Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 10/12/2025
Published by: Bookouture
ISBN: 9781803144399
‘The Housemaid’ is an addictive read with killer twists, but the irritating characters and tropes weren’t my cup of tea.
Cover:
Writing:
Storyline:
Main character(s):
Secondary characters:
Romance:
Narration & Audio:
Despite the hype surrounding this book, I managed to go in blind, and that made every twist and turn gripping. I especially loved how the tense interactions between the characters gradually intensified and built to a dramatic climax. Plus, with McFadden’s short chapters and simple writing, I flew through the story. Lauryn Allman’s immersive narration also brought the characters to life, enhancing the listening experience.
However, I struggled to connect with the key characters. Millie, in particular, annoyed me with her snide comments about Nina and her fixation on the attractive men. It also didn’t help that I hated one of the story’s main tropes, and the foreshadowing felt heavy-handed. Still, I’m curious enough about what happens in the second book to continue with the series.
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: Do you have any similar book recommendations?
Those looking for a similar read with psychological tension and twisted relationships should check out Lisa Jewell’s Don’t Let Him In. I also recommend 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard, as its clever twists and escalating tension between characters keep the mystery captivating. Plus, McFadden has written similar thrillers, and while I haven’t read it myself, some have mentioned similarities between this book and The Last Mrs Parrish by Liv Constantine.
Q: Which part of the story did you find hardest to believe?
It has to be the way the murder case was conveniently wrapped up. Nina willingly stepping forward to take the blame was shocking enough, but the fact that she faced no real consequences despite the influence Andrew’s family holds made it seem unrealistic.
Q: Do you wear prescription or fake glasses?
I wear prescription glasses because contact lenses make me nervous. While I get a little annoyed when people wear fake glasses just for fashion, I can’t deny that they look great on some people.
Q: Based on the early foreshadowing, what did you predict would happen in the story?
Q: What was your initial impression of Millie, and how did it change over the course of the book?
Q: Have you ever imagined what it would be like to live someone else’s life?
Q: Do you see Millie as a victim, a survivor, or something a bit more complicated?
Q: How did you feel about how homelessness and being an ex-convict were explored through Millie’s character?
Q: Are you someone who prefers a tidy home, or are you more relaxed about mess?
Q: Have you ever experienced gaslighting or been falsely accused of something?
Q: What were your thoughts on Millie and Andrew’s connection?
Q: Do you still watch Family Feud, or did you watch it in the past?
Q: Have you ever seen a Broadway show?
Q: Which of Andrew’s attic punishments seemed the most brutal to you?
Q: What were your thoughts on how Andrew’s case was handled?
Q: Whose reveal surprised you the most: Nina’s, Andrew’s, or Enzo’s?
Q: Were you shocked by the final twists and reveals?
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
To read other book related posts, click here or check out the tag cloud for more options.
