Best-selling The Housemaid author Freida McFadden reveals true identity
Best-selling The Housemaid author Freida McFadden reveals true identity
The enigma surrounding the identity of Freida McFadden, a globally recognized author, has finally been resolved. The renowned American writer, known for her gripping novels like The Housemaid, has disclosed that she is Sara Cohen, a medical professional who has long concealed her real name from readers. McFadden, who has never hidden her use of a pseudonym, had maintained the secret until now, sharing her real identity with USA Today.
Cohen’s revelation comes as her pen name continues to dominate literary circles. In the UK, McFadden ranked second in the best-selling authors of 2025, with over 2.6 million copies sold. In the United States, her total print sales exceeded six million. This success is largely attributed to The Housemaid, which launched in 2022 and was adapted into a film last year, featuring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Only Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo, surpassed McFadden’s sales in the UK during that year.
McFadden’s writing career flourished alongside her work as a doctor specializing in neurological disorders in Boston. Her transition to part-time work in 2023 allowed her to step away from her dual life, making it easier to reveal her true identity. “I realized I was overwhelmed from trying to do both,” she said in an interview with USA Today. “I wanted to keep it a secret until I was ready to focus on my writing without the pressure of maintaining two personas.”
The origin of the pseudonym
Cohen initially adopted the name Freida to create a sense of anonymity while self-publishing her debut novel, The Devil Wears Scrubs, in 2013. The pen name was inspired by a medical acronym—Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database—making it a clever inside joke. She explained that the choice was deliberate, as she wanted to separate her medical work from her literary pursuits.
“At work, I want to be a doctor,” she said in a 2024 New York Times interview. “Many of my books include medical themes, and I didn’t want patients questioning if a story was based on them.” Her caution extended to public appearances, where she wore a wig during events as Freida, admitting, “I have no idea how to style my hair.” Despite the secrecy, she emphasized her commitment to authenticity with readers, stating, “Everything I’ve shared with them has been the truth.”
In 2025, the veil was lifted when a colleague recognized her in a Freida-related photo and shared it with others. “The cat is out of the bag,” she remarked, but noted that her fans have remained respectful, refraining from publicizing her real name. She also plans to continue using the pen name, telling USA Today, “I still want my McFans and Freida Readahs to know me by Freida.”
