book reviews the housemaid

Jen Ryland Reviews

Find books. Read books. Talk books.

Review With Spoilers of The Housemaid

12.10.2023 by Jen Ryland // Leave a Comment

I read The Housemaid back in the spring and have been meaning to review it. Now that book two in the series has won Goodreads’ 2023 Best Mysteries and Thrillers award and there is a book three in the works, I thought I’d compile opinions on the books and share my thoughts. First off, here’s my Review with Spoilers of The Housemaid by Freida McFadden.

Written and edited by Jen Ryland . Last updated on:

This review will contain:

• A brief plot summary of The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
• My analysis of the overall reception of the book
• My opinion on The Housemaid and whether YOU will like it
• Spoilers for the ending of The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Review of The Housemaid With Spoilers

Published in 2022 by Bookoture and Grand Central Publishing

I read this book in May 2023

It was selected as a candidate for Best Mystery and Thriller of 2022 on Goodreads.

Plot Summary for The Housemaid

Former convict Wilhelmina “Millie” spent the last ten years in prison for murder. Now released, she’s trying to find a job … any job. She’s a little surprised to be offered a live-in housekeeper position by the Winchesters: Nina, her husband Andrew, and their daughter, Cecelia.

Right off, the Winchester’s gardener warns her that she’s in danger. But how and from whom? As Millie learns more about this couple, she realizes that the truth of the situation is hard to come by.

Reception for Freida McFadden overall and for the Housemaid

Freida McFadden started as a self-published Amazon author in 2013. Ten years later, she has an avid fanbase, is a TikTok favorite, and her most recent books have been traditionally published.

As with many thrillers and mysteries, opinion on her books has been divided. Readers who love fast-paced twisty thrillers generally adore McFadden’s books . Those who prefer stories with more character development and believability aren’t as enthusiastic.

Fans of The Housemaid rave about:

• The Housemaid’s fast pace
• The book is a “quick and easy read”
• The lack of “fluff”
• The snappy voice and dialogue

Critics of The Housemaid complain about:

• The lack of believability and character motivation
• The absence of “fluff” i.e. world-building and character development
• The similarities between McFadden’s books AND the similarity of some of her plots to other popular books. It’s an interesting observation. I’d have to do a whole separate post on this but will just point out that a) many authors write similar books and b) concepts, titles, and plots of books can’t be copyrighted and c) many popular thrillers (and romances) have very similar plot lines.

My Take on All Freida McFadden Books

All the Freida McFadden books I have tried have been great audiobooks.

I have HUGE issues with listening comprehension. My mind wanders. I forget everything I heard.

So I struggle with audiobooks and I think the directness and lack of “fluff” make McFadden’s books perfect to listen to. For me.

My Opinion of The Housemaid

While I can appreciate a “quick and fast read” I tend to prefer written books that have more atmosphere and psychological depth. So The Housemaid isn’t my ideal book … BUT:

The Housemaid is a modern gothic, a subgenre I really enjoy.

I was genuinely surprised by the twist and, as I read SO many mysteries and thrillers, I can be hard to surprise.

If you have NOT read the Housemaid and don’t want spoilers, come back to this post when you’re ready.

Spoilers for The Housemaid and The Ending Explained

What is the ending of the housemaid.

• Millie’s employee, Nina Winchester, is being physically and psychologically abused by her husband Andrew, which includes being locked in the attic room that Nina assigns to Millie.
• Nina gaslights Millie and acts erratically.
• Millie sympathizes with Andrew and the two begin a secret affair. Nina discovers their affair and Andrew tells her their marriage is over. Nina leaves, taking her daughter with her.
• Suddenly, Millie finds herself Andrew’s new victim , locked in the attic room and forced to perform bizarre acts, like pulling out her own hair.
• The twist: Nina, helped by landscaper Enzo, hired Millie as a way to free herself from Andrew. Nina pushed them together and it worked: Andrew dumped her to focus on poor Millie.
• Millie manages to pepper spray Andrew (with pepper spray that Nina thoughtfully hid in the room) and lock Andrew in the attic room. She forces him to perform bizarre acts, like pulling out his own teeth.
• Andrew dies in the room.
• Nina, alerted by Enzo, shows up and offers to take the fall for Andrew’s death . Fortunately, the police officer sent to the scene has a daughter who dated Andrew and knows he’s abusive. So the police agree to ignore the fact that Andrew inexplicably died and has missing teeth. (Yes, this is extremely unlikely but ok!)
• At Andrew’s funeral, Millie learns that Andrew’s mother used to pull out his teeth. (What? More on that below.)
• Nina gets Millie a new job with another abused wife.

What are readers’ questions About the Housemaid?

Why was millie in prison.

She was sent to a therapeutic boarding school, where she tried to save a female classmate who was being attacked by a guy. She hit him over the head to save the girl, but apparently went a little overboard. She had a record, so she pled guilty to manslaughter.

Why would Andrew, an abusive husband, allow his wife to hire Millie?

This doesn’t seem that odd to me. Yes, many abusers isolate their victims, but Nina has a child and it seems like Andrew would like a lot of attention.

Why the coincidence of the pulled out teeth?

Did Millie know that Andrew’s mother used to pull out his teeth? If Andrew mentioned this, I missed it. I agree that the coinicdence was pretty random. Millie just happened to find pliers in the garage and think of pulling out Andrew’s teeth?

If Enzo witnessed Andrew’s abuse of Nina, why didn’t he do anything?

It’s all a bit hazy. Enzo’s sister was married to an abusive man and Enzo assaulted the guy and then fled the country. So he is possibly being sought by Italian police and is in the US illegally.

If Enzo knew that Andrew was dangerous, why didn’t he keep a closer eye on Millie?

He just gave Millie vague warnings. He’d agreed to help Nina. When he hadn’t seen Millie for days, he did alert Nina.

Is The Housemaid a retelling (or inspired by) The Last Mrs. Parrish (2017)?

I have not read The Last Mrs. Parrish so can’t weigh in on any possible similarities between the two. But there are a lot of similar books out there and most Gothic fiction does share common elements. Tell me what you think in the comments!

Did you love The Housemaid, or was it not for you? Leave all comments below, and feel free to leave spoiler questions and comments!

Be sure to check out my post on The Housemaid Book Two which answers these questions and more!

• The Housemaid vs. The Housemaid Two : which is better?
• Is Millie in the Housemaid Two?

And you can also check out my Audiobook Review of The Coworker!

About Jen Ryland

Over 12 years of book blogging and reviewing, I have read over 1500 books. A fair and honest reviewer who loves book discussions, I'm here to help you find a book you'll love to read AND give you a place to talk about it and ask questions. Find me on Instagram and Pinterest as @jenryland!

Privacy Policy

Find my privacy policy here.

• Disclosures & Disclaimers
• Privacy Policy
• Adult Books
• Middle Grade Books
• Young Adult Books
• Non-Fiction Books
• Favorite Books
• Reading Lists
• Seasonal Books
• Assorted Books
• Organization
• Trip Highlights

Book Review: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The housemaid (book 1), goodreads choice award –  nominee for best mystery & thriller (2022).

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is a fast-paced dark thriller full of secrets and deception.

Available on Kindle Unlimited.

This book is part of  My Fall 2023 Reading List .

My Overview

Millie, recently released from ten years in prison, is unemployed and living out of her car. When Nina Winchester offers to hire her as a housemaid, Millie can’t believe her luck. A job at the Winchester home will provide what she needs: money and a place to live at! From the beginning, there are plenty of red flags for Millie, including the gardener warning her of danger. Millie even knows she’ll have to sleep in a tiny attic room that only locks from the outside, but chooses to focus on the big picture … housing and employment. She’s even willing to put up with Nina’s unstable behavior and her daughter’s brattiness. Fortunately, Andrew Winchester (Nina’s husband) is kind to her.

