Hey, hey! Another day, another post about the queen of plot twists, our most beloved (and occasionally most hated) Freida McFadden! I might be a little biased, I love her, and every time I can, I’m recommending The Housemaid to everyone I know.

Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid series has become one of the most talked-about psychological thrillers in recent years. So it’s no surprise that new readers entering her twisted world have lots of questions about the series.

In this complete guide, I’ll try to answer all those questions and more. Below, you’ll find the official reading order of The Housemaid series, short summaries, trigger warnings, and a helpful FAQ to guide you through it all.

Lets dive in!

Spoiler-Free Zone
This post is completely spoiler-free, no twists revealed, no key plot points given away. It’s totally safe to keep reading, even if you haven’t started the books yet.

The Housemaid Series in Order and Infographic

Want a quick visual guide to The Housemaid books in order? This infographic breaks down the complete reading order of Freida McFadden’s bestselling psychological thriller series, including release dates and where the short story fits in. Whether you’re just getting started or returning to Millie’s dark world, this is your go-to reference for reading The Housemaid series.

The Housemaid Series – Book Details, Synopses, Age Rating &Trigger Warnings

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into The Housemaid series by Freida McFadden, this section has everything you need.

Below, you’ll find a complete list of all the books in the series, with spoiler-free synopses, exact publication dates, and essential details for each book, including the short story that ties them together. Use this as your full reference before you start reading (or re-reading!) the series.

The Housemaid – Book 1

The Housemaid #1
by Freida McFadden

Published 27 April 2023

Millie, recently out of prison and desperate to rebuild her life, accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Winchester family. Their home is spotless, their life appears flawless, and Nina Winchester, the lady of the house, seems kind, at first.

But things quickly take a dark turn. Millie starts noticing Nina’s erratic mood swings, strange household rules, and lies that don’t quite add up. The deeper she’s pulled into the Winchester family’s world, the more trapped she feels.

Millie has her own dark past, but in this house, she may not be the only one with something to hide.

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Goodreads Rating

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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The Housemaid | Detailed Book Info

Title	The Housemaid #1
Author	Freida McFadden
Genre	Thriller, Crime, Psychological Thriller, Mistery Thriller
Format	336 pages, Paperback
Published	27 April 2023, Bookouture
ISBN 10	1408728516
ISBN 13	978-1408728512
Language	English
Awards	ITW Thriller Award for Best Paperback Original Novel (2023), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Mystery & Thriller (2022)

Author’s Bio – Freida McFadden

#1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Sunday Times, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a physician who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. Freida’s work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors’ best books of the year, she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner. Her novels have been translated into 40 languages.

​Freida lives with her family and 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.

Check Freida’s Official Instagram: fmcfaddenauthor

Consider adding The Housemaid to your TBR list on Goodreads.

The Housemaid’s Secret – Book 2

The Housemaid’s Secret #2
by Freida McFadden

Published July 15, 2014

Millie Calloway is trying to move on from her troubled past, starting fresh as a maid for a wealthy couple in a Manhattan penthouse. But something feels off, Mrs. Garrick never leaves her room, and Mr. Garrick’s charm barely hides the fear that lingers in the air.

The apartment is immaculate, almost too perfect, but it reeks of control. And when Millie begins to hear whispers through the walls, she knows something is terribly wrong.

What she uncovers could destroy lives, and this time, the danger might not be aimed at her, but at the woman trapped behind the door.

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Goodreads Rating

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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The Housemaid’s Secret | Detailed Book Info

Title	The Housemaid’s Secret #2
Author	Freida McFadden
Genre	Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Mistery, Domestic Thriller
Format	352 pages, Paperback
Published	6 July 2023, Bookouture
ISBN 10	0349132607
ISBN 13	978-0349132600
Language	English
Awards	British Book Award Nominee for Audiobook: Fiction (2024), ITW Thriller Award Nominee for Best Audiobook (2024), Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery/Thriller (2023)

Author’s Bio – Freida McFadden

#1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Sunday Times, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a physician who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. Freida’s work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors’ best books of the year, she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner. Her novels have been translated into 40 languages.

