Desire Path

by Joan Ingram

One Scottish woman's anonymous, quiet life, cleaning the London homes of the rich, is being systematically destroyed by two hapless teens. It leads to deceit, betrayal and death. The rebellious daughter of one of her clients begins a cascade of illicit activities, and our endearing protagonist, whom we meet in her jail cell, has to contemplate her ruined future. But did she lead a double life? Did she commit murder? Did she steal priceless art? Will the people she cleans for betray her or can she find community and support as she faces imprisonment, and national vilification at the hands of a ruthless newspaper editor?

This story is filled with dark humour and dysfunctional family drama where everyone believes they know what’s best for everyone else.

264 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2026

Reviews

[Olivia Whitelaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not typically a reader of the crime fiction genre, but Desire Path has totally changed my mind! The writing treads a careful (and impressively executed) line between sharp, witty humour and authentic characters full of heart. I can’t wait to read what Joan Ingram writes next.

[Aaliah Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting, it really did surprise me! I didn't warm to the main character in the first 50 pages, but as the story progressed she began to change and by the end I really resonated with how much she had grown and the unlikely relationships she had built with the people around her.

I liked how it seemed real and true and to be honest, it could probably be a real life story. Someone many people would see as insignificant because she's ‘just a cleaner’ became such an important part of other people's lives that they began to depend on her for something more than just her paid services - which I think can also be a lesson for real life. We might think who we are is insignificant and we can go about our lives without affecting others but even if try to avoid it, we can have profound impacts on people's lives.

The protagonist was deeply ambitious and at the beginning set out basically for more control of her own life & more money but unintentionally found friendship, true belonging and a more connected feeling to life and the community that had formed around her.

I personally enjoy politics and knitting so to have these references in a book was really quite fun (while the occasional mention of Sam Coates, who is coincidentally one of my favourite political journalists, made me giggle).

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A absolute stormer of a read, full of sharp observations, humour and thoughtfully drawn characters. The story has a fantastic pace to it, with plenty of twists, but it’s the through-line of warmth and wit that make it unique. Clever, funny, thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. A super impressive debut. Cannot WAIT to see what’s next from this new fiction writer.

[Josephine Litchfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book by a new author. Funny, tender, made me cry and laugh out loud. A light fingered cleaner who finds herself, against her better judgement, involved in the lives of three well to do clients, and herein lies a wonderful story with tantalising snippets of a troubled childhood …. You will love this book not only for its wit but also for its heartwarming genuine empathy.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

In Joan Ingram’s Desire Path, the pervasive dynamic where people believe they know what is best for everyone else stems from a mix of ego, entitlement, and control disguised as concern. In the wealthy homes where the protagonist works, affluent clients enforce rigid, self-serving expectations onto working-class staff under the guise of benevolence. Concurrently, dysfunctional family structures and rebellious teens act out of self-absorption, imposing their choices onto others to suit their desires without weighing the fallout. Ingram captures how narcissism and class paternalism blind people to the autonomy of others, driving them to manipulate lives around them while convincing themselves of their righteousness.

​Housecleaners become vulnerable scapegoats for crime because of institutional power disparities. When high-value assets—like priceless art—disappear or illicit activities unravel, wealthy clients leverage their social influence, elite legal counsel, and sensationalist media connections to redirect blame. The domestic worker, occupying an isolated position within the private sphere, lacks legal resources and public credibility. sensational newspaper editors and corrupt systems readily villainise a working-class outsider rather than question privileged elites. Their social invisibility turns into stark vulnerability the moment a convenient target is needed to protect the powerful.

​Housecleaners see what others miss—the unvarnished reality behind facades. Cleaning private spaces grants intimate access to hidden dysfunction: illicit affairs, hidden debts, and personal decay. While the public sees normalcy, the cleaner swipes away dirt, observing true character away from public performance.

The title Desire Path serves as a sharp metaphor for human behaviour and survival. A desire path represents the informal, worn track created by people deviating from designated paved routes to reach their destination directly. In the novel, characters reject rigid societal boundaries, legal norms, and class roles to carve their own trajectories—whether through youth rebellion, self-preservation, or solidarity.

