This is such a fun book! A group of women, the housekeepers, decide to pull off a heist of epic proportions at the grandest house in Mayfair, and they will do it during the biggest ball of the season! Set in London during Edwardian era, this is a fast paced, nail bitingingly clever caper which must go exactly as planned in order to succeed.

Mrs. King had been the housekeeper at the grandest house on Park Lane for many years and was essential to the smooth running of the house, But once the owner of the house passed away, his daughter, now an heiress, seems to not hold her in as high esteem and she is abruptly dismissed.

Indignant at her treatment after years of hard work, Mrs. King begins to plot her revenge. She recruits others who have unique skills that will be useful to her plan- a black market entrepreneur, an actress who needs one last magnificent part before retiring, and a seamstress who wants a better life. Together they begin to plan a heist that will take place during a highly anticipated costume ball where they will steal everything of value in the house under the very noses of the ton.

But the house contains secrets within secrets, and Mrs. King must not only find the answers to her own questions but find justice for those who have had no voice.

After a slightly slow start this book takes off leaving you breathless until the very end. It is a feel good story of comeuppance towards the upper class, and a paean to the ingenuity and cleverness of the working class. Hay has created some unique characters, with grit and spirit and who, despite their suspicions about each other, manage to work together. Mrs. King and her interesting back story is the glue that keeps the story line moving forward. This is a very enjoyable and satisfying read!

Brenda’s Rating: ****(4 out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Sharon and Marian

Book Study Worthy? yes

Read in e-library format.