Freida McFadden has written more than 30 books since her debut in 2013. The exact count varies by source and date: Wikipedia states she has published 30 novels, while book tracking sites list 34 or 35 titles including short works and upcoming releases. As of mid-2026, her bibliography includes the bestselling Housemaid series, the Dr. Jane McGill duology, and numerous standalone psychological thrillers.
Who Is Freida McFadden?
Freida McFadden is the pen name of Sara Cohen, an American author born on May 1, 1980, in New York City. She is a practicing physician who began self-publishing fiction in 2013 while continuing her medical career. Her first novel, The Devil Wears Scrubs, drew on her experiences as a medical intern. McFadden gained international fame with The Housemaid (2022), which became a bestseller and was adapted into a 2025 film starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. In 2026, Time named her one of the 100 most influential people of the year. Wikipedia provides a detailed biography and bibliography.
Exact Book Count: Why Numbers Differ
The number of books attributed to McFadden varies because different sources count differently:
- Wikipedia states she has published 30 novels as of its latest update, but this may exclude short stories, novellas, or upcoming titles.
- BookNotification lists 35 books excluding anthologies, including series entries and standalone works.
- FictionDB lists 34 books across three series.
- BookScouter says she has released more than 30 novels, novellas, and short stories, with new titles appearing regularly.
For the most current count, consult her official website or a regularly updated book database. BookNotification and FictionDB offer comprehensive lists. For the next step, read our overview of How Old Is the Book of Enoch? Dating 1 Enoch.
Freida McFadden's Series and Standalones
McFadden's work is primarily standalone psychological thrillers, but she has two notable series:
The Housemaid Series
This is her most famous series, consisting of three novels and one short story:
- The Housemaid (2022)
- The Housemaid's Secret (2023)
- The Housemaid's Wedding (short story, 2024) – chronologically between books 2 and 3
- The Housemaid Is Watching (2024)
The series follows Millie, an ex-convict working as a live-in housemaid who uncovers dark secrets in wealthy households. BookScouter provides a detailed reading order.
Dr. Jane McGill Series
McFadden's first books are medical comedies featuring Dr. Jane McGill:
- The Devil Wears Scrubs (2013)
- The Devil's Bedside Manual (2014)
These are lighter in tone compared to her thrillers and draw on her medical background.
Complete List of Freida McFadden Books
Below is a list of her published works as of mid-2026, based on available sources. Note that some early self-published titles were later revised and re-released traditionally.
| Title | Year | Series/Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Devil Wears Scrubs | 2013 | Dr. Jane McGill #1 |
| The Devil's Bedside Manual | 2014 | Dr. Jane McGill #2 |
| Suicide Med (later Dead Med) | 2014 (revised 2024) | Standalone |
| Brain Damage | 2016 | Standalone |
| The Surrogate Mother | 2018 | Standalone |
| The Perfect Son | 2019 | Standalone |
| The Ex | 2019 | Standalone |
| The Wife Upstairs | 2020 | Standalone |
| One by One | 2020 | Standalone |
| Want to Know a Secret? | 2021 | Standalone |
| The Locked Door | 2021 | Standalone |
| Do Not Disturb | 2021 | Standalone |
| The Housemaid | 2022 | Housemaid #1 |
| The Inmate | 2022 | Standalone |
| Never Lie | 2022 | Standalone |
| The Housemaid's Secret | 2023 | Housemaid #2 |
| The Coworker | 2023 | Standalone |
| Ward D | 2023 | Standalone |
| The Teacher | 2024 | Standalone |
| The Housemaid's Wedding | 2024 | Housemaid short story |
| The Housemaid Is Watching | 2024 | Housemaid #3 |
| The Boyfriend | 2024 | Standalone |
| The Crash | 2025 | Standalone |
| The Widow's Husband's Secret Lie | 2025 | Standalone (satirical novella) |
| The Divorce | 2026 | Standalone |
| The Witch | 2026 (upcoming) | Standalone |
This table is compiled from multiple sources and may not be exhaustive; for the latest releases, check Freida McFadden's official website.
How Many Books Does She Publish Per Year?
McFadden is highly prolific, often publishing two to three books per year. For example, in 2022 she released The Housemaid, The Inmate, and Never Lie. In 2024, she published The Teacher, The Housemaid's Wedding, The Housemaid Is Watching, and The Boyfriend. Her pace has increased since transitioning to traditional publishing in late 2023. BookScouter notes that new titles appear regularly.
Most Popular Freida McFadden Book
The Housemaid (2022) is her most popular and commercially successful book. It became an international bestseller, won the 2023 International Thriller Writers Award for Best Paperback Original Novel, and was adapted into a major motion picture released in December 2025. The film grossed nearly $400 million worldwide, making it director Paul Feig's highest-grossing film. The Housemaid's Secret also won the 2023 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Mystery & Thriller. Wikipedia confirms these accolades.
Where to Start Reading Freida McFadden
Because most of her books are standalones, you can start almost anywhere. However, many readers begin with The Housemaid because it showcases her signature style: a relatable female protagonist, a seemingly perfect setting, and shocking twists. If you prefer medical settings, try Ward D or The Devil Wears Scrubs. For a complete reading order, BookBub offers a helpful guide.
Recommended Resources: