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! ( )

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 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 ( )

OH my goodness....that was TERRIFIC! How can you not love Jodi??? I was RIGHT there with every detail in this book, right inside Jodi's head as she looked as well as experienced everything that was happening. It is a VERY fast read....but I really did burst out laughing on page 324 the hardback edition...when Jodi claims: "I did it!" Perfect. Fielding is a new author for me.....and she has written 30 novels now??? WONDERFUL!!!! for me. ( )

Jodi Bishop is overwhelmed. She is a real estate agent, the primary breadwinner, for her children and husband, Harrison. Harrison has written a successful book, and has been writing the second one for years and teaches a few creative writing courses. Jodi is also a caretaker for her terminally ill mother while dealing with her father, who is emotionally abusive to her while favoring her older sister, Tracy. Tracy, at the age of 45, is unemployed and living off their father while pursuing pipe dreams of fame. When Harrison complains that Jodi is not fully engaged with their family life, Jodi seeks a housekeeper to aid her father in the care of her mother. She finds the "perfect" housekeeper in Elyse, whose initial ideal facade begins to show cracks. Meanwhile, Jodi is convinced that Harrison is having an affair with one of his students, and then succumbs to her own temptation, leading to very unexpected consequences.

Although this is fiction, it is perhaps a cautionary tale for families seeking a care giver for a loved one. Unfortunately, there are instances where a care giver has abused a disabled or elderly person for personal gain. ( )

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. ( )