If you’re a fan of heart-pounding psychological thrillers that keep you up all night, Freida McFadden is a name you’ve likely come across. Known for her gripping plots, shocking twists, and complex characters, McFadden has taken the thriller world by storm, earning accolades like the International Thriller Writers Award and Goodreads Choice Awards. Whether you’re new to her work or a dedicated fan, finding Freida McFadden books in order is key to fully enjoying her captivating stories, especially her popular series like The Housemaid. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide a complete Freida McFadden book list in publication order, share insights into her writing style, and offer tips on the best Freida McFadden reading order. Let’s dive into the suspenseful world of one of today’s top thriller authors!
Who Is Freida McFadden?
Freida McFadden is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Charts bestselling author who has mastered the art of crafting psychological thriller books. A practicing physician specializing in brain injuries, McFadden brings a unique perspective to her writing, blending medical expertise with suspenseful storytelling. Born in New York City and a Harvard graduate, she began her writing career by self-publishing her debut novel, The Devil Wears Scrubs, in 2013. Since then, she’s released numerous Freida McFadden psychological thrillers that have captivated readers worldwide, with translations in over 40 languages.
Her writing style is defined by fast-paced narratives, unreliable narrators, and jaw-dropping plot twists that keep readers guessing until the final page. Fans of authors like Gillian Flynn or Lisa Jewell are drawn to McFadden’s ability to weave dark, psychological suspense with relatable characters. Her books, such as The Housemaid and Never Lie, are celebrated for their intensity and unpredictability, making her a standout in the mystery authors genre.
Freida McFadden Books in Order

Below is a complete list of Freida McFadden books in order of publication, including her series and standalone novels. This Freida McFadden book list is perfect for readers who want to explore her work chronologically or dive into her bestselling series. The table format is designed for clarity and to optimize for featured snippets.
| # | Title | Publication Year | Series/Standalone | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Devil Wears Scrubs | 2013 | Dr. Jane McGill #1 | Dr. Jane McGill, a new medical intern, navigates the chaotic world of hospital residency while facing a ruthless supervisor. A witty medical comedy. |
| 2 | Suicide Med (re-released as Dead Med in 2024) | 2014 | Standalone | A medical student uncovers dark secrets at her school when students start dying mysteriously. |
| 3 | Baby City | 2015 | Standalone | Dr. Maggie Maguire balances her demanding obstetrician career with personal chaos in this humorous medical novel. |
| 4 | The Psyching (Short Story) | 2015 | Standalone | A quick, suspenseful tale exploring psychological manipulation. |
| 5 | Brain Damage | 2016 | Standalone | Dr. Charly McKenna, a neurosurgeon, faces memory loss after a gunshot wound, unraveling a mystery to find her attacker. |
| 6 | The Devil You Know | 2017 | Dr. Jane McGill #2 | Now a seasoned doctor, Jane faces new challenges with difficult colleagues and patients in this medical comedy sequel. |
| 7 | The Perfect Son | 2020 | Standalone | Erika Cass suspects her seemingly perfect son is involved in a girl’s disappearance, leading to chilling revelations. |
| 8 | The Ex | 2020 | Standalone | Emma uncovers dark secrets when her ex-husband’s new wife goes missing, diving into her past marriage’s mysteries. |
| 9 | The Surrogate Mother | 2020 | Standalone | A woman becomes a surrogate but discovers the couple’s dangerous intentions in this gripping thriller. |
| 10 | The Wife Upstairs | 2020 | Standalone | Victoria Barnett, impaired after an accident, relies on a nurse to reveal her secrets, but is she as helpless as she seems? |
| 11 | One By One | 2020 | Standalone | A group of friends at a remote cabin is hunted by an unknown assailant, creating a tense survival thriller. |
| 12 | Want to Know a Secret? | 2021 | Standalone | A housewife’s perfect life unravels as dark secrets about her neighbors come to light. |
| 13 | The Locked Door | 2021 | Standalone | Nora Davis discovers her father’s murderous past and faces new dangers tied to a mysterious locked door. |
| 14 | Do Not Disturb | 2021 | Standalone | A woman fleeing an abusive relationship finds herself in a sinister motel, questioning her safety. |
| 15 | Do You Remember? | 2022 | Standalone | A woman with amnesia pieces together her past, uncovering secrets better left forgotten. |
| 16 | The Housemaid | 2022 | The Housemaid #1 | Millie, an ex-convict, takes a job as a housemaid for the Winchesters, uncovering their dark secrets. |