The story is divided into three parts. Part 1 sets the scene at the Winchester home and introduces the main characters: Millie, Nina, and Andrew. I enjoyed the set-up of the plot, and Nina’s observations and humor. Part 2 begins with a big twist I didn’t expect. As the story unfolds it quickly becomes OTT and less believable. By Part 3, the story basically goes off the rails.

Overall, this is a high-paced thriller where no character can be trusted and suspension of disbelief is needed. Based on all the hype, I had high expectations for this book. Unfortunately, it didn’t deliver on the hype for me. The story is so crazy, though, that it makes this an unputdownable book. Even as I watched the story go off the rails, I couldn’t look away 🫣.

My Recommendation

Although I wasn’t thrilled (😉) by the story, I know that my opinion is part of a minority. Also, keep in mind this is my first book by this author. If you haven’t read this book yet, you should probably give it a try. I read the Kindle edition and tried the audiobook also; either is fine.

Have you read this book?

Related Posts

Book Review: The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick

Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

Leave a reply cancel.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Advertise   Contact   Privacy

Browse All Reviews

New Releases

List Reviews by Rating

List Reviews by Author

List Reviews by Title

The Housemaid Series Recap

Summary & Book List

See below for a recap of all the books (in order) in The Housemaid Series by Freida McFadden, a mystery-thriller book series consisting of three titles — The Housemaid (2022) , The Housemaid’s Secret (2023) and The Housemaid is Watching (2024) .

The books in this series function as standalone books, but it’s generally recommended to read them in order for context and to prevent spoiling the ends of the prior books. McFadden has stated the third book will be the final book of the series.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

August 23, 2022  |  Review  |  Chapter Summary

Millie takes a job at the luxurious Winchester residence as a live-in housemaid. Andrew Winchester is handsome and kind, but things go downhill quickly as Nina Winchester exhibits increasingly bizarre and frustrating behavior. ( Read more below… )

The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

February 20, 2023  |  Review  |  Chapter Summary

Millie accepts a job cleaning for tech CEO Douglas Garrick, but becomes concerned when his wife Wendy never leaves her room. ( Read more below… )

The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden

June 11, 2024  |  Review  |  Chapter Summary

Millie is now living in the suburbs on a cul-de-sac and is no longer cleaning houses. But her neighbor Mrs Lowell seems to be hiding secrets, and perhaps Mrs Lowell’s housemaid as well …

The Housemaid

Millie is a young, beautiful ex-con who gets a job as a housekeeper for a wealthy couple, Nina and Andrew. Nina is temperamental and increasingly crazy, while Andrew is attractive and kind. Millie eventually sleeps with Andrew, and he kicks Nina out. We then learn that Nina hates Andrew and wanted to be free of him, which is why she hired Millie in the first place as a replacement. During their marriage, Andrew tortured Nina by locking her up in an attic room as “punishment” to correct various behaviors. He had her locked up in a psychiatric facility for 8 months as well. He used threats against her daughter to control her.

In present day, Andrew soon turns on Millie and wants to do the same (locking her up, torturing her) to her, but Millie finds some pepper spray in the attic room and attacks Andrew, locking him in the room and torturing him instead. We then learn that Millie went to jail for accidentally killing and attempted rapist and has a few other violent incidents in her past. Nina knew about it all along. She not only wanted Millie to be a replacement, she was also hoping Millie would kill Andrew.

When he dies, Nina offers to take the blame for it, since it’s what she wanted all along, she just didn’t have it in her to kill him. But when the police detective comes to question her it turns out his daughter was Andrew’s ex-fiance who was traumatized by him. The detective concludes the death was an accident. In the Epilogue, Millie interviews for a cleaning job but it becomes clear the woman really just wants Millie to kill her abusive husband. Millie takes the job.

For more detail, see the Chapter-by-Chapter Summary .

The Housemaid’s Secret

Four years later, Millie is still housekeeper, though she spent many years helping women get out of abusive relationships. Millie gets hired by Wendy for that purpose, to get away from her husband Douglas. When things get ugly, Millie shoots Douglas, and he dies. However, Wendy soon claims to the police that Millie was having an affair with Douglas and shot him because he ended things with her.

It’s revealed that Wendy has been having an affair and wanted to leave Douglas, but the prenup meant she would get nothing. The man Millie “shot” was actually Wendy’s lover, Russell. But there were blanks in the gun. Instead, Wendy invited the real Douglas over afterwards and shoots him for real, and then framed Millie for it.

Millie reaches out to her ex Enzo and together they figure out what happened. Meanwhile, Wendy finds out Douglas left all his money to charity in his will. Also, he installed a security camera at their place so the police know what really happened. Then, Russell’s wife Marybeth confronts Wendy and Russell. She kills Russell and forces Wendy to give a confession and write a suicide note. She drugs Wendy to force her to overdose on heart medication (which it turns out Millie gave to Marybeth for that purpose).

Millie is exonerated and moves in with Enzo. Officer Rodriguez at the police station also talks to her and says that he knows about her reputation for helping domestic violence victims — and he’d like her to consider him a resource if she needs help in the future.

The Housemaid is Watching

Coming soon!

Do I need to read the previous books in the series? Are these standalone books?

These all function as standalone books, but it’s better to read them in order for both context and to prevent spoiling the ending of the books.

How many books are in the series? Have many books are expected?

There are currently three books in the series. McFadden has stated the third book will be the final book of the series.

What should I know before reading The Housemaid is Watching?

The main thing to know is that Millie is exonerated of any crimes by the end of The Housemaid’s Secret, and she and Enzo (the landscaper she originally meets in Book #1) are blissfully back together.

Also, at the very end of The Housemaid’s Secret (Book #2), she’s made a new police connection in the form of Officer Rodriguez who has learned about the work she’s been doing with abuse victims and has offered to be a resource in the future, when needed.

Share this post

She’s Not Sorry

The Seven Year Slip

Darling Girls

Yours Truly

The Coworker

Best Literary Fiction of 2024 (New & Anticipated)

2024’s Best Book Club Books (New & Anticipated)

Bookshelf: Development Diary

Best Rom-Com, Beach Reads & Contemporary Romance Books

Share your thoughts Cancel reply

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (2022): An Absolutely Thrilling Read

• Benjamin Hughes

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is one of the chart buster bestselling novels of 2022 according to the Wall Street Journal.

Millie is making a clean break from her troubled history. Millie has responded to an ad for a housemaid posted by the Winchesters. Nina Winchester arranges to meet with Millie at her house.

She gives Millie a tour of the house and outlines Millie’s duties, which amount to light housekeeping and meal preparation. Nina takes Millie up to the attic and shows her the bedroom she’ll be sleeping in.

When Millie finally hears from Nina a few days later, she is overjoyed. She will begin her employment with the Winchesters the following Monday. The house is a shambles by the time Millie comes the following day.

Despite of being from medical background, Freida McFadden knows her subject really well and have complete command over how to present her characters in the most emphatic way.

The house looked spotless when Millie arrived for the interview, so she assumed she wouldn’t have to do any tidying up before her arrival.

Millie gradually finds out about Nina’s misdeeds as the days pass. Or, more accurately, she learns the hard way about Nina’s erratic emotions. Millie is picking up Nina’s daughter Cecelia from school, as requested by Nina.

