In Freida McFadden's The Housemaid (2022), a mystery novel, the story centers on Milie Galloway, a woman desperate for a job. Millie secures a job as a live-in housemaid after a job interview. Millie's employer, Nina, lives in a large mansion with her husband, Andrew, and their daughter, Cecelia. There's another servant, Enzo, who tends to the gardens. There's another servant, Enzo, who tends to the gardens.
In the beginning, Nina treats Millie kindly, even giving Millie her old but expensive clothes. Nina's strange behavior sparks Millie's suspicions about her mental state as the days pass. Suddenly, Nina's attitude toward Millie changes, and she starts scolding her for things Millie didn't even do. Throughout, the only support Millie receives is from Andrew, who attempts to stay in her good graces. Eventually, Andrew confesses his feelings for Millie, and they embark on an affair behind Nina's back. When Nina discovers the affair and starts making life difficult for Millie, Andrew decides it's time for Nina to leave the house. Nina leaves, but she continues to stalk and threaten Millie.
Meanwhile, Millie starts to notice changes in Andrew's behavior, eventually leading to him locking her in the attic as punishment for not returning books. Millie uses pepper spray to defend herself from Andrew and locks him up after he faints. Later, Nina, accompanied by Enzo, discovers Andrew's lifeless body and a disheveled Millie. Nina allows her to go, revealing that it was all part of Nina's plan to get rid herself of her abusive and manipulative husband. Nina had deliberately hired Millie, knowing about her murder conviction.
The case eventually closes with the help of a detective, who happens to be Andrew's ex-lover's father. Nina moves to California with her daughter, while Millie survives on the money Nina provides. However, Millie finds herself back in the role of a housemaid, recommended by Nina, understanding that another woman needs her assistance.
