#Bookreview of #TheHousekeepers by Alex Hay

UPSTAIRS, MADAM IS PLANNING THE PARTY OF THE SEASON.
DOWNSTAIRS, THE SERVANTS ARE PLOTTING THE HEIST OF THE CENTURY.
– The Housekeepers

[ About The Housekeepers ]

When Mrs King, housekeeper to the most illustrious home in Mayfair, is suddenly dismissed after years of loyal service, she knows just who to recruit to help her take revenge.

A black-market queen out to settle her scores. An actress desperate for a magnificent part. A seamstress dreaming of a better life. And Mrs King’s predecessor, who has been keeping the dark secrets of Park Lane far too long.

Mrs King has an audacious plan in mind, one that will reunite her women in the depths of the house on the night of a magnificent ball – and play out right under the noses of her former employers…

THEY COME FROM NOTHING. BUT THEY’LL LEAVE WITH EVERYTHING

[ My Review ]

The Housekeepers by Alex Hay published with Headline Review July 6th and is described as ‘dazzling, stylish and wildly entertaining…lets loose an outlandish alliance of women you’ll never forget…‘

I can honestly say that I have never read a book with such an outrageous and entertaining plot telling the story of a bunch of kick-ass women who seriously mean business. Set in 1905 in Mayfair, The Housekeepers is the story of a woman scorned but not in the way you might think. Oh no Mrs King as we know her is on a mission to recruit a bunch of like-minded, self-sufficient and sassy women to assist her in an extraordinary heist.

After being dismissed in her role as housekeeper in the finest house on Park Lane, Mrs King knows where all its riches are hidden. She also knows some other secrets of the house and its owner that are not common knowledge. Seeking out an old acquaintance, Mrs King gathers her team around her and puts together an audacious plan of action. one that requires patience, precision and plenty of street smarts. There will be a ball in Park Lane, one of the grandest balls ever staged and Mrs King plans to be at it, but not as a guest!!

This ensemble of exceptional women put in place a heist of a remarkable nature, one that leaves any Hollywood equivalent in the shade. The level of planning and the attention to detail is phenomenal and exciting. If Mrs King and her team manage to pull this off it will be one of the most remarkable thefts ever to have taken place. But Mrs King doesn’t really believe in ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. She has her reasons and, as the story slowly reveals itself, these become clear.

Alex Hay has created a charming and magnificent cast of characters, all with individual personalities that perfectly complement each other. Amidst the shenanigans there are certainly more serious societal themes raised which are all perfectly woven into the tale.

Imagine Downton Abbey, or if you are of a more mature variety, perhaps Upstairs Downstairs, placed in a spinner with Oceans 8 and the result would be The Housekeepers. Edwardian grandeur, visual feasts, gutsy women and a top-class heist make for a very original and entertaining tale. The Housekeepers is a truly delightful read, an historical caper, pure escapism and fun.

[ Bio ]

Alex Hay grew up in Cambridge and Cardiff and has been writing as long as he can remember. He studied History at the University of York, and wrote his dissertation on female power at royal courts, combing the archives for every scrap of drama and skulduggery he could find. He has worked in magazine publishing and the charity sector, and is a graduate of the Curtis Brown Write Your Novel course. The Housekeepers is his debut novel and won the Caledonia Novel Award 2022. Alex lives with his husband in South East London

Twitter ~ @AlexHayBooks