Millie finds out Cece has extra classes and her friend’s mom would take her when she gets to school. While on the phone with Nina, Millie gets the response, “I never told you to pick Cece!”

Related Post: The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden (2020)

Everything that doesn’t actually happen is attributed to Millie. Millie’s only sympathizer appears to be Nina’s husband, Andrew. He’s wealthy and good-looking. Millie is powerless to resist her growing feelings for him.

But things go downhill from there. On her first day of work, Millie received a warning from Enzo, the gardener. But Millie didn’t listen to his words of caution. And now she must bear the repercussions…

The best part of The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is its gripping narrative and realistic characters. Once you start reading, it becomes very difficult to put it down before finishing.

Millie starts off the story by lying to her prospective employers. Millie’s fresh beginning has not gone as planned: she was just dismissed from her job and evicted from her apartment for failing to pay the rent. Millie wanted to start again after escaping from her troubled background. However, progress has been slow.

Millie is ecstatic when Nina Winchester calls to tell her she may start the next day. The next day, she visits the Winchesters and finds their home in disarray. She had come last week for an interview, and the house had been spotless for her arrival.

So, what’s different now?

Millie soon finds herself the target of Nina’s erratic behavior. Millie is the victim of Nina’s gaslighting, and she is also falsely accused of something. Cecelia, Nina’s eight-year-old daughter, is also not a saint. Millie has been met with strong distaste from both of Millie’s parents.

Andrew, Nina’s husband, is the only one who has any idea what Millie is going through.

Millie finds out via Nina’s other pals that Nina was admitted to a mental institution. Even though Millie now understands why Nina is acting so irrationally, the fact that she is the recipient of Nina’s rage does not make her any happier.

Things are about to get much worse. Millie has to get out of the house as soon as possible. But… she can’t since her bedroom door doesn’t lock from the inside.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve ever read, without a doubt. The plot twists and turns kept me reading until the very end. There are three acts to the story. The first section focuses on Millie and how she is treated while staying at the Winchester residence.

The second part is just… WOW!

That was a surprising turn of events. What the heck is going on, I thought. Don’t even get me started on how great the third part is!

I assumed The Housemaid would be “just another domestic suspense with a shocking ending” when I first started reading it. Oh, how wrong I was! Not just the climax, but nearly the entire novel is full of unexpected turns and shocking revelations.

Fast-paced, nerve-wracking, spine-chilling, twisted, and riveting best describe the novel, her latest psychological thriller.

This is a book you should read immediately.

If you like reading The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, find out her five must-read books here.

The Housemaid by Freida Mcfadden Buying Options:

Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, The Crimson Books may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

About the Author

Benjamin Hughes is a literary enthusiast with a lifelong passion for books. He has an extensive knowledge of classic literature and a profound interest in exploring the depths of philosophical and existential themes.

With his articulate writing style, he guides readers through complex narratives and leaves them with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the written word.

Related Posts

Forever Never by Lucy Score

• Book Reviews

In a Badger Way (The Honey Badger Chronicles Book # 2)

Hot and Badgered (The Honey Badger Chronicles Book # 1)

One comment.

[…] (If you want to read a full review of The Housemaid, read it here.) […]

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

Novel On My Mind

Book Review and Recommendation Blog

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden – Book Review

Warning – possible spoilers! (Tiny ones, though, and I’ll try to avoid even those; I swear I’ll give my best not to ruin it for you… :-))

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden – Book Details

TITLE  – The Housemaid

SERIES – The Housemaid

AUTHOR – Freida McFadden

CATEGORY/GENRE – thriller , mystery , suspense

YEAR PUBLISHED – 2022

PAGE COUNT – 332

MY RATING – 4.5 of 5

RATED ON GOODREADS – 4.38 of 5

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Housemaid by Freida McFadden in exchange for an honest review.

What It Is About

I don’t love going up there. I don’t have any crazy phobias about attics, but the staircase leading up there is kind of creepy. It’s dark, and the stairs creak with every step. As I follow Andy up the staircase, I stay close to him.

Millie is desperate to get a decent job, and fast. When she gets a job offer by Nina Winchester to be a housemaid in the Winchester’s beautiful home, she is more than happy to overlook all the small issues that come with the position.

But once settled in, the piling mess of all the things that don’t add up are getting harder and harder to ignore. The fact that the doors to her room only lock on the outside. Nina’s demands growing more and more ridiculous. The groundskeeper who looks at Millie as if he is pitying her but refuses to say anything concrete.

Still broke and homeless, Millie is not exactly in a position to quit. And with her growing attraction to Nina’s handsome husband Andrew, she’s not even sure she’d wanted to.

But offers that seem too good to be true are usually exactly that, as Millie is about to discover.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden – My Review

If I leave this house, it will be in handcuffs. I should have run for it while I had the chance. Now my shot is gone. Now that the police officers are in the house and they’ve discovered what’s upstairs, there’s no turning back.

Well. I didn’t see that coming.

And I was so sure I knew where this was going! Don’t you just love when a good twist slaps you right in the face!

Freida McFadden was a name that kept popping up to me, especially since I’ve gotten much more into thrillers lately. I always had a vague plan to maybe probably see what she’s all about sometime, when I had more time.

But then I saw the ARC of her newest book, The Housemaid, and it seemed like just the kind of thriller I usually prefer – chill and intriguing, dramatic and surprising. Just something you can relax and have fun with without overthinking everything.

Plus, who could resist that cover? Who wouldn’t want to take a peep through that keyhole?

So, of course I had to pick it up, and it didn’t disappoint. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden was a quick, easy read. Nothing spectacular, but every time I put it down, I couldn’t wait to get back to it.

This book was thrilling enough to keep me intrigued without being too heavy and on-page gory, making me want to look the other way (like, say, Karin Slaughter ). It actually reminded me a bit of A.R. Torre ’s thrillers. Immersing and juicy but not too intense. Twisted but not way out there.

Working here is my last chance to start fresh. I can pretend to be whoever I like. But I’ll soon learn that the Winchesters’ secrets are far more dangerous than my own.

I also like when my thrillers have some of that rich-people-problems element. Hey – if a murder is about to occur, why not place it in a beautiful villa?

And when Millie first steps into that place, even being a maid in that household seems like a dream came true. But too soon it gets painfully clear everyone in that house are somewhat broken in one way of another.

The secrets. The lies and inconsistencies. Nina’s mood swings.

Her daughter Cece’s strange behavior.

Andrew looking more and more burdened but staying devastatingly loyal to his wife.

The groundskeeper who looks like he’d like to warn Millie of something, but what?

Plus that prologue featuring a police investigation that clearly suggests a dead body has been found.

It all made for an intriguing read that kept me glued to the page.

And – it got me! Not completely, but still – it actually freaking got me, which almost never happens to me with thrillers.

Maybe I’m just getting rusty. But, even though I caught pretty early on a general direction the story was heading and even though the storyline was something you could already see many times in psychological thrillers, there was still enough twists and revelations I didn’t see coming, and I couldn’t be any happier about it!

I really appreciated how everything was wrapped up in the end. It didn’t real-world make sense, but as far as mysteries and thrillers go, I thought it was done really well.

I turn away from the window to look at Mrs. Winchester’s smiling face. I still can’t quite put my finger on what’s bothering me. There’s something about this room that’s making a little ball of dread form in the pit of my stomach.

Out of the whole thing, I only didn’t like a few tiny details that felt over the top and one smaller part of the resolution. But considering how much I enjoyed the rest, I accepted it gladly.

