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The Mystery Shopper & The Hot Tub

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A genuinely very funny and irreverent debut novel about life, love, sex, double lives, mystery shopping and hot tubs.
 
Brooke’s a gorgeous young mum who lives in Essex. Her favourite things in life:
 
1.    Her baby, Paige
2.    Husband Dean
3.    Chardonnay
4.    Hot tubs
5.    OK! magazine
 
All that’s missing is the hot tub. Brooke's bored at home and wants financial independence, but mostly a hot tub and Dean’s a man with traditional values and he doesn’t want Brooke to work. She secretly takes a job at a nearby country house, meeting the incorrigible Lady Townsend. This unlikely friendship, plus some jaw-dropping events, helps Brooke realise that she’s capable of so much more than she thought.
 
Dean is a devoted husband and father, and, knowing what Brooke wants most of all in life, he secretly takes up mystery shopping hoping to make some extra money to pay for it. And if he gets some peace and quiet whilst doing so, all the better.
 
The elaborate web of lies they both weave results in numerous madcap situations, but can their deceit undermine the love that they have?

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 22, 2021

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About the author

Helen E. Field

3 books7 followers
Helen Field is a business woman, writer, publisher of greetings cards, funny poet, speaker, traveller and author of The Mystery Shopper & the Hot Tub.

She was born and brought up in Waltham Abbey in Essex and currently lives in a small village in North West Essex, so it would be fair to say she has earned her “Essex girl” badge!​

Helen has had a varied and interesting career in retail and hospitality in UK, Europe and USA, including setting up and running her own restaurant. She runs her own training consultancy to the hospitality industry. One element of her business has been designing and implementing mystery shopper programmes all over the UK for some of the most well-known organisations. With inside knowledge of the industry and armed with thousands of funny mystery shopping incidents, she was inspired to write her debut novel, The Mystery Shopper & the Hot Tub.

Helen has recently spent time combining work and writing with travelling with her husband, including four months in Europe in a 20 year old campervan, a completely wild four-month ride round India by train and a month in an isolated log cabin in Finland.

She rides a motorbike and has three talented and amazing grown up children.

P.s. She doesn’t have a hot tub… yet!

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5 stars
38 (35%)
4 stars
34 (31%)
3 stars
24 (22%)
2 stars
10 (9%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Belinda Smith.
54 reviews13 followers
March 2, 2021
This was exactly what I needed...a quick, easy, fun read. After a long day, this book had me laughing out loud. I finished it in a day. Full of fun characters with hilarious antics that I couldn't stop reading.

This book has a simple plot but strikes the right balance and doesn't over commit to anything be it comedy, emotional. scenes, arguments etc. You will feel content at the end. I just love that about it.
Profile Image for Karen Andrew.
618 reviews46 followers
January 24, 2021
Synopsis
A genuinely very funny and irreverent debut novel about life, love, sex, double lives, mystery shopping and hot tubs.
 
Brooke’s a gorgeous young mum who lives in Essex. Her favourite things in life:
 
1.    Her baby, Paige
2.    Husband Dean
3.    Chardonnay
4.    Hot tubs
5.    OK! magazine
 
All that’s missing is the hot tub. Brooke's bored at home and wants financial independence, but mostly a hot tub and Dean’s a man with traditional values and he doesn’t want Brooke to work. She secretly takes a job at a nearby country house, meeting the incorrigible Lady Townsend. This unlikely friendship, plus some jaw-dropping events, helps Brooke realise that she’s capable of so much more than she thought.
 
Dean is a devoted husband and father, and, knowing what Brooke wants most of all in life, he secretly takes up mystery shopping hoping to make some extra money to pay for it. And if he gets some peace and quiet whilst doing so, all the better.
 
The elaborate web of lies they both weave results in numerous madcap situations, but can their deceit undermine the love that they have?

Review
This book was just hilarious. I read it in a day, it was so easy to get into and flowed really well. I loved the characters and there is an element of not to judge a book by its cover with the character Brooke, people think she is some ditzy blonde but she loves to learn and finds a firm friend in new boss Lady Townsend.

