Freida McFadden has become a personal favorite for readers who love psychological thrillers, including me! Her books always manage to captivate me with their perfect blend of suspense, unpredictable twists, and deeply relatable characters.
One of the things I truly enjoy about McFadden’s writing is her knack for creating tension that builds with every chapter, leaving you guessing—and sometimes gasping—until the very last page.
If you’re new to McFadden’s work or a long-time fan wanting to revisit her earlier novels, this chronological list of her books will take you on a thrilling journey through her evolving storytelling style and ingenious plot twists.
McFadden kicked off her writing career with The Devil Wears Scrubs, and it’s pure gold if you enjoy witty medical humor. We meet Dr. Jane McGill, a medical intern who’s juggling the insane demands of the hospital with her cluelessness as a fresh graduate.
There’s a lot of stress, sure, but McFadden keeps it lighthearted with biting humor. You can really sense the chaos of the medical world through her writing. Jane is a mess, and it’s hilarious to watch her stumble through her job.
Think of it as a medical version of The Devil Wears Prada, but with way more blood and awkward situations.
2. Suicide Med (2014)
Suicide Med cover
Also known as Dead Med, this one shifts gears into something darker. Suicide Med is a psychological thriller about a group of medical students dealing with a wave of mysterious suicides.
The suspense is real, and McFadden gets darker, touching on serious issues like mental health and the intense pressure med students face. It’s packed with tension and leaves you questioning everything by the end.
3. Baby City: An Inside Look into Labor and Delivery (2015)
Baby City cover
Back to her humor roots with Baby City, where McFadden shares the insanity of the labor and delivery ward. It’s a funny, light read about the unpredictable moments doctors and nurses face while bringing new lives into the world.
If you liked The Devil Wears Scrubs, you’ll love the humor here too. Expect some wild, feel-good hospital stories that only a doctor could tell.
4. 11 Out of 10: A Collection of Humorous Medical Short Stories (2015)
11 Out of 10 book cover
This one’s a short collection, but it packs a punch. It’s all about funny, quirky stories from the medical field. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, with a good laugh about the absurdities of working in a hospital, 11 Out of 10 is a solid pick. No major plot, just medical professionals getting themselves into ridiculous situations.
5. Brain Damage (2016)
Brain damage cover
Now, here’s where McFadden returns to psychological suspense with Brain Damage. The main character is a neurosurgeon who gets wrapped up in a twisted medical conspiracy. There’s a lot of moral conflict in this one, and McFadden adds in a good dose of medical mystery.
It’s gripping, and the pacing will keep you turning the pages, especially if you love stories that mix medical ethics with high-stakes drama.
6. The Devil You Know (2017)
The Devil You Know Cover
Dr. Jane McGill returns in The Devil You Know, the sequel to The Devil Wears Scrubs. Jane is now dealing with her residency, and things get a bit deeper. There’s still humor, but McFadden throws in some more emotional moments and bigger challenges for Jane to navigate. It’s fun to see how she’s grown, both as a doctor and a person.
7. The Surrogate Mother (2018)
The Surrogate Mother Cover
Here’s where McFadden starts digging into the domestic thriller genre. The Surrogate Mother is all about secrets and betrayal. A woman agrees to be a surrogate, only to discover some seriously creepy stuff about the family she’s helping. It’s tense, emotional, and filled with twists that will make you want to binge-read it in one sitting.
The themes of motherhood and trust are front and center, and it’s one of her first true forays into the kind of suspense-filled narratives that would define her later work.
8. The Ex (2019)
The Ex Cover
You know the ex-girlfriend from hell trope? The Ex takes that and runs with it. The main character is being stalked by her boyfriend’s ex, but nothing is what it seems. McFadden does an amazing job of keeping you guessing.
The tension builds as the story unfolds, and you’ll probably change your mind about who’s the real villain more than once. It’s a psychological rollercoaster that’ll mess with your head.
9. The Perfect Son (2019)
The Perfect Son Cover
In The Perfect Son, McFadden plays with the concept of the “ideal” family. A mother starts questioning whether her son is as perfect as he seems, and it gets dark fast. You’ll find lots of twists as the layers of this family’s secrets get peeled back. It’s all about deception, trust, and how far people will go to protect their loved ones. The ending? You won’t see it coming.
10. The Wife Upstairs (2020)
The Surrogate Mother Cover
Here, McFadden gives us a modern domestic thriller with The Wife Upstairs. A seemingly perfect couple starts to unravel as secrets from the past come to light. The story switches perspectives, so you get a well-rounded look at the chaos unfolding.
It’s tense and gripping, with multiple twists that will keep you hooked till the very end.
11. One by One (2020)
One by One Cover
Ever seen a movie where a group gets stuck in a remote location, and one by one, people start disappearing? That’s One by One. The characters are trapped, trust breaks down, and paranoia sets in. It’s a good old-fashioned whodunit, but McFadden adds her signature psychological depth to it. You’ll be suspecting everyone by the time the book ends.
12. The Housemaid (2022)
The Housemaid is probably McFadden’s most famous work, and for good reason. It’s about a young woman who takes a job as a live-in maid for a wealthy family, only to uncover some seriously dark secrets.
