The Housemaid - Freida McFadden

Review by Jackie

Best consumed with

A drink that wouldn’t I wouldn’t normally go for (just like I hope never to be placed in this setting). This book is giving Dirty Chai vibes. 

Personally I think a chai drink doesn't need a coffee shot in it, yet some people think it tastes better with one in it… something I’ll never understand. Just like this book, people will have their own opinion about each character.   

What's it all about? 

The Housemaid follows Millie, a mid-20s girl looking to make a new life for herself. After being in the trenches for most of her life, she is given a once in a lifetime opportunity of a new job - which seems ideal - working as a housemaid for a multi-millionaire family. Millie finally has a roof over her head, her own bathroom and she gets paid whilst living rent free. 

However, as the story develops, we learn more about the wife (Nina) and her unusual twisted requests, and you start to question why Millie stays. Millie witnesses first hand the tension between Nina and her husband Andrew, as cracks start to show through what seemed to be a perfect marriage. You start to wonder how a marriage this long could be so perfect on the outside, yet so fragile behind closed doors. 

Millie (and the readers’) start to question whether this opportunity is too good to be true? And is every opportunity worth taking…?

Why did I choose this book to read? 

My friend read this book and raved about the story, so I was eager to give it a go. This is only the second thriller book I’ve read and it's my favourite so far! I didn’t read much about the book before it picking but I think that was for the best, as it meant I was surprised at every twist and turn. 

What did I love? 

I loved how the story constantly keeps you on your toes, and each chapter ends on a mini cliffhanger - it really is a page turner and makes you want to read the book all in one sitting. 

The book's pace was set at a perfect level with enough time for each character to develop and for the readers to create their own relationship with them. You go from understanding certain characters, to loving them, and then to hating them! Each character in the book plays a vital role in the storyline. It might not seem like it first, but just you wait!

As the story continues it becomes more terrifying and twisted and you just want all the answers as soon as possible. Slowly, you start to connect the dots, which is quite satisfying. The author does a really good job of holding the suspense until the very end of the book and your emotions are charged all the way through.

This book was an easy read, flowing from each chapter to the next without confusion, but with lots of tension and an eerie feeling. 

What did I not love? 

Without spoiling anything I’d say that there were a few aspects of the book that were unrealistic - but I guess that is why it is a fiction novel! So keep your mind open and imagination free and hope that you never are set in this plot line.

Book club recommended?

Yes, if your book club hasn’t read a thriller book before. I believe that this book would be a great place to start. With such a quick read, you’ll be hooked from the first couple of chapters.