Best-selling The Housemaid author Freida McFadden reveals true identity

A long-standing publishing enigma has finally been unraveled as the acclaimed US author behind bestsellers like *The Housemaid* disclosed her real name. For years, readers had speculated about the identity of Freida McFadden, who had built a massive following through her gripping psychological thrillers. Now, she has confirmed that the pseudonym she used for her novels is linked to her actual name, Sara Cohen.

Author’s Dual Life

McFadden, who had previously shared her dual role as a doctor and author but kept her identity under wraps, has finally revealed her true name. “I’ve reached a point where I’m ready to stop hiding,” she said in an interview with USA Today. “People kept questioning if I was a real person or even three men. I’m genuine, and I have nothing to hide.” Her medical career, specializing in brain disorders in Boston, coexisted with her writing life, which began with her first book, *The Devil Wears Scrubs*, published in 2013.

From Pseudonym to Phenomenon

Under the name Freida McFadden, she became the second-highest-selling author in the UK in 2025, with 2.6 million books sold. Her home country saw six million print copies of her works, driven largely by the success of *The Housemaid*, which launched in 2022 and was adapted into a film last year. The movie, starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, further boosted her visibility, though she still trails Julia Donaldson in overall UK sales.

Why the Secret?

McFadden initially adopted the pen name to protect her privacy, especially during her early days as a self-published author. The name was a nod to her medical background, referencing the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database. “Freida felt like a joke only someone in the medical field would get,” she explained. She maintained her dual identity for years, fearing patients might feel awkward about being treated by a bestselling thriller writer. “I want to be seen as a doctor first,” she told the New York Times in 2024. “If they think my books are based on them, it feels unprofessional.”

Revealing the Identity

Her decision to unveil her name came after a colleague at the hospital recognized her in a Freida photo and shared it with others. “The cat is out of the bag,” she said, adding that the revelation didn’t compromise her work since she now works part-time. “I’ve stepped away from my job entirely, only logging in once or twice a month.” She admitted feeling overwhelmed by juggling both roles. “I realized I couldn’t keep up anymore,” she told USA Today.

Keeping the Pen Name Alive

Despite the reveal, McFadden hopes fans will continue to connect with her work through the pen name. “Even though I haven’t shared my real name yet, I’ve always been honest with my readers,” she said. To maintain her dual identity, she still uses a wig during public appearances, joking that it’s because “I don’t know how to style my hair.” Her fans, known as McFans and Freida Readahs, remain a loyal audience, and she sees no reason to change the way they know her.

With her identity now public, McFadden’s story blends the worlds of medicine and literature, offering a glimpse into the life of a woman who has mastered both. Her upcoming books, including *Dear Debbie*, continue to dominate bestseller lists, proving that her talent transcends the veil of mystery.