The Housemaid Series in Order
The Housemaid (2022)
Why we love it:
- A highly addictive thriller that genuinely earns its hype.
- Packed with tension, sharp character dynamics, and twists you won’t see coming.
The Housemaid is arguably Freida McFadden’s most iconic novel — and for good reason. It’s a razor‑sharp psychological thriller that plays out like an irresistible cat‑and‑mouse game. We follow Millie, a former convict desperate for a fresh start, who lands a job working for the wealthy Winchester family. Their home is stunning, the pay is good… but something is very wrong behind those perfect doors. What unfolds is a deliciously twisty, edge‑of‑your‑seat story that keeps readers turning pages long past bedtime.
With a film adaptation out now, there’s never been a better time to dive into the book that started it all — especially if you want to experience the twists before they hit the screen.
If you loved this, try:
- The Housemaid's Secret (the sequel)
- Never Lie (another claustrophobic, twist-heavy thriller)
The Housemaid's Secret (2023)
Why we love it:
- Delivers everything readers adore about Freida McFadden: a fast, addictive plot packed with sharp twists.
- Carries a slightly lighter, more playful tone than the first book — making it an easy, highly enjoyable follow‑up.
The Housemaid's Secret picks up with Millie as she continues working as a maid, doing her best to stay afloat. When she’s hired by Douglas Garrick — with the unusual condition that she must never disturb his frail, reclusive wife — she senses something isn’t quite right.
All the hallmarks of the first book are back: the breathless pacing, the clever misdirection, the reveals that keep you guessing. But this instalment brings a subtly lighter touch, making it an appealing entry point for new readers and a satisfying next step for fans of The Housemaid.
The Housemaid is Watching (2024)
Why we love it:
- The epilogue delivers a golden twist that will leave your jaw on the floor.
- A binge‑in‑one‑sitting thriller — perfect for breaking a reading slump.
The Housemaid is Watching jumps forward eleven years after the events of the second book, catching up with Millie, her husband Enzo, and their children as they settle into a seemingly peaceful new neighbourhood. But when a neighbour quietly warns Millie to “be careful of your neighbours,” it’s clear that this picture‑perfect cul‑de‑sac is hiding something far darker.
Fast‑paced, addictive, and packed with tension, this instalment is a must‑read for thriller lovers. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading the first two books adds a richer layer of character history — and makes the twists hit even harder.
Dr. Jane McGill Books
Devil Wears Scrubs (2013)
Why we love it:
- A light, fast‑paced read that’s easy to devour in an afternoon.
- Brilliant tonal shifts — moving from sharp humour to heartfelt moments in just a few pages.
Not every Freida McFadden novel leans into dark suspense, and The Devil Wears Scrubs is a perfect example of her lighter side. This short, witty comedy follows Dr. Jane McGill, a 25‑year‑old medical intern trying to survive the emotional and physical chaos of hospital life — all while working under a notoriously harsh senior resident.
Despite the gruelling setting, the story is anything but bleak. It’s breezy, funny, and packed with relatable moments about friendship, resilience, and the absurdity of early medical training. A refreshing change of pace for McFadden fans and a delightful pick‑me‑up for anyone craving something fun and fast.
The Devil You Know (2017)
Why we love it:
- A delightfully wry, funny read that still isn’t afraid to explore deeper themes.
- A wonderfully flawed, relatable lead character you can’t help rooting for.
The Devil You Know reunites readers with Dr. Jane McGill as she crosses paths with an old flame, Dr. Ryan Reilly. On paper, Jane’s life is everything she once hoped for — a loving husband, a family she adores, and a career she’s proud of. But the sudden reappearance of Ryan stirs up old feelings and tests the boundaries of the life she’s built. It’s light, clever, and full of the kind of messy humanity that makes Jane feel so real.
Standalone Psychological Thrillers
The Wife Upstairs (2015)
Why we love it:
- A quick, fast‑paced thriller that’s perfect for devouring in a single weekend.
The Wife Upstairs transports readers to an upscale Alabama neighbourhood, where Jane — a dog walker trying to keep her life afloat — becomes entangled with the wealthy and enigmatic Rochester family. What begins as a brush with privilege quickly spirals into a web of secrets, shifting loyalties, and unexpected twists.
If you’ve been enjoying McFadden’s trademark blend of tension, intrigue, and gasp‑worthy reveals, this one will hit all the right notes. It’s sharp, addictive, and every bit as satisfying as her most popular thrillers.
The Surrogate Mother (2018)
Why we love it:
- A gripping psychological thriller with an ending that lands epically.
- A tense, twist‑filled exploration of complicated family dynamics and the dark side of desire.
