The Housemaid

Author: Freida McFadden

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Pages: 5 out of 5

Pages: 336

Date Started: 6 March 2023

Date Finished: 8 March 2023

I stumbled upon this book in the coveted Best Mystery & Thriller list for 2022 on Goodreads, and the combination of an enticing cover and intriguing storyline proved irresistible.

I'm sparing with my 5-star ratings, but this book unequivocally earned one. In fact, it stands as the best mystery I've ever had the pleasure of reading, hands down. The narrative is a relentless, gripping mystery, and the concluding revelation left me with my jaw on the floor. McFadden's writing style is nothing short of impressive. The story's intricate build-up in Part I laid the foundation for the riveting developments in Parts II and III. Initially, I had no inkling of where the story was headed, and that uncertainty refused to let me put the book down. The central character, Millie, navigating life post-prison in the house of her adored boss, Andrew, and alongside his enigmatic wife, Nina, and their spoiled daughter, Cece, added layers of intrigue to the tale. The character development was masterful, yet the story remained fast-paced, ensuring the reader's engagement throughout. The ending exceeded all expectations and the twist was genuinely jaw-dropping. This book marries strong character-building with a thrilling, quick-paced narrative, making it an absolute must-read for enthusiasts of the mystery-thriller genre.

Favorite lines from the book:

• The number on the advertisement is more than acceptable. If I were a cartoon character, dollar signs would have appeared in each of my eyeballs when I read the advertisement.

• Don’t want to go back to jail. I don’t. I can’t. I’d rather kill myself.

• We are two adults, and we are completely in control of our own actions. This will be fine.