Dean and Brooke are a young couple trying to pave their way in the world. They have dreams and aspirations and have their goals set firmly in stone. They both go to amazing lengths to provide extras for their family and when the book ends on a cliffhanger with the option of downloading what happens next, I absolutely did that and it didnt disappoint. I'm really excited to read more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Samantha.
11 reviews17 followers
February 20, 2021
Brooke is a beautiful stay at home mom who loves her daughter, husband, and obtaining her sophisticated image. Her husband Dean is a hardworking man with traditional values, so when Brooke suggests she gets a job to get a new hot tub she has been looking at, he refuses to let her go into the workforce. In order to make the money for a new hot tub in time for Brooke's 21st birthday, Dean gets a secret job as a Mystery Shopper alongside his office job while Brooke secretly gets a job for herself at a townhouse to buy herself a hot tub. While both try to keep up with their secret jobs, chaotic and humorous events ensue. Although there were some misogynistic undertones to this plot, I still found the book very funny, especially with Deans mystery shopper trips. I couldn’t help but resent Brooke at first for insisting on being viewed as high class and forcing her husband to get stuff for her to uphold her reputation, but as the story progressed and I got to see more of events from her POV I started to get used to her. Overall, I really liked the storyline and thought that it was a good book, I also really liked how the author gave readers a chance to see the start of the second book (especially since the first ended on a major cliffhanger).
December 12, 2020
This book had me laughing out loud with tears in my eyes at a fair few stages... mostly at Dean's mystery shopping experiences.

I love that this book was such an easy read, where you get an insight into the characters' minds, too. I felt like a lot of their thoughts and feelings were relatable, which I really love in a book. Especially those who know the area of Essex (a county in England), you'll immedietly understand the type of couple being portrayed.

Both characters are so strong in their own right. I think the book actually happens to deal with current topics and social issues (I think unintentionally); it gets you thinking about gender sterotypes, the idea of 'being a gentleman' and social class.

I recon most people will be a 'Dean' person or a 'Brooke' person, depending most on what type of book you like to read! I was a Dean person, as I enjoyed the humour, whereas I recon people who love character development and the 'underdog' will like Brooke and her parts in the book more.

A really funny read that I do think people should give a go. It's a lovely mix of genres that you don't really get nowadays, and a book that just 'is what it is' - it's not trying to fit any genre molds.
Profile Image for Melanie’s reads.
776 reviews76 followers
January 26, 2021
This book starts with Brooke and Dean viewing a hot tub at a garden centre. Brooke is your stereotypical Essex girl, all fur coat and no knickers, and Dean is her poor put upon husband. Ambitious in lifestyle requirements but unfortunately without the income to match they both take on various schemes to try to buy the hot tub. Brooke so she would be the epitome of success in her social circle and Dean because deep down all he wants is to make Brooke happy.

Then things get messy and this became the book I really needed. The first mystery shopper trip descended into drunken chaos and had me chuckling away. I fell in love with this couple and the subterfuge that followed as they both secretly schemed like a pair of spies. The developing friendship between Brooke and Lady/Mrs Townsend was an unexpected sweetness and she was another character that was easy to like.

At 461 pages I was expecting this to take a couple of days to read but I was so swept up in their misadventures I found I was unable to stop reading. Being born in the 70’s I don’t mind a good stereotype, a non pc plot and a few lechy old men. The giggles certainly more than made up for their behaviour.
Profile Image for Hope Hunter.
360 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2021
Dean and Brooke were high school sweethearts. Dean never has been able to figure out how he netted Brooke, but not one to question his luck, he works deliriously to ensure Brooke does not have to lift a finger and has all the luxuries in life she wants. The problem is, that while Brooke enjoys the luxuries, she is bored out of her mind. As she begins wheedling Dean for a hot tub (that really won't even fit in their backyard), she makes plans to sneakily get her own job. Dean, also secretively, gets a second job as a mysterious shopper that requires him to make up outlandish stories to explain his absences.

Fun read - I love the fact that Dean was the mystery shopper, and I love that Brooke did not turn out to be a spoiled brat who expected Dean to cater to her every whim. Brooke was willing to work, not only for financial gain, but to better herself.

