The Housekeepers

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.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Graydon House.

Book club questions for The Housekeepers by Alex Hay

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

Discuss themes of gender and class in The Housekeepers. How does the novel subvert power hierarchies and conventions?

Who was your favorite character in the novel? Why? If you were building a heist crew, who would you want on it, fictional or real?

What do you imagine these women’s paths were like after the novel? How do you expect the money will or will not change each of their lives?

The Housekeepers Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the The Housekeepers discussion questions

“Alex Hay’s debut, The Housekeepers, is rollicking fun and entirely original: an upstairs-downstairs premise set in Edwardian London, but with an Ocean’s Eleven-like heist at its core.”—Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary

“ Alex Hay has written a deliciously clever novel that will place you in the finest homes and meanest streets of 1905 London. Prepare to grow hungrier for justice with every page you turn—you’ll never have so much fun cheering on grand larceny.”—Nina de Gramont, New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair, a Reese’s Book Club Pick

“A glamourous, fast-paced historical heist novel that kept me hooked ’til the last page. The strong, determined and memorable female characters pull you into their web of intrigue—it’s so much fun!”—Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne

“Fun, fast-paced and totally immersive, The Housekeepers is a rare jewel worth coveting. Combining vivid characterization, irresistible historical detail and a rip-roaring plot, it’s a hugely enjoyable heist novel that delivers on every page. Sensational!”—Emma Stonex, author of The Lamplighters

“My lords, ladies and gentlemen, I think you will love The Housekeepers by Alex Hay. It’s a heist caper set in Edwardian London—imagine Ocean’s 8 had an illegitimate baby with Fingersmith—a big fat diamond of a book, sharp and shiny, joyful and generous, intricately plotted and featuring an ingenious use for a trapeze.”—Erin Kelly, author of He Said/She Said

“A rollicking romp of a book, tinged with fury, sadness and mischievous delight.”—Claire North, author of Ithaca

“Punch-the-air good, this is the Edwardian heist novel you never knew you needed. Flawless, lawless fun.”—Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Mercies

“This wonderfully inventive story paints an authentic portrait of London society in the early 1900s and is full of shocking secrets, suspense, hidden identities, flamboyant characters, and subtle humor…Fans of historical fiction, strong female characters, and twisty, pacy thrillers will love it.”—Booklist

“Hay spins a remarkable yarn of daring and defiance, and gleefully piles on one outrageous event after another over the course of the party, involving both thieves and guests….readers will delight in the shenanigans. This lighthearted romp is a treat.”—Publishers Weekly