The Best Order to Read Freida McFadden’s Books

Freida McFadden has become a phenomenon in the world of psychological thrillers, captivating millions of readers with her fast-paced plots, unreliable narrators, and signature shocking twists. Her prolific output and gripping style make her books irresistible, but for a new reader, her extensive bibliography can be a daunting landscape to navigate.

So, where do you begin? While most of Freida McFadden’s novels are standalones that can be enjoyed in any order, there are a few strategic approaches to maximize your reading experience. This guide will help you choose the best order to read her books, whether you’re a first-timer, a completist, or looking for a specific type of thrill.

 

The Most Popular Order: A Perfect Starting Point

If you’re new to Freida McFadden’s work, the best way to dive in is by starting with her most acclaimed and widely read novels. This order guarantees you’ll get a taste of her best work, beginning with the book that launched her into the stratosphere of popular fiction.

The Housemaid (2022)

This is the quintessential Freida McFadden experience. It’s her breakout hit for a reason, featuring an unforgettable premise, relentless suspense, and a twist that left readers stunned. It’s the perfect introduction to her mastery of the genre.

The Housemaid’s Secret (2023)

This is the only direct sequel in her entire collection, so it’s essential to read it immediately after The Housemaid. It picks up the story and deepens the mysteries of the original, offering a new dose of suspense and a fresh perspective on the events of the first book.

Never Lie (2022)

Another fan favorite, this novel is celebrated for its claustrophobic tension and brilliantly executed twist. The story’s structure—told through alternating timelines and a suspenseful countdown—is a fantastic example of her compelling style.

The Locked Door (2021)

This book showcases Freida McFadden’s knack for intertwining her medical expertise with psychological horror. It’s a chilling story of family secrets and a dark past that resurfaces, packed with the kind of shocking reveals her fans love.

The Coworker (2023)

A masterful blend of workplace drama and psychological thriller, The Coworker is a recent hit that demonstrates her continued evolution as an author. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy stories centered around obsessive relationships and unexpected power dynamics.

The Chronological Order: Following an Author’s Evolution

For readers who want to experience the full breadth of Freida McFadden’s career, reading her books in the order they were published is a rewarding journey. You’ll witness her themes develop and her signature twists become even more refined over time.

• The Devil Wears Scrubs (2018)

 

• The Housemaid (2022)

• Want to Know a Secret? (2021)
• The Locked Door (2021)
• The Inmate (2022)
• Never Lie (2022)
• The Housemaid’s Secret (2023)
• The Coworker (2023)
• The House Across the Lake (2022)
• The Teacher (2023)
• The Housemaid is Watching (2024)

Thematic Reading Orders: For Specific Thrills

Freida McFadden often revisits themes, particularly those related to her background as a physician. These thematic lists help you find exactly the kind of story you’re in the mood for.

 

For the Medical Thriller Fan:

These books feature medical professionals, institutional settings, or plots that lean heavily into a medical or psychiatric backdrop.

1. The Locked Door: The protagonist is the daughter of a notorious serial killer who was a surgeon.
2. The Inmate: A psychological thriller set inside a psychiatric institution.
3. The Coworker: A story with characters who work at a nutritional supplement company, where a strange disappearance leads to dark secrets.
4. The Devil Wears Scrubs: A humorous take on her medical experience, offering a different kind of thrill.
5. The Housemaid: The main character has a traumatic past that is explored through psychological healing.

 

For the “Twist-Heavy” Enthusiast:

If you’re purely chasing the rush of an unpredictable ending, these books are renowned for their shocking reveals.

1. Never Lie: Arguably her most praised book for its clever, multilayered twist.
2. The Housemaid: The twist is a masterpiece of misdirection that will change everything you thought you knew.
3. The Coworker: Contains one of her most disturbing and memorable reveals to date.
4. The Locked Door: A chilling and unexpected family secret completely recontextualizes the story.
5. The House Across the Lake: While the plot feels familiar at first, it contains a supernatural twist that separates it from her other works.

 

For the Standalone Reader:

Since most of her books are not part of a series, you can pick any of these up without prior reading. The only book you must read as a sequel is The Housemaid’s Secret.

• The Locked Door
• Never Lie
• The Coworker
• The Inmate
• The House Across the Lake
• The Teacher
• Want to Know a Secret?
• The Devil Wears Scrubs

What age are Freida McFadden books for?

Freida McFadden’s books do not have an official age rating, but their content is generally intended for a mature audience. The novels frequently feature themes of domestic violence, psychological abuse, murder, graphic situations, and intense suspense. While they are often considered suitable for young adults aged 16 and older and adults, a reader’s comfort level with dark themes, psychological manipulation, and mature situations should be the primary guide. Parents and readers should exercise discretion based on individual maturity and sensitivity.

 

Authors like Freida McFadden

If you’ve finished Freida McFadden’s entire collection and are looking for more of the same fast-paced, twisty suspense, several authors share her knack for high-stakes psychological thrillers.

• Shari Lapena: The master of domestic suspense, her novels like The Couple Next Door and The End of Her are known for their rapid pacing and shocking, close-to-home twists.
• B.A. Paris: Known for her unreliable narrators and “what would you do?” domestic thrillers such as Behind Closed Doors and The Breakdown.
• Gillian Flynn: If you enjoy complex, morally ambiguous protagonists, her work, including the iconic Gone Girl, offers a deeper, darker dive into the psychology of crime.
• Alice Feeney: With clever plots and narrators who keep you guessing, Feeney’s books like Sometimes I Lie and Rock Paper Scissors are perfect for readers who love a truly mind-bending reveal.
• Ashley Audrain: Her work, like The Push, delves into the darker side of motherhood and family life with a suspenseful, unsettling tone that will appeal to fans of Freida McFadden’s more psychological themes.

A Final Note on the Housemaid Series

To avoid any confusion, remember that The Housemaid (Book 1), The Housemaid’s Secret (Book 2), and The Housemaid Is Watching (Book 3) are a connected trilogy. These three books must be read in order. Reading any of the others out of order will not impact your enjoyment, but these three are a continuous narrative.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no “wrong” way to read Freida McFadden’s books. Her strength lies in crafting self-contained, thrilling stories that immediately grab your attention. Whether you start with her biggest hit, follow her career chronologically, or dive into a list based on your favorite themes, you’re guaranteed to find a gripping page-turner. The best reading order is simply the one that gets you reading. Happy thrilling!