"What happens next" is offered at the end of the story. You get the bonus chapters if you subscribe to Field's newsletter. I'm not sure how I feel about that; but I probably would have subscribed anyway. Now, even after the bonus chapters, I'm left wondering if there will be more Mystery Shopper books.
Profile Image for Alquine Miranda.
95 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2021
It was a fun read, although not remarkable.

1) The story ended on Brooke's 25th birthday. It was mentioned that she was born in the 80's. So this must have happened sometime between 2005 - 2014. It would be better to have more references towards that era so readers can have a better picture of what's in at that time. It did mention the Beckhams and Bono but it felt too far-fetched.

2) As for Dean, the husband. I find it odd for a planner like him ( he was described as OCD in the book) to mess up with his first few mystery visits. And why didn't he use his phone to take notes instead of having a printed copy. I wonder if it was intended just so as to create unfortunate disasters and add to the comedic thrill of the story.

3) There was that moment when Brooke realized she no longer fits in with the middle class and at the same time she is not at par with the elites. She does have an inclination towards the classy stuff and can quite adapt to it. I'm just not sure if it's a good thing.
Profile Image for Amna Waqar.
210 reviews9 followers
February 13, 2021
This was a light, humorous read. The main couple fell into stereotypical Essex couple category; Brooke, the epitome of an Essex girl and her husband Dean. Brooke, a stay-at home mum craves a luxurious lifestyle whereas Dean doesn't have the income to match and therefore, both take on jobs secretly in order to buy a hot tub.
Dean becomes a mystery shopper and what ensues is hilarious. Brooke starts working at a manor house but I really had no idea what her job description actually was. It is through this job, however, that there is a positive aspect in Brooke's character development and we see that she is not as frivolous and air-headed as she was set out to be.
I would gladly read the next books in this series.
Netgalley provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


Profile Image for Book Him Danno.
2,403 reviews62 followers
January 6, 2021
The mystery Shopper is trying to hard to be a over the top humors story that at times falls flat with the chauvinism that is constantly presented to readers over and over again. The author gives readers a introduction that will help readers understand the reason as to why the characters do what they do.

The story is very much British humor that not many American readers will enjoy. Yet the author is able to create laugh out loud moments, a cast of characters that are a mix and match to the world around people as well as over the top down right silly moments.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of Helen E. Field Thee Mystery shopper and the Hot Tub.

3 1\2 stars
Profile Image for Karen Fan.
1,117 reviews
December 22, 2020
The book was ok, but just not my cup of tea. I kept thinking this would be more fun as a movie or something instead of a book. The ending kind of drove me insane, since there is no closure anywhere for anything. I guess the cliffhanger is suppose to want to make you read book 2, but I just kind of frustrated me. If I had to sum up the characters; her - spoiled and annoying and him - completely clueless.

*EDIT - updated my review from 2 to 3.5 (rounding up to 4 stars) after the author reached out and let me know I had the opportunity to get a “spoiler” and find out what happens next. The fact that there was closure upped this review; I hate cliffhangers, especially when nothing is resolved, so knowing that something is resolved help me enjoy this much more.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,137 reviews
December 18, 2020
Thank you NetGalley, Helen E. Field and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for the ARC of The Mystery Shopper & The Hot Tub. This is my personal review.
This book has a little bit of everything in it. The book is a quick easy read and one that I think a lot of people will like and knowing it is Book One Of The De'ath Family Antics makes it even better. The next is going to be a book to look forward to reading
Profile Image for Alissa .
723 reviews10 followers
September 3, 2021
This is my first book by this author, I enjoyed it, and will be giving the second book in the series a chance too.

Brooke and Dean's relationship in the book starts off me having mixed feelings about it, but has you get to learn more about Brooke it opens your eyes. The fun situations that Dean finds himself in as a mystery shoppers had me laughing and were probably my favorite parts in the book.
Profile Image for Kerry-louise Jones.
430 reviews19 followers
January 22, 2021
I really wanted to enjoy this one as the idea was great and the characters could have been brilliant, I like that women getting back into work after raising a child was a theme but It just didn’t work. I thought Dean was an arse and treated people completely horribly in order to get what he needed. A lot of the dialogue made me cringe.
1 review
May 4, 2021
Loved the book very amusing and entertaining. I particularly liked how the relationship between Brooke and Lady Townsend developed
You become aware that there is more to Brooke than even she realises
I also now know that I could never be a Mystery Shopper!
Looking forward to the next book.
















