Don’t Look Behind Closed Doors • Book Reviews

Synopsis:

The Housemaid’s Secret begins with a warning. “Don’t go in the guest bedroom.” A shadow falls on Douglas Garrick’s face as he touches the door with his fingertips. “My wife… she’s very ill.” As he continues showing me their incredible penthouse apartment, I have a terrible feeling about the woman behind closed doors. But I can’t risk losing this job—not if I want to keep my darkest secret safe…

Finding an employer who doesn’t inquire excessively about my background is difficult. I therefore give thanks to the stars for providing me with a job cleaning the Garricks’ gorgeous apartment with views of the city and cooking elaborate meals in their gleaming kitchen. I can work here for a while and keep silent till I achieve my goals.

It’s practically flawless. However, I have yet to meet Mrs. Garrick or view the guest bedroom. I hear her crying, for sure. When I’m doing laundry, I see bloodstains around the neck of her white pajamas. I can’t resist knocking on the door one day. It swings open gently, and what I see within completely transforms everything.

That’s when I commit myself. Ultimately, I have experience with this. I can safeguard Mrs. Garrick while maintaining the privacy of my own affairs.

Douglas Garrick made a mistake. He will make the payment. All that matters is how far I’m willing to go.

Review:

I like all the references, especially to the New York Mets, as I was born and bred in Queens, NY. For me as a New Yorker and all, it just felt so real and gave this book an extra level of immersion.

Aside from that, every tiny allusion to the first book in the series was masterfully done. To understand what I mean, I would advise reading the first one before diving straight into this one. Storytelling at its best, McFadden creates a compelling blend of mystery, suspense, and tension. Her plot twists, too, are extraordinary. She’s amazing with them, and when they’re unveiled, you’ll truly be in shock at how insane they are. I still find it hard to believe them, yet it is exactly what happened to me.

This sequel is yet another amazing psychological thriller that will captivate readers in a way that only McFadden can. I adore how captivating and fast-paced her books are—you wouldn’t be able to put them down, no matter how hard you tried. This book was a true page-turner because of the author’s flawless writing, especially in the second half when it builds to an unexpectedly bizarre conclusion. I’m still in utter awe of the conclusion, really.

I give Freida McFadden’s “The Housemaid’s Secret” a perfect 4/5 since it’s a popcorn thriller, which I heartily suggest to everyone looking for a crazy psychological thriller full of mystery, wild plot turns, and an amazing reading experience. McFadden is definitely building a name for herself, and I’m excited to read all of her published works as well as any books she writes in the future. She is very amazing, and I will be reading more of her writing for years to come.