Title: THE HOUSEMAID
Author: Sarah A Denzil
Narrator: Sophie Rundle
ISBN: 978 1838 2807 58
Publisher: Sarah Dalton
Pages: 287
Source: Audible
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.
Official Summary
22 March 2023
This title grabbed my attention while scrolling the titles included in my Audible membership. Wow, what a brilliant listening experience. You can expect a book that will keep you hooked as you share the character’s dreadful experiences.
The author explores how easily, the less privileged are taken advantage of. How vulnerable women so easily get taken in and end up abused.
I am new to this author and this book has left me eager to explore more of her work. She draws you into the story and leaves you sharing the characters’ emotions as she brings her story to life with shocking clarity. I cannot wait to get my hand on another of her books.
Ruby believed her mother abandoned her – that is what she was told. When as an adult she meets her father, he gives her letters that her mother wrote to him. These letters are not from a woman who was planning to abandon her child – something was wrong. As a recovering addict, Ruby secures a live-in job at Highway Hall. Is this the solution to her problems? What she does not share with her new employer is that her mother – Emily – worked at Highway Hall. The only reason Ruby is there is to find some information about the mother she never knew. But Mrs Huxley is not the kind of woman who will share information, and the Howard family are a peculiar bunch. Determined to find out anything about her mom, Ruby starts digging into the past and soon discovers that the strange atmosphere at Highwood Hall dates back generations and she is about to uncover a little more than she had hoped to.
This was a moving read that left me heartbroken. It is sad to think that people could be treated so badly. The women in this book, while maybe not as privileged as their employers will steal your heart while the suspense will keep you glued to the pages.
At times I battled to keep track of Emily and Ruby – I most likely did not listen properly, but it took me a moment to separate these two characters. The author did a marvellous job with the women in her book. While Mrs Huxley was anything but pleasant, you quickly end up feeling sorry for her when her truth is revealed.
This was a brilliantly moving and entertaining read which left me eager to find more books by this author. The narrator did a great job telling this story and brought the characters to life beautifully.
If you are looking for a suspense thriller with an emotional touch, then I would highly recommend this book be added to your TBR. I loved this story.
Also By Sarah A. Denzil
Silent Child
In the summer of 2006, Emma Price watched helplessly as her six-year-old son’s red coat was fished out of the River Ouse. It was the tragic story of the year – a little boy, Aiden, wandered away from school during a terrible flood, fell into the river, and drowned.
His body was never recovered. Ten years later, Emma has finally rediscovered the joy in life. She’s married, pregnant, and in control again…
… until Aiden returns.
Too traumatized to speak, he raises endless questions and answers none. Only his body tells the story of his decade-long disappearance. The historic broken bones and injuries cast a mere glimpse into the horrors Aiden has experienced. Aiden never drowned. Aiden was taken.
As Emma attempts to reconnect with her now teenage son, she must unmask the monster who took him away from her. But who, in their tiny village, could be capable of such a crime?
It’s Aiden who has the answers, but he cannot tell her the unspeakable.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Sarah A. Denzil is a million copy bestselling author of psychological suspense novels. Her books include number one bestseller Silent Child, which was a Goodreads Choice semi-finalist in 2017. Her books have been published in several different languages and have appeared on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list. Sarah lives in Yorkshire with her husband and cat, enjoying the scenic countryside and rather unpredictable weather. She loves to write moody, psychological fiction with plenty of twists and turns.
Thank you for visiting the blog and reading my review. Have you read this one? What did you think of it? Leave a comment below, and if you are a fan, remember to tell me what your favourite Sarah A Denzil book is.
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