The Housemaid Series by Frieda McFadden
Frieda McFadden’s The Housemaid series is an exhilarating psychological thriller that will keep you glued to the pages from start to finish. This was my first read by the author, but I was so intrigued by the plot that I immediately wanted to read the entire series—and I did!
The story follows Millie, a woman with a dark past. Her employers may not know everything about her, but they soon realize one thing—if she witnesses abuse, she won’t turn a blind eye. Hired as a housemaid, she becomes entangled in twisted family secrets, deception, and danger. This gripping premise unfolds across all three books, making for a truly addictive read. With its fast-paced twists and nail-biting suspense, the series felt like a three-season OTT thriller—gripping, intense, and impossible to put down. Here’s my review!
In The Housemaid, Millie takes a job with the seemingly perfect Winchester family, hoping for a fresh start. But as she uncovers dark secrets, her survival becomes uncertain. In The Housemaid’s Secret, Millie starts anew with the Garrick family, only to discover shocking truths that force her to protect someone while hiding her own dangerous past. Did she crack the case? You’ll have to read to find out! In The Housemaid’s Watching, Millie has settled into a peaceful life with her family, but her world unravels when dark secrets resurface, putting them all at risk. It’s not as fast-paced as the first two, but still a satisfying finish to the trilogy. I liked how characters from the earlier books were woven in, creating a strong connection across the series.
Now, this one came as a surprise—The Housemaid’s Wedding by Frieda McFadden is a teeny-weeny short story—you can finish it before your coffee gets cold, and I’m not joking! It’s a small but thoughtful addition to the series, filling the long gap between The Housemaid’s Secret and The Housemaid’s Daughter.
By book three, Millie is already married to Enzo, and they have their kids. This short story bridges that transition, offering readers a glimpse into their wedding. The author recommends reading it either right after The Housemaid’s Secret (before starting book three) or after finishing the entire series. I didn’t even know this had been released, so I ended up reading it this year. It was refreshing to revisit Millie and Enzo’s lives while sipping my chai. There’s even a tiny suspense element woven in! That said, the series is complete without this addition, but I truly appreciate McFadden’s thoughtfulness in creating this little extra—perhaps a bonus chapter?—as a way to round out Millie’s journey.
What happens in each book, how Millie determines who’s at fault, and how she helps the victim are all for you to discover. But one thing’s for sure—you won’t be able to put it down until you’ve finished.
My Take: The majority of each book is told from Millie’s perspective as she unravels the mystery. But just when you think the case has been cracked or the story reaches a turning point, the narrative shifts—giving voice to either the victim or the perpetrator, depending on the book. This shift adds a deeper layer of suspense, allowing you to piece everything together. She follows the same structure in the short story as well—first told in Millie’s voice, then shifting to Enzo’s perspective.
One of the standout characters in the series is the gardener-turned-boyfriend-turned-husband. He’s not just good-looking but also fiercely protective of Millie. I love how the author plays with Enzo’s Italian accent throughout the series. Then there’s Detective Connors—the dependable good guy who understands Millie’s past. She trusts him completely, and he’s always there to help, making him a great addition to the series. I got serious Detective Connors vibes while watching Elsbeth during the December holidays—the character of Captain Wagner, played by Wendell Pierce, reminded me of him. It felt like I had finally put a face to Detective Connors! Elsbeth, a crime procedural spin-off from The Good Wife, follows an unconventional but brilliant detective who solves cases in her own quirky way, making it a fun and refreshing watch. I truly enjoyed how every character—whether good or bad—was given enough space for us to understand them. The plot carefully balances and justifies their motives. The writing is easy to follow, and I flew through each book at jet speed, finishing them in just three days!
If you’re craving a thrilling, fast-paced series like Netflix thrillers, packed with jaw-dropping twists, The Housemaid series is your perfect pick. Also, Millie will be on your mind every time you clean your house!
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