FREIDA MCFADDEN
The Housemaid is an intriguing thriller I found enjoyable to read. I appreciated how the story starts with the main character Millie, and it shows her desperate need for employment. It is particularly engaging how Millie is given a job that most would consider a dream job, working for an affluent family. Although there is clearly something wrong with the family. I found the portrayal of the progressive breakdown of the perfect wife, captivating. Millie is just as tortured as the wife is. It is unclear whether her mental state is shifting, or is just evil. The author did a nice job making the prose simple and direct. The short chapters made it flow effortlessly and the pacing was great. Millie is a likable character, and it is a thrill to discover the big twist. If you like domestic thrillers, you will enjoy The Housemaid.
The Goods:
– Super fast, addictive pacing with short chapters that make it really hard to put down
– A tense, claustrophobic domestic setup where you are never quite sure who is lying
– Satisfying twists that make you rethink earlier scenes without feeling totally cheated
Bads:
– Characters can feel a bit exaggerated or over the top, especially the rich family
– The writing is very simple, which works for speed but might feel too basic for some readers
– If you read a lot of thrillers, you may see some of the turns coming before the reveal
Why I would recommend this book:
If you are looking for a fast, gripping thriller with plenty of unexpected turns, I recommend The Housemaid. It snatches your attention from the start and, if you are anything like me, will cause you to lose track of time and continue reading long after you intended to stop. It is a great choice for when you want some light entertainment, and an enjoyable read. You get to cheer for an appealing protagonist, and jeer at a privileged, problematic family, all without the distraction of overly complex writing or tedious world building.
Every book hits differently for every reader.
Thanks for reading my review.
– Corey
