This book dished some seriously twisted story and how. The gripping story with enough psychological twists and turns was thrilling to read to say the least. This accomplished author keeps us engaged in this captivating plot filled with enough drama and intriguing characters with her skilful craft of storytelling and building a fascinating fictional world.
The book starts on a sensational note of a body being discovered in the attic room while the housemaid panics about the upcoming policy enquiry. That housemaid- Wilhelmina “Millie” Calloway was hired by that upscale homeowner’s wife- Nina Winchester based on what she perceives Millie to be rather than checking her real background.
We, readers soon find out that criminal background and prison life story of Millie and are taken aback by her ability to gain so easy entry in the Winchester family home as a trusted house help.
As things unfold, we witness deliberate and continuous verbal abuse directed towards Millie by Nina. For the outside world, Nina is charming, elegant and sophisticated rich wife of a successful man called Andrew Winchester. But her attitude towards Nina is pathetic which becomes clear when Millie is asked to take up lodgings in the attic room. As a housemaid, she is expected to be available all time throughout the day but even then, she has to live in a cramped out room with locked window, substandard furniture and problematic door. This cold and aloof attitude of her mother is carried on by Nina’s nine-year-old daughter, Cecelia.
It is sufficed to say that Millie is feeling trapped in this room figurately and literally. Her misery continues with Nina’s appalling behaviour towards her and the conflicting behaviour of Cecelia. Her troubles are further accentuated because of the stressed but silent treatment offered by the family’s landscaper, Enzo. Owing to her controversial background, it’s not easy for Millie to move out so easily to find better options and so, she stays.
It’s no wonder that Millie and Andrew grow closer on the basis of their shared dislike of Nina. Although, Nina and Andrew both confide in Millie of wanting to have another child; things take a dramatic turn quickly. Of course, Nina finds out about her husband’s extra marital affair with her housemaid and the atmosphere in the house turns sour.
This sourness produces a major twist in the story and presents a climax so stunning and unexpected that delivers a gut punch. It won’t be exaggerated to say that you are in for a shocking surprise that the entire story to another direction elevating it to totally different level. And for that, I could not recommend this highly enough. On my part, I am eager to read the next instalments in this Housemaid saga.