I’ve always been entertained by the classic murder mystery: a protagonist investigating a crime scene, the killer’s identity hidden until the last possible moment and a satisfying conclusion where the detective solves the case and reaps the rewards.
Frieda McFadden’s psychological thriller “The Housemaid is Watching” completely rewrites this expected storyline. With multiple plot twists and a unique cast of unsuspecting and creepy characters, McFadden’s third book in “The Housemaid” series will leave readers shocked and demanding answers.
“The Housemaid is Watching” is the third critically acclaimed novel in the New York Times bestselling series. “The Housemaid” and “The Housemaid’s Secret” tell the story of Millie’s encounter with domestic abuse and murder, as well as her determination to free other women of similar fates. The third book takes place many years later, with Millie now having a family of her own to protect.
In this psychological thriller whodunit, McFadden pens a story about a family involved with the murder of their next-door neighbor. The protagonist, Millie, strives to protect her family from the suspicion of the police. She battles her inner emotions regarding her past murder imprisonment, keeping this dark secret from her children.
This novel alternates between the points of view of Millie, her daughter Ada and the neighbor’s maid, Martha. These shifts in viewpoints are critical because they highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each woman and it defines them with identifiable character traits. Readers will appreciate each woman as a relatable individual: Millie, the brave yet cautious protagonist; Ada, the stubborn daughter who holds a grudge; Martha, the unsuspecting yet strategic maid. Each of these characters knows a piece of the plot that the others do not, creating a giant puzzle of clues the reader has to put together to point to the killer.
McFadden expertly adds a hint of comedic relief into her novels, which contrasts sharply with the deep themes of domestic violence and murder addressed in her works. However, the touch of humor allows the reader to appreciate the normalcy of the characters and how their upturned lives affect each of them.
The fast pacing of the plotline and the short chapters make this book an epic page-turner. Each cliffhanger chapter ending will leave the reader wanting to learn more about what will happen next. As per McFadden’s writing style, there is always a twist halfway through her novels, followed by a final major twist at the end. In this new novel, she strategically brings back characters from the previous two books to add an element of surprise and glee to the story. Readers of her first two works will appreciate the connection.
I would rate this book a 10/10 stars due to its gripping storyline and McFadden’s manipulative writing style. Her impulsive nature to add a myriad of details in the story and then produce a shocking ending for readers will always be what gives her writing so much depth and passion. This book provides the perfect balance of hope and fear, creating a space for those looking for a good new novel to dive into.