Deception, Thrill, Emotional, and thought-provoking all from behind the doors.

Have you heard of the phrase- “Be careful of what you say, walls have ears”, Well, what if there’s more than that behind those walls or to be specific behind closed doors? Frieda McFadden welcomes all readers in this captivating and bone-chilling psychological thriller, “The Housemaid”, where deception is lurking around a seemingly happy young couple, secrets are hidden behind closed doors and appearances can be deceiving. 

Title of the Book	The Housemaid
Author	Frieda McFadden
Series or Standalone	Series (3 parts)
Genre	Psychological thriller
Published Date	2023

“The Housemaid” is a story of Millie Calloway, short for Wilhelmina Calloway, an ex-con turned housemaid who lands an otherwise impossible job to land, as a housemaid to the wealthy family of Winchester due to her unfortunate history. Everything looks perfect and too good to be true for Millie but she isn’t in the position to question it when the job provides decent food and shelter in times of poverty and unemployment looming over her head. As the story progresses, Millie discovers not everything is perfect between the seemingly happy couple Andrew and Nina and their daughter Cecelia. The novel weaves an intricate theme of suspense, deception, and betrayal. Not everything is as it seems in this engaging, thrilling, and thought-provoking novel by Frieda McFadden. Published in 2023, The Housemaid Book 1 is a roller-coaster ride of emotions, tension, and a captivating suspenseful plotline. McFadden will catch your attention from the very first page and as the story progresses this hold will keep getting tighter. Read further to find out how! 

This review will delve into the many layers of this novel, “The Housemaid”, exploring the depth of its characters, thrilling plotline, and several underlying themes of [Trigger Warning: gore, violence, domestic abuse, mental abuse] This review aims to convince you why it is a must-read if you’re a psychological thriller fanatic as well as new to this genre. 

The storyline revolves around a wealthy couple Andrew and Nina Winchester who hire a live-in housemaid Millie Calloway. The novel also has side characters like a suspicious and multi-layered landscaper Enzo who works for the Winchester family. The novel’s central theme is deception, betrayal, secrets, false facades, and lies that will keep you on edge throughout. It also examines human behavior’s complexities in danger, self-defense, and betrayal. The author has gracefully penned down the power dynamics between the housemaid and her employers. Throughout the novel, power is exerted, manipulated, and resisted by the employers and the housemaid alike to secure their authority in the name of servitude and security. 

Many of us deal with isolation and loneliness differently depending on our experiences and personal feelings. In this novel, Millie explores her inner feelings and isolation which is brilliantly expressed through her life experiences making it relatable for readers in several instances. The claustrophobic setup further complicates the plot twists keeping readers on edge when the lines between friends and foes are blurred significantly. The strongest point of this novel lies in its ability to keep you hooked throughout with a fast-paced narrative that sets a high standard for psychological thrillers in general.

Further, the novel continues to entertain and thrill you with two more installments in the series that are equally gripping and nerve-wracking. “The Housemaid’s Secret” is the next installment in the series. The story follows Millie’s journey as a housemaid when she finds herself being offered a job by Douglas Garrick in unusual circumstances. As a live-in housemaid, Millie’s life purpose to protect helpless abused women gets her entangled in a web of deceit and danger, she never saw it coming. McFadden has craftily built up the tense that is reflected in each chapter. Millie’s character development is convincing and inspiring to read. You’ll find yourself rooting for her throughout the novel and at times, the plotline will also compel you to feel protective of her. Garrick’s character is also beautifully written which adds depth and layers to the storyline. I also felt exploring Millie’s relationship with Enzo felt like poetic justice and was necessary for her character development addressing her sense of loneliness and isolation. 

“The Housemaid is Watching” is the 3rd installment in the series by Frieda McFadden time lapses Millie’s life journey from a live-in housemaid to a full-time social worker in a hospital who is married to a wonderful dedicated husband with two lovely kids. She’s finally happy with her family in anticipation of a great future that is rightfully deserved in her family home in the suburbs. However, all doesn’t seem right when she encounters her new neighbor Mrs. Lowell, and her discomforting friendliness with her husband. Once again, she finds herself in the web of suspicion and fear and the worst part is, “this time it becomes personal”. The intricate writing style of McFadden and her ability to create a sense of urgency and paranoia amongst the readers, makes them bite their lips till the climax. 

The Housemaid Is Watching is a compelling psychological thriller that explores the darkness lurking behind the facade of a perfect neighborhood. It’s a must-read for fans of the genre, offering a gripping and suspenseful journey that will leave readers questioning the true nature of their neighbors.

Overall, The Housemaid series is a great investment of time for all readers and if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers then I would suggest you clear your schedules before picking up this book because once you get started, you won’t be able to keep it down before uncovering all the secrets of the world of Millie Calloway that Frieda McFadden has so meticulously created.