​ Freida lives with her family and 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.

Check Freida’s Official Instagram: fmcfaddenauthor

Consider adding The Housemaid’s Secret to your TBR list on Goodreads.

The Housemaid’s Wedding – Book 2.5 (Short Story)

The Housemaid’s Wedding #2.5
by Freida McFadden

Published 4 Nov 2024

I’m engaged to the man of my dreams, and in a few short hours, I’m going to stand before a judge, who will declare us husband and wife, till death does us part. Despite some bumps in the road, this day is everything I dreamed it would be.

There’s only one problem:

Someone out there doesn’t want me to live long enough to say my vows.

And if I’m not careful, they may very well get their wish.

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Goodreads Rating

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

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The Housemaid’s Wedding | Detailed Book Info

Title	The Housemaid’s Wedding #2.5
Author	Freida McFadden
Genre	Thriller, Crime, Psychological Thriller, Mistery Thriller
Format	84 pages, Paperback
Published	4 Nov. 2024 by Independently published
ISBN–13	979-8344920047
ASIN	B0DLHLBK74
Language	English

Author’s Bio – Freida McFadden

#1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Sunday Times, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a physician who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. Freida’s work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors’ best books of the year, she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner. Her novels have been translated into 40 languages.

​ Freida lives with her family and 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.

Check Freida’s Official Instagram: fmcfaddenauthor

Consider adding The Housemaid’s Wedding to your TBR list on Goodreads.

The Housemaid is Watching – Book 3

The Housemaid is Watching #3
by Freida McFadden

Published 11 Jun 2024

Millie and her husband finally move into what seems like the perfect suburban neighbourhood, quiet, safe, and full of friendly families. But soon, strange things begin to happen. Mysterious notes appear. Whispers and glances from neighbours feel a little too pointed. And

Millie can’t shake the feeling that someone is watching her… again.
As tension builds behind closed doors, Millie must confront dark truths she hoped to leave behind.

But in this neighbourhood, nothing is what it seems, and no one is safe.

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Goodreads Rating

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

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The Housemaid is Watching | Detailed Book Info

Title	The Housemaid is Watching #3
Author	Freida McFadden
Genre	Thriller, Crime, Psychological Thriller, Mistery Thriller
Format	400 pages, Paperback
Published	11 Jun 2024, Poisoned Pen Press
ISBN 10	1464223319
ISBN 13	978-1464223310
Language	English

Author’s Bio – Freida McFadden

#1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Sunday Times, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a physician who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. Freida’s work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors’ best books of the year, she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner. Her novels have been translated into 40 languages.

​ Freida lives with her family and 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.

Check Freida’s Official Instagram: fmcfaddenauthor

Consider adding The Housemaid is Watching to your TBR list on Goodreads.

The Housemaid Series FAQ

Got questions about The Housemaid series by Freida McFadden? You’re not alone! Whether you’re just starting your first read or need a little clarity along the way, this FAQ has all the answers you’re looking for!

What is the Housemaid series about?

The Housemaid is one of those thrillers that completely pulls you in. It follows a woman named Millie who lands a live-in maid job with a super rich family. At first, everything seems perfect, the house is gorgeous, she gets her own room, and she’s just excited to finally have a fresh start.

But pretty quickly, things start to feel off. The vibe in the house is strange, and Millie begins noticing little things that don’t quite make sense. It’s tense, twisty, and totally addictive, one of those books where you have to keep reading to figure out what’s really going on.

No spoilers, but if you love thrillers packed with secrets, power plays, and jaw-dropping “wait… what?!” moments, this one’s for you.

Is The Housemaid a stand-alone book, or part of a series?

