its release.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
September 14, 2022
3.5 stars.
Jodi Bishop's parents are nearing 80 years old. Her mother has Parkinson's disease and her father is having more trouble with caring for her. Jodi feels that a live-in housekeeper is the answer. Enter Elyse Woodley, 62, with impeccable references and who meets Jodi's father's requirements. Is Elyse too good to be true because in my opinion, her actions involve taking too many liberties from day one. Turned me off to her but I'm open to turning the other direction......
I like books by Joy Fielding. This one is a fast read and it was enjoyable for the me the whole way. I occasionally like a bit of domestic drama in between my mysteries.
Jodi Bishop's parents are nearing 80 years old. Her mother has Parkinson's disease and her father is having more trouble with caring for her. Jodi feels that a live-in housekeeper is the answer. Enter Elyse Woodley, 62, with impeccable references and who meets Jodi's father's requirements. Is Elyse too good to be true because in my opinion, her actions involve taking too many liberties from day one. Turned me off to her but I'm open to turning the other direction......
I like books by Joy Fielding. This one is a fast read and it was enjoyable for the me the whole way. I occasionally like a bit of domestic drama in between my mysteries.
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