ABANDONED. Kids left to own devices at beach house 60s/70s?

[RP]

I read this paperback during the early or mid 70s and it's been driving me crazy trying to recall the title. Have done a few searches. The plot, as I recall, was several wealthy kids, siblings, ranging from a baby on up, in a beach house -- for some reason Malibu or elsewhere in California comes to mind -- being left without supervision and carrying on as if everything was normal -- getting food at the market under their parents' account, and so forth. I seem to recall there being a housekeeper involved -- perhaps they bury her at the beach? Can't remember whether the rich parents were traveling or what the story was. It was more of a dark comedy than anything else. Do not believe it was part of a series. Could be adult or young adult oriented. Definitely had dark plot twists. Anyone?

[Tab]

Can you remember anything about the cover?
Why were the parents not there?

Can you remember any of the other darker plot twists?

[RP]

My memory is hazy ... I seem to remember the parents were traveling overseas, maybe something happened to them and the kids just sort of took over, bamboozling any sort of authority figure who was suspicious that they were on their own. I think something happens to the housekeeper and it was a real surprise that they decided to get rid of her instead of going for help. I remember the littlest kid being upset about the parents being gone and they took her to the beach to soothe her because she liked to dig in the sand -- I think they were right across the street from the ocean. May have been an instance where they tried to drive the family car for the first time with hilarious results.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

RP, are you still looking for this or did you find it?

[Kris]

No response, moving to Abandoned folder.

RP (OP) was last active on the site in April 2017.