If you are a reader like me, or even if you’re not, you’ve probably heard of the author Freida McFadden. Her thriller novels have been becoming increasingly popular, especially on BookTok, and a movie adaptation is even set to be released in December. However, like everything popular on the internet, it is hard to tell what is actually good and what is just overhyped. So, what category do Freida McFadden’s books fall under?
Well, as an avid reader of both thrillers and mysteries, I felt inclined to pick up one of her books a little over a year ago. And, well, let’s just say I fell into a bit of a rabbit hole: I ended up reading every single book of hers in six months. All her books are fast-paced, thrilling, and easy to read, so I quickly devoured all of them. So, if you, too, have heard of her and want recommendations — or if you just want a fun thriller novel — here is a compilation of the five best Freida McFadden books from someone who has read them all.
- “The Housmaid” Series
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Although it is a predictable beginning to the list, as they are arguably her most famous and recognized novels, this trilogy is completely worth the hype. The first novel follows a young woman named Millie, who is desperate to find work after getting released from prison. Due to her past, she struggles to find any place that will accept her until she meets a seemingly perfect family who offer her a job as a live-in housekeeper. Although everything goes well at first, she quickly begins to realize that something is not quite right … This novel is extremely suspenseful, and you will be unable to put it down after you read the first chapter.
- “Never Lie”
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This book easily ranks as my favorite Freida McFadden novel and one of my favorite books of all time. The chilling elements of this novel give it a creepier vibe than most of her other books, which makes it perfect for horror lovers. The book follows a newlywed couple, Tricia and Ethan, as they attend a showing of a remote manor in the woods that used to belong to a psychiatrist who disappeared four years earlier. When looking around, Tricia stumbles upon a secret room filled with tapes that reveal a horrifying truth about the psychiatrist who used to live there. If you have to choose only one book from the list to read, I would recommend this one due to the mind-blowing twists and its eerie nature that make it truly stand out.
- “Do Not Disturb”
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Arguably, the most underrated Freida McFadden novel that deserves way more attention and recognition than it has received. This book takes a bit more of a serious tone as it touches heavily on domestic violence. The story follows Quinn as she goes on the run following her murder of her husband. She tries to drive up to the Canadian border before anyone finds out what she’s done, but she is quickly derailed by a snowstorm that forces her to take shelter at a small motel, whose dark and gruesome past quickly comes to light. If you prefer books that take a more serious tone and tackle more complex topics, this is definitely the pick for you, and I would not hesitate to pick it up from a bookstore or library!
- “Want to Know a Secret”
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If Do Not Disturb seemed too serious, and you are looking for something more fun that is still suspenseful and mysterious, this next pick is for you. Want to Know a Secret follows YouTube star and stay-at-home mom April. Online, April is revered: she has a big house in the suburbs, has a successful marriage, and has a successful channel with a good viewership. However, April’s seeming perfection is only a facade, but that is a secret she’ll protect at all costs. This book gives serious Desperate Housewives vibes, and its suburban setting gives it a unique factor that sets it apart from other books on this list. Overall, I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking for a well-deserved brain break!
- “The Intruder”
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Last, but certainly not least, The Intruder is Freida McFadden’s latest novel that totally blew me out of the park. The characters in this book are its stand-out feature, and I grew attached to them the most out of any Freida McFadden story. This book follows Casey, who lives alone in a remote cabin in the woods, when a hurricane hits. Her old roof threatens to collapse on her during the storm, but that quickly becomes the least of her problems when a young girl, covered in blood, breaks into her garage. A mysterious and chilling story, The Intruder is definitely not a book to miss.
Whether you have read any of Freida McFadden’s books or not, hopefully, this list gave you some ideas of books to pick up and enjoy!
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