The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars 

Duration: 09:46:00
Published: January 2022

I snagged a copy of The Housemaid during on of Audible's annual 2-for-1 sales (along with The Guncle by Steven Rowley, but I haven't gotten to that one yet.). Because my work book club had chosen it for our monthly selection and I have a 50-mile commute to work, the Audible sale came in handy. A couple of coworkers had mentioned that the book was good ... but, oh boy, was it unputdownable good! 

The story centers around Millie, a young down-on-her luck ex-con living in her car, who takes a job as a housemaid and nanny for a family that, at the outset, seem too good to be true. As the story evolves, she finds that Nina, the woman of the house, seems to have some mental health issues. (As I was reading, I thought she might be suffering from biopolar personality disorder.) Her young daughter, Cecelia appears to still be struggling with her terrible twos several years late. And Nina's poor husband, Andrew resembles the perfect victim. However, all things aren't as a they seem and a mid-book plot twist flips the story on its head, propelling the reader to a captivating, albeit disturbing, conclusion. 

The author did a great job of creating a suspenseful tone that has the reader questioning the narration. The emotions evoked grip the reader into making an investment to finish the story. I enjoyed McFadden's writing style and the fast-paced nature of this mystery thriller. I wouldn't classify it as scary, but it is definitely creepy. 

There is a second and third book in the series, The Housemaid's Secret and The Housemaid is Watching, that I have yet to read. I'm not a fan of series as I like reading different types of books by a variety of authors, but if the second two are anything like the first, hold on to your seats! 

Recommendation: This was a fun listen, and I suspect reading an e-copy or hard copy would be just as compelling. Book club choice for the win with this one. Highly recommend for a fall, spooky story. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

Rating: 3 of 5 stars 

Pages: 295 pages
Published: September 2021

Is there a such thing as too many plot twists? In Alice Feeney's latest novel, Rock Paper Scissors, I would say yes. There was simply too much going on in this story about a couple who win this weekend in a remote area of Scotland during a snowstorm.  The author provides the audience with an unreliable narrator through omniscient storytelling and letters from the wife. As the case in most mysteries, there is a plot twist toward the end of the book, and this one is pretty dark and twisty. 

This is an interesting, albeit unrealistic, story. For the most part, I enjoyed the journey of reading. I am interested to see what the screenwriters do with the Netflix adaptation. I liked the twist. I did not see it coming, and I think it was cleverly done; however, I just wasn't a fan of the ending. It's probably the just and fair side of me that felt a little cheated, but that's all I'll say without giving any more away. 

Recommendation: This is my first Feeney read, and I'd recommend it, especially during a cold winter weekend. It's a fast read that will get your blood pumping and warm you up in no time! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More