So, if you are looking for your next thriller for lazy afternoons in a warm early summer weather with a glass of cool lemonade nearby, here’s a good option. The simple narration, good pacing and the general vibe – all perfect to kill some time with, especially if you don’t expect from your thrillers to be perfectly plausible, life changing experiences.

I know we all have different tastes, and do keep that in mind. But to me, this is how a good, captivating thriller should look like.

After The Housemaid, I will definitely be checking out more of Freida McFadden’s books. In fact, I’ve already bought a couple and all I’m waiting for is a little bit of free time.

I will also try to get the audio copies of them. I listened to The Housemaid on audio (narrated by Lauryn Allman), and in my humble opinion – that’s the way to go about it. I’m sure my enjoyment just wouldn’t be the same if I’ve read it physically.

READ NEXT: The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

You may also like...

A Caller’s Game by J.D. Barker – Book Review

The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter – Book Review

Us Against You (Beartown #2) by Fredrik Backman– Book Review

Popular posts.

New 2021 Book Releases I Am Eagerly Anticipating

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman – Book Review

Coraline by Neil Gaiman – Book Review

The Winners (Beartown #3) by Fredrik Backman – Book Review

And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer – Book Review

Best Books by Agatha Christie – My Top 13 Favorites

(4) comments.

But why not use his phone as a proof of innocence

I mean, I agree, it’s just that to me that goes into the basket of small nuisances I’m willing to ignore if I enjoyed the book enough. (But, I’ve read this a while ago; I think I remember what you are talking about, but I’m not a hundred percent sure.)

I read one review that stated it was like a copy of The Last Mrs. Parrish. Do you agree? Have you read The Last Mrs. Parrish?

Sorry, I haven’t read that one. Did you like it? Should I give it a try?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Book reviews of the best thrillers and more

Book Review: THE HOUSEMAID by Freida McFadden

THE  HOUSEMAID

Author : Freida McFadden Year : 2022 Edition : 2022 Paperback Pages : 325 Genre : Thriller Additional info :  #1 in The  Housemaid series

“Welcome to the family,” Nina Winchester says as I shake her elegant, manicured hand. I smile politely, gazing around the marble hallway. Working here is my last chance to start fresh. I can pretend to be whoever I like. But I’ll soon learn that the Winchesters’ secrets are far more dangerous than my own…

Every day I clean the Winchester’s beautiful house top to bottom. I pick up their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor. 

I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband, Andrew, seems more broken every day. But as I look into Andrew’s handsome brown eyes, so full of pain, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to live Nina’s life. the walk-in closet, the fancy car, the perfect husband…

I try on one of Nina’s pristine white dresses once. Just to see what it’s like. But she soon finds out… and by the time I realize my attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late. 

But I reassure myself: the Winchesters don’t know who I really am. 

They don’t know what I’m capable of…

Why I chose to read this book I love thrillers, and this one seemed so full of secrets. I was excited to get a glimpse into wealthy folk’s lives through the eyes of their housemaid. I just knew it would be juicy and salacious!

Thoughts & Opinions

The Housemaid was a fun read! Full of suspense, twists and turns. Very easy to read and entertaining. Millie, the protagonist, finds herself in a very difficult situation; she has a boss from hell. And because of her past, it’s almost impossible for her to find a job so she has to keep this one. There are so many instances where her boss, Nina, demonstrates how unhinged and psychotic she is but Millie is desperate and this job is the best alternative for her. Nina lies, omits important details, and makes Millie look like a fool and incompetent in front of others. I was so enraged by her actions! Her daughter, a majorly spoiled brat, doesn’t fall far from the tree. She is rude, impolite, undisciplined and obviously mimics her mother’s behavior with “the help”. Makes you wonder why Andrew, Nina’s perfect husband, stays with her. 

Although Millie needs this job, sometimes what the heart wants is stronger than common sense and she starts to play a dangerous game with Andrew, fully knowing Nina could go nuclear. 

The switch in POV from Millie to Nina is enlightening and shocking. 

What I fault in this book however is the two POVs weren’t distinct enough in terms of vocabulary and personality. Nina and Mille come from very different backgrounds yet they express themselves the same way. It’s like it was narrated by the same character. For me, it took away from the experience of having two POVs.

Check out my other thriller reviews:

American Dirt

Crimson Summer

Danger in Numbers

Gray Mountain

Please Join Us

The Night Shift

The Paris Apartment

When No One is Watching

Discussion Points

• Have you read this book? If so, what did you think?
• Did you figure out the twist before the switch in POV?
• I’d love to discuss this book with you in the comments below, looking forward to reading you!
• Which book should I review next?

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden book review

I picked up The Housemaid because it was dirt cheap on Amazon – I’m talking £2.50 for a brand-new copy of the paperback. After finishing The Return of the King, I thought I’d pick something up a little lighter that didn’t require quite as much time and effort to read/listen to. Enter The Handmaid .

Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the products.

However, little did I know that this would be one of the most gripping and enthralling thrillers I’d read for a very long time. I was expecting it to be a fairly weak reading experience but an easy story to consume and though the latter may be true, it most certainly was not a weak thriller.

The story covers the tale of Millie, our protagonist housemaid who starts work at a posh house after recently being released from prison. She’s hoping to keep her past from her new employer and earn enough money to move out of living in her car and start a real life for herself. However, her boss, Nina Winchester is incredibly odd and begins to behave eratically convincing Millie something else must be going on it in this family. But then everything flips on its head!

The Housemaid plot – 4.5/5

I must admit, whenever I start reading a book, I’m always looking and waiting for the moment when it’s going to suddenly get good. However, from the very early pages, this book had the perfect plot and chapter endings to keep me engrossed throughout. It starts off with a lot of intrigue as Nina’s odd personality begins to come out with some wild accusations of Millie and as the reader it really grabs you in.

There is a massive turn in the middle of the book which I honestly didn’t see coming which is a real testament to the way that McFadden has not only written the book but also written these characters. It’s a twist that if any of your interest has waned will draw you right back in again.

People often describe books as “unputdownable” and I rarely use this term as my ADD means I can easily drop an activity and go and do other things. However, The Housemaid is one of those books where I genuinely wanted to read as much of it as possible in one sitting each time I could. And again, I usually struggle to read when anything else is going on but it’s easy writing and my desire to know what was coming next had me engrossed.

The Housmaid characters – 4.25/5

Often in thrillers, the characters suffer with little personality as the plot is the main focus for the author. Often, to be able to pull off the twists and the sweeping chapters and plotline, the main character just has to go through the motions, causing a rather underwhelming character. However, in The Housemaid , Millie is a perfectly likeable main character with genuine motivations and personality traits.

The real star of the show is Nina though. McFadden has portrayed her personality perfectly (meaning more the further you read) as this woman who has become so comfortable in this perfect “housewife” life that she’s begun to become slightly mad.

As a reader, you begin to grow a real dislike for her and other characters who later are introduced too. Those you’re supposed to like, you like and those you are supposed to despise, you despise.

The Housemaid final rating – 4.5/5

I was a huge fan of The Housemaid and everybody I’ve spoken to about it online was also. Not only does it hit all the perfect notes required of a thriller but it has a a genuinely shocking twist that you won’t see coming along with some truly detestable characters. It’s clever and, not avoiding the cliche term at all, truly unputdownable. If you’re looking for a genuinely gripping new read that could very well surprise you with how much you enjoy it, The Housemaid would be right near the top of my recommendations list at the moment.

Buy The Housemaid here.

6 thoughts on “ The Housemaid by Freida McFadden book review ”

Awesome review, Luke. I got my daughter hooked on her books, lol! Have a lovely weekend!

Sorry about the writing mistake, I’m half blind.

