THE CLEANER

385pp., paperback, Bantam, London, 2025

ISBN: 9780857506047

Psychological thriller.

Esmie works as a cleaner in the homes of the wealthy. One of the residents took from her the person she loves. Seeking revenge, as she cleans she collects her employers' dark secrets.

"The Cleaner is a richly textured thriller that veritably hums with menace. Taut, twisty and beautifully atmospheric, it pairs a gripping plot with dark, intricate themes. Class, privilege, wealth and entitlement are all put on trial in this immersive tale of betrayal and revenge." Kia Abdullah, author of Those People Next Door

"Revenge is a dish best served up spotless ... The relentless attention to detail is wonderfully claustrophobic" Sunday Independent

Mary Watson grew up in Cape Town and now lives in Ireland. She was awarded the 2006 Caine Prize for African Writing. She is the author of the young adult novels The Wicker Light, Blood to Poison and The Wren Hunt.