L.A.'s Reviews > The Housekeeper

3.5*
"In the end, I have only myself to blame. I'm the one who let her in."

In this domestic suspense, a family's nightmare reveals a housekeeper/caretaker taking charge of an elderly couple's fate. Jodi is successful in real estate and looks to find help for her parents when her mother's life debilitates due to Parkinson. Her father is in his 70's, and very active. He comes across as a controlling grump. He finds Elyse taking over the reins and their life.

Jodi's mother, Audrey, deteriorates quickly under Elyse's care, given cause for Jodi to investigate. She finds Elyse wearing her mother's belongings and her father acting strangely. Jodi has her own problems brewing at home with her husband. He is a writer and resents her success.

This book reminds me of the Netflix movie "I Care a Lot." A court appointed guardian sets out to defraud older clients, then contains them in a nursing home. There are many scams like this that target our vulnerable elderly. It played out predictable, but I can't say I didn't enjoy it. I kept reading for a surprise and to see what stunt this caretaker was going to pull.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballatine for this title in exchange for my honest review.