I’ll definitely have to pick up some more of her books!

I was looking for a book to take on holiday with me next week and I think I just found it. Thanks for this excellent and informative review!

Good to hear! Enjoy Martin!

“The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. Set in the backdrop of a wealthy suburban neighborhood, the story follows the life of Emma, a young and ambitious housemaid who finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and deceit. McFadden’s writing style is captivating, immersing readers in the vivid descriptions of the extravagant houses and the glamorous lifestyles of the characters. The character development is remarkable, particularly with Emma, as we witness her transformation from a naive and innocent young woman to a resilient and determined fighter. The author tackles important themes such as social class, power dynamics, and the price one is willing to pay for success. The suspenseful plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning each page to uncover the truth behind the dark secrets lurking behind closed doors. “The Housemaid” is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the complexities of human nature.

Your insightful review captures the essence of the books beautifully. Your attention to detail and thoughtful analysis truly enriches the conversation around it.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, e-mail, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Book Review: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Publication Date:  August 23, 2022

Genre: Thriller

Emma’s Rating: 5/5 (?????)

The Verdict: Solid domestic thriller

The Housemaid Synopsis

Millie works as a domestic worker for the Winchesters family. She cleans the house, picks up the daughter from school, and cooks meals for the family. Despite their luxurious lifestyle, Millie observes the tension and dysfunction within the family. Millie also expresses a sense of envy towards the wife, Nina, but reassures themselves that the family doesn’t know their true identity or capabilities. A suspenseful and gripping read, similar to other books such as “The Woman in the Window,” “The Wife Between Us,” and “The Girl on the Train.”

***The Housemaid book SPOILERS***

The Housemaid Book Review

I am a true sucker for domestic thrillers. I know many of them are published and can be structurally similar, but they always keep me on my toes. The Housemaid was the same for me. I chose it as my first book for 2023, and I could not be happier. It was a quick-paced story, and I could not put it down. Fortunately, it’s a series, and the next book is coming out on February 20, 2023. 

The way Nina was constantly gaslighting Millie had me fooled the whole time. As typical as it is that it turned out to be the husband, I still was in shock. I fully believed that Nina was clinically insane, and Andrew was doing his best to keep things under control. 

As the story unraveled and we learned more about Andrew’s sick, twisted ways of locking Nina up, I became more invested. It’s unbelievable how he used Cecilia, Nina’s daughter, as a pawn in his operation. While he never hurt her, he threatened Nina multiple times that he would not be afraid to rope her into his schemes. 

The Housemaid was a solid book, and I’m excited for the next book in the series. I hope we get some updates on how Nina is doing now that she has escaped Andrew’s hell. 

P.S. Andrew’s mother is insane; that is a fact. 

As of January 2023, there’s an option to borrow The Housemaid on Kindle Unlimited.

Read Between the Spines

The housemaid.

Freida McFadden

This book was definitely a one that I read after being heavily influenced by fellow bookstagrammers. I have seen rave reviews for it, including the audiobook. I decided to give it a try on my long holiday drive. I am proud to say that this is actually the first fiction audiobook I have listened to in its entirety.

Quick Synopsis

A maid with a criminal past begins working for a rich family only to find out they have secrets of their own.

Publisher’s Synopsis

Every day I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor.

I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband Andrew seems more broken every day. But as I look into Andrew’s handsome brown eyes, so full of pain, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to live Nina’s life. The walk-in closet, the fancy car, the perfect husband.

I only try on one of Nina’s pristine white dresses once. Just to see what it’s like. But she soon finds out… and by the time I realize my attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late.

But I reassure myself: the Winchesters don’t know who I really am.

They don’t know what I’m capable of…

Book Review

The Housemaid is a domestic psychological thriller about a live-in housemaid with a secret past who discovers that her new employers have secrets of their own. It heavily relies on several tropes, but the ends redeems the story a bit.

I found that The Housemaid took more than half of the book for anything much to happen. There are small events in the first half but nothing very exciting. I thought it was a long slog to the first real twist. When the story does pick up, it goes off the rails and throws all kinds of craziness at you. The last quarter of this book along with the ending is by far the best part. It is the only portion that had me invested and rushing to find out what happens. I will say that this is one thriller that requires a complete suspension of belief to enjoy its unhinged storyline.

The Housemaid was ultimately a fun read but not groundbreaking. Perhaps I have read too many thrillers, but this plot was unoriginal. I have read several books like it, and I knew the plot twist very early on.

This book lacked character development, although that is not unusual for thrillers, particularly tropey ones. Millie, the main character and narrator, was definitely the most developed.

The writing is not going to win any literary awards, but that made it an easy listen. I did enjoy the bits of dark humor sprinkled throughout the book.

Other than the unoriginality, the thing I struggled with the most in The Housemaid was the depiction of mental health. I am tired of thrillers creating unreliable characters through misrepresentation of mental health issues. I especially expected more from an author who is a medical professional. In addition, there were some inaccuracies in calling prison jail and vice versa. Finally, there was also an unnecessary romance towards the end that did not add anything to the story. Instead, it just brought up a lot of questions and seemed to be out of character or at least confused a character’s intentions.

Overall, The Housemaid is a popcorn thriller that is a quick, easy read. Despite the fact I did not find it the most original, I can not deny that this was a fun and enjoyable read. The sequel will be published in February 2023, and I will be picking it up because I find Millie an interesting character and can always use more fun in my life.

Overall Rating

Character Development

RECOMMENDED

Genre Thriller

Publication Date August 23, 2022

Storygraph Rating 4.25 stars

Goodreads Rating 4.37 stars

Share this:

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Follow us on

Book Review: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The best words to describe The Housemaid by Freida McFadden are twisty and bingeable.

Go in blind and go get it on Kindle Unlimited .

Genre: Psychological Thriller ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5

🗝️Fast-paced 🗝️Bingeable 🗝️Short Chapters 🗝️Go in blind

Note: I use affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!

You might also like

Follow Us On

Popular posts.

May 7, 2024 New Book Releases

April 30, 2024 New Book Releases

April 23, 2024 New Book Releases

Recent posts.

• May 7, 2024 New Book Releases May 7, 2024
• April 30, 2024 New Book Releases April 30, 2024
• April 23, 2024 New Book Releases April 23, 2024
• Sneaky Kiki April 22, 2024
• Book Review: First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston April 22, 2024

Subcribe to our newsletter

spiritedbookclub

The Best Freida McFadden Books Ranked, According To Readers

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Whether you're super-active on "BookTok" — a corner of TikTok devoted to literary pursuits — or just on multiple waitlists at your local library, you're probably aware of the name Freida McFadden. McFadden, who is a licensed and practicing physician and was born in New York, has written dozens upon dozens of intense thriller books within just the past few years alone. According to her website's official bio , "​[McFadden] lives with her family and black cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe."

This pithy, clever little personal note illustrates McFadden's work pretty perfectly, as the author specializes in disturbing, gripping, and extraordinarily dark stories about murder, intrigue, and madness. So which of her books are the very best? Looper combed reviews on Goodreads and Amazon to figure out which McFadden books are most beloved by her readers — and here are the top five best, although unlike these movies, they're not too disturbing to actually finish .

5. The Teacher (2024)

One of Freida McFadden's most recent releases — as of this writing — is also one of her very best. A recent champion on the Kindle eBook charts, "The Teacher"  — which even beat out books by the perennially popular auhor Colleen Hoover , another dominating force in literary fiction — tells the story of Eve, who teaches math at the local high school, Caseham, and loves pretty much everything about her job. Plus, she's married to Nate, who  also teaches at Caseham and is particularly handsome, which makes him an object of desire even amongst the young students. Unfortunately for Eve, she has to deal with one snag in her perfect life: Addie, a student she views as a troublemaker who was caught in the middle of a dangerous sex scandal the previous year. Addie is now in Eve's class, and Eve slowly grows suspicious of Addie's true motives.

