I was absolutely blown away by The Housemaid. So, I was super excited to see The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden. A sequel to one of my favorite psych thriller novels of 2022?
YES PLEASE!
I am also extremely happy to say that it does not disappoint. It’s just as good as the first book featuring Millie as the housemaid.
The author brilliantly plots the story so that you don’t have to have read the first book to enjoy this one. But you will be missing out if you don’t grab it.
You’ll get more insight into Millie, which I think adds to the story. You’ll also be able to catch sly references to the original. One of them – regarding teeth – made me literally laugh out loud. IYKYK
As to The Housemaid’s Secret, Millie has left her past behind her, but has her past left her? Are some things just innate? It’s a thought-provoking question that the author explores with a deft touch.
I love how the author sets up her plots (at least in these two stories). Part I is from Millie’s perspective; Part II is from another character (no spoiler), giving more background. Part III brings the two together in what can only be described as a shocking and highly satisfying climax and resolution.
I don’t want to give anything away. As I often mention, some books should just be read without anybody else’s opinions coloring them.
Even if you pay careful attention to every detail (which you should because there are many hints), you’ll probably find yourself second-guessing what you think you know throughout the entire book.
For example, the prologue features an unknown person. I changed my mind at least four times about who the person was and who the person was afraid of. It was like a strange sort of mix and match in my mind.
That’s a complex way to say that the author’s writing is so good that you will keep guessing right to the very last page. The plot is extremely tight. It’s really everything you could want in a psych thriller.
If I keep going, I will give something away. Suffice it to say that The Housemaid’s Secret is already my favorite book of 2023. It’s going to be tough for any other one to beat it.
Unless it’s maybe another one from Freida McFadden!
