A review by natashaleighton_
The Housekeepers by Alex Hay

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A lush and exhilarating heist novel that deftly explores the splendour, decadence and corruption of upper class living in Edwardian London — through the eyes of the women who know it best. 

When Mrs King, the respected housekeeper in one of the grandest homes in Mayfair, is suddenly dismissed from her post, she decides to take action— by stripping the place bare. 

Returning to her criminal roots and the world of con artists and thrives that raised her, Mrs King recruits an eclectic group of women, each seeking their own form of revenge.

From black market Queens and trapeze trained housemaids to actresses and seamtresses looking for a big break—Mayfair society will soon learn to never to underestimate the women downstairs…

I absolutely loved this! I devoured it at breakneck speed and was soo thoroughly ensnared I didn’t want it to end. The ensemble cast of characters were all well written and fabulously multilayered, breathing life and purpose into each of their nuanced (and intricately intertwined) backstories. 

It is a multi POV story which alternates between the POVs of each co-conspirator: Mrs. King, Mrs. Bone, Winnie, Alice and the Janes, with each chapter cleverly serving as a countdown to the heist and each woman’s thoughts and feelings leading up to it. 

The complexity involved, from the drip-fed snippets which allow us to slowly piece together the motivations behind each woman, to the anticipatory sense of urgency that creeps into every aspect of their plans, made for such an engrossing and thoroughly immersive experience. And the shocking twists and big reveals were AMAZING! 

Naturally, given the focus on characters from lower socioeconomic backgrounds; wealth, class privilege and corruption play a huge role in plot and really amp up the girl gang/ female empowerment vibes (which I absolutely loved.) It does however touch upon aspects of life in domestic servitude that weren’t so great for everyone, so I do suggest checking any TWs beforehand. 

That being said, Alex Hay does a spectacular job of navigating sensitive issues and topics in his engaging prose without veering into an exploitative territory.

 I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything so I’ll leave things here, however I do think this needs to be adapted into a movie or TV show ASAP. I mean ,women getting back at the rich and powerful people who’ve wronged them—I’d totally watch that! 

So, If you loved the scheming, no holds barred grittiness of Peaky Blinders or enjoyed Downton Abbey-not for the Crawley family’s escapades, but for the compelling glimpses into the lives of their servants—then you’re definitely gonna enjoy this ambitiously pacey and delightfully audacious debut. 

Also, a huge thank you to Caitlin Raynor and Headline book for the proof. 
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