You know that feeling when you finish a book and your heart is literally pounding against your ribs? That’s the Freida McFadden effect. If you’ve spent any time on BookTok or browsing Amazon’s psychological thriller charts lately, you’ve definitely seen those stark, eye-catching covers featuring a single, watchful eye. They belong to the Housemaid order of books, a series that has basically redefined the "domestic thriller" genre for a new generation of readers.
People are obsessed. Like, genuinely lose-their-sleep obsessed.
But here’s the thing: while some series let you hop around like a caffeinated rabbit, this one is different. You can’t just jump into the deep end without knowing how the pool was built. Understanding the Housemaid order of books is less about following a calendar and more about watching a character—Millie Calloway—evolve from a desperate woman looking for a job into something much more complex.
Why the Housemaid Order of Books Actually Matters
Most people think you can just pick up any thriller and get the gist. Usually, they're right. But Freida McFadden writes with a specific kind of breadcrumb trail. If you read the third book before the first, you aren't just spoiling a "whodunit"—you're ruining the slow-burn reveal of who Millie really is and what she’s capable of when backed into a corner.
It started in 2022. That’s when The Housemaid dropped and essentially blew up the internet. It wasn't just a hit; it was a phenomenon. We met Millie, a woman with a criminal record and zero options, who takes a job working for the wealthy but erratic Nina Winchester. On the surface, it’s a classic "rich people are crazy" story. But the shift in perspective halfway through? That's what hooked everyone.
If you're looking for the definitive way to read them, stick to the publication order. It’s the only way the character development makes a lick of sense.
1. The Housemaid (2022)
This is the ground floor. If you haven't read this, stop everything. Don't even read the blurb for the sequels. You need to experience the Winchester mansion with fresh eyes. The dynamic between Millie, Nina, and Andrew Winchester is a masterclass in gaslighting and tension. It sets the tone for everything that follows. You learn about Millie’s past—why she was in prison, why she’s so desperate, and why she has such a specific set of survival skills.
2. The Housemaid’s Secret (2023)
The second book in the Housemaid order of books takes us to a new house. Different family, same brand of chaos. Millie is trying to keep her head down, but she just can't help herself when she sees someone else in trouble. This one introduces Douglas Garrick and his wife, Wendy. What’s cool here is seeing how Millie has changed since the first book. She’s more confident, maybe a little more dangerous. The "Secret" in the title isn't just a marketing gimmick; it’s a genuine pivot that most readers didn't see coming.
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3. The Housemaid Is Watching (2024)
This is where things get really interesting and, honestly, a bit more domestic. We skip ahead in time. Millie isn't the one cleaning the houses anymore—she’s the one living in the nice neighborhood. She has a husband and kids. But as anyone who lives in a "quiet" suburb knows, the neighbors are always the problem. This book feels different because the stakes are more personal. It’s not just about Millie’s survival; it’s about her family.
The Millie Calloway Evolution
What makes this series work isn't just the twists. It’s Millie.
Most thriller protagonists are either perfect victims or total psychopaths. Millie is neither. She’s a survivor who makes questionable choices. When you follow the Housemaid order of books correctly, you see her transition from a woman who is terrified of her own shadow to a woman who knows exactly how to hide a body if she absolutely has to.
It’s about the gray areas of morality. McFadden pushes the reader to ask: What would I do? Honestly, the middle book, The Housemaid’s Secret, is often cited by fans as the strongest in terms of pure shock value. However, the first book remains the emotional anchor. Without the context of Millie’s desperation in the beginning, her actions in the later books might seem a bit unhinged. With that context? They’re justified. Sorta.
Common Misconceptions About Freida McFadden’s Series
I’ve seen people online asking if The Housemaid is related to The Housemaid's Revenge or other similarly titled books.
Let’s be clear: Freida McFadden is a prolific writer. She has dozens of books. But only these three specifically follow Millie Calloway. If you see a book called The Housemaid by a different author, it’s not part of this universe. The market is currently flooded with "Housemaid" titles because of how well these performed. Stick to the name on the cover.
Another big question: Do you have to read them in order?
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Technically, the police won't show up at your door if you don't. Each book has its own self-contained mystery. You'll understand who the killer is even if you read them backward. But you’ll lose the overarching narrative of Millie’s life. You’ll see characters reappear or be referenced, and those moments will go right over your head if you skip around. It’s like watching the season finale of a show before the pilot. You can do it, but why would you want to?
Why This Series Topped the Charts
It’s not just luck. There’s a specific formula McFadden uses that keeps people turning pages until 3:00 AM.
- The Perspective Flip: Usually, around the 50% mark, the narrator changes or the "truth" we've been told is revealed to be a lie.
- The Short Chapters: Seriously, they’re tiny. It’s the "just one more" trap. You think you’ll read for ten minutes and suddenly two hours are gone.
- Relatability: Even though the situations are extreme, Millie’s internal monologue feels real. She’s sarcastic, she’s tired, and she just wants a decent life.
According to various publishing data from 2024 and 2025, The Housemaid series has maintained a near-permanent residence on the New York Times Bestseller list. This isn't just because of the marketing; it's because of the word-of-mouth. Readers finish one and immediately text their friends to start it so they have someone to scream with about the ending.
Where the Series Might Go Next
As of early 2026, fans are clamoring for a fourth installment. While McFadden hasn't officially confirmed a "Housemaid 4," the ending of The Housemaid Is Watching certainly left some doors open. Or at least unlocked.
The beauty of the Housemaid order of books is that it can technically go on forever. As long as there are messy families with secrets and a need for a discreet cleaner (or a suspicious neighbor), there is a place for Millie Calloway.
But for now, the trilogy is a tight, complete experience. It explores themes of class, abuse, justice, and the lengths people go to for a fresh start.
Your Actionable Reading Plan
If you’re ready to dive in, don’t just grab whatever is on the shelf at the airport. Do it right.
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Step 1: Buy the physical copies or the E-books in order. The covers actually look great together on a shelf, and you’ll want to refer back to certain details once the twists start landing.
Step 2: Clear your schedule. Don’t start The Housemaid on a Sunday night if you have a big meeting on Monday. You will be tired. That is a promise.
Step 3: Pay attention to the dates. McFadden uses time jumps. If a chapter starts with a date from ten years ago, pay attention. It’s not filler. It’s the key to the whole puzzle.
Step 4: Avoid the spoilers. Whatever you do, don't look up the "Housemaid ending explained" until you've actually finished. The internet is a minefield of spoilers for this series. Even the Amazon reviews often have "OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE [CHARACTER] DID IT" right in the headline. Be careful.
Step 5: Check out her standalone novels next. Once you finish the Housemaid order of books, you’re going to have a book hangover. To cure it, look into The Teacher or The Inmate. They aren't connected to Millie, but they have that same frantic energy.
Reading these books is an experience. It’s a fast, wild, and often dark ride through the suburbs. By following the correct order, you ensure that every twist hits exactly as the author intended. Now, go find a comfortable chair and lock your doors. You’re going to be busy for a while.