"The Teacher" has a strong rating on both Goodreads and Amazon , and we won't spoil the ending here ... but it'll keep you guessing until the last few pages, and then leave you stunned. If you have Kindle Unlimited, "The Teacher" is free to read through the subscription.

4. The Locked Door (2021)

One of Freida McFadden's earlier efforts has, apparently, stood the test of time. "The Locked Door," another excellent thriller from the author, ranks fourth on our list, tells a horrifying story of generational trauma, abuse, and murder. As a child, protagonist Nora Davis has no idea that while she happily resides in her family home, her father is kidnapping and hurting women in the house's basement. He's eventually arrested and put in prison, and years later, Nora has left that part of her life behind ... or so she thinks. When a murder victim surfaces who bears the same injuries her father once inflicted upon women, Nora begins to worry about her own secrets.

McFadden is an expert at coming up with the most diabolical, devasting plots — complete with endless twists and turns — and "The Locked Door" is yet another example of that. From Nora's horrifying past to her frightening future, viewers will be taken on an intense ride ... and they won't believe where they end up, based on the positive buzz on Goodreads and Amazon . "The Locked Door" is also available on Kindle Unlimited.

3. The Inmate (2022)

Knowing someone's dangerous secrets can be a terrifying thing — which is exactly the dilemma that Brooke Sullivan faces in Freida McFadden's 2022 thriller "The Inmate." It's frightening enough that Brooke is set to start a job at a maximum security prison, working as a nurse practitioner for any number of violent inmates, but one in particular presents particular danger. That inmate? Shane Nelson, known for being particularly impulsive and for his constant attacks, who just so happens to be Brooke's ex-boyfriend; not only that, but he's  only behind bars because Brooke put him there. The two were an item in high school until Shane, a star quarterback, was accused of committing  multiple murders, and Brooke was able to testify against him. Now, he's waiting for as she begins her new job — and who knows what he'll do.

Mixing together a dangerous setting — which she also explores in books like "Ward D," which takes place in a high-security psychiatric ward — and long-held secrets is definitely this author's specialty, and the book has high ratings on Amazon and Goodreads for a reason. Like many of McFadden's other books, it's available on Kindle Unlimited.

2. Never Lie (2022)

When happy newlyweds Tricia and Ethan decide to go looking for their perfect house, their realtor shows them something unexpected: a massive, isolated mansion once occupied by psychiatrist Dr. Adrienne Hale. Years before the couple visits, Adrienne vanished from her home during a massive blizzard and was never seen again — and while Ethan is completely unfazed by the house's past, Tricia has her suspicions about what really happened to the doctor. It's then that Tricia discovers a massive number of cassettes in a secret room tucked away in the home, which detail every single session Adrienne ever had with every single patient ... and Tricia decides that if she listens to as many as possible, she might be able to figure out exactly what happened.

It's safe to say you'll  never really guess how "Never Lie" shakes out, since this book keeps both Tricia and the reader guessing for the entire experience. It's such a gripping story that it's number two on this list based on its Goodreads and Amazon reviews, and, once again, it's available to borrow on Kindle Unlimited.

1. The Housemaid & The Housemaid's Secret, tied (2022 & 2023)

When it comes to Freida McFadden's work, there's a reason that "The Housemaid" remains her most beloved and well-known book; it's easily her best work. The story focuses on Millie, a down-on-her-luck woman living in her car who's trying to outrun her past who gets an incredible opportunity when Nina Winchester, a wealthy woman with a huge home, asks to hire her as a housemaid. Millie, offered a room of her own and a stable place to live, is absolutely thrilled, but things start to break down somewhat when she begins working at the house. Nina is a difficult boss, to say the least, while her husband Andrew Winchester seems incredibly kind at first. As time goes on, Millie discovers some horrifying secrets about the Winchesters ... and she can only turn to the groundskeeper, Enzo, for help.

The first book was a smashing success — and is reportedly getting an on-screen adaptation — so naturally, McFadden released a sequel, "The Housemaid's Secret," in 2023, which picks up shortly where the first novel left off. (A third book, "The Housemaid is Watching," is expected later in 2024.) In the second installment, Millie ends up working for another family, the Garricks, but immediately notices that the wife is conspicuously absent ... and her husband Douglas Garrick might be a violent man. Once again, Millie has to ensure that the vulnerable person in the house is protected ... by any means necessary. "The Housemaid" has excellent reviews on Amazon and Goodreads , and "The Housemaid's Secret" followed in its footsteps with a high rating on Goodreads and Amazon as well. As with the rest, both of McFadden's "Housemaid" books are on Kindle Unlimited.

How did we determine Freida McFadden's best books?

So how did we determine which Freida McFadden books would reign supreme? We checked reviews on two major aggregators — Goodreads, which serves as a social media hub for readers across the world, and Amazon, which began its life  only selling books and is still one of the most popular places to buy both physical books and Kindle books. When it comes to McFadden's work, people have plenty to say, whether they're obsessed with her work or have some critiques here and there, so it's easy to determine which of the prolific writer's books are most popular — and well-regarded.

McFadden's books may not be for everyone; sensitive readers might have trouble with how unflinchingly dark her approach can be at times, so it can also be vital to check any trigger warnings before picking up one of her novels. Still, you might find yourself totally enthralled — especially if you choose one of these five books.

The Housemaid › Customer reviews

Customer reviews.

The Housemaid

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Top positive review

Top critical review

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later., from the united states, there was a problem loading comments right now. please try again later..

• ← Previous page
• Next page →
• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

John James Audubon was flawed. Should he get credit for his good work?

A new book, ‘The Birds That Audubon Missed’ by Kenn Kaufman, delves into the controversies dividing the birding world

For better and worse, the name Audubon has become almost synonymous with birds. The reason, of course, is John James Audubon, whose “Birds of America” project, published from 1827 to 1838, catalogued more than 400 birds in life-size prints. The works captured the avian world in a breadth and detail never before seen, turning its French American creator into a celebrated naturalist.

In recent years, questions have been raised about Audubon’s legacy, starting with the ethics of his work — the Audubon Society has conceded that he “most certainly committed” plagiarism and academic fraud. He also was an enslaver and a critic of emancipation, and sent stolen human remains to an anthropologist who used them to study racial differences.

Given this complicated biography — ably explored by naturalist Kenn Kaufman in his new book, “ The Birds That Audubon Missed: Discovery and Desire in the American Wilderness ” — should Audubon still get “credit for the good work he did, while acknowledging all that was wrong?” Kaufman asks.

Many conservation organizations are asking that question too and arriving at dissonant conclusions about whether to keep the Audubon name. Similar controversy surrounds the names of birds themselves. The American Ornithological Society, which standardizes the English-language common names of birds in the Americas, recently announced that eponymous names (those that include the name of a person) will gradually be phased out in favor of descriptive names, thus putting an end to a practice particularly prevalent in the era of settler expansion. For instance, Scott’s oriole was named in 1854 after Gen. Winfield Scott, who had nothing to do with ornithology but plenty to do with the Trail of Tears, the genocidal forced relocation of Native Americans over which he presided.

