Book Talk: McFadden, The Housemaid Series

I’ve probably read two dozen of Freida McFadden’s novels. Most have been riveting psychological thrillers and stand-alone stories. But she has also written a series, centered on Millie, a housemaid who has secrets and qualities that make for intrigue and surprise. In my opinion, this series was McFadden’s breakthrough as a “best-selling author.”

The Housemaid (2022, 325 pages in softcover)

You pretty well know that things are not going to go well when you read the first two sentences in the Preface. Millie says, “If I leave this house, it will be in handcuffs. I should have run for it while I had the chance.”

But during her interview for a job as housekeeper, Nina seemed so nice that Millie was overjoyed by being offered the position. She even gets her own room and bathroom. But not long after she’s welcomed to the family, she discovers that the door to her room only locks from the outside. However, that doesn’t seem to be as big a problem as Nina, who deliberately makes messes that she enjoys watching Millie clean up.