The suspense is off the charts in this one. If you’re into stories where nothing is as it seems and you’re constantly questioning who’s manipulating whom, you’ll love this book.
13. The Inmate (2022)
The Inmate Cover
In The Inmate, McFadden goes all out on the tension. The main character ends up working at the prison where her abusive ex is serving time, and it’s just as nerve-wracking as it sounds. Guilt, redemption, and survival are key themes here, and the setting adds a lot to the claustrophobic atmosphere. It’s intense, emotional, and absolutely gripping.
14. The Locked Door (2022)
The Locked Door Cover
The Locked Door follows a surgeon who’s forced to confront her father’s horrifying past. Family secrets and dark memories are at the core of this one, and it’s one of those books where every twist deepens the suspense.
The feeling of dread builds as the story progresses, and McFadden masterfully pulls you into the protagonist’s complex world.
15. Never Lie (2022)
Never lie cover
In Never Lie, a couple searching for their dream home stumbles upon some chilling secrets left by the previous owners. McFadden keeps the twists coming, and it’s another solid psychological thriller where trust and deception are central. If you like fast-paced suspense with lots of surprises, this one is for you.
16. The Teacher (2023)
The Teacher Cover
The Teacher tells the story of a high school teacher who gets caught in a dangerous conspiracy. It’s all about manipulation, hidden agendas, and trying to figure out who’s pulling the strings.
The plot is tight, and McFadden’s knack for suspense shines through, making this one a great pick if you enjoy being kept on the edge of your seat.
17. The Coworker (2023)
The Coworker Cover
Ever wondered what secrets your coworkers are hiding? The Coworker dives into the murky waters of office politics, but with a sinister twist. As the main character gets closer to her coworker, she uncovers more than she bargained for. The tension builds around workplace dynamics, making it a unique take on the thriller genre.
Ward D is set in a psychiatric hospital, and the setting alone adds a heavy sense of isolation and unpredictability. As you’d expect, things quickly spiral into a suspenseful and eerie narrative.
The plot revolves around mental illness, secrets, and hidden agendas, and McFadden creates an atmosphere that’s both creepy and fascinating.
19. The Housemaid’s Secret (2023)
“The Housemaid’s Secret” is the highly anticipated sequel to The Housemaid, continuing Molly’s story. After the events of the first book, Molly finds herself working for another family, but once again, things aren’t as they seem. In this follow-up, Molly is faced with even darker secrets as she navigates her new role.
The secrets she uncovers are more sinister than anything she encountered in her previous job, testing her resilience and survival instincts.
The tension in The Housemaid’s Secret is heightened by McFadden’s signature plot twists, and the book dives deeper into Molly’s complex personality and her interactions with her new employers. It’s a gripping tale of psychological suspense that leaves readers questioning whom they can trust.
Scheduled for release in 2024, The Housemaid Is Watching is the third installment in the Housemaid series. This upcoming book will continue to follow Molly, a character beloved for her tenacity and ability to survive dangerous situations.
Fans of the series eagerly anticipate more revelations and dramatic twists as Molly uncovers even more secrets. Though details about the plot remain scarce, it is expected to offer more of the intense psychological tension that McFadden is known for.
The Teacher is another upcoming novel by McFadden, set to be released in 2024. While details about the book’s plot remain minimal, the title suggests that it will likely involve an educational setting, perhaps exploring the dark secrets of teachers or students.
Fans can expect McFadden’s hallmark suspense, plot twists, and intense character dynamics. Given her past work, The Teacher promises to deliver another page-turning thriller
22. The Boyfriend (Expected: 2024)
Also expected in 2024, The Boyfriend is set to explore the complexities of romantic relationships, with the psychological tension and suspense McFadden is known for. While no extensive plot details have been revealed yet, the novel will likely delve into the darker aspects of love, trust, and betrayal.
McFadden’s expertise in portraying relationships gone wrong suggests that The Boyfriend will be full of surprising twists and chilling revelations.
The Crash is slated for release in 2025 and is already generating excitement among McFadden’s readers. While specific plot details haven’t been released, the title hints at a high-stakes scenario, potentially involving a literal or metaphorical crash. This could be a departure from her usual domestic and psychological thrillers, suggesting a more action-packed narrative.
Fans can still expect McFadden’s signature suspense, shocking twists, and intricate character development.
The Bottom Line
Freida McFadden’s work has evolved significantly since her debut. From medical dramas laced with humor to tightly wound psychological thrillers, her portfolio reflects a dynamic range and an ever-growing mastery of suspense. Each book is crafted with intricate plots, complex characters, and shocking twists that leave readers wanting more.
Hey there! I'm Ada Peterson, and I absolutely love books. Ever since I was a kid, I've found comfort and excitement in reading. I'm always up for exploring new worlds and ideas through the pages of a good book.
Over the years, my passion for reading has only grown. Now, I spend my time diving into all sorts of genres, uncovering hidden gems, and sharing my thoughts with fellow book lovers.
To me, books are more than just stories; they're friends that bring endless learning and joy. Whether it's the twisty plots of thrillers, the sweet stories of romance, or the deep insights of non-fiction, I treasure every moment I spend reading.
On this site, I hope to connect with others who feel the same way and inspire more people to find their next great read.
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