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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
This is one of, if not THE, worst books I’ve ever read. There is no way this passed through an editor and publisher. The writing is elementary and anticlimactic. The “twist” is amateur (and stolen) and doesn’t make sense. I will not be reading any more books by McFadden. This was insulting.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Housemaid is Watching is the last installment of "The Housemaid" series, and thank god for that. The last third of the book was somewhat redeemable, but not enough for me to enjoy it more as a whole. The first 55%-60% of the book is boring. Obviously, there is some plot development and a buildup to later events, but this book could have been shorter than almost 400 pages.
Millie and Enzo: I want to like them more, but two problems with them. One, they NEVER communicate (which feels unrealistic for their connection). Two, they are prone to doing things that are not only stupid but also for the sake of mystery and suspense. It's challenging rooting for them. The introduction of other characters (e.g., kids, neighbors, etc.) effectively altered the dynamic and plot positively. Also, moving the setting to a suburban area was a smart choice.
If you've read my other reviews, you know I don't have to talk about the writing. Side note: I wish McFadden would write in the humor genre because she is hilarious. There's a joke in the book about "the third books of series are usually the worst," and that had me cackling (since this is the 3rd book in the series). I can't critique her much because her approach is effective in garnering an audience and achieving success. I applaud her for cracking the code, and I am happy that she has achieved a high level of success.
The logic in this book was stronger than in the second. Events were pieced together more clearly, without being exaggerated or over the top. I know in fiction, some things can be over the top, but this series has a sense of realism with how the story is portrayed. I could imagine this happening more than what she wrote in her predecessor. Were there still unbelievable plot points? Yes. But did it feel as convoluted? No.
Readers might think I'm not going to read more Freida McFadden books, but I'm intrigued by two of her books that many readers have enjoyed so far: The Tenant and The Boyfriend. Please don't send any hate to the author or be persuaded to not read her books; I think everyone should check out the books for themselves, and I'm open to discussions :)
Millie and Enzo: I want to like them more, but two problems with them. One, they NEVER communicate (which feels unrealistic for their connection). Two, they are prone to doing things that are not only stupid but also for the sake of mystery and suspense. It's challenging rooting for them. The introduction of other characters (e.g., kids, neighbors, etc.) effectively altered the dynamic and plot positively. Also, moving the setting to a suburban area was a smart choice.
If you've read my other reviews, you know I don't have to talk about the writing. Side note: I wish McFadden would write in the humor genre because she is hilarious. There's a joke in the book about "the third books of series are usually the worst," and that had me cackling (since this is the 3rd book in the series). I can't critique her much because her approach is effective in garnering an audience and achieving success. I applaud her for cracking the code, and I am happy that she has achieved a high level of success.
The logic in this book was stronger than in the second. Events were pieced together more clearly, without being exaggerated or over the top. I know in fiction, some things can be over the top, but this series has a sense of realism with how the story is portrayed. I could imagine this happening more than what she wrote in her predecessor. Were there still unbelievable plot points? Yes. But did it feel as convoluted? No.
Readers might think I'm not going to read more Freida McFadden books, but I'm intrigued by two of her books that many readers have enjoyed so far: The Tenant and The Boyfriend. Please don't send any hate to the author or be persuaded to not read her books; I think everyone should check out the books for themselves, and I'm open to discussions :)
'My past is far, far behind us. And I’ll do anything to keep it that way…'
Freida McFadden is the main reason i have read so much this year, albeit most of them were her books that took me on a wild 'Freida Reada' spiral, her books are familiar, quick read books that feel like home.
The Housemaid is watching was the perfect book to finish The Housemaid Trillogy' the character development, the references back to the first 2 books, and the little easter eggs planted through that refer back to her other books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, becoming my new favourite Freida McFadden, and given a very rare 5 star.
Freida McFadden is the main reason i have read so much this year, albeit most of them were her books that took me on a wild 'Freida Reada' spiral, her books are familiar, quick read books that feel like home.
The Housemaid is watching was the perfect book to finish The Housemaid Trillogy' the character development, the references back to the first 2 books, and the little easter eggs planted through that refer back to her other books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, becoming my new favourite Freida McFadden, and given a very rare 5 star.
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes