ARC Review: The Housekeepers by Alex Hay

The Housekeepers
Author: Alex Hay
Publication: Graydon House; Original edition (July 4, 2023)

Description: The night of London's grandest ball, a bold group of women downstairs launch a daring revenge heist against Mayfair society in this dazzling historical novel about power, gender, and class.

Mrs. King is no ordinary housekeeper. Born into a world of con artists and thieves, she’s made herself respectable, running the grandest home in Mayfair. The place is packed with treasures, a glittering symbol of wealth and power, but dark secrets lurk in the shadows.

When Mrs. King is suddenly dismissed from her position, she recruits an eclectic group of women to join her in 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, with her own desire for vengeance.

Their plan? On the night of the house’s highly anticipated costume ball—set to be the most illustrious of the year—they will rob it of its every possession, right under the noses of the distinguished guests and their elusive heiress host. But there’s one thing Mrs. King wants even more than money: the truth. And she’ll run any risk to get it…

After all, one should never underestimate the women downstairs.

My Thoughts: THE HOUSEKEEPERS was an entertaining heist story set in London 1904. A group of women from the working class decide to strip the house of recently deceased Wilhelm deVries from top to bottom during a ball held by his daughter.

Each of the women has their own reason to want revenge on deVries and the plot twists and turns as each reason is revealed. The story was filled with twists and turns. It is a rather grim story spending a lot of time in the underworld that supports the glorious upper class with their homes, fashions, and folderols. 

Fans of heist stories and of the time period will enjoy this one. 

Favorite Quote:

Because it was mad, this job. Of course it was. The best games always were. They were like the illuminations at the pantomime, laid with magnesium wires and quicklime blocks, fizzing and exploding before your very eyes. They drew in even the steadiest of fold, even Winnie.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.