The Housekeeper

Jodi is a successful real estate agent with two kids and an unsupportive husband. She has never been able to live up to the standards of her father, a former real estate agent who is now retired. Her father, Vic, who is now caring for Jodi's mother who has advanced Parkinson's disease, is overwhelmed and increasingly relying on Jodi for help. In turn Jodi is feeling worn down as well, so she is thrilled when she is able to convince her father to hire a live-in housekeeper.

Enter Elyse, a 60-something woman who seems too good to be true. She is a wonderful cook, an efficient housekeeper, and a gentle caregiver to Jodi's mother. She even babysits Jodi's kids in a pinch. For a short while at least. Then Jodi starts noticing a few odd show more things: Why is Elyse wearing her mother's Cartier watch? Why is her mother's green silk blouse hanging in Elyse's closet? Things all happen in a subtle but insidious progression as Elyse begins to take control of her father's household. Jodi discovers her key to the house no longer works, and Elyse seems to strictly control when she can and can't see her parents. Then, even more sinister things begin to happen.

This was a well-paced and very believable domestic psychological thriller. It's the type of book I like to read in lieu of watching TV. It's something to read quickly, doesn't require you to pay a lot of attention as you're reading, and there's not a lot of depth. Nevertheless, the plot keeps moving relentlessly and you keep reading effortlessly, and when it's over you're satisfied, but of course you're hungry for more after a couple of hours (like Chinese food).

3 stars show less

The Housekeeper, Joy Fielding, author; Finlay Stevenson, narrator
From beginning to end, this book will keep you guessing with lies, misdirection, secrets, manipulation, and infidelity. Who are the members of the Dundas family, and what are they really like in reality? Audrey is a former dancer who now has Parkinson’s disease. Victor has retired from his real estate business to care for her. They have two daughters, Jodi and Tracy, both over forty. One daughter, Jodi, is responsible, married and hardworking, though under-appreciated, and the other is a free spirit. Although four years older than Jodi, Tracy still has not found herself or her purpose in life. She doesn’t work steadily at anything meaningful. She has tried various show more jobs, but she quickly loses interest in most everything. Her father still supports her, paying for her rent, clothing, etc. Although she is often simply too busy to help her sister care for their parents, since she is preoccupied with taking care of herself, she is the best loved child. It is fortunate that Jodi is a compliant and agreeable young woman who avoids confrontation and simply accepts this behavior, shouldering the greater burden. Often, Tracy even twists events to make her sister Jodi look like the villain and she like the heroine. Jodi docilely accepts this cruelty, because it is simply Tracy being Tracy.
Jodi, the more responsible daughter who calls often and helps her parents, is also the one often insulted and degraded by the remarks made by her family and even her husband. While Traci is beloved and rewarded with praise for doing nothing, Jodi is often criticized. Traci seems to be cherished as perfect by both parents, while Jodi is regarded as not living up to her potential and is disregarded. Although she wants their approval and works for it, she never gets it. She has two children of her own, Samuel, who is eight, and Daphne who is three. Jodi is the main breadwinner of her family. She is a realtor in the business founded by her father, Dundas Real Estate. Her very handsome husband, Harrison Bishop, is working on his second novel. His last novel, written ten years prior, was a best seller. Like her father, he is difficult to please, and is often demanding, always feeling that his schedule has less flexibility than hers, and that she takes advantage of him because he works from home. Both Victor and Harrison have sharp tongues and are accomplished at giving left-handed compliments.
Harrison feels like a house husband, and because he resents his position and is jealous of hers, he is angry when she seems to devote too much of her time to her job and her “other” family. He feels neglected, although he appears to be catered to and is well loved. When Audrey’s health deteriorates further, Jodi recognizes that she and her almost 80-year-old father can no longer care for her alone. Partially to appease her husband and also to help her father, she engages a housekeeper to give them all more free time. Jodi’s parents are not easy people to please, though, so when she finds the perfect candidate, she cannot believe her good fortune. Even her father gives the housekeeper, Elyse Woodley, the seal of approval. She seems heaven sent, even loving Daphne and Sam, along with being kind and caring to her mother and catering to her father’s arrogant behavior and demands. She never watches the clock and often just stays at the house even when she is not working. Claiming that she enjoys being there, she even makes herself available to Jodi, encouraging her to lean on her shoulder when she seems tired and stressed because of her own personal problems.
Soon, however, things are not exactly what they seemed to be at first. Audrey’s health declines and Jodi grows suspicious of the relationship between her father and Elyse. As Harrison seems to grow more and more distant from her, Jodi grows even more confused about all the changes occurring around her and is even more filled with self-doubt. Elyse had good references so why was Jodi second guessing her decision to hire her? Observing the interaction between the two sisters, as a diabolical plan plays out, the reader will see them morph into more competent adults, both finally gaining the judgment and maturity to make better decisions. Human frailties live large on the pages, and they show us how insecurity can cloud our vision.   show less

Jodi Bishop’s mom Is bed-ridden and her dad takes care of her while expecting Jodi to be available to help out with errands, cleaning, whatever needs doing despite having her own family and job. Tired out from never having a moment to herself, she decides to hire a housekeeper. She hires a woman who seems perfect in every way but’ like the old cliche says if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. What had seemed like the perfect dream hire turns out to be the family’s worst nightmare.