Kaufman informs these debates by going to the heart of that era. His book is a must-read for birders curious about so much that lies hidden behind the names in our pastime; it illuminates the personalities, rivalries and shortcomings of the men (no women) of European ancestry (no others need apply) who set out to outdo one another and make a name for themselves by finding and naming birds — and why some birds were overlooked in the process.

In telling these tales, Kaufman sometimes meanders. He quickly settles on Audubon as his main focus, but he has a slight tendency to go down rabbit holes. For instance, he delves into the theory that Audubon was in fact “the Lost Dauphin,” a son of Queen Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI of France, who may have — or if this theory is correct, may not have — died in prison during the French Revolution. Audubon did not claim this title, but Kaufman nonetheless spends several pages wondering if it might be, a digression that some readers may find intriguing but others may see as extraneous.

But this is just a quibble in a book that brings together such a vast amount of information and presents it in such an engaging way. “The Birds That Audubon Missed” isn’t a dry history; it’s as alive as the birds it describes, thanks to the personal aspect Kaufman weaves into the narrative. In addition to offering his own birding adventures as a living-color counterpoint to the past, Kaufman, best known for his field guides and other books such as “ A Season on the Wind ” (2019), scatters illustrations through the text — some are by Audubon and some are by Kaufman, who boldly attempts to create new paintings in the style of Audubon. The effort highlights just how much Kaufman longs to feel something of what these naturalists of yesteryear experienced. That is where “The Birds That Audubon Missed” excels; the real beauty of the book is expressed in its subtitle, in the moments when Kaufman gives in to that longing for discovery and whispers of desire:

“When I watch a flock of sandpipers lift off from a coastal lagoon and climb into the sky, it lifts my soul — not only because of the beauty of their flight, but also because I know they might not touch down for a thousand miles. Scientific knowledge of the migrations of these birds, based on years of research, doesn’t take away from the sense of magic; it makes it stronger.”

A little later, in a passage where he describes curlews as “children of the wind,” you can almost feel yourself carried aloft with these large, dramatic shorebirds as they crisscross the globe in their seasonal wanderings. These musings culminate in a fitting conclusion: that the era of great discovery never ends if all discovery is personal. One’s own revelatory experiences in the natural world are what truly matter.

The fundamental — and unavoidable — problem with “The Birds That Audubon Missed” lies in its “great white men” focus. Kaufman acknowledges from the outset, and mentions occasionally throughout, that this is a particular brand of history stemming from a time that minimized, ignored and discounted anything that didn’t originate from an extremely narrow band of humanity. Indeed, that constitutes one of the criticisms of eponymous bird names. White explorers took credit for “discovering” birds that may have been well known to Indigenous people and then slapped some White friends’ or patrons’ names on them; some of these names we blithely continue to use.

“Our perceptions are shaped by the names and definitions we apply to things,” Kaufman notes of birds that were misunderstood because they’d been labeled and pigeonholed (pun intended) incorrectly; what’s true biologically is even more so culturally. A book exploring the Indigenous knowledge of our avifauna — one that, say, gave primacy to the Choctaw biskinik and its place in that culture, rather than defaulting to the English name of that woodpecker, the yellow-bellied sapsucker — would be welcome. But that’s another book, one that with history’s focus on the dominant narrative might be exceedingly difficult to put together.

Kaufman does an admirable job of exploring the history that’s before us. He didn’t set out to render a verdict on the naming controversies, but he does answer his own question: If we can move beyond hagiography, we can at least acknowledge what Audubon did, for good and ill. And if, as some claim, losing the names means erasing history, then Kaufman’s book is one way to cure this alleged amnesia.

Christian Cooper is the author of “Better Living Through Birding: Notes From a Black Man in the Natural World” and host of the National Geographic TV show “Extraordinary Birder.”

The Birds That Audubon Missed

Discovery and Desire in the American Wilderness

By Kenn Kaufman

Avid Reader. 384 pp. $32.50

More from Book World

Love everything about books? Make sure to subscribe to our Book Club newsletter , where Ron Charles guides you through the literary news of the week.

Check out our coverage of this year’s Pulitzer winners: Jayne Anne Phillips won the fiction prize for her novel “ Night Watch .” The nonfiction prize went to Nathan Thrall, for “ A Day in the Life of Abed Salama .” Cristina Rivera Garza received the memoir prize for “ Liliana’s Invincible Summer .” And Jonathan Eig received the biography prize for his “ King: A Life .”

Best books of 2023: See our picks for the 10 best books of 2023 or dive into the staff picks that Book World writers and editors treasured in 2023. Check out the complete lists of 50 notable works for fiction and the top 50 nonfiction books of last year.

Find your favorite genre: Three new memoirs tell stories of struggle and resilience, while five recent historical novels offer a window into other times. Audiobooks more your thing? We’ve got you covered there, too . If you’re looking for what’s new, we have a list of our most anticipated books of 2024 . And here are 10 noteworthy new titles that you might want to consider picking up this April.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Evenings and Weekends by Oisín McKenna review – a love letter to London under pressure

The precarity and dreams of thirtysomething Londoners are adroitly explored in this tender portrait of contemporary queer life

L ondon has long been both literary character and setting, showing its many different faces in fiction from Oliver Twist to Mrs Dalloway, Zadie Smith’s NW to Andrew O’Hagan’s newly published Caledonian Road . Now Evenings and Weekends, the debut novel from an Irish spoken-word artist and playwright, captures its heady spirit during a heatwave in 2019, giving voice to the dilemmas of 30-year-old Londoners navigating queer identity, financial precarity and emotional commitment.

Set largely over one sweltering June weekend, this vivid realist novel adroitly manoeuvres a sprawling interlocking cast around the hipster haunts of north and east London, including Kingsland Road, London Fields and the Hampstead Heath swimming ponds. Shifting between multiple perspectives, Oisín McKenna interweaves individual and collective experience and anthropomorphises the city as “a body under stress, drenched in sweat and panting”.

His electric, broadbrush vignettes of urban life recall Kae Tempest’s novel The Bricks That Built the Houses and Vivian Gornick ’s memoirs. Like Tempest, another spoken-word artist, McKenna’s language is intensely sensory. Prone to lists and poetic repetitions, he prioritises rhythm and flow over the avoidance of cliche: Dalston Superstore seems like “heaven on earth”. Some phrases are surprisingly awkward and pedestrian: “the pong of weed is general”.

Yet his intimate prose plunges you into his characters’ psyches as each confronts a turning point. Maggie is 12 weeks pregnant and planning to give up her artsy London life for suburban heteronormativity with her boyfriend, Ed, a cycle courier with a secret. Maggie’s best friend, Phil, is in love with his housemate, Keith, but he’s just a sideshow in Keith’s open relationship. Callum, Phil’s brother, is getting married, but he’s far from sorted. A drug dealer prone to benders, he’s upset about his mum, Rosaleen. Meanwhile, Rosaleen is trying to tell Phil about her cancer diagnosis. Through their stories, the novel explores the difficulty of bridging the gap between our inner lives and the facade we present to the world, and of connecting across generational and emotional divides.

A public drama unfolds alongside these private ones: a whale has washed up on Bermondsey beach, fast becoming an internet sensation (the incident is clearly inspired by the three whales that beached in London in 2019). As the characters visit, discuss and project themselves on to it, the whale forms a focal point, connecting the dots between individual and shared experience.

