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The Housemaid's Secret (The Housemaid, #2)

Freida McFadden

Start date: February 1, 2024

Finish date: February 29, 2024

Discussion: Mystery/Thriller BOTMs 2024

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Mystery/Thriller BOTMs 2024

* "The Housemaid Is Watching" First Impressions *No Spoilers* (September)
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last updated Sep 06, 2024 09:53AM

* "The Housemaid Is Watching" Full Discussion *Spoilers* (September)
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last updated Sep 06, 2024 09:51AM

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Feb 06, 2025 Imilouane Ayoub rated it really liked it

Freida McFadden has done it again with another pulse-pounding, twist-filled thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. In The Housemaid’s Secret, Millie is back in action, working for the ultra-wealthy Douglas Garrick and his elusive wife, Wendy. But things take a dark turn when Millie stumbles upon a horrifying discovery that pulls her deep into the Garrick family’s secrets, setting the stage for a suspenseful and unpredictable ride.

Millie’s plan is simple— Freida McFadden has done it again with another pulse-pounding, twist-filled thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. In The Housemaid’s Secret, Millie is back in action, working for the ultra-wealthy Douglas Garrick and his elusive wife, Wendy. But things take a dark turn when Millie stumbles upon a horrifying discovery that pulls her deep into the Garrick family’s secrets, setting the stage for a suspenseful and unpredictable ride.

Millie’s plan is simple—stick to the job, follow the rules, and avoid any family drama. However, that plan quickly unravels when she finds bloodstains in the bathroom and uncovers the truth about Wendy’s secluded existence: she’s being kept hidden away and brutally abused by her husband. Millie, driven by her deep empathy for women in abusive situations, is determined to intervene. But this time, the villain she faces may be more dangerous than any she’s encountered before, and the stakes have never been higher. As she digs deeper into the Garrick family’s secrets, she begins to realize that her own life could be in grave danger, especially with a persistent stalker watching her every move.

The twists in The Housemaid’s Secret are expertly crafted. While I expected some familiar plot beats from the first book in the series, McFadden manages to surprise and delight with a series of unexpected revelations that kept me turning pages well into the night. Each chapter builds the tension, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist would leave me gasping. The pacing is near perfect, with short chapters that make the story impossible to put down. It’s the kind of book that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very end.

Millie is a complex character. Her deep compassion for those in need often leads her to overstep boundaries and act impulsively. This time, her determination to help Wendy feels more intense, almost reckless. While I sympathized with her desire to rescue someone in pain, I did find myself getting frustrated with her at times. She tends to think she knows best, and her decisions often complicate things further. Still, her tenacity is one of the things that makes her such a compelling character. She doesn’t back down, even when the odds are stacked against her, and that’s what makes her so relatable and endearing, even when she makes questionable choices.

The setting of the Garrick household—an immaculate penthouse with a seemingly perfect family—adds to the eerie atmosphere of the story. The opulence of the home contrasts sharply with the dark secrets lurking within, creating a sense of unease that runs throughout the novel. McFadden’s attention to detail is one of her greatest strengths. Every small clue, every seemingly insignificant interaction, plays a role in the larger puzzle. As a reader, it’s clear that every twist is carefully planned, and McFadden’s knack for tying everything together in the end is nothing short of brilliant.

As for the secondary characters, they’re well-developed and add depth to the story. Wendy’s plight is heartbreaking, and I found myself rooting for her escape from her abusive husband. Douglas Garrick, on the other hand, is chilling in his cold, calculating demeanor. The dynamic between Millie and the other characters is what drives much of the tension, especially as Millie begins to uncover more about the Garrick family’s inner workings. There are moments of betrayal, suspicion, and surprise that elevate the narrative, making the stakes feel even higher.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this book is the way McFadden sets up future installments. By the end, I found myself eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. There are still so many unanswered questions, and I’m desperate to know what will happen next. The ending, while satisfying, leaves room for plenty more twists and revelations, and I can’t wait to see where Millie’s journey takes her next.

While this book is a thrilling and addictive read, there are a few moments where the pacing slows down a bit. In the first half, some of Millie’s actions and internal struggles felt repetitive, and I found myself getting a little frustrated with her choices. However, once the plot picks up speed in the second half, everything falls into place, and the story becomes an absolute page-turner.

Overall, The Housemaid’s Secret is a fantastic follow-up to The Housemaid and a must-read for fans of suspenseful, twisty thrillers. McFadden’s writing is sharp, the plot is compelling, and the characters are complex and intriguing. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, unpredictable thriller that will keep you up late at night, this is the book for you. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, and I’m already eagerly awaiting the next book in Millie’s thrilling saga. ...more

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Nov 06, 2024 Lia rated it it was amazing

Well, this one had more twists than a plate of spaghetti! 🍝 The Housemaid’s Secret kept me so hooked I was gasping out loud, prompting my husband to give me the ol’ side-eye more times than I care to admit. I ended up reading it all in under a day—which, honestly, might be a personal record. If you’re after a thriller that’ll keep you guessing (and possibly gasping), I’d definitely recommend this one. Bring on Book 3! 🤙🏽

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