The Housemaid

OH My GAH, what did I just read? This book is an electrifying start to a series—captivating. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The plot thickens with every turn, from Millie to Nina, weaving a web of suspense that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Frieda McFadden delivered yet a twist that left me in awe., I never saw that one coming. She masterfully keeps the thriller elements close to the chest, making it impossible to predict what happens next.

A Standout moment - The 100 strands of hair and the peanut butter took me completely out ! IYKYK

I highly recommend

I didn’t have high hopes for this series because usually when something is all over social media, it turns out to be bad lol (in my experience) ESPECIALLY BOOKS… However, my daughter told me it was actually good so I decided to give it a shot. I read a LOT. Usually Mystery/Thriller/horror/and some historical romance and out of the thousands of books I’ve read, this is probably one of my favorite series ever!

The beginning was kind of slow (as with most books) but I was hooked immediately! I finished this one in a day then read the second one the next day! Just started the third one!

I really love the writing style. It’s kind of like a diary style/first person. In this one you start with the housemaid’s point of view then once most of her story is told, it switches to Her boss, Nina’s point of view. Then back to the housemaid etc.

I’ll be completely honest, usually I can figure out a mystery/thriller easily… not with these books! I won’t spoil it, but boy! These plot twists are really well done. The author puts teeny-tiny little hints here and there in the book, but you don’t realize it until the end!

Just wait until you get to the “100 strands of hair” part lol sheesh! Definitely was not expecting it!

All this to say, you should 100% buy this whole series! 5/5 stars!

Nina and Andy Winchester have everything money can buy and more, a gorgeous house, a talented daughter and they love each other madly!

Then we have Millie, an ex convict who is desperately looking for a decent job and is willing to do whatever it takes to stay clean and move on with her life.

Nina will publish an add looking for a housemaid and Millie will be soon found within the walls of such a perfect home, a dream come true!

From there on, she will discover a series of unsettling events that will lead to a jaw dropping end.

Again, here nothing is what is seems and book #1 has ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 It was brilliant!

I gotta say the writing is great, Nina I was happy to see that she was normal but holy hell she twists you up in this book. The ending seemed like it just came out of nowhere and punches you and then it’s done but the whole lead up and full book was great. Love seeing where Millie goes from here and happy about no prison time. Crazy for sure but a great twist and turn book. So happy I read it.

Brace yourself, because "The Housemaid" is a novel that will keep you glued to the pages from start to finish, constantly questioning everything you think you know. Just when you believe you've unraveled the twisted narrative, author Freida McFadden pulls the rug out from under you, leaving you breathless and craving more. This book is a true masterclass in psychological suspense that demands to be devoured in a single, uninterrupted sitting.

From the opening chapters, McFadden weaves an intricate web of mystery and deceit, introducing readers to a cast of complex characters and a seemingly idyllic suburban setting that harbors dark secrets beneath its pristine veneer. The story's central figure, the enigmatic housemaid Millie, is a captivating presence, her motivations and allegiances constantly shifting, keeping you guessing about her true nature until the very end.

As the plot unfolds, the tension ratchets up with each turn of the page, as McFadden deftly plants seeds of doubt and suspicion, forcing you to question the reliability of every character's perspective. Just when you think you've pieced together the puzzle, she expertly upends your assumptions, leaving you reeling and eagerly devouring the next twist or revelation.

What truly sets "The Housemaid" apart, however, is its ability to not only shock and surprise but also to delve into the depths of human psychology and the complexities of familial relationships. McFadden's exploration of themes such as trust, loyalty, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones adds a compelling emotional layer to the narrative, making the characters and their plights resonate long after the final page.

From the meticulously crafted plot to the richly developed characters and the haunting atmospheric backdrop, every element of "The Housemaid" is a testament to McFadden's skill as a writer. She masterfully keeps you off-balance, constantly second-guessing your assumptions and reveling in the delicious uncertainty that permeates every chapter.

In the end, this book is an absolute must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and suspense novels. It's a true page-turner in every sense of the word, a book that will keep you captivated from start to finish, leaving you breathless and utterly floored by its brilliant execution. Do yourself a favor and clear your schedule before diving into "The Housemaid" – because once you start, you won't be able to put it down until the jaw-dropping conclusion.

I liked this book. It is probably one of the better thrillers/mysteries I've read recently, and I did finish it quite fast. The writing style is extremely readable, but don't expect imagery and beautiful language -- this book is very plot-based from start to finish. In the middle, some aspects got a bit repetitive but I guess we needed to have some understanding of Nina, Andrew, and Millie. The book itself also veers off into a bit of romance towards the middle, if you're into that sort of thing this would be a great read, but if not it may get a bit boring. The twists, however, are quite strong. We get a few clues, although I would say that in this book they're actually less subtle than the second one. Definitely didn't expect the ending. For anyone planning on going into this book, you need to know that it's a thriller first, everything else second. The character development is mediocre, especially with Millie (imho), which is why I don't think I could give it any more than 5 stars. Overall, solid, I understand the hype and it's worth the read.

spoilers I didn't really understand all that was going on with Nina's daughter, Cecelia. The whole idea of her being allergic to peanut butter and overall being a brat didn't work that well plotwise, unless she was just meant to be an annoying character all around. I know in Nina's pov she talked about Cecelia always having to be perfect for Andrew, still there was some confusion I had while reading. If someone could clear that up for me that'd be great.

Story plot: This story had me frustrated until I hit Part 2 which was about 200 pages in. All I can say is well done Frieda McFadden. Well done. Everyone in the book is mentally insane. Period.

Reading experience: This is my first Freda McFadden book. First thing! Creepy kid name Cecilia that reminds the MC of the Children's of the corn. 🤦🏾‍♀️. Nope! Millie the MC has a crocked imagination and she is doing to much. Nope! Bad ideal after bad ideal with predictable outcomes until you hit part 2. Then all is revealed. 👀😳

Characters: The characters were wacky, unrealistic and insane. However. I will be reading the next book. 😅🤦🏾‍♀️

🌶️ Spicy: No Spice. Thank God! Psychotic folks and spice don’t go together 🙅🏾‍♀️

Recommendation: The author has over a million reviews and sales. I understand why now. If you like books that have you say. What in the world did I just read type of books. Then this book is for you! 😂

This book I could not put down from the time I started it! A real page turner for sure.

The plot twists and turns.

When I first started reading I automatically was drawn into how the story was going for the main character. And the author makes you feel so sorry for her.

Spoiler

+++++++++++++++

The author makes you feel so sorry for the main character but then she does a total plot twist and opens your eyes to realize the characters in this story are not who they say they are.

I had my suspicion about the hero in our story. He eventually becomes the villain. And the heroin of our story becomes the real hero.

I'm not trying to give away too much because I want people to read this book.

If you like murder mysteries? This is the book for you.

I would totally recommend this book to a friend. But to be honest with you my friend ended up DNF this book. But I don't think she read it far enough. It GOT GOOD!

I CAN'T WAIT to read the next one.