Evenings and Weekends arrives on the heels of Keiran Goddard’s I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning , which traces the effect of dwindling opportunity on young working-class lives; economic necessity and life’s momentum have forced both novels’ characters to set aside their dreams. Meanwhile, Holly Pester’s recent The Lodgers explores the impact of the housing crisis. In Evenings and Weekends, Maggie and Ed must endure a damp problem to afford Dalston, so asthmatic Ed wheezes as he works. Phil has found a community in the mouldy Bermondsey warehouse he shares with 11 others, but they “could be evicted at a moment’s notice”. These characters are not 22, but around 30. Rather than feeling excited about the baby, Maggie can only “shudder in shame at how ill-equipped she was to give a stable future to herself, let alone anyone else”.

McKenna has a knack for pathos and doesn’t shrink from tugging on heartstrings, particularly in the case of Rosaleen, whose Dublin upbringing in a poor Catholic family, self-doubt and habit of self-repression have hobbled her ability to express herself. The mundanity of her interactions with her husband and the banality of her Instagram post in Westfield are so poignant that they border on pitying.

Phil’s storyline captures the longing and marginalisation of growing up gay in suburban Basildon, dreaming of escape. In his moving depiction of out and closeted LGBTQ+ characters struggling with their relationships, traumas and the precariousness of their own freedom, McKenna has created a tender portrait of contemporary queer London.

after newsletter promotion

For even as it utters a howl of rage at broken, late-capitalist Britain, Evenings and Weekends is a love letter to the city – the chance it offers to forge your own identity, and the interconnectedness of urban life. Evoking the carefree summer before lockdown, it bottles the exhilaration of youthful desire and possibility, as well as the accompanying instability.

Most viewed

Advertisement

Supported by

‘The Idea of You’ Review: Surviving Celebrity

Anne Hathaway headlines a movie that’s got a lot to say about the perils of fame.

• Share full article

By Alissa Wilkinson

Women of a certain age (that is, my age) feel like they grew up alongside Anne Hathaway, because, well, we did. We were awkward teens together when she made “The Princess Diaries” in 2001. We felt ourselves to be put-upon entry-level hirelings right when “The Devil Wears Prada” came out in 2006. We understood her broken-down narcissistic addict in “Rachel Getting Married,” because who couldn’t? And we watched the Hathaway backlash, pegged to public perception that she was trying too hard, and worried that people saw us the same way.

Now we’re 40-ish. We know for sure that Gen Z considers millennials to be cringe, and, thankfully, we no longer feel the need to care. The greatest gift of reaching middle age is having settled into yourself, and that is apparently what Hathaway, age 41, has done . She has been through the celebrity wringer (and more ) and come out the other side looking radiant, with a long list of credits in movies that swing from standard commercial fare to auteurist masterpieces.

This is perhaps why it’s so satisfying to see her name come first — alone, before the title credit — in “The Idea of You,” which is on its surface a relatively fluffy little film. Based on the sleeper hit novel by Robinne Lee, “The Idea of You” is plainly fantasy, in the fan fiction mold, that poses the question: What if Harry Styles, the British megastar and former frontman of One Direction, fell madly in love with a hot 40-year-old mom? In this universe, the Styles character is Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the British frontman of a five-member boy band called August Moon.

Hathaway plays Solène Marchand, an art gallery owner whose arrogantly useless ex-husband, Daniel (Reid Scott), buys v.i.p. meet-and-greet tickets for their 16-year-old daughter, Izzy (Ella Rubin), and her two best friends, all of whom were huge August Moon fans … in the seventh grade.

The event is at Coachella, and Daniel is set to take the teenagers but backs out at the last second, citing a work emergency. Solène reluctantly agrees to take them, and while at the festival, mistakes Hayes’s trailer for the bathroom. They meet, it’s cute, and you can guess what happens next.

Or can you? It was clear about 10 minutes into the movie that what was required for enjoyment was to surrender to the daydreaming, and so, with very little internal protest, I did. How could I resist? Solène is smart, competent, kind and secure; she has great hair and a great wardrobe; and most important, she seems like a real person, even if the situation in which she finds herself greatly stretches the bonds of credibility.

More than once, I was struck by how authentically 40 Solène seemed to me — a woman capable of making her own decisions, even ones she thinks might be ill-advised — and how weirdly rare it is to see that kind of character in a movie. She has a kid, and friends, and a career. She reads books and looks at art, and she is flattered by this 24-year-old superstar’s attention but takes a long time to come around to the idea that it may not be a joke.

Solène also feels real shame and real resolve in the course of the winding fairy tale story, which predictably has to go south. But most of all, she’s in a movie that doesn’t try to shame her, or patronize her, or make her appear ridiculous for having desires and fantasies of her own. She’s just who she is, and it’s simple to understand her appeal to someone whose life has never been his own.

Directed by Michael Showalter, who wrote the adapted screenplay with Jennifer Westfeldt, “The Idea of You” succeeds mostly because of Hathaway’s performance, though she and Galitzine spark and banter pleasurably (and he can dance and sing, too). It tweaks the novel in a number of ways — Hayes is older than the book’s character, for one thing — and also seems to implicitly know it’s a movie, and that movies have a strange relationship with age-gap romances.

In fact, that’s one of its strengths. Several times, characters remark on the double standard attached to people’s judgment of Solène and Hayes’s relationship, hypothesizing that in a gender-swapped situation, people would be high-fiving the older man who landed the hot younger star. Sixteen years looks like a lot on paper, but in the movies, at least, it is barely a blip.

That musing is interesting enough, if a familiar one. More fascinating in “The Idea of You” is its treatment of the cage of celebrity. Hayes seems mature compared with his bandmates and the girls who follow them around, but he’s also clearly stuck in some kind of arrested development. And I do mean stuck: He is self-aware enough to tell Solène, plaintively, that he auditioned for the band when he was 14 and not much has changed beyond his level of fame. He wants a life beyond the spotlight, badly.

And that’s just what he can’t get. Neither can Solène, nor, eventually, anyone around her. The idea of living a quiet life might obviously be out of reach, but the added elements of tabloid news and rabid fans unafraid to treat Hayes as if they know him make things far worse. The film starts to feel a little like the tale of a monster, but the monster is parasociality, encouraged by the illusion of intimacy that the modern superstar machine relies on to keep selling tickets and merch and albums and whatever else keeps the star in the spotlight.

It’s probably coincidental that “The Idea of You” comes on the heels of Taylor Swift’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” on which she strongly implies that her carefully cultivated fandom has made her love life a nightmare. But spiritually, at least, they’re of a piece — even if the origins of the film’s plot seem as much borne of parasociality as a critique of it. And that makes Hathaway’s performance extra poignant. She’s been dragged into that buzz saw before. And somehow, she’s figured out how to make a life on the other side of it.

The Idea of You Rated R for getting hot and heavy, plus some language. Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes. Watch on Prime Video .

Alissa Wilkinson is a Times movie critic. She’s been writing about movies since 2005. More about Alissa Wilkinson

Explore More in TV and Movies

Not sure what to watch next we can help..

The Netflix stalker series “ Baby Reindeer ” combines the appeal of a twisty thriller with a deep sense of empathy. The ending illustrates why it’s become such a hit .

We have entered the golden age of Mid TV, where we have a profusion of well-cast, sleekly produced competence, our critic writes .

The writer-director Alex Garland has made it clear that “Civil War” should be a warning. Instead, the ugliness of war comes across as comforting thrills .

Studios obsessively focused on PG-13 franchises and animation in recent years, but movies like “Challengers” and “Saltburn” show that Hollywood is embracing sex again .

If you are overwhelmed by the endless options, don’t despair — we put together the best offerings   on Netflix , Max , Disney+ , Amazon Prime  and Hulu  to make choosing your next binge a little easier.

Sign up for our Watching newsletter  to get recommendations on the best films and TV shows to stream and watch, delivered to your inbox.