The Housemaid by Freida McFadden – Books in Order

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

Consider adding The Housemaid to your TBR list on Goodreads.

The Housemaid’s Secret – Book 2

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

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

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

The Housemaid is Watching – Book 3

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!