The Housemaid is the first book in a series, not a stand-alone, though it can be read on its own if you really want to. That said, the story continues in The Housemaid’s Secret and The Housemaid Is Watching, and each book adds more layers, twists, and chaos to Millie’s world.

How many books are in The Housemaid series?

As of now, there are three full-length novels and one short story in The Housemaid series:

• The Housemaid
• The Housemaid’s Secret
• The Housemaid’s Wedding (a bonus short story that fits between books 2 and 3)
• The Housemaid Is Watching

Freida McFadden hasn’t officially confirmed more books yet, but fans (myself included!) are definitely hoping.

Do you need to read The Housemaid books in order?

Yes, or at least, you really should!

Each book builds on the previous one, especially in terms of character development and Millie’s backstory. Reading them out of order might spoil some major reveals. So if you want the full thrill, stick to the release order.

What is the correct order to read The Housemaid books by Freida McFadden?

Here’s the recommended reading order for The Housemaid series:

• The Housemaid (2022)
• The Housemaid’s Secret (2023)
• The Housemaid’s Wedding (short story, optional — 2023)
• The Housemaid Is Watching (2024)

If you’re reading the series for the first time, I definitely recommend going in order. The books build on each other, and trust me, you’ll want to experience the twists exactly the way Freida intended!

Is The Housemaid by Freida McFadden spicy?

Short answer: no.

The Housemaid books are intense, suspenseful, and packed with psychological tension , but they’re not romance-driven or sexually explicit. You might come across a little flirtation or some light chemistry, but if you’re in the mood for steamy romance, this probably isn’t the series for you.

Is The Housemaid by Freida McFadden scary?

It’s not horror-level scary, but it is psychologically intense and can be deeply unsettling. The Housemaid doesn’t rely on gore, jump scares, or graphic scenes, instead, it builds a slow-burning tension through disturbing situations and emotionally complex characters.

If you enjoy twisty thrillers that keep you turning pages late into the night, this will likely be a great fit. However, readers sensitive to psychological manipulation or domestic conflict may find some scenes heavy or triggering.

What is the age rating for The Housemaid series?

The age rating for The Housemaid series is 16+ due to mature themes like psychological abuse, domestic conflict, emotional manipulation, and suspenseful situations that may be too intense for younger readers.

If you’re looking for more detailed information about age ratings or trigger warnings for each book, you can find it in the dedicated sections throughout this post.

When is The Housemaid by Freida McFadden movie coming out?

The feature film is set to hit theaters on December 25, 2025, a twisted little Christmas gift for thriller fans everywhere. I’ll make sure to keep this post updated as more details roll out!

Here are some names on the cast:

There’s no trailer just yet, so we haven’t gotten a first look at the cast in action, but with a release date on the calendar and a killer lineup, it’s only a matter of time. Stay tuned, and I’ll update this post as soon as one drops!

Looking for your next twisted read?
I just finished Freida McFadden’s newest book, The Tenant, and I’ve got thoughts. Check out my full review with spoilers and end explained!
The Tenant by Freida McFadden – Full Spoilers & Twists Explained

Whether you’re brand new to The Housemaid series or already deep in Millie’s twisted world, I hope this guide helped clear things up, and maybe even got you excited start or to keep reading.

Now I want to hear from you!

Have you started the series yet? Do you have a favourite book? Drop a comment below, I’d love to know what you think!

If you’re taking part in my #SolveItBeforeSept Reading Challenge, this guide is for you! In this post, we’re looking at The Thursday Murder Club books in order, with a quick, spoiler-free overview of each one to help you follow the series from the very beginning.

Whether you’re brand new to the mysteries at Coopers Chase or just brushing up before the new release, this is the perfect place to start (or restart!).

Don’t forget to use #SolveItBeforeSept if you’re reading along or sharing your thoughts, I’ll be right there with you, one case at a time.

