The Housekeeper

A Novel

By: Joy Fielding

Narrated by: Finlay Stevenson

Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

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?

©2022 Joy Fielding (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Unexpected plot turns, crisp dialogue and an (at last) emboldened heroine enhance the appeal of this well-crafted domestic suspense thriller.”—The Wall Street Journal

“Joy Fielding [is] Canada’s answer to the late, great Mary Higgins Clark. . . . I admire Fielding’s ability to write relentlessly paced novels. . . . I never put The Housekeeper down—I read it in a single sitting.”—Sarah Weinman, The New York Times Book Review

“Jodi is a very likable and relatable character, and the novel delivers on its promise to wrap things up satisfactorily, but not without many juicy twists along the way.”—Bookreporter

Outstanding bolk!

I cannot recommend it enough. It kept me entralled. I will definitely buy a paper copy for my collection it was so good.

Kept me listening

This story had it all, family drama, suspense and a surprise ending. Great believable characters

Could not get past a couple of chapters.

I didn't like any of the characters, except maybe the housekeeper a little bit. The narrator was very annoying. Even in normal conversation, she sounded on the edge of hysteria. When she played a man, it sounded like a woman, just louder and more bossy. It's 11 hours I couldn't waste with dislike.

I've read Joy Fielding for many years. I've found that you never know what you're going to get with her books. Some are very good, some are unreadable (in this case unlistenable). This is the latter.

Felt compelled to finish

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm a big Joy Fielding fan, and this did not disappoint!

Grating voice

I had a difficult time listening to the narrator. Her attempt at changing voices was a failure and was more of a whine than a change of voice.
Story was ok.

the housekeeper

lots of twists ,enjoyed the listen while at work, really felt sorry for jody bravo!

Meh

I don’t feel I totally wasted my money on this one, but I would not recommend it. The main character had no backbone. I understand why she was weak, but good grief! She let everyone walk all over her!

Twists and turns the whole way through!

Very satisfied with this book! It was a page turner, I found it hard to put it down. I couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next, and of course Master mind Joy Fielding keeps you guessing the whole book. Right when you think you've figured it out, she takes the plot into a different twist you didn't expect. Definitely worth the read.

Loved it Loved it

I was hooked by end of first page. Loved the family dynamic and tug/pull of Housekeeper working her shenanigans. Read in couple of days listening on Audible late at night.

An enexpected treat

This book has everything, a talented narrator who brings the story to life, fantastically compelling characters and even some hardy laughs. I'll definitely be listening to more of this author and narrator!