[S K LITCHFIELD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually favour my books in audio form however someone recommended this book to me and for the first time in ages, I read a book cover to cover.
And so with no hesitation, I urge you to do read this too! The exquisite storytelling wraps itself around you like a hug. This writer possesses the gift of nearness in abundance, so the characters feel genuinely close with a connection and understanding that develops effortlessly.
As my tears can attest, it is extremely touching, but it is also deliciously ‘bold’ (in the Irish sense) with an infectious infusion of naughtiness, humour and a knowing anarchy all wrapped up in an easy charm.
This book will leave you with a tear in your eye (in a good way!) but also will restore your faith in empathy, compassion and the resilience of the human condition to seek out the undefined ‘desire paths’ that may not always be apparent but are the paths that speak to the humanity and the dreams that exist in all of us.
It is a book that will make you happier for having had the opportunity to get to know all these beautifully drawn characters, enjoy.

[Christina · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a really solid, entertaining debut! It follows an unnamed Scottish cleaner in London who gets dragged into a mess of crime and chaos by her wealthy client’s teenagers. The book actually starts with her in a jail cell, which immediately hooks you.
The best part is definitely the humor—the author used to write comedy for the BBC, and it shows. The jabs at the out-of-touch upper class are hilarious, and the narrator is super observant and easy to root for. It loses a bit of momentum in the middle, and the mystery wraps up a little too neatly, but it’s a quick, clever read if you like dark British satire.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

A woman from Scotland makes a living cleaning homes of wealthy Londoners, but finds herself caught up in the antics of a pair of teenagers - leading to her subsequent incarceration!

The reader is left pondering what she will do next and whether her privileged employers (or anyone else) will list a finger to help - or hinder - her...

An interesting read with well drawn characters, multiple twists, and more than a touch of dark humor.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desire Path is the book for you to be putting on your holiday shopping list and into your suitcase!
It will keep you well entertained on any travels and the characters will soon become part of your holiday.
This is a book that keeps on giving, its twists and turns throughout the story make it impossible to guess
what is coming next which means you just keep turning the pages.
This is my summer gift to friends and family so they too can be part of the fun. Enjoy!

[Torran McEwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost read this in one sitting, it was so much fun! The Desire Path was full of twists and turns and seriously funny moments, but didn't shy away from exploring deeper topics. The cast of characters were painted so vividly and with so much warmth it was impossible not to fall in love with them all (even O...). Perfect for fans of books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, it was an absolutely delightful read perfect for taking on holiday.

[Judith Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. A fun, exciting story with the most wonderful characters who I would love to read more of. Laugh out loud funny throughout, and moved me to tears too. The writing is truly beautiful. I loved the colours, the emotions, the observations, the vivid imagery and the themes that were woven through the text. I enjoyed this immensely.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absorbing throughout; a poignant, modern tale of contrasting lives woven together in search of connectivity, understanding and redemption. Tense, warm and witty. Ingram's ease with the pen skips through complex characters and experiences with aplomb. 

A joy to read.

L Stewart, East Lothian, Scotland

[Lucy Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

1000000000/5

I was captivated by this book! Really lost myself in the world and its characters and all their little quirks. Perfect summer read - and hilarious too

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy!

[Abi Golding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed from start to finish! Lots of twists and turns with some tender and funny moments in there. You want to keep reading to see what is going to happen!

It also gave a similar vibe to How To Kill Your Family, so fans of that would definitely love this.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it from start to finish. I laughed, I cried, and mostly I marvelled at how profoundly real the characters and story felt!

[Una Porteous · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, from an exciting new author. Sharply witty, moving and engaging - it has all the elements of great book. Looking forward to the next one.

[Mrs P M Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read, with relatable characters and a plot that evolves beautifully toward some nail biting moments. I really loved this book and was sorry when I got to the last page.

[Serena R.]

I was an alpha reader for this!!!

Wholesome, fun, buy-at-the-airport type book for fans of Remarkably Bright Creatures, The Maid & Bridget Jones.

I loved this & I'm sure you would, too!