The Surrogate Mother is another gripping psychological thriller from Freida McFadden. It follows Abby Adler, who is desperate to become a parent after years of heartbreak. When her seemingly perfect assistant Monica offers to be her surrogate, it feels like a lifeline — until unsettling details about Monica’s past begin to surface. As trust fractures and motives twist, Abby realises the woman carrying her child may not be who she claims to be.
Dark, addictive, and full of sharp turns, this is McFadden at her most chilling.
The Ex (2019)
Why we love it:
- A sharp, insightful portrayal of human relationships at their most complicated.
- Beautifully explores heartbreak, revenge, and the unexpected bonds that form in the aftermath of a broken relationship.
The Ex is a compelling look at what happens after love falls apart. The story follows three women whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined through their shared connection to a charismatic yet deeply enigmatic man. As long‑buried secrets surface and emotions intensify, McFadden deftly unpacks the messy, tangled realities of love, loss, and the choices that shape us.
It’s thoughtful, gripping, and emotionally resonant — a standout exploration of relationships that’s absolutely worth your time.
The Perfect Son (2019)
Why we love it:
- A gripping, dark thriller that keeps you perched on the edge of your seat.
- Packed with unexpected twists — plus a few cleverly placed “decoys” to keep you guessing.
The Perfect Son centres on a mother whose desire for the ideal child pulls her into a dangerous web of secrets, manipulation, and devastating consequences. As the story unfolds, McFadden peels back the layers of family dynamics and hidden motivations, revealing just how far people will go to protect the image of perfection.
It’s tense, twisty, and deeply compelling — showcasing all the hallmarks of McFadden’s best work. If you’re exploring her backlist, this one is an absolute must‑read.
One By One (2020)
Why we love it:
- A fast, easy‑to‑devour thriller that doesn’t demand too much from the reader.
- Interwoven chapters build a steady sense of mystery and tension.
One by One follows Claire Matchett as she heads off on a long‑overdue getaway, hoping for hikes, hot tubs, and a chance to reconnect with her husband. But when their minivan breaks down on a remote dirt road, the trip takes a terrifying turn — and members of their group begin to fall victim one by one.
At just under 300 pages, it’s a lean, pacey thriller that keeps you hooked without overwhelming you. Perfect for a weekend binge.
Want To Know A Secret? (2021)
Why we love it:
- A clever narrative switch three‑quarters of the way through keeps you firmly on the edge of your seat.
- Wildly unbelievable in places — but in exactly the fun, addictive way McFadden fans adore.
Want to Know a Secret? follows April, a YouTube influencer whose life appears picture‑perfect: a beautiful home, a loving husband, and an adorable son. But behind the curated façade lies a tangle of dangerous secrets — and someone out there seems to know every single one of them.
For most of the book, the story unfolds through April’s perspective, pulling you deep into her world before a sharp narrative shift flips everything on its head. It’s twisty, fast, and full of those “wait… what?” moments that send your brain spinning in the best possible way.
The Locked Door (2021)
Why we love it:
- A slow, suspenseful build‑up with a hugely satisfying pay‑off.
- Features one of McFadden’s all‑time great twists — truly impossible to see coming.
How many surgeons do you know who are related to a notorious serial killer? Meet Nora, the unforgettable protagonist at the centre of this dark, addictive thriller. The story shifts between her present‑day life and her unsettling childhood, each chapter revealing another piece of the puzzle.
Beyond its expertly delivered twists, the real strength of this book lies in how gradually and cleverly it pulls you into Nora’s past. You find yourself trying to unpick her story right alongside her — and the final reveal makes the journey more than worth it.
Do Not Disturb (2021)
Why we love it:
- A Hitchcock‑style popcorn thriller that’s pure, page‑turning fun.
- A creeping sense of unease and steady suspense that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Do Not Disturb follows Quinn, who’s on the run after killing her abusive husband. When a sudden snowstorm forces her off the road, she seeks refuge in a remote, rundown motel — and that’s when things take a very dark turn.
The setup is classic, and the book leans into it with confidence. McFadden builds a deliciously eerie atmosphere, layering tension and unease as the story barrels toward its final twist. It’s familiar in the best way: a tight, suspenseful, Hitchcock‑esque thriller that absolutely delivers on its promise.
Do You Remember (2022)
Why we love it:
- An easy read-in-a-day thriller that moves along at a brisk pace.
- A great plot device that allows for plenty of twists.
