The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is a mystery novel about Millie Calloway, a young woman with a criminal past, who becomes a housekeeper for wealthy Nina Winchester, only to uncover dark secrets within the household, including deception, mental health struggles, and dangerous power dynamics that lead to unexpected and dramatic events. This book describes violence, domestic abuse, and attempted death by suicide.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden captivates with its suspenseful, fast-paced plot and well-drawn characters. Readers appreciate the unexpected twists and engaging narrative. Some critics note predictable elements and occasional lack of depth in character development. Overall, it offers a thrilling, entertaining read ideal for lovers of psychological thrillers.

A reader who would enjoy The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is likely a fan of suspenseful psychological thrillers with unexpected twists. They may also appreciate books like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, where seemingly ordinary situations unveil dark, gripping mysteries.

Suspenseful / Dark / Mysterious / Unnerving

- Freida McFadden is a USA Today bestselling author known for her psychological thrillers, and The Housemaid adds to her reputation for crafting engaging, twist-filled narratives.
- The Housemaid was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in 2022 under the Mystery & Thriller category, highlighting its popularity and critical acclaim among readers.
- Having worked as a practicing physician, Freida McFadden often integrates her medical expertise into her writing, although The Housemaid focuses more on psychological tension and mystery.

**Wilhelmina “Millie” Calloway**  
Millie is a 27-year-old central character and one of the narrators in *The Housemaid*. Recently released from a decade in prison, Millie gets a job as a live-in housemaid for the Winchesters. She is initially portrayed as simple and hardworking but is later revealed to have a violent streak when provoked by abuse.

**Nina Winchester**  
Nina is a central character and the second narrator in *The Housemaid*. In her late thirties, she is married to Andrew and has a nine-year-old daughter, Cecelia. Nina appears to be a wealthy housewife with a volatile nature and treats Millie poorly, but her behavior is part of a larger strategy to escape her situation with Andrew.

**Andrew Winchester**  
Andrew is Nina's husband and Millie's lover in *The Housemaid*. He is initially depicted as a henpecked husband in a loveless marriage with Nina but ultimately becomes the story's primary antagonist. Andrew’s actions are heavily influenced by his childhood experiences and struggles for power and perfection.

**Cecelia Winchester**  
Cecelia is Nina's nine-year-old daughter in *The Housemaid*. Andrew is not her biological father, but he has been her only father figure. Cecelia's peculiar behavior is rooted in past trauma and Nina’s absences. She is fearful of Andrew and becomes happier once she is away from him.

**Enzo**  
Enzo is the Winchesters’ landscaper in *The Housemaid*. Hailing from Sicily, he is attractive and often pretends not to speak fluent English to avoid unwanted attention. He sympathizes with Nina due to his past experiences and is willing to help Nina and Cecelia escape from Andrew.

Freida McFadden

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Novel

The Housemaid

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Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 12

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Part 1, Chapters 13-27

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Part 1, Chapters 28-37

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Part 2, Chapters 38-50

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Part 3, Chapter 51-Epilogue

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