After devouring Freida McFadden's breakout thriller The Housemaid in a single sitting last month, I knew it wouldn’t be long before I dove into another one of her works. Surprisingly, I discovered The Housemaid had a sequel and even a third installment featuring the same character. Naturally, The Housemaid’s Secret became my next pick. I brought it along on a tropical vacation, and true to McFadden’s reputation, I was instantly hooked. Packed with the shocking twists and breakneck pacing I’ve come to expect from her, I tore through it in just one day.
Finding a job has always been an uphill battle for Millie. With a criminal record hanging over her, most employers hesitate to give her a chance. But after the chaotic events of her last job, the struggle has only gotten worse. Seriously, if you’ve read The Housemaid, you’ll understand why Millie isn’t exactly an employer’s dream candidate. Truthfully, even Millie might think twice about hiring herself. But hey, a girl’s got to eat. Determined to turn her life around, Millie is dating a wonderful guy with a great career who seems head over heels for her. She’s also enrolled in college, inching closer to her dream of becoming a social worker. Things are far from perfect, but she’s trying.
When she’s abruptly fired from her current position, Millie is desperate for a new job. That’s when Douglas Garrick comes to her rescue with an incredible offer. He needs a housekeeper and cook for his luxurious penthouse at the top of a Manhattan high-rise and is willing to pay handsomely for the right person. The salary is so enticing that Millie is willing to ignore a few odd details—like the fact that she’s never met Mrs. Garrick, or that the woman apparently lives locked away in the guest room, completely out of sight. Millie agrees to leave the mysterious wife undisturbed, but things turn chilling when she hears crying behind the door. Spotting bloodstains on Mrs. Garrick’s laundry pushes Millie’s curiosity over the edge. When she finally knocks, and the door opens, she's unprepared for what she finds on the other side.
The Housemaid's Secret proves that Freida McFadden knows how to keep readers hooked. It delivers all the suspense and shocking twists that made the first novel such a compulsive read while steering Millie’s character in an intriguing new direction. I initially worried this sequel might recycle the same plot beats, but I was pleasantly surprised by how McFadden chose to develop Millie. She feels more in control of her life, even if that control requires carefully hiding her troubled past from those around her.
While some plot elements struck familiar chords—Millie stepping into a new job full of glaring red flags—McFadden skillfully played with that familiarity to subvert my expectations. The result is another wildly over-the-top, twist-filled thriller that kept me tearing through pages late into the night. The Housemaid's Secret cements McFadden as a master of addictive storytelling, and I’m already looking forward to what surprises the next book will bring.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2025, 6)
Oh yeah that sounds like a great suspenseful thrilling ride of a read. I want to know what is going on with the wife now.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't put it down! And I already have the next book ready to go soon!
DeleteMcFadden does know how to write addictive and twisty thrillers that are hard to put down! Even if some of her twists are sometimes hard to believe, they're still fun reads. I still need to read The Housemaid, but I'm looking forward to reading this one now, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm eager to dive into some of her standalone stuff too!
DeleteMillie sounds like a character I would have a lot of compassion for. She had a troubled past but was clearly working to improve herself and her life. It's shame that trouble seemed to find her with this job (?) but I am glad McFadden crafted an engrossing story for you.
ReplyDeleteShe has a knack for choosing jobs that bring trouble...it makes for a thrilling read!
DeleteI so want to try this series. Everyone is talking about it
ReplyDeleteYou should!
DeleteI have book one, on my kindle and you have reminded me I need to start this series. Fantastic review Ethan!
ReplyDeleteIf you're anything like me, you won't be able to stop reading it!
DeleteI don't always like a continuation of a story like this because it does sound familiar but it sounds like the author is able to move the character forward & still surprise you.
ReplyDeleteThis one was a worthy successor to the first!
DeleteI have The Boyfriend by this author on hold at my library and I'm looking forward to finally trying this author when her work seems exactly like my cup of tea! I love reading fast-paced thrillers while on a vacation where I can lounge by the pool and just read. I will have to try this series!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed this series so far and am eager to read more. I can't wait to hear what you think of The Boyfriend!
DeleteI bought THE HOUSEMAID'S SECRET thinking it was the first book in the series. Oops! I need to read THE HOUSEMAID first, but there's a very long waitlist for it at the library and my bookstore gift card has sadly run out of funds...LOL. Glad you are enjoying this series!
ReplyDeleteThere were over 3000 holds on The Housemaid at my library! After waiting over 6 months with still 1600 people ahead of me, a friend took mercy and bought me the paperback. All to say, I feel your pain!
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