Intro to The Housemaid

The Housemaid is a riveting psychological thriller that takes you through arguably the most pivotal time of all of the character’s lives. The first in the series, The Housemaid has hit top numbers in the thriller genre and has readers begging for a deeper look into the life of Millie, the ex-con housemaid. This captivating novel weaves a tapestry of intrigue, emotion, and social commentary that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Amazon Book Description

Every day I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor.

I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband Andrew seems more broken every day. But as I look into Andrew’s handsome brown eyes, so full of pain, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to live Nina’s life. The walk-in closet, the fancy car, the perfect husband.

I only try on one of Nina’s pristine white dresses once. Just to see what it’s like. But she soon finds out… and by the time I realize my attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late.

But I reassure myself: the Winchesters don’t know who I really am.

They don’t know what I’m capable of…

Themes Explored in The Housemaid

One of the most compelling aspects of The Housemaid is its exploration of societal norms and the inherent power dynamics that exist within the class system. McFadden deftly examines the consequences of privilege and the often-overlooked struggles of those who serve the wealthy, offering a poignant commentary on the human condition.

Since its release, The Housemaid has garnered widespread critical acclaim and a devoted following among readers. Literary circles have praised McFadden's ability to craft a compelling narrative that transcends mere entertainment, offering a thought-provoking exploration of societal norms and the complexities of human relationships.

Additionally, the novel delves into themes of desire, betrayal, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their secrets. McFadden's deft handling of these complex topics adds layers of depth and nuance to the narrative, inviting readers to ponder the moral ambiguities that permeate our lives.

Readers’ Reactions and Reviews

Fans of her previous works, such as The Teacher and The Wife Upstairs, will undoubtedly find familiar threads woven throughout The Housemaid, yet this novel offers a fresh perspective and a richly layered narrative that sets it apart.

The Housemaid has made waves in the book world, having spent 61 weeks on The New York Times trade paperback best-seller list, and 83 weeks on Amazon’s best-seller list. The Housemaid is ranked #4 in Amazon’s Top 100 Books, and #6 in Psychological Fiction. It currently holds a 4.5 star rating on Amazon with over 300,000 reviews, and a 4.33 star rating on Goodreads with over 1.2 million ratings. The next two books in the series, The Housemaid’s Secret and The Housemaid is Watching, are well on their way to huge ratings as well.

My Opinion

Being a huge thriller fan, you would think by now I would notice when I open a book that it is separated into parts. I often forget this when I am reading…until I get to part 2. In thriller novels, reading part 1 is like living in a fantasy land but not knowing it. It is like walking down the sidewalk on a bright, sunny day and not noticing there is a huge 18 wheeler truck down the street that is headed right toward me, because why would an 18 wheeler hit me if I’m on the sidewalk? Because I’m reading a thriller novel, that’s why. So much character building and base work for the story is in part 1, which is normally more than half the book, and I think I have a clear view into the story and I might already have a guess for what comes next. I don’t. That is what the part 2 page tells me, that I don’t have a clue on what is real or a lie, and it is quite possible that I will finish this book and still not be totally sure. When I turn the page and it says Part 2, I brace myself. I can almost hear “dun dun DUUUUUUUUUN” in my living room when I find the part 2 cover page. This means everything is about to change; that I was blinded before but now I am about to see.

This is what happened when I read The Housemaid.

Needless to say, this book is intriguing. It demands you to keep reading. There are points in the book where I was just stunned at the events taking place, and that started way before I got to part 2. McFadden manipulates the narrative in such a way that the tension is consuming. She expertly guides the reader through such twists and turns that it would be quite easy to read this novel in one sitting, as I have read that many people have. The novel has perfect pacing and characters that you easily get invested in, that by the end I was the one who felt deceived. As a thriller reader, I’ll admit that I love when an author lies to me. Untrustworthy characters is my favorite trope, and McFadden lies so beautifully.

The novel's cast of characters is rich and multifaceted, each one meticulously crafted to represent the complexities of the human condition. From the enigmatic Mr. Blackwell, whose outward charm masks a troubled past, to the seemingly cold and distant Mrs. Blackwell, whose motivations are shrouded in mystery, McFadden skillfully weaves their narratives together, creating a tapestry of intrigue that kept me guessing until the very end.

I will say, however, that this is not my favorite thriller. I only give 5 star reviews to books that have made my favorite’s list, and this one did not make it. Although exciting a thrilling, I have found better novels in this genre that have thrown me that I consider to be my favorites. This says mor about my favorite books than it does The Housemaid, because it really is a great read.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Housemaid is a riveting psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of human relationships, societal norms, and the lengths individuals will go to protect their secrets. Through the captivating narrative crafted by McFadden, readers are drawn into a world of intrigue, desire, and betrayal, where nothing is as it seems. The exploration of privilege and power dynamics offers a poignant commentary on the human condition, resonating long after the final page is turned.

Receiving widespread critical acclaim and amassing a dedicated following, The Housemaid stands out in the thriller genre for its thought-provoking themes and expertly crafted narrative. While not my personal favorite, the novel's ability to deceive and enthrall readers showcases McFadden's skill in storytelling and solidifies her place among great thriller authors.

Get your copy of The Housemaid here. 

More by McFadden

The Housemaid’s Secret (Book 2)

The Housemaid is Watching (Book 3)

The Teacher

The Wife Upstairs

Never Lie

Other Great Thrillers

The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley (Booktannins Review)

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney (Booktannins Review)

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell (Booktannins Review)