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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.
All Freida McFadden Books
| Year | Book Title |
|---|---|
| 2013 | The Devil Wears Scrubs |
| 2014 | Suicide Med |
| 2015 | Baby City |
| 2015 | 11 Out of 10 |
| 2016 | Brain Damage |
| 2017 | The Devil You Know |
| 2018 | The Surrogate Mother |
| 2019 | The Ex |
| 2019 | The Perfect Son |
| 2020 | The Perfect Son |
| 2020 | One by One |
| 2022 | The Housemaid |
| 2022 | The Inmate |
| 2022 | The Locked Door |
| 2022 | Never Lie |
| 2023 | The Teacher |
| 2023 | The Coworker |
| 2023 | Ward D |
| 2023 | The Housemaid’s Secret |
| 2024 | The Housemaid Is Watching |
| 2024 | The Teacher |
| 2024 | The Boyfriend |
| 2025 | The Crash |
1. The Devil Wears Scrubs (2013)
Freida McFadden’s debut novel, The Devil Wears Scrubs, sets the tone for her unique style by blending humor with the chaos of the medical world. The story follows Dr. Jane McGill, a newly minted medical intern, as she navigates the overwhelming demands of a hospital internship while dealing with her insecurities and a domineering boss.
What I loved most about this book was its humor and relatability. McFadden uses her own background as a practicing physician to paint an authentic picture of the highs and lows of hospital life. Jane’s clumsy, self-deprecating personality makes her instantly likable, and her struggles feel real, from handling relentless patient loads to dealing with hospital politics.
The witty dialogue and fast-paced narrative make it an easy and enjoyable read. Jane’s internal monologues had me laughing out loud at times, while the moments of vulnerability added emotional depth to the story. McFadden captures the unpredictability of medicine while showing the resilience required to survive in such a high-pressure environment.
If you’ve ever been curious about what happens behind the scenes in hospitals or you just want a light, humorous read with relatable characters, The Devil Wears Scrubs is an excellent starting point. It’s funny, heartwarming, and honest—a great introduction to McFadden’s work.
2. Suicide Med (2014)
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 story focuses on the mental and emotional toll of medical school, capturing the isolation, stress, and relentless drive for success that can consume aspiring doctors. McFadden’s portrayal of psychological strain feels deeply authentic, making it easy to empathize with the characters as they face their inner struggles. The growing tension keeps you questioning every interaction and every character’s true intentions.
The pacing of the plot is sharp, with unexpected twists that pulled me in further with every chapter. The blend of suspense and emotional depth creates a story that is gripping and thought-provoking. McFadden doesn’t just deliver a mystery—she challenges you to reflect on the importance of mental well-being in high-pressure environments.
3. Baby City: An Inside Look into Labor and Delivery (2015)
What stands out in Baby City is its authenticity. The stories feel like they’re pulled straight from the hospital floor, with McFadden’s sharp wit highlighting the humor in even the most stressful situations. From unexpected patient requests to the quirks of the medical staff, every chapter is packed with relatable moments that will leave you smiling.
4. 11 Out of 10: A Collection of Humorous Medical Short Stories (2015)
Each story offers a fresh, amusing perspective on the chaos of hospital life. Whether it’s an unusual patient interaction, an awkward workplace moment, or the kind of unexpected twist only the medical profession can deliver, McFadden’s contributions hit the perfect balance between humor and authenticity.
The brevity of the stories makes this anthology an easy pick-up-and-read book, ideal for anyone looking for a quick laugh or a bit of levity during a busy day. You don’t need a medical background to appreciate the humor—McFadden makes her anecdotes accessible to all readers, capturing universal themes of resilience and the unpredictability of life.
If you enjoyed McFadden’s The Devil Wears Scrubs or Baby City, you’ll love 11 Out of 10.
5. Brain Damage (2016)
The protagonist’s moral dilemmas and internal conflicts are the heart of the story. McFadden skillfully explores the pressures faced by medical professionals, weaving in questions about trust, responsibility, and the boundaries of ethical behavior. The neurosurgical details add depth and authenticity, making the stakes feel all the more real.
What I found most compelling was how McFadden builds the suspense. The pacing is impeccable, with twists and revelations that kept me guessing until the very end. The sense of paranoia and uncertainty is palpable, pulling you into the protagonist’s increasingly fraught world.
