The Housemaid - Freida McFadden

An intense, unpredictable and gripping thriller that is sure to have studios scrambling behind Freida McFadden for the movie rights. The novel has all that's needed to be a hit on the screen, including a stellar post credits scene that sets up a sequel and a franchise. 

The novel starts strong, sets up the right amount of intrigue and then just never lets go! The pacing never gets dull and it keeps the reader guessing without going out of its way to drop too many red herrings. This balance is extremely hard to get right and it's amazing how Freida McFadden does it through a reasonably long novel. I'm sure most readers will blaze right through this in one sitting, because it's just that hard to put down. 

Without giving away too much, the chief protagonists are Millie - an ex-convict trying to find her feet back in society who lands a job as a Housemaid, Nina Winchester - a high strung socialite who is Millie's employer, Andrew Winchester - Nina's alluring, rich and loving husband. There is also Cecilia - the spoilt daughter of the Winchesters and a mysterious gardener who spends far too much time on the Winchesters yard. The house and setting are no less important and adds to the pervasive sense of mystery and dread. 

It will be hard to match this stellar opening book, but I can't wait to read the rest of this series! 

Thriller writers (and Harlan Coben) - take note! This is how you make a compelling story for readers and TV audiences alike. You don't need a super human protagonist, unnecessary action sequences and forced humor for a book or a show to be stellar. Clever, original writing is the most important factor!