Tess Strebel is engaged to Harry. She wakes after celebrating their engagement, but something doesn't feel quite right. She's in a home that isn't hers, lying next to a complete stranger who claims to be her husband. It's a great setup for a thriller that leaves plenty of room for drama, and Freida McFadden takes full advantage as the main character tries to piece together what's happened and the fragments of her memory. This book isn't groundbreaking or even one of her best, but it is an enjoyable read-in-a-day thriller that moves along at a brisk pace.
The Inmate (2022)
Why we love it:
- A well-constructed thriller that moves along at a good pace.
- Packed with surprises that keep you fully entertained.
The Inmate leans into a wonderfully outrageous premise: a woman starts a new job at a maximum‑security prison — the same prison where her attempted murderer, and the father of her son, is incarcerated. It’s not a story grounded in strict realism, but that’s exactly the charm.
Sometimes you want a thriller that lets you suspend disbelief, buckle in, and enjoy the ride, and this book delivers that in spades. Fast, twisty, and thoroughly entertaining, it’s the kind of fun, high‑energy read that keeps you turning pages without overthinking a thing.
Never Lie (2022)
Why we love it:
- A clever, high‑energy plot device that keeps the story racing along.
- A jaw‑dropping twist you absolutely won’t see coming.
Never Lie is a wild, addictive ride from start to finish. It follows newlyweds Tricia and Ethan as they search for their dream home and stumble upon a secluded manor once owned by a psychologist who vanished without a trace. When a sudden blizzard traps them inside, they uncover a stash of the doctor’s patient tapes — and that’s where the tension really kicks in.
The setup is simple but incredibly effective, creating the perfect framework for eerie moments, escalating suspense, and a cascade of twists. It’s fast, creepy, and impossible to put down.
Ward D (2023)
Why we love it:
- A solid, suspense‑driven thriller with plenty of tense, edge‑of‑your‑seat moments.
- Alternating timelines that steadily reveal more with each chapter.
Ward D follows medical student Amy Brenner as she spends the night on a locked psychiatric ward — a shift that quickly becomes far more unsettling than she ever expected. With every passing minute, Amy grows more convinced that something is deeply wrong and that everyone inside the unit may be in danger.
McFadden uses past‑and‑present timelines to drip‑feed information and keep the tension simmering. While it doesn’t hinge on one of her trademark wild twists, it’s still a tight, atmospheric thriller packed with suspenseful beats that make it a thoroughly satisfying read.
The Coworker (2023)
Why we love it:
- A fast‑paced cat‑and‑mouse thriller that keeps you racing through chapters.
- Balances plot and character beautifully, with some unexpectedly sweet moments woven in.
The Coworker is classic Freida McFadden: a flawed, compelling protagonist, a plot that moves like an express train, and twists big enough to leave you reeling. The story follows Natalie Farrell, a well‑liked sales rep who realises her awkward coworker Dawn has suddenly gone missing. A phone call soon reveals that Dawn’s oddness isn’t what it seemed — she’s being targeted, and someone close is pulling the strings.
As their lives become unexpectedly intertwined, the book delivers tension, surprises, and just enough warmth to make the characters feel real. At its core, it’s a sharp cat‑and‑mouse thriller that never sacrifices heart for pace — and it’s all the better for it.
The Teacher (2024)
Why we love it:
- Features one of Freida McFadden’s most memorable final twists.
- Pushes the boundaries of disbelief in the best, most entertaining way.
The Teacher throws you straight into the chaos of a school rocked by rumours of a student–teacher affair. When the accuser ends up in Eve’s class — the same class her husband teaches — doubts begin to creep in, and Eve’s once‑steady world starts to unravel.
What follows is a wild, fast‑paced ride, especially in the second half, where the twists get bigger and the stakes get messier. Yes, it stretches believability at times, but that’s part of the fun. If you’re happy to suspend your disbelief and just enjoy the chaos, it’s an incredibly entertaining weekend read.
The Boyfriend (2024)
Why we love it:
- It alternates point of view with a dual timeline, giving you firsthand accounts of parts of the story, adding suspense.
- There are so many twists that you think you've guessed correct, but then you turn the page and are shocked that it went in a different direction, making it unpredictable.
Sydney Shaw, like many single women in New York, has had terrible luck with dating — until she meets Tom, a charming and handsome doctor who seems perfect. However, when a series of brutal murders of young women happen and the primary suspect is a mysterious man who dates his victims before killing them, Sydney starts to suspect the worst. As someone watches her every move, she realises she might be the killer's next target. In classic McFadden style, this is a dark tale of obsession and love that keeps you guessing right until the end... A truly perfect thriller for a stay-cation or rainy day.
The Crash (2025)
Why we love it:
- The premise of being stranded during a blizzard ensures that the story moves quickly, making it hard to put down.
