Review: The Housemaid by Sarah A. Denzil
Blurb:
Housemaid wanted.
Skills required: Discretion, and the willingness to go the extra mile.
It seems like the perfect job. Great wages, accommodation provided, and all located within the walls of Highwood Hall, a stunning stately home owned by the Howard family. Not many little girls dream of becoming a maid, but this is an opportunity for me to get back on my feet. And for me to revisit my past...
But I soon realise I've made a mistake. The strict housekeeper, Mrs Huxley, watches my every move, emerging from the shadows when least expected. Lord Howard's son, Alex, takes an interest in me, and as a former addict, I find myself drawn to him because I know he's bad for me.
There's a general atmosphere of unease at Highwood Hall, from the narrow tunnels laced throughout the sprawling house, to the abandoned north wing, rumoured to be haunted. It's easy to imagine the secrets hidden within these walls, like the secrets I hold close.
On my first day, I receive a mysterious package. I open up the pretty gift box to find a miniature doll version of me trapped inside a dollhouse. In this scene I'm dead, lying in a pool of red paint at the bottom of the perfectly recreated staircase. Someone sent this threatening diorama to me, but who even knows I work at the hall? And what do they want?
I know only one truth: my perfect job is turning into my perfect nightmare.
My Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I mean really, will Sarah ever disappoint with her books?
This book was exactly what I needed - the perfect combination of mystery and creepiness and enough twists that I really didn't know which character to believe and trust!
I had been waiting for the release of THE HOUSEMAID for a while, so of course the second it was out I was reading it. I read it in about a day because I really couldn't put it down.
I love Sarah's writing style and how she can just completely switch the mood and tone of the book so effectively. I don't think I will ever tire of reading her work!
My only problem was that I found the ending a little bit underwhelming. I thought the story was effective, but the reason behind what was going on wasn't as interesting as I thought it could have been.
I would still recommend this book though, or really any of Sarah's books!