Summary
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is a psychological thriller that follows Millie Calloway and the Winchester family. Millie, recently released from prison, starts working as a housemaid in the Winchester mansion. The story combines elements of thriller and mystery, focusing on Millie's new job and the secrets within the mansion. The narrative unfolds through the mansion's hallways and an attic room that locks from the outside. Millie navigates the dynamics of the Winchester family as the psychological tension develops.
Plot
Significant spoilers ahead
The Housemaid follows Millie Calloway as she becomes a live-in housekeeper for the troubled Winchester family. Millie, with a criminal history, takes the job with Nina Winchester, who displays instability. The mansion feels unwelcoming when Millie discovers her attic room locks from the outside. Enzo, the landscaper, issues cryptic warnings, raising her concerns.
The family includes Andrew, Nina’s seemingly charming husband, and their difficult daughter, Cecelia. As Millie settles in, she encounters Nina’s erratic behavior. Kindness quickly turns to accusations. Andrew’s friendliness complicates matters, as Millie grows closer to him. Millie learns of rumors about Nina’s mental state and finds hidden medication, suggesting underlying issues.
Tensions rise when Andrew invites Millie to a Broadway show during Nina’s absence. Their affair comes to light, resulting in Nina's removal at Andrew’s demand. Millie soon discovers Nina had been monitoring her.
The story shifts to Nina's perspective, revealing Andrew as manipulative and abusive. He has used cruel tactics, such as imprisoning Nina in the attic, to undermine her sanity. Nina chose Millie knowing Andrew’s interest, aiming to counter his schemes.
Millie becomes a victim of Andrew’s abuse, trapped in the attic. She uses pepper spray left by Nina to subdue Andrew and lock him away. When Nina and Enzo return, they find Millie traumatized and Andrew dead. Nina takes responsibility for Andrew's death, claiming it was accidental to protect Millie.
In the epilogue, Millie begins a new housekeeping job. She encounters another woman in an abusive situation, indicating Millie's emerging role as an agent of covert justice.
Characters
Millie Calloway: Millie, recently out of prison, becomes a housemaid at the Winchester residence. She seeks to survive while uncovering the mansion's secrets.
