Freida McFadden is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and practicing physician specializing in traumatic brain injury who has become the global face of modern psychological thrillers. As of early 2026, her literary empire includes over 30 novels, translated into 40 languages, with her breakout hit The Housemaid having spent over 140 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Her career reached a new pinnacle in December 2025 with the theatrical release of The Housemaid movie, starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, which grossed over $300 million worldwide. Known for her signature “unreliable narrator” trope and rapid-fire plot twists, McFadden balances her part-time medical practice with a prolific writing schedule that produces multiple bestsellers each year, including her most recent 2026 releases, Dear Debbie and The Divorce.
The Physician Behind the Thrills
Freida McFadden’s unique background as a medical professional provides the clinical precision and dark psychological depth found in her storytelling.
Medical Career and Education
McFadden graduated from Harvard University before pursuing her medical degree and specializing in brain injury medicine. Even as her writing career exploded into a global phenomenon, she has maintained her medical license, practicing part-time (typically 1–2 days a week) to stay grounded in her clinical roots.
Writing as a “Side Hustle”
Her first published work, The Devil Wears Scrubs (2013), was a humorous medical novel based on her grueling residency experiences. She initially self-published her thrillers on Amazon Kindle, building a massive grassroots following before mainstream publishers like Bookouture and Sourcebooks signed her to multi-million dollar deals.
The Housemaid Series and Movie
The Housemaid franchise is the cornerstone of McFadden’s success, evolving from a standalone novel into a cinematic universe.
The Original Trilogy
The series follows Millie Calloway, a woman with a dark past who finds herself working for families with even darker secrets. The core trilogy includes The Housemaid (2022), The Housemaid’s Secret (2023), and The Housemaid Is Watching (2024), along with the short novella The Housemaid’s Wedding.
2025 Film Adaptation
Directed by Paul Feig, the film version of The Housemaid was released on December 19, 2025. It stars Sydney Sweeney as Millie and Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester; the film’s success has already sparked rumors of a sequel based on the second book in the series.
Complete Book List (2026 Order)
For readers looking to catch up, here is the chronological publication list of Freida McFadden’s major works as of February 2026.
Recent 2025-2026 Releases
Dear Debbie (January 2026): A thriller about an agony aunt seeking vengeance.
The Divorce (Expected 2026): A dark exploration of a marriage’s violent end.
The Tenant (2025): A suspense novel regarding a mysterious apartment dweller.
The Intruder (2025): A cabin-in-the-woods thriller featuring a blood-stained stranger.
The Crash (2025): A psychological maze following a devastating car accident.
Standalone Bestsellers
Never Lie (2022): A couple trapped in a blizzard find therapy tapes of a missing woman.
The Teacher (2024): A high school setting where a student’s secret triggers a deadly game.
The Coworker (2023): An office-based thriller exploring obsession and disappearance.
Ward D (2023): A medical student’s night shift in a psychiatric ward turns into a nightmare.
The Inmate (2022): A nurse returns to work at the prison where her ex is incarcerated.
Signature Themes and Tropes
What differentiates a Freida McFadden book is the specific “McFadden Formula” that keeps readers hooked until the final page.
The “Double Twist” Ending
McFadden is famous for the “epilogue twist”—a final revelation in the last 2-3 pages that completely recontextualizes the entire story. Readers often report that just when they think they have the mystery solved, she introduces a secondary layer of deception.
Medical and Domestic Noir
Drawing from her career, many of her books feature medical settings (Ward D, Brain Damage) or domestic scenarios where the “perfect” home hides rot. Her protagonists are often “scrappy” women—maids, nurses, or teachers—who are underestimated by those around them.
Practical Information for Readers
If you are planning to start your McFadden collection or attend a signing in 2026, keep these details in mind.
Where to Buy
E-books: Her books are staple features on Kindle Unlimited, where she first gained fame.
Physical Copies: As of 2026, her paperbacks are available in major retailers like Target, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores globally.
Audiobooks: Highly recommended for her use of multiple narrators; The Housemaid’s Secret won the ITW Award for Best Audio Book in 2024.
Tips for New Readers
Start with The Housemaid: It is the definitive entry point into her style.
Read the Novellas: Don’t skip the “point-five” books like The Housemaid’s Wedding, as they often contain bridge information between major novels.
Follow her Socials: Freida is highly active on Facebook and Instagram, often sharing “behind-the-scenes” medical humor and teaser chapters for upcoming 2027 releases.
FAQs
Is Freida McFadden a real doctor?
Yes, she is a practicing physician specializing in traumatic brain injury; she uses “Freida McFadden” as a pen name to keep her medical and writing lives separate.
In what order should I read The Housemaid books?
The correct order is: 1. The Housemaid, 2. The Housemaid’s Secret, 2.5 The Housemaid’s Wedding, and 3. The Housemaid Is Watching.
What is Freida McFadden’s newest book in 2026?
Her latest major release is Dear Debbie, which debuted in January 2026.
Are there any movies based on her books?
Yes, the film adaptation of The Housemaid was released in theaters in December 2025 and is currently available on major streaming platforms.
Where does Freida McFadden live?
She lives in a centuries-old home outside of Boston with her husband, two children, and their cat.
How many books has she written?
As of early 2026, she has published over 30 novels and several novellas and short stories.
What is her highest-rated book?
The Housemaid remains her most popular and highest-rated book on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon.
Why are her books so popular on TikTok?
Her fast pacing and shocking plot twists make her books ideal for “BookTok” reviews, where creators can film their real-time reactions to her endings.
Is Freida McFadden still writing in 2026?
Yes, she recently signed a deal with Sourcebooks extending through 2028, promising at least three more hardcover titles.
Does she write under any other names?
She has primarily used the Freida McFadden name for all her thrillers and humor books, though she has mentioned using it as a “mask” for her medical identity.
Are her books safe for teenagers?
While they are written for adults, her books are generally rated for Grades 10 and up, containing suspense and some violence but typically avoiding extreme graphic content.
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