The Housekeeper
A Novel
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
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 Samantha M. Bailey calls “an ingenious master of domestic suspense.”
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Reader’s Digest
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?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Toronto real estate broker Jodi Bishop, the narrator of this engrossing psychological thriller from bestseller Fielding (Cul-De-Sac), has a lot to worry about. Jodi's husband, a onetime literary sensation whose second novel has been stalled for years, takes his writing too seriously to care for their children. Her parents, Vic and Audrey Dundas, are overwhelmed by Audrey's advanced Parkinson's disease. When Audrey suffers a dangerous fall, Jodi overrides her father's objections and hires a live-in housekeeper. Interviewing Elyse Woodley after several lackluster candidates, Jodi ignores her sense that the vibrant 62-year-old widow seems too good to be true. Elyse promptly charms Vic and gets the Dundas household organized, freeing Jodi to focus on her embattled marriage and busy career. Then Audrey's health fails precipitously while Elyse begins wearing Audrey's expensive Cartier watch and limiting Jodi's access to her parents. Unsure whether these are warning signs or coincidences, Jodi tries to ensure her parents' safety without overriding their wishes. Though this isn't Fielding's most inventive plot, her well-wrought characters carry the story. This insightful exploration of the complexities of caring for aging relatives deserves a wide readership.
Customer Reviews
A Fast Paced Read
I have been a fan of Joy Fielding for many years, and have enjoyed all of her books! The Housekeeper kept my attention until the end, and I loved the sometimes humorous interaction between the sisters. Would highly recommend!
The Housekeeper
Outstanding book that I greatly enjoyed reading! My favorite character was Jodi, of course. It was a very cautionary tale that was really terrifying if you are thinking of hiring a housekeeper for aging and sick parents! Be sure to call, visit, and Google references and even contact neighbors! If it’s too good to be true, it is. Trust your instincts!
The Houskeeper
Good grief, what a waste of time. Half “Days of our Lives” and half an ill-conceived Agatha Christie kind of book, the fact that I actually read it is a bit embarrassing. I think I lost some brain cells in the process.