Fancy a psychological thriller? The Housemaid ticks that box. Be warned, though, for themes of mental abuse and torture.

In this chilling novel, McFadden weaves a twisty tale perfect for lovers of The Woman in the Window, The Second Woman, and Keeper. McFadden – American author and practising physician specialising in brain injury – has written multiple psychological thrillers, including this viral sensation. The Housemaid received critical acclaim when it won the 2023 International Thriller Writers Awards in the Best Paperback Original Novel category. 

If you’re left wanting more after reading The Housemaid (as many readers are) you’re in luck. It’s a series! But first, let’s dig into this instalment…

What is the story in The Housemaid?

Our main character is Millie, a parolee who is also recently homeless and in dire need of work. She gets lucky – or so she thinks – when a wealthy family gives her a job as their live-in nanny and housemaid. 

Of course, those dreams of what could have been are soon crushed by the reality – or this wouldn’t be a thriller, right?! Nina Winchester is difficult to work for, to say the least, and Millie sees pain in Andrew’s eyes… then things take a darker turn.

The Winchesters have their secrets, but so does Millie. As the book reads, ‘the Winchesters don’t know who I really am. They don’t know what I’m capable of…’

What do we think?

If you like a plot twist, you’ll like this book. The good news is you don’t just get one at the end, but a few surprises scattered throughout to keep you on your toes! And indeed, McFadden succeeds at keeping most readers engaged with this fast-paced page-turner.

We mentioned in a previous review, though, that books dubbed ‘page-turners’ are often exceedingly good or exceedingly simple. This one is perhaps on the simple side. In places, the plot feels rushed and dialogue unnatural. The characters, too, would benefit from at least one more dimension, it has to be said!

But it’s also true that not all books need to be masterpieces in characterisation to be worth reading. If you’re looking for something binge-worthy to get you out of a reading slump, you should give this a go. While some readers were left frustrated by the repetitive and sometimes predictable writing, others came away awestruck by the twists and slow revelation of secrets. 

Our recommendation? Surrender yourself to The Housemaid as it is. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself shouting “NOooooOooo” and “come on!” at the characters whose lives McFadden lets you peek at through the keyhole.

Get a copy of The Housemaid for a twisty, quick read or head back to our latest reviews page to check out some more suggestions. You can find our thriller reviews here too.