If you've recently discovered Freida McFadden, you're probably wondering where to start. With bestselling psychological thrillers, addictive standalone novels and the hugely popular Housemaid series, knowing the best reading order isn't always straightforward.
Whether you're looking to read every book in publication order or simply want to know which series to start with first, this guide has everything you need to read Freida McFadden's books in order.
Freida McFadden Books in Order
For readers who want to follow Freida McFadden's writing journey from the beginning, here's a quick look at her books in publication order.
Dr. Jane McGill Series
- 1. Devil Wears Scrubs (2013)
- 2. The Devil You Know (2017)
The Housemaid Series
- 1. The Housemaid (2022)
- 2. The Housemaid's Secret (2023)
- 3. The Housemaid Is Watching (2024)
- 4. The Housemaid's Wedding (2026) - set in between books 2 and 3
Standalone Books
- • Brain Damage (2016)
- • The Wife Upstairs (2020)
- • The Surrogate Mother (2020)
- • The Ex (2020)
- • The Perfect Son (2020)
- • One by One (2020)
- • Want to Know a Secret? (2021)
- • The Locked Door (2021)
- • Do Not Disturb (2021)
- • The Inmate (2022)
- • Do You Remember? (2022)
- • Never Lie (2022)
- • Ward D (2023)
- • The Coworker (2023)
- • The Teacher (2024)
- • The Boyfriend (2024)
- • The Crash (2025)
- • The Tenant (2025)
- • The Intruder (2025)
- • Dear Debbie (2026)
- • The Divorce (2026)
The Housemaid Series in Order
If you're new to Freida McFadden, this is the series we'd recommend starting with. The books follow Millie and are best read in order to fully appreciate the character development and recurring storylines.
The Housemaid (2022)
Perfect for: Readers who love shocking twists and unreliablecharacters.
Millie is desperate for a fresh start when she lands a housekeeping job with the wealthy Winchester family. It seems like the opportunity she's been waiting for, but behind the doors of their beautiful home lies a web of secrets she never saw coming.
It's easy to see why this became one of BookTok's favourite thrillers. Fast-paced, tense and packed with memorable twists, it's the ideal introduction to Freida McFadden's writing.
The Housemaid's Secret (2023)
Perfect for: Fans looking for another addictive page-turner.
Millie finds herself working for another family with secrets to hide when she's instructed never to disturb her employer's wife. Naturally, things aren't as straightforward as they seem.
This sequel delivers everything readers loved about the first book, with plenty of suspense, clever reveals and impossible-to-put-down chapters.
The Housemaid is Watching (2024)
Perfect for: Readers invested in Millie's story. Years after the events of the previous novels, Millie is settling into suburban life with her family. But when a neighbour warns her to be careful who she trusts, the alarm bells begin to ring.
A tense and compelling continuation of the series, this book rewards readers who've followed Millie's journey from the very beginning.
Dr. Jane McGill Books in Order
Not every book is a psychological thriller. Before becoming famous for shocking twists, she also wrote a witty medical fiction series following Dr. Jane McGill.
Devil Wears Scrubs (2013)
A funny, relatable and often chaotic look at life as a youn medical intern. Packed with humour and heart, it's a great choice for readers looking for something lighter.
The Devil You Know (2017)
Jane returns in a story that blends humour, romance and personal reflection as she reconnects with someone from her past.
Best Freida McFadden Standalone Books
The Locked Door (2021)
Part family drama, part psychological thriller, The Locked Door follows a surgeon with a disturbing family history. It's one of McFadden's most suspenseful and rewarding reads.
The Inmate (2022)
Set against the backdrop of a prison and an unsolved mystery, this fast-paed thriller delivers plenty of tension from the very first chapter.
Never Lie (2022)
One of McFadden's most popular thrillers, Never Lie combines an isolated setting, dark secrets and plenty of twists. If you enjoy locked-room mysteries, this should be at the top of your list.
The Coworker (2023)
Set in the workplace, this thriller turns office politics into something much darker. Cleverly plotted and full of surprises, it's a favourite among existing McFadden fans.
The Teacher (2024)
A gripping psychological thriller that explores secrets, obsession and manipulation. A great choice for readers who loved The Housemaid but want a completely different story.
Which Freida McFadden Book Should You Read First?
Not sure where to begin? Here's our quick guide:
- • Start with The Housemaid if... You want to read her most popular book and see what all the hype is about.
- • Start with Never Lie if... You enjoy isolated settings, mysteries and jaw-dropping twists.
- • Start with The Teacher if... You want a recent standalone thriller that showcases her signature style.
- • Start with Devil Wears Scrubs if... You'd like something lighter and more humorous before diving into her thrillers.
Enjoy!
Now you know the best order to read Freida McFadden's books, all that's left to do is choose your first thriller. From the bestselling Housemaid series to her gripping standalone novels, every book is packed with suspense, secrets and unforgettable twists.
Looking for more reading inspiration? Explore our other book guides and inspiration posts, including Rebecca Yarros books in order and Tahereh Mafi books in order.