The Thursday Murder Club: About the Author

Richard Osman

Richard Osman is a British author and television presenter, best known for his record-breaking Thursday Murder Club series. His novels — The Thursday Murder Club, The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet That Missed, The Last Devil to Die, and We Solve Murders — have all become international and New York Times bestsellers.

Osman’s novels are celebrated for their blend of humor, warmth, and intricate plotting. He has cited Agatha Christie as a significant influence, aiming to craft mysteries that are both engaging and character-driven.

He lives in London with his wife, Ingrid, and their two cats, Liesl and Lottie. A film adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club is set to hit theaters in 2025, produced by Amblin Entertainment. The fifth book in the series, The Impossible Fortune, is on the way.

Richard Osman Official Instagram

The Thursday Murder Club: The Reading Order

The Thursday Murder Club is the bestselling cozy mystery series by British author Richard Osman. Since the release of the first book in 2020, the series has become a global sensation, with millions of copies sold, translations in over 40 languages, and loads of awards and nominations.

Loved for its sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and heartwarming twists, the series has quickly become a favourite among readers of all ages, and it’s only getting better with each book.

This post is a quick and spoiler-free guide to the Thursday Murder Club books in order, just the basics to help you follow the series and know what each book is about.

If you’re looking for more detail, don’t worry, I’ll be sharing full review posts for each book soon! And leading up to the launch of the new book in October, there will be a full range of posts to explore — from character guides to favourite quotes and more.

The Thursday Murder Club – Book 1

Published September 22, 2020

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders.

But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer before it’s too late?

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Goodreads Rating |

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

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The Man Who Died Twice – Book 2

Published September 16, 2021

It’s the following Thursday.

Elizabeth has received a letter from an old colleague, a man with whom she has a long history. He’s made a big mistake, and he needs her help. His story involves stolen diamonds, a violent mobster, and a very real threat to his life.

As bodies start piling up, Elizabeth enlists Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron in the hunt for a ruthless murderer. And if they find the diamonds too? Well, wouldn’t that be a bonus?

But this time they are up against an enemy who wouldn’t bat an eyelid at knocking off four septuagenarians. Can The Thursday Murder Club find the killer (and the diamonds) before the killer finds them?

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Goodreads Rating |

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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The Bullet That Missed – Book 3

Published September 15, 2022

It is an ordinary Thursday, and things should finally be returning to normal. Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club are concerned. A decade-old cold case—their favorite kind—leads them to a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers.

Then a new foe pays Elizabeth a visit. Her mission? Kill or be killed. Suddenly the cold case has become red hot.

While Elizabeth wrestles with her conscience (and a gun), Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim chase down the clues with help from old friends and new. But can the gang solve the mystery and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?

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Goodreads Rating |

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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The Last Devil to Die – Book 4

Published September 14, 2023

Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club.

An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing.

As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home.

With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?

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Goodreads Rating |

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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The Impossible Fortune – Book 5

To Be Published on September 25 (UK Release), 2025
To Be Published on September 30 (US and Canada), 2025

Who’s got time to think about murder when there’s a wedding to plan?

It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favourite criminal.

But when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who’s in trouble, kidnap and death are hot on their heels once more. A villain wants access to an uncrackable code, and will stop at nothing to get it. Plunged back into action once more, can the gang solve the puzzle and a murder in time?

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Goodreads Rating |

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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Add this book to your Goodreads shelf

Case Open: Time to Start Reading!

Now that you’ve got the reading order, it’s time to pick a cozy reading spot, grab your first book, and settle in, preferably with something warm to sip and no distractions (except maybe snacks… snacks are always allowed).

Join me for the #SolveItBeforeSept Reading Challenge, whether you’re diving in for the first time or rereading, this is the perfect place to find everything you need about the series and share your thoughts along the way (no spoilers, please — let’s keep it fun for everyone!).

Leave a comment and let me know where you’re starting, how you’re feeling about the challenge, or if your TBR pile just sighed dramatically. I’d love to hear from you!