Best-selling The Housemaid author Freida McFadden reveals true identity
Best-selling The Housemaid author Freida McFadden reveals true identity
A long-standing publishing enigma has finally been resolved as the acclaimed American writer known to readers worldwide as Freida McFadden disclosed her real name. The author, whose medical-themed thrillers have captivated millions, has now revealed she is Sara Cohen, a physician who has successfully balanced her dual careers for years.
Success of The Housemaid fuels global fame
McFadden’s 2022 novel The Housemaid became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a film release last year starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Under the pseudonym, she ranked second in the UK’s 2025 bestseller list, selling 2.6 million books, while her home country saw six million print copies sold. Only Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo surpassed these figures in the UK that year.
From doctor to author: A hidden identity
Cohen initially adopted the name Freida to maintain anonymity when self-publishing her debut work, The Devil Wears Scrubs, in 2013. The pseudonym was a nod to her medical background, referencing the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database. She continued writing while working in Boston as a brain disorders specialist, her literary career taking off with psychological thrillers. Despite her success, she kept the two identities separate, fearing patients might feel uneasy about being treated by a bestselling author.
Transition to real name
In 2023, Cohen reduced her medical workload, making it easier to unveil her true identity. “My whole goal was to keep it a secret until I was ready to step back from my doctor job,” she explained to USA Today. “Otherwise, everyone I worked with would suddenly know, and it would compromise my ability to focus on my role.” She now works part-time, dedicating more time to her writing. “I’ve always been genuine with my readers,” she added. “Even though the name will be a surprise, nothing else will.”
Public persona and privacy
Cohen admitted to the Washington Post that she avoided the spotlight to prevent her patients from associating her with her fictional roles. “I love that people are reading my books, but the focus on me specifically is hard,” she said. “It’s not just about privacy—it’s also about social anxiety. I feared I might not meet the expectations of being ‘that amazing person’ everyone assumes you are.” She shared her real name publicly after a colleague at the hospital recognized her in a Freida photo, sparking the revelation. While the cat is out of the bag, Cohen expressed gratitude for her fans’ continued support. “I still want my McFans and Freida Readahs to know me by the name they’ve come to love,” she said. To manage appearances, she sometimes wears a wig, joking it’s because “I have no idea how to style my hair.”
