Frieda McFadden has become one of the most talked-about thriller writers online, known for jaw-dropping twists and binge-worthy plots. Readers have ranked her most popular books, and the results may surprise you. While The Housemaid was turned into a movie, another title has emerged as a fan favourite.
Frieda McFadden: A Bestselling Phenomenon
Psychological thriller fans have increasingly turned to Frieda McFadden for fast-paced, twist-heavy reads designed to be devoured in a single sitting. She was named the UK’s bestselling novelist of 2025, outpacing major names including Richard Osman, Sarah J Maas and Rebecca Yarros, with 2.6 million print copies sold in just 12 months.
Known for her sharp plotting and shock endings, she has built a loyal following across social media, where readers frequently praise her books for being packed with twists they never see coming. From domestic suspense to darker, character-driven thrillers, her stories often centre on secrets, deception and unreliable perspectives, making them ideal binge reads for fans of high-stakes fiction.
Behind the name, however, lies a real-life twist of its own. The writer recently revealed her real name is Sara Cohen, and that McFadden is a pseudonym used by the practising doctor. Until recently she balanced her writing career with work in medicine, keeping her identity largely separate from her publishing success. As her readership has grown, alongside hits such as The Housemaid, so too has curiosity about the author behind the books.
Ranking Frieda McFadden's Books by Reader Ratings
Using average Goodreads ratings as a guide, here are some of her most popular and widely read titles, ranked by readers.
1. The Housemaid – 4.27/5
Her highest-rated and most widely read novel, The Housemaid has become a breakout hit. Its gripping premise, constant twists and bingeable pacing have made it a firm favourite among thriller readers. Available now on Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.
2. The Housemaid’s Secret – 4.16/5
A sequel that successfully builds on the original, delivering more shocks, darker revelations and deeper character stakes. Available now on Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.
3. Never Lie – 4.08/5
One of McFadden’s most talked-about books, blending isolation, mystery and psychological tension into a fast-moving, twist-driven plot. Available now on Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.
4. The Boyfriend – 4.03/5
A relationship-focused thriller that plays on trust, deception and hidden motives — with the kind of twist readers have come to expect. Available now on Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.
5. The Inmate – 4.00/5
Set in a prison, this novel leans into high-stakes suspense and claustrophobic tension, making it one of her more intense standalone reads. Available now on Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.
6. The Perfect Son – 3.99/5
A tense, character-driven thriller that examines how well you really know the people closest to you — a recurring theme in McFadden’s work. Available now on Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.
7. The Locked Door – 3.98/5
A dark psychological story exploring family secrets and a disturbing past, with a premise that keeps readers hooked despite its unsettling themes. Available now on Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.
8. The Teacher – 3.89/5
A standalone thriller centred around secrets in a school setting. Readers praise the twists, though some found it less gripping than her top-tier titles. Available now on Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.
9. The Housemaid Is Watching – 3.86/5
A later instalment in the series that continues the tension-filled domestic drama, though reader reactions have been more mixed compared to earlier books. Available now on Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.
10. The Housemaid’s Wedding – 3.30/5
A shorter novella in the Housemaid series, this entry offers extra insight into the characters but hasn’t resonated as strongly with readers as the main novels. Available now on Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.