| 17 | The Inmate | 2022 | Standalone | A nurse working at a prison gets entangled in a dangerous conspiracy involving an inmate from her past. |
| 18 | Never Lie | 2022 | Standalone | A couple house-hunting discovers a chilling secret about the previous owner, unraveling a web of lies. |
| 19 | The Gift (Novelette) | 2022 | Standalone | A thrilling Christmas novelette about a mysterious gift with shocking consequences. |
| 20 | The Housemaid’s Secret | 2023 | The Housemaid #2 | Millie takes a new maid job for a wealthy family, uncovering more dangerous secrets. |
| 21 | Ward D | 2023 | Standalone | Medical student Amy Brenner faces terrifying events during a night shift on a locked psychiatric ward. |
| 22 | The Coworker | 2023 | Standalone | A workplace thriller where a woman suspects her odd coworker is hiding a deadly secret. |
| 23 | The Teacher | 2024 | Standalone | A math teacher’s perfect life unravels when a scandal involving a student-teacher affair reveals hidden truths. |
| 24 | The Housemaid Is Watching | 2024 | The Housemaid #3 | Years later, Millie’s new suburban life with her family is threatened by a mysterious neighbor and maid. |
| 25 | The Boyfriend | 2024 | Standalone | Sydney’s perfect new boyfriend may be linked to a string of brutal murders, shaking her trust. |
| 26 | Death Row (Alibis Collection) | 2025 | Standalone | Talia Kemper, on death row for murdering her husband, discovers he may still be alive as her execution nears. |
| 27 | The Crash | 2025 | Standalone | Tegan, pregnant and stranded in a blizzard, suspects her rescuers have sinister intentions in this upcoming thriller. |
| 28 | The Intruder | 2025 | Standalone | A forthcoming thriller about a couple facing a dangerous home invasion, set for release on October 7, 2025. |
Note: Freida McFadden has confirmed that Echoes of Secrets is not her work, as another author used her name illegally. Always verify book authenticity.
Upcoming Releases
Freida McFadden continues to thrill fans with new releases. The Intruder (October 7, 2025) promises another suspenseful tale, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. Stay updated via Freida McFadden’s official website or Goodreads.
Reading Order Tips
Wondering about the Freida McFadden reading order? Most of her books are standalone novels, so you can dive into any title without needing prior context. However, her two series—The Housemaid and Dr. Jane McGill—are best read in order for character development and plot continuity. Here are some tips for the best Freida McFadden book series experience:
- Start with The Housemaid Series: Begin with The Housemaid (2022), followed by The Housemaid’s Secret (2023) and The Housemaid Is Watching (2024). This series is McFadden’s most popular, with Millie’s story offering intense suspense and shocking twists.
- Dr. Jane McGill Series for Humor: If you prefer lighter, comedic reads, start with The Devil Wears Scrubs (2013) and follow with The Devil You Know (2017).
- New Readers: The Housemaid or Never Lie are excellent entry points due to their popularity and gripping narratives. They showcase McFadden’s signature style.
- Check for New Releases: Follow McFadden on social media or platforms like BookNotification to stay updated on Freida McFadden new releases.
For a deeper dive into thriller recommendations, check out our blog post on Best Psychological Thriller Authors.
Why Read Freida McFadden’s Books?
Freida McFadden’s novels are a must-read for fans of psychological thriller books. Her stories combine suspense, betrayal, and unexpected twists that keep readers glued to the page. Titles like The Housemaid (Goodreads rating: 4.3/5) and Never Lie (4.4/5) are praised for their fast pacing and shocking reveals. Readers on X have shared their love for her work, with one fan noting, “All books by Freida McFadden are page-turners!”
Her medical background adds authenticity, especially in novels like Brain Damage and Ward D, where hospital settings amplify the tension. If you enjoy authors like Ruth Ware, Shari Lapena, or Gillian Flynn, McFadden’s blend of domestic suspense and psychological depth will hook you. Her ability to craft relatable yet flawed characters makes every story immersive, whether it’s a murderous secret in The Locked Door or a chilling workplace dynamic in The Coworker.
Conclusion
Freida McFadden’s books offer a thrilling escape for anyone who loves a good plot twist. This Freida McFadden books in order guide makes it easy to navigate her extensive catalog, from the blockbuster Housemaid series to gripping standalones like Never Lie. Whether you’re drawn to her dark psychological thrillers or her witty medical comedies, there’s something for every reader. Start with The Housemaid for a taste of her best work, and don’t miss her upcoming 2025 releases like The Intruder. Which Freida McFadden psychological thriller is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments, or explore more book reviews on our blog to find your next read!

