Freida McFadden: from medical professional to bestselling author
Freida McFadden, a Harvard-educated doctor specializing in brain disorders, has emerged as a bestselling author of airport thrillers with a committed global following, reports BritPanorama.
Beginning her writing journey with a blog and self-publishing rapid page-turners for a small audience, McFadden has now sold 36 million copies of her books across various formats. This remarkable ascent marks her as one of the most successful authors worldwide.
While she operates under a pen name to maintain privacy—still practising medicine in Boston with her family—McFadden has become relatively visible. Recent interviews have revealed her identity, causing some colleagues to recognize her from published images.
“One of my colleagues at the hospital recently recognised me in a Freida photo and told everyone, so the cat is out of the bag,” she remarked to The Sunday Times. Her recent work, The Housemaid, adapted into a film featuring stars Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, illustrates her skyrocketing profile. “I have no interest in being famous,” she added. Yet, her popularity suggests otherwise.
McFadden’s latest publication, Dear Debbie, marks her 27th novel within 13 years. This psychological thriller follows an advice columnist seeking revenge against those who wronged her, embodying McFadden’s knack for blending relatable themes with compelling narratives.
Readers have noted the distinct domestic elements prevalent in her stories, including complex relationships and engaging plots. Common descriptors include “immensely readable” and full of “unapologetic energy.” This accessible style often prompts readers to consume her novels in quick succession, even if they do not aspire to literary accolades.
Raised in New York by medical mentors, McFadden’s aspiration to become a doctor led her through a rigorous academic path, including studying mathematics at Harvard before entering medical school. She initially faced rejection from literary agents, prompting her to self-publish her first work, The Devil Wears Scrubs, in 2013, inspired by her own experiences in medicine.
Her breakthrough came when initial sales suggested a market for “medical-ish women’s fiction.” This encouraged her to write prolifically during evenings and breaks, eventually catching the attention of digital publisher Bookouture with The Housemaid. Now, McFadden stands as one of the fastest-selling thriller authors in the United States, outpacing established names like James Patterson and John Grisham, with multiple titles among the UK’s top-selling paperbacks.
However, her rapid output has not come without controversy. Accusations of plagiarism have surfaced across online platforms, alleging similarities between her plots and those of other authors. Observers have drawn parallels between The Housemaid and Liv Constantine’s The Last Mrs Parrish, both featuring similar character arcs and narrative twists.
Similarities have also emerged between McFadden’s The Teacher and Kate Elizabeth Russell’s My Dark Vanessa, leading to discussions about originality within the genre. Legal representatives for McFadden opted not to comment on the controversies when approached.
As McFadden transitions to a more traditional publishing model, she has indicated plans to moderate her writing pace, which could affect her readership dynamics. Nevertheless, fans, often dubbed “McFans,” remain eager for her next release, as her rapid production has become a hallmark of her appeal.
‘Dear Debbie’ is published by Sourcebooks, £9.99