Joy Fielding is the master of the domestic thriller and The Housekeeper is no exception. It is one fast furious unputdownable read that grabbed me from the beginning and never let go. The perfect summer read and a high recommendation from show more me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review show less

I love all Joy Fielding novels! This one was a quick read with some delicious twists, although I wanted to take Jodi and shake her because she was a regular doormat who allowed herself to be emotionally abused by her husband, her father, AND her sister. That went on for far too long! Nevertheless, it was suspenseful, even if you could pretty much figure out how it was going to end - although, there were a couple of surprises thrown in. All in all, a great read!

Watch Out Housekeeper

Watch out when you hire a live-in housekeeper! Sure rings true while reading The Housekeeper by Joy Fielding. I enjoyed this storyline with all the twists and turns as the daughter, Jodi Bishop, who hired the housekeeper, Elyse Woodley for her father, Vic and mother, Audrey, now in their seventies, decides whether she has done the right thing in hiring this woman. This book has so many pitfalls, including adultery, domestic suspense, and blackmail. Well worth your time reading!

This domestic suspense novel is a good summer diversion.

Jodi Bishop hires a housekeeper to help her aging father Vic and her mother Audrey who is largely bed-ridden because of late-stage Parkinson’s. Elyse Woodley is the perfect candidate for the position; she is energetic and has such an engaging personality that she even wins over Vic who is initially resistant to the idea of a live-in housekeeper. She seems too good to be true and that quickly proves to be the case when Audrey’s condition worsens and Elyse starts wearing her jewelry.

Meanwhile, Jodi’s life is not the happiest; at one point, she describes it as “a churning, cloudy mess.” She tries to balance her demanding job as a successful real estate agent, her marriage show more to a self-involved writer struggling for the last decade with his second novel, her home with two young children, and her filial duty to her parents. Harrison, her husband, is not supportive and her self-absorbed sister Tracy does little to help with Vic and Audrey, so Jodi feels overwhelmed and under-appreciated.

The plot is not particularly original. It is quite predictable, especially because there is so much foreshadowing. Jodi, the narrator, ends virtually every chapter with comments like “Now I realize that it was one of the few honest things [Elyse] ever told me” and “Just another one of the voices I chose to ignore” and “In the end, I have only myself to blame. I’m the one who let her in.” I suspected a connection between Elyse and another character as soon as that character is introduced. There really are no shocking twists or revelations.

The characters are clearly differentiated but unlikeable. The men in particular are insufferable. Vic is emotionally distant, overbearing, and critical. He even insists that the housekeeper be good looking. Harrison complains whenever he is asked to take care of his own children; though Jodi is the breadwinner for the family, he argues that she is not spending enough time at home. He is an expert at gaslighting his wife. Tracy is so shallow, self-centered, and entitled. Though she is 45, she has no income and relies on her father to pay her bills and cater to her expensive tastes. Jodi is such a doormat; she lets people walk all over her. As the novel progresses, I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated with her unwillingness to stand up for herself.

What is difficult to understand is why Jodi cares so much for people who seem to care little for her. Vic mentions her weight and criticizes her in some way every time he speaks to her. Harrison insists on being supported in his career, but doesn’t support his wife and is constantly pointing out her faults. Tracy manipulates her sister to help her and then uses her as a scapegoat. I can guess that her low self-esteem, the result of her upbringing, accounts for much of her behaviour, but she is in her forties and should have acquired some backbone.

Written in an easy, approachable style with short chapters, the book is a good choice for a light, quick read for the summer.

Note: I received a digital galley from the publisher via NetGalley.

Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski). show less

Jodi Bishop is a successful real estate agent, married to her husband, Harrison, an author. However, he seems to have writer's block, which causes tension in their marriage. Her mom is struggling with Parkinson's Disease, and her father is increasingly impatient. Jodi hires a housekeeper, Elyse, who seems to do everything right.
However, as Elyse worms her way into Jodi's father's life, cracks begin to appear. Jodi is very concerned, for her mother's safety and her father's wealth. Plus, her marriage is falling apart.
I pretty much figured out everything that was happening in the novel, except for the very final twist involving her father. I really didn't like many of the characters in this book.