Freida McFaddenThe Housemaid Is Watching

Let me just start with: THIS BOOK. Wow. The Housemaid Is Watching grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go until the final twist—and even then, I’m still thinking about it.From the very beginning, I was suspicious of everyone: Enzo being way too friendly with the new maid and acting shady, Suzette constantly stirring drama, and Scarlett who had me screaming “kill her already” more than once. I had feelings about these people—and let me tell you, some of those feelings were very justified.Millie’s role in the household really shifted throughout the story. She started off just trying to live a peaceful life with her family, but jealousy, protectiveness, and straight-up survival mode kicked in quick. Her instincts were going off like sirens, and mine were too. The secret room reveal? Jaw. On. The. Floor. I KNEW something bigger was going on. And Ada? My heart broke for her more with each chapter.Speaking of Ada—when that final reveal came? That she stabbed Jonathan because he was a child abuser?? That scene hit like a freight train. I was shocked, emotional, and furious all at once. And just when I thought I had it figured out, BAM—Martha the housemaid swoops in and finishes the job. Talk about an unexpected hero. I was not ready for sweet little Martha to go full avenging angel with the knife slice, but I was clapping when it happened.Freida McFadden absolutely knows how to keep a reader on edge. Every chapter had a hint, an Easter egg, or some little line that made you pause and wonder if it would come back later—and it usually did. The pacing was fast and the suspense just kept building. Every time I thought I had a handle on things, another twist hit.I loved how the kids, Ada and Niko, were woven into the mystery—especially their reaction to Scarlett and their own hidden trauma. And let’s not forget Janice the nosy neighbor! I didn’t pay her much attention at first, but she ended up playing a huge role too. No one in this book was just a background character.In the end, I was rooting for Millie, Enzo, Ada, and Niko to get their peace—and they did. It wasn’t pretty getting there, but justice was served, secrets were unearthed, and I closed the book feeling totally satisfied.Highly recommend this to anyone who loves domestic thrillers, unreliable characters, twisty secrets, and a woman who finally says enough is enough.

There’s a line in the book, told with a wink, about how a third novel in a series is never as good as the first two. Not true in this case. This was just as good as the other Housemaid novels.For background on Millie and Enzo, it definitely helps if you’ve read the first two novels. This one is set a decade later, in which Millie has 2 children, and is no longer a Housemaid. She’s a social worker, which - though maybe a bit unrealistic given her prior years in prison- is a perfect job based on her willingness to help other women in need.The first half of the book is somehow both fast-paced, and also a slowish burn. I felt there was some repetitiveness in Millie’s thoughts about Enzo’s secrets, especially his possible infidelity. It’s exciting to read, but just when you think the plot’s going to really move, the author pulls back, and it only inches forward. Normally building this type of suspense is great, but I think the author did it a few too many times.The other thing I found a bit puzzling was the hesitation between Millie and Enzo to communicate with each other about what they were separately doing. If you’ve read the other 2 books you know that, both separately and together, Millie and Enzo have done a number of criminal things (even though they were done to protect themselves, or others). Their unwillingness to truthfully communicate - mostly from Enzo’s side - after having gone through so much together, felt a little out of character.Those two areas are why I gave this book a 4 instead of a 5.Otherwise, this book was terrific. An attentive reader might guess some things, but would be unlikely to figure it all out. As the book progresses, the pages fly by. You can’t stop reading. Millie is, and always has been, a very likable and sympathetic character. Enzo is more of a mystery, but also very likable (and apparently VERY hot, which contributes to driving the plot). And Millie’s 2 very different children, Nico and Ada, are written realistically, with the mix of doubt and happiness that children aged 11 and 9 normally have.If you’ve read and liked the previous Housemaid books, you’ll like this one. If you haven’t, go back to read the first 2, and then come back to this one.

There are 3 books in this series, The Housemaid, The Housemaids Secret, and the Housemaid is Watching.Book 1 and 2 were similar in the writing style. The first half of the book keeps you very interested then the second half flips everything upside down and you come to know what you thought you knew wasn’t really true. Both books 1 and 2 were 5 stars.Books 3, not so good. The story line was very boring. It’s like the author ran out of ideas. The book did get somewhat exciting in the last chapter….

You always worry when there is a book 3 if it will meet your expectations. And boy did this one meet my expectations and more.This book had me so angry at first. Millie and Enzo and the kids finally get their own home in a supposedly good neighborhood. But the crap that Millie has to deal with the neighbors is maddening. Suzette pissed me off a lot, but so did Enzo by the way he was with Suzette. I really felt sorry for Millie having to watch this woman flirt shamelessly with Enzo. I just wanted Millie to punch her lol. And I couldn’t believe Enzo let this go on.Millie learns more about Enzo in this book that she didn’t know. Trust and loyalty are tested. Plus, there are strange things happening in that cul-de-sac they moved into. The kids do not like it there. And things are happening with the children that the parents are not aware of.This book had many shocking revelations. This is definitely a must read. You just never know what will happen next and it will blow you away.