- Readers can connect with the vlnerability and determination of the protagonist.
Freida McFadden's 2025 book release, The Crash, follows Tegan, an eight-months-pregnant woman who, feeling isolated and eager to escape her deteriorating circumstances, decides to drive to her brother's home to plan her next steps. Unbeknownst to her, she drives into a severe blizzard in rural Maine, resulting in a car accident that leaves her stranded with a broken ankle. A couple discovers her and offers shelter in their cabin until the storm passes. However, as time progresses, Tegan becomes increasingly uneasy, realising that the couple's intentions may not be as benevolent as they seem. In true McFadden style, this novel creates intense suspense and unexpected twists. McFadden's talent for weaving relatable characters with chilling plots and shocking reveals makes this book a thrilling, satisfying read for fans of psychological thrillers—and being set in a snowstorm in rural Maine, creates an isolated and claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the growing tension...
The Tenant (2025)
Why we love it:
- A tense, claustrophobic thriller that turns a simple premise into relentless suspense.
- Classic McFadden twists that keep you second‑guessing every character’s motives.
The Tenant delivers a gripping psychological thriller that digs into the dangers of trust and the secrets we hide. Blake Porter, recently unemployed and struggling financially, decides to rent out a room in his brownstone to ease the pressure. Whitney — charming, polite, and conveniently willing to pay in cash — seems like the perfect tenant.
But as strange incidents begin to pile up, Blake grows increasingly convinced that Whitney isn’t who she claims to be… and that she may know far too much about his own buried past. As the tension tightens, Blake realises that the real threat is already inside his home — and getting out may not be an option.
Packed with unease, sharp turns, and McFadden’s trademark final‑page punch, it’s a thriller that keeps you hooked right to the end.
Dear Debbie (2026)
Why we love it:
- A dark, addictive mystery built around a deliciously unsettling premise.
- Classic McFadden tension — secrets, lies, and a slow tightening of dread that keeps you glued to the pages.
Dear Debbie is Freida McFadden’s latest psychological thriller, and it wastes no time pulling you into its eerie central mystery. The story revolves around a series of letters addressed to “Debbie,” each one hinting at buried secrets, dangerous obsessions, and a past someone is desperate to keep hidden. As the letters surface and the truth begins to unravel, the characters are forced to confront the possibility that the threat isn’t coming from the outside — it’s been close all along.
It’s tense, twisty, and packed with that signature McFadden momentum that makes her books so hard to put down. A perfect fresh release for fans who love her blend of suspense and jaw‑dropping reveals.
Short Stories / Novellas
The Gift (2022)
Why we love it:
- A white-knuckle ride of a thriller that moves along at a rollercoaster-like pace.
- A perfect alternative to schmaltzy Christmas books.
The Gift is a short story by Freida McFadden that is set at Christmas. At only 53 pages long, it packs a lot of plot into such a small package. It's set in a diner with Bessie and Stella, who are about to close up for the night, until they realise that a strange woman in the corner has yet to be served. Things unfold from there in this darkly delicious Christmas thriller. With it being a short story, it moves things along at a fair pace and feels sort of like a rollercoaster with you white-knuckling it as you turn each page.
Prescription: Murder Books
Dead Med (2014)
Why we love it:
- It's a nail-biting thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- It is a great depiction of med school life with characters that we love.
Southside Medical School has a reputation, but not a good one. The intense school and high workload could be the culprit of its mental health scandals, but when a murder-suicide takes place, rumours suggest otherwise. This thriller novel is the perfect continuation of Freida McFadden's collections. With twists and turns and a murder mystery, this read is ideal for those who love all of the above.
Brain Damage (2016)
Why we love it:
- A really fun twist on the "Who Done It" novel.
- Interweaving timelines so you feel like you're piecing it together with the main protagonist.
Brain Damage is a slight twist on the classic "Who Done It". There isn't a murder in the first chapter or a reliable protagonist working through every detail. Instead, it follows Charly, a successful dermatologist, who loses her memory after a bullet rips into the right side of a skull. She can't shake the accident or the feeling that there is more to it than meets the eye and sets about trying to discover the identity of who shot her. What makes this really clever is the interweaving timelines, which means that you, as the reader, are piecing the night together at the same time she is. Throw in some of Freida McFaddens's signature dark humour, and you will find one of her most underrated books.
Enjoy!
There you have it — all of Freida McFadden's outstanding novels in one place. If you're not already a fan, these reads are sure to have you hooked from the beginning to the end.
For more author guides, check out our other inspiration posts including Rebecca Yarros books in order and what order to read Tahereh Mafi books.