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)
This follow-up retains the humor and wit that made the first book so enjoyable, but it also adds layers of complexity to Jane’s character. McFadden does an excellent job showing her growth, both personally and professionally, while still keeping her relatable and delightfully awkward. Her struggles with difficult patients, demanding colleagues, and her own insecurities are portrayed with a mix of honesty and humor that makes her story engaging.
The humor is as sharp as ever, but the book also delves into more serious themes, including the pressures of residency and the emotional toll of working in medicine. This balance makes The Devil You Know feel richer and more impactful than its predecessor.
7. The Surrogate Mother (2018)
What sets this book apart is its gripping tension and the constant sense of unease that builds with every chapter. McFadden masterfully layers the narrative with twists and secrets, creating a story that feels both deeply personal and utterly chilling. The protagonist’s journey is filled with emotional highs and lows, and her vulnerability adds a powerful human element to the suspense.
I found myself questioning every character’s motives as the plot unfolded, which kept me glued to the pages. The themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths people will go for family are explored in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
8. The Ex (2019)
What I loved about this book was its ability to keep me guessing. Just when I thought I had figured out who the villain was, McFadden would throw in another twist that completely changed my perspective. The layered characters added to the intrigue, making it hard to know who to trust.
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 suspense builds masterfully, and the twists are both shocking and satisfying. McFadden has a talent for making you second-guess every detail, and this book is no exception. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the narrative takes another unexpected turn.
10. The Wife Upstairs (2020)
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.
The pacing is sharp, and the suspense never lets up. McFadden has a talent for creating flawed but relatable characters, and the protagonists in The Wife Upstairs are no exception. Their vulnerabilities and questionable choices add layers of complexity to the plot, making it hard to put the book down.
11. One by One (2020)
One by One is a perfect pick for fans of traditional whodunits with a psychological edge. It’s a tightly woven, suspense-filled tale that keeps you questioning everyone’s motives. If you’re looking for a thriller that will leave you breathless, this one is not to be missed.
12. The Housemaid (2022)
The tension in this book is phenomenal. McFadden’s ability to build suspense is unmatched, and every chapter adds another layer of intrigue. The protagonist, with her flaws and vulnerability, feels relatable, making her journey all the more compelling. As the story unfolds, you’ll find yourself constantly questioning who to trust and what’s truly happening behind the scenes. The atmosphere in this book is one of its greatest strengths. The prison setting is claustrophobic and charged with tension, making every interaction feel like it could explode at any moment. McFadden captures the oppressive nature of the environment perfectly, pulling the reader into a world filled with danger and unpredictability. The story revolves around a skilled surgeon who has spent her life trying to escape the legacy of her infamous father, a convicted serial killer. When murders eerily similar to her father’s begin to occur, the protagonist is thrust into a nightmarish situation where trust is a luxury she cannot afford. What sets The Locked Door apart is the way McFadden seamlessly blends psychological depth with a gripping plot. The protagonist’s internal struggle—to reconcile her past while staying grounded in the present—creates a rich emotional landscape that makes her incredibly relatable despite her unusual circumstances. The story begins innocently enough, with the protagonists touring a secluded, dream-like mansion. When a storm traps them inside, the discovery of an unsettling diary from the home’s previous owner sets off a chain of events that spiral into danger and paranoia. McFadden’s ability to escalate tension is remarkable, as each revelation adds to the unease, leaving you questioning not just the characters’ motives but even your own instincts about what’s happening. What struck me most about Never Lie was its subtle build-up. The dread creeps in gradually, making the shocking moments hit even harder. The dynamics between the main characters add another layer of intrigue, as their relationship shifts under the weight of the secrets they uncover. The confined setting amplifies the psychological stakes, making every interaction feel loaded with potential consequences. The pacing is brisk, and the stakes feel real, especially as the plot barrels toward its shocking conclusion. As always, McFadden delivers twists that feel both unexpected and inevitable, leaving you questioning how you missed the clues along the way. Most of us have experienced the quirks and tensions of office life, but McFadden