The blistering heat of a Texas summer is officially upon us, and the only way I’ve learned to cope, short of staying inside, is to escape to the lake cabin. That’s precisely what I did this weekend, and it was a much-needed relief. Of course, no summer getaway is complete without a page-turning read, and I had the perfect book waiting to be devoured.
I first discovered Freida McFadden’s addictive writing late last year. Her blockbuster novel The Housemaid was everything I look for in a popcorn thriller, and its sequel delivered even more jaw-dropping twists. I’d been sitting on the third book in the series, The Housemaid Is Watching, for a while now, and this lake trip felt like the perfect moment to dive in.
Millie’s life is now much different from when we last saw her. In fact, she’s more reminiscent of the women she used to clean for than the maid she once was. She’s no longer scrubbing toilets. She’s earned her degree, works as a hospital social worker, and is now married to Enzo, the charming Italian landscaper who’s stood by her through more than one dark chapter. They have two kids, Ada and Nico, and are finally moving out of their cramped Bronx apartment into a bigger home on Long Island. It’s a stretch financially, but Millie is determined to make it work.
But trouble has a way of finding Millie, and this new neighborhood is no exception. Their next-door neighbor, Mrs. Lowell, is all smiles and fake sweetness, the kind of woman who can't stop bragging about her bigger house, her maid, her booming real estate career, and her child-free lifestyle. Millie doesn’t trust her for a second. Especially when Mrs. Lowell takes a little too much interest in Enzo. Still, Millie is trying to fit in, even if it means enduring fake friendships. So she accepts an invitation to dinner at the Lowells’. But the second the door opens and she sees their maid—expressionless, silent, eerie—Millie gets chills.
Then there’s the house across the street. Someone seems to be watching them. Flickers in the window. Unsettling stares. Enzo starts acting strange, claiming he’s trying to build his landscaping business and needs Mrs. Lowell’s help to network. But Millie isn’t convinced. And when she finally meets the reclusive woman who lives across the street, she’s greeted with a chilling warning: don’t trust the neighbors. Millie thought a fresh start would finally free her from the darkness that had haunted her past, but this new neighborhood might hold the darkest chapter yet.
With The Housemaid Is Watching, Freida McFadden proves once again why she’s the queen of the psychological thriller. This third installment isn’t just a retread of what’s come before. McFadden evolves her characters, places them in new and perilous situations, and manages to thrill in completely original ways. While returning readers will appreciate the callbacks and nuance, newcomers can jump in here without feeling lost. The story stands on its own, and the continuity mostly serves to reward longtime fans.
As with the previous books, I couldn’t put this one down. I read it in a single sitting, and I suspect you will too. McFadden writes with urgency. Her short chapters keep the pages flying, and she expertly drops breadcrumbs that pull you along until the very last twist. Every time I thought I had it figured out, she flipped the script. This is exactly the kind of addictive summer read I crave: fast, fun, and full of surprises.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2025, 51)
Her books are very fast and fun reads. I look forward to checking this one out. And your lake cabin sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThe book and the cabin are both perfect escapes!
DeleteI really liked her books until The Teacher. Now she is a no-go for me.
ReplyDeleteI just finished the Housmaid novella, and it was a real miss. Good to know about The Teacher.
DeleteIt's gross and inappropriate. Such a shame she went in that direction, since I didn't hate her other books. But one of the characters is doing the exact same thing that another character is in trouble for and it just...blech. Trying not to spoil it, but I was SO mad when I finished the book, I wanted to throw it across the room and I would have if it hadn't been a library book.
DeleteThat's so disappointing! I can imagine where things go, and if I'm correct in guessing, I'm out. Eww
DeleteYep. It's as icky as you think it is. More so, in fact, because we are judging the one and then finding out at the very end about the other. Eff that. Blech.
DeleteYep. Definitely skipping that one!
DeleteA lake cabin? I want a lake cabin. lol Instead I will retreat to my room in the air conditioning and read a little bit. This sounds a bit creepy which I like.
ReplyDeleteTechnically, it's my husband's family cabin, but we get to use it.
DeleteI really liked the first, but I just got worried when I read book 2 is sort of the same. But still I WANT to read it cos those twists and turns had me in its grip
ReplyDeleteI actually thought the second book struck a good balance between familiar and new. This one takes things in an even different direction. I've enjoyed all three.
DeleteThat's awesome that the followup rose to the level of the previous book.
ReplyDeleteRight? I love it when an author can sustain a series.
DeleteMy cabin escape isn't for another week or so! Might be the perfect time for me to tackle some Freida McFadden, though. Glad to hear this series holds up to the end. I don't often find that the case in mystery/thriller series.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time! These books are fun page-turners if that's what strikes your fancy during a vacay.
DeleteI really need to start this series! I hope you enjoyed your cabin escape! Sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt was a much-needed escape! Hope you enjoy this series as much as I have.
Delete