830 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2023
The mystery shopper and the hot tub by Helen E Field

Young mum Brooke is a young stay at home mum. Her husband is struggling a little to provide the hot tub Brooke desires and he can’t afford it so he becomes a mystery shopper- then the antics begin with his mysterious trips so he can uphold Brooke’s reputation.

Humorous if a little chauvinistic in parts 3.5/5
1 review
February 10, 2021
Vivid, funny, and it sort of book you don’t want to put down until you reach the end. The end itself is clever and imaginative. I thought the characters were well-developed. the setting /phrases in England Might throw you for a minute but it’s easy enough to get the jest of it
1 review
November 4, 2021
caught me from the first page. made me feel part of the story, some characters make me laugh some others make me angry and ask why? but in the end, I understood, very easy read, happy this book being part of my travels and a good laughs I made in the airplane and airport, well done.
March 23, 2022
Good chick lit

A good book, takes a while to get into it. Would have liked a slower ending as left me wondering what happens next as the ending was so sudden. Good book to read though
1 review
January 31, 2021
This book was an enjoyable read. The characters are convincing and likeable and the plot was funny and easy to follow, whilst keeping me entertained and developing the characters.
October 28, 2021
Excellent read

Well done,true to life characters ,the wording of the book title would have needed to hide rather than describe outcome of plotting .
Profile Image for Manoj.
91 reviews15 followers
December 19, 2021
An OK read. Nothing much to write home about. I had read the second book in the series first and it was better and more engaging.
Profile Image for clunie.
4 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2022
Well written, but an odd book nonetheless. Kitchen sink comedy in Essex with a dissatisfactory ending.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,191 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A funny women's fiction novel. Love the cover.
1 review
December 12, 2020
Witty and light fun read, loved the characters especially Brooke..
I would recommend this book as a good read for a giggle and a bit of refreshing laughter in these testing times... really cheered me up and it's very relatable especially if you do have family in Essex !

Bravo on your debut book hope there's more to follow.
Profile Image for Becca.
204 reviews27 followers
March 17, 2021
The Mystery Shopper and the Hot Tub is a laugh-out-loud novel. Brooke and Dean De’Ath are a pair of characters. A married couple that are as similar as they are different, they’re a stereotypical ‘Essex’ duo, with a one-year-old girl. Brooke is stay-at-home Mum who cares for her daughter, but dreams of bigger things. She gets a ‘secret’ job working in a country house for a Lady and is drawn in to a world that couldn’t be more different from her own. Dean is a call centre worker itching for a promotion, and a company car, and takes on mystery shopping for some time away from his family. They are a hilarious duo who favour parties with their friends, a more extravagant lifestyle and, it appears, hiding secrets from each other.

The book is split into chapters with subheadings which provide a bit of a sneak peak as to what you can expect in the chapter. These are nicely chronological and helpful as you have a rough guide as to what you’re going to see from the De’Ath’s. What follows is usually either a new segment in the story, or finishing off something you’re already aware of that’s part-way through. I liked this as it was different to other novels I’ve read previously, making it stand out, and it was nice to have a clearer idea of what to expect.

Field’s writing is clear, concise and, above all else, humorous. The book is a really lighthearted read. I loved laughing along with, and sometimes at, Brooke and Dean. Their shenanigans are really quite something. I feel like I say this a lot nowadays, but to read about every day life and the ‘old normal’ is refreshing and enjoyable. Envisioning a sense of normality through books is something I really cling on to these days!

The book finishes on a cliffhanger, which would usually be frustrating. In this instance, however, if you’re eager to find out more then Helen has kindly included a link at the end of the novel. If you follow it then you can read a bit more of Brooke and Dean’s story, continuing on from where this book finishes and a further few pages to appease the tension and prepare you for the next novel. I thought this was a nice addition to the book and very thoughtful of Helen.

The Mystery Shopper and the Hot Tub is a really humorous novel, with likeable characters and a strong storyline.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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