The Housemade

by Freda McFatten

Some houses remember. Some mirrors don’t reflect. And some names were never yours to begin with.

When Hannah accepts a position as a live-in housemaid for the enigmatic Blackwood family, she believes she’s escaping her troubled past. But the mansion has other plans. Whispers echo through the halls, mirrors seem to move, and someone—or something—knows her true name. As the boundaries between identity and illusion blur, Hannah must confront the house’s secrets… and her own.

But escaping the past isn’t as easy when the past has a face. And it’s watching you from the other side of the glass.

A chilling psychological suspense novel in the tradition of Shirley Jackson and Riley Sager, The Housemade is a haunting exploration of memory, identity, and the ghosts we create ourselves.

You can change your name.
You can burn the house.
But what happens when the house follows you?

Genres: Thriller

119 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2025

Reviews

[Evie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook - the voices were quite jarring/dramatic. Predictable story line

[MrsLol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook: really enjoyed this book! It’s what I want in a physiological thriller. Dark, suspenseful good twists.

You don’t trust any characters, each one is suspicious with their own story.

[Henrique Santarosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I read in 2025. Freida is one of my favourite authors!

[Soph Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly loved this book more then I thought I would, the perfect amount of keeping you on your toes,definitely a page turner. I love how freida made Nina out to be a crazy psycho and turns out she’s just fending for her life would 100% recommend if you’re looking for a short and snappy thriller.
I can’t wait to read the others in the series.

[Laura Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

In part one, there were many parts that I was getting restless with as the dialogue was repetitive and a bit superficial. The Housemaid came very close to being in my short DNF list, but I decided to continue since it received good reviews. I’m glad I did finish it, but for the most part, I found the writing quite simple.

If it had not ended the way it did, I would have been doubly disappointed.

[Olivia Schrum]

SPOILER ALERT- I hated Andy from the start and I loved the twist at the end where the women finally get there revenge. I was pissed half way through when he had the affair on his wife and didn’t even care about not being a father to his daughter anymore. That’s when I knew he was a piece of shit! This was my first Frieda book and I will be reading more!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Towards the end of Part 1, I was getting bored and thought I had it all figured out. But, with the start of Part 2, the twists just kept getting better and better. I can’t wait to read the others in the series.

[Emma Arvisto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book!! It was the first book that made my heart pound. I couldn’t put the book down, it was very thrilling and well written. Definitely recommend it to everyone who love crime, romance thrillers.

[Jazmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this is 2022 and did a re read just to refresh my mind and compare it to the movie after watching it. I feel like the movie stayed true to the book for the most part. I prefer the movie ending to the book!

[Lori Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. It keeps your attention and wanting to figure it all out. The story line was similar to another book I read but with some different twists.

[Cody Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read. Fast pace and entertaining. I might continue the series at a later date.

[Olivia Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got hooked immediately! Love this book will recommend it always!!!

[Zoë Eaglen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A summer fun read.

[IsabelJoão · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leitura interessante. A escritora consegue nos agarrar a leitura até ao fim ☺️

[Sherri Jene · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was not impressed. I thought the character development was poor. the story line way to cliche.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars. Great story plot. Interesting twists. Well written. Easy to read and follow. Would recommend to read.

[Mrs Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book could not put it down

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Kelly VanSickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wild. You think you know who the bad guy is but was a twist. You would never have thought. And then the next twist at the end you will not believe. No spoilers just read it.

[Anna Goodnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

i honestly loved it , great plot twists

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!!

[Sticks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook.

[eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked it…. Not much else to say ( you can sort of predict the plot twist but there is still a punch to it)

[BB · Rating 1 out of 5]

Definitely not my kind of book. If it wasn’t a book club selection, I wouldn’t have read it. Sorry, but that’s my opinion.

[Kristina Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 2nd favorite McFatten, AMAZING. Deserves all the hype it has gotten.

[Juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first thriller - a really fun and enjoyable listen!

[Hannah Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn't put it down!

[Chelsie Woodmansee · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some parts that were hard to listen to. I could’ve done without the attempt at child abuse. If that was left out, it would’ve been better for me. That was a little over the top.

[Todd Pilkington · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 book. Read it in one day.

[Lara Essex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast passed and entertaining. Enjoyed the twist and got through the book so quick.