The Housemaid
Reading Order.
Start The Housemaid by Freida McFadden with "THE HOUSEMAID'S SECRET", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
The complete reading order for the The Housemaid series by Freida McFadden. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.
Short Answer:
Start with "THE HOUSEMAID'S SECRET"
To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.
Community Consensus
"The book under discussion (a retelling/fanfiction of The Scarlet Pimpernel) does not require previous reading of the source material. However, those familiar with Baroness Orczy's original tale strongly recommend reading it first, as it provides necessary context for the political stance (Revolution=Bad) and enhances appreciation for the modern updates and character dynamics present in the new book."
The optimal reading order is to start with Baroness Orczy's classic, 'The Scarlet Pimpernel,' to fully grasp the moral and political conflicts the modern book attempts to navigate. Reading other works by the author (like 'Invisible Library') is not necessary, but may encourage reading this title.
At a Glance
- First Book:THE HOUSEMAID'S SECRET
- Latest Book:THE HOUSEMAID IS WATCHING
- Timeline:2023 - 2024
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for The Housemaid conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.
Can I skip the short stories?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for The Housemaid. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.
I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?
Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "THE HOUSEMAID'S SECRET" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.
Why do people disagree on the order?
Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.
Recommended Reading Order Strategy
The authoritative way to read the "The Housemaid" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Complete Series Reading Order
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View on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to skip books in the The Housemaid series?
We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.
What is the best order to read The Housemaid?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "THE HOUSEMAID'S SECRET" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Freida McFadden intended.
Can I read The Housemaid books in any order?
No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.
Are there spin-offs or companion books?
Yes, the The Housemaid universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.