The Ultimate Reading Guide to Freida McFadden

If, like me, you love psychological thrillers with shocking twists, dark secrets and lies with page-turning suspense, chances are you’ve come across Freida McFadden. Dubbed the “queen of plot twists,” McFadden has taken the thriller world by storm with her addictive writing style and ability to keep readers guessing until you get to the very last page.

Whether you’re already a Freida reader, new to her books or looking for the best reading order, this ultimate guide will walk you through her must-reads, series, and hidden gems.

Who is Freida McFadden?

Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury and an international bestselling author. Her medical background often inspires the dark, psychological depth of her novels. Known for fast-paced thrillers that can be devoured in a single sitting, she has a growing fan base of readers who eagerly anticipate every new release. As of writing this post she has 27 books in total out with a new one out later in 2025 and another in early 2026.

Where to Start with Freida McFadden

The Housemaid Series

The Housemaid is a breakout bestseller that put McFadden on many readers’ radar. Lots of Freida fans recommend starting with this series with its chilling atmosphere and shocking twists, The Housemaid (and its sequels) are perfect if you want to dive straight into the heart of her style.

Series order:

- The Housemaid 

- The Housemaid’s Secret 

- The Housemaids wedding (short story)

- The Housemaid Is Watching 

BOOK TOUR | A LONG TIME BURNING BY J.A.HIGGINS

Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Today I am involved in the book tour for A long time burning by J. A. Higgins. J. A. Higgins was born and raised at Porton Down in Wiltshire, and currently works for the NHS in Salisbury. She has always been fascinated by history, crime and the unexplained. A Long Time Burning is the second book in the Nell Montague Mystery series which explores how horrors from the past are still very relevant today. 

About the book 

Nell has had a terrible year, so she travels to North Chase to find some true Christmas magic. But the town has its own problems; its solstice festival is tainted by the disappearance of two teenage boys and a witch’s curse is blamed. Then, nine-month-old Ava is threatened. Has a medieval killer been awoken or does something else haunt the woods? Nell must battle through horrific nightmares and face her own demons to expose the truth before another child is spirited away. There is magic in the air this Christmas, but behind the tinsel and baubles glitters a terrifying secret that one family has hidden for centuries, and only Nell can uncover it.

2023 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN SEPTEMBER

 I've managed to get through five books this month. I do wish I had got round to reading more of my summer reads but they will be read another time now. 

Operation Sunshine by Jenny Colgan

This was the only book I read whilst on holiday. I was very disappointed as I thought I'd enjoy this one much more than I did. It took me awhile to get through which is why I couldn't get to my other summer reads I'd planned.  

2022 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT IVE READ IN DECEMBER

Another great month for reading. I've not managed to reach my goal for the year of 70 books but I've read 58 which I'm happy with. This month I've managed to get through 6 books. I'm looking forward to a fresh new year and I've got some great sounding reads on my to be read pile.  Let's get onto what I have read this month.

Magpie by Elizabeth Day

Marisa and Jake are a perfect couple, and Kate, their new lodger, is the perfect roommate.  Except no one is perfect. Sure, Kate doesn’t seem to care much about personal boundaries and can occasionally seem overly familiar with Jake, but Marisa doesn’t let it concern her. Kate will soon be gone, and it will just be her, Jake, and their future baby. The twist was unexpected and I like that it touches on infertility and mental health. 

2022 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN NOVEMBER

After 2 months of not reading much I've picked up on reading again and have managed to read four books. Although one of them I have been reading since the beginning of September each day. Three out of the four are thrillers which tends to be my go to genre as I love a book with good twists and turns.

Watch her fall by Erin Kelly 

Ava Kirilova has reached the very top of her profession. After years and years of hard graft, pain and sacrifice as part of the London Russian Ballet Company, allowing nothing else to distract her, she is finally the poster girl for Swan Lake. Even Mr K - her father, and the intense, terrifying director of the company - can find no fault. Ava has pushed herself ahead of countless other talented, hardworking girls, and they are all watching her now.But there is someone who really wants to see Ava fall ...

2022 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN AUGUST

I'm surprised that I've managed to read as much as I have this month especially with it being the summer holidays. I've read 6 books 1 which is a non fiction and 3 are a series.

Freckles by Cecila Ahern

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

2022 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN JULY

July has been a really good month for reading. I've read five books which are a great mix of genres from thrillers to a light hearted romance. 

2022 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN JUNE

This month's reads have included 3 non fiction and two fiction books. I'm 48% the way through my reading challenge which I'm hoping I'll be able to complete this year. 

Life without diabetes by Professor Roy Taylor 

My diabetes hasn't been controlled since my diagnosis in 2019. I picked this book up from my local library and I've found it to be really informative. I like that he explains exactly what is happening in the body as type 2 diabetes develops and shows how you can live a full and healthy life beyond it. The only thing that bothered me was the 3-step Newcastle weight loss programme. Even though it is meant to help with diabetes reversal I felt uncomfortable with the fasting idea.

2022 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN MAY

It's been another great reading month. 8 reads overall, 5 of which have been short reads. There have definitely been a good mix this month and I've found a new author I want to read more from.

Sofia Khan and the baby blues by Ayisha Malik

 This is the first book by this author I have read but probably wont read anymore from her. Sofia Khan is going about everything the wrong way. At least, that's what her mother, Mehnaz, thinks. Sofia is twice-divorced, homeless and - worst of all - refusing to give up on a fostered baby girl. She's planning to adopt Millie, and she's sure it'll be worth it. As Sofia starts to live the life she has chosen then someone comes back from the past - and not even Sofia's own past. Suddenly, she's faced with a choice. To do what's best for those she loves, Sofia might have to break her own heart. And she might find herself needing the last person she expected . . .