Although THE HOUSEMAID'S SECRET improves after the first half, that isn't enough to convince me it is a good book. Freida McFadden fails to give the characters in her story the depth I expect in a novel written for adult readers. As is typical in young adult novels, the story is driven by plot, alone, and even that is pretty silly.

Millie can't help herself; she is always compelled to come to the aid of abused wives. And as a housemaid, she has come across a few. This time, when she should clearly be suspicious that all is not as it seems, she is determined to again save the day, even if it is to the detriment of her own well being.

For at least the first half of THE HOUSEMAID'S SECRET, I found everything Millie did to be frustrating and sometimes even maddening. After the first half, the frustration continued with her interactions with the police department.

I think McFadden's intention was to show all the trouble that results because Millie wants to keep her secret. But it didn't work for me because I never much cared for any of the characters in this book.