The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

A house that feels to quiet. A wife who feels too perfect. A job that feels...off.

Today on Booked & Busy, we're deep diving The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, a psychological thriller novel that burrows under your skin and refuses to let go. This is a story about power, control, survival and the terrifying intimacy of domestic spaces. From unreliable narrators and emotional manipulation to locked doors, gaslighting, and performance perfection... this book had me questioning everything.

We're breaking this episode into three parts:
The Book (themes, characters, symbolism)
The Movie (adaptation choices, performances, and visual tension)
The Reality Check - where we compare the ending, unpack what changed, and decide which version I preferred.

Grab a drink, lock your doors, and step inside the Winchester house with me!

⚠️ Spoiler warning for The Housemaid book and film.

xoxo,
Olivia Ponton