takes these familiar elements and turns them into a source of suspense and paranoia. The mundane becomes unsettling, and every interaction feels loaded with hidden motives. The characters are exceptionally well-drawn, especially the coworker at the center of the story. McFadden plays with your expectations, constantly making you question what’s real and who can be trusted. The psychological tension builds steadily, with moments of genuine shock that keep you glued to the pages. The twists in this book are among McFadden’s most unpredictable. Just when you think you’ve uncovered the truth, the story takes another turn, leaving you breathless. The office setting adds an extra layer of claustrophobia, as the protagonist struggles to untangle the web of lies while maintaining her professional facade. You may also like: 10 Books for Fans of Dune; Stories You’ll Get Lost In The setting is one of the book’s strongest elements. The psychiatric ward is portrayed with haunting detail, from the echoing hallways to the enigmatic patients. McFadden captures the unsettling mix of isolation and chaos that defines this world, drawing readers into an environment where nothing feels certain. “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 HOUSEMAID IS WATCHING! June 11th 2024! Wake me up in June! 😆😆 @bookouture | booktok @freidamcfadden #booktok #freidamcfadden #thehousemaid #bookworms #booktokbooks #fyp #bookrelease #coverreveal #bookish ♬ original sound – Brie’s BookTok 📚
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. What makes this anticipated release so exciting is Molly’s character. Her resourcefulness, resilience, and knack for uncovering the truth have made her a fan favorite. If McFadden’s past works are any indication, this book will likely dive even deeper into Molly’s psyche while placing her in situations where trust and danger collide. The Teacher by Freida McFadden is a MUST READ OMG #theteacher #freidamcfadden #bookrecs #booktok #forbiddenromancebooks #mysterythriller #plottwist #tbr #thrillerbooks ♬ original sound – books_withamber
The Teacher presents a gripping narrative centered on a high school setting, where trust and deceit collide in unexpected ways. Freida McFadden crafts a story about Eve, a math teacher living what appears to be an ideal life. However, when a scandal involving a student-teacher affair rocks the school, layers of hidden truths and buried secrets begin to surface. The high school environment provides a unique backdrop for the tension, with its mix of rigid authority and emotional turbulence. McFadden skillfully transforms ordinary interactions into moments of suspense, making every character a potential suspect in the unfolding drama. The short chapters and shifting perspectives keep the pacing brisk and the story dynamic.13. The Inmate (2022)
14. The Locked Door (2022)
15. Never Lie (2022)
16. The Teacher (2023)
17. The Coworker (2023)
18. Ward D (2023)
19. The Housemaid’s Secret (2023)
20. The Housemaid Is Watching (Expected: 2024)
21. The Teacher
22. The Boyfriend
Freida McFadden introduces Sydney Shaw, a single woman in her mid-30s, navigating the challenges of online dating. When she meets a seemingly perfect doctor, her world begins to change—until a series of brutal murders in her city casts suspicion and raises chilling questions about the man she’s fallen for.
The story keeps readers on edge as Sydney’s journey unfolds. McFadden creates a tense atmosphere where trust is fragile and danger feels omnipresent. The pacing ensures there’s never a dull moment, with each chapter pulling you closer to an unforgettable climax.
23. The Crash (Expected: 2025)
@bookswithsmells Ladies & Gentlemen.. we have the cover for The Crash!👻 What do we think? TWO books being released by @freidamcfadden she is treating us well🙌🙌 I am so excited for both of these new books! #booktok #freidamcfadden #freidamcfaddenbooks #freidamcfaddenauthor #thecrash #newbooks #newbooks #author #authorbooks #thrillers #thrillerbooks #whatbookisthat #setofbooks #cherrypjs #cherryprint
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.
FAQs
What is the best Freida McFadden book to start with?
The Housemaid is a popular starting point for new readers, offering a gripping psychological thriller that showcases her talent for suspense and unexpected twists.
Are Freida McFadden’s books connected, or are they standalone stories?
Most of her books are standalone, but The Housemaid series and The Devil Wears Scrubs series follow the same characters across multiple books, so reading those in order is recommended.
How long does it take to read a typical Freida McFadden book?
McFadden’s books are known for their fast pacing and engaging narratives. Most readers can finish one in a few hours or over a weekend, depending on reading speed.
Is Freida McFadden still writing new books?
Yes, McFadden continues to release new books regularly. Upcoming titles like The Housemaid Is Watching (2024) and The Crash (2025) have already generated significant anticipation among her fans.
Are Freida McFadden’s books available on Kindle Unlimited?
Many of her books are available on Kindle Unlimited, making them accessible for subscribers looking to explore her work at no additional cost.
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.
