Freida McFadden is one of the most recognized names in contemporary psychological thrillers, best known for her bestsellers like The Housemaid and The Locked Door. With a remarkable rise in popularity, McFadden has captivated readers worldwide with her gripping narratives, creating an impressive literary career. This article explores Freida McFadden’s net worth, the factors contributing to her success, and the story behind her incredible journey from medicine to becoming a bestselling author.
Freida McFadden Bio:
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Freida H. McFadden |
Pen Name | Freida McFadden |
Date of Birth | May 1, 1980 |
Age | 45 years old (as of 2025) |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Thriller Author, Physician (Brain Injury Specialist) |
Education | Harvard University (Undergraduate) |
Place of Birth | New York City, USA |
Books Published | Multiple bestselling books, including The Housemaid |
Net Worth | $10M |
Notable Work | The Housemaid (2022, International Bestseller) |
Upcoming Movie | The Housemaid (Movie adaptation, release December 25, 2025) |
Movie Cast | Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar |
Movie Director | Paul Feig |
Book Publishing Method | Self-published (Amazon KDP) |
Who is Freida McFadden?
Freida McFadden (born May 1, 1980) is the pen name of an American thriller author and practicing physician specializing in brain injury. Originally from New York City, McFadden attended Harvard University as an undergraduate and now practices medicine in the Boston area. She self-published her first book through Amazon KDP in 2013 and has since gained significant recognition in the literary world. Her 2022 book The Housemaid became an international bestseller, and a movie adaptation of the book is set to be produced by Lionsgate. The movie, scheduled for release on December 25, 2025, will feature a cast including Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar, with Paul Feig directing.
Freida McFadden Real Name
Freida McFadden is a pen name, and her real name is Freida H. McFadden. Like many authors, she chose to use a pen name to separate her personal identity from her professional life. The use of a pen name is also common in the world of fiction writers, allowing them to create a distinct public persona for their work.
Transition from Medicine to Writing
Before becoming a full-time writer, McFadden worked in the medical field, specifically in healthcare administration. However, her love for storytelling eventually led her to pursue writing, a decision that changed the course of her life. Her experience in the medical field influences her writing, adding depth to her characters and creating suspenseful, believable plots.
Freida McFadden’s Transition from Medicine to Writing
Freida McFadden’s shift from a career in medicine to becoming an author is a testament to her passion for creativity and storytelling. After years of working in healthcare, McFadden decided to take a leap of faith and pursue her dream of writing full-time. The decision was not easy, but it allowed her to tap into her creative potential, which ultimately led to her success as an author.
Her medical background has given her a unique perspective on human behavior, which is evident in her character development and plot twists. The attention to detail in her writing, particularly in her psychological thrillers, may stem from her time spent working in a field where precision and observation are crucial.
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Freida McFadden Net Worth
Freida McFadden’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This wealth has been generated primarily through her book sales, royalties, and any business ventures she has undertaken. McFadden has managed to build her brand and financial success through consistent publishing and a dedicated readership.

Freida McFadden’s Rise to Fame
Freida McFadden’s rise to fame can be attributed to her relentless work ethic, passion for writing, and keen understanding of human psychology. After self-publishing her first few novels, McFadden’s career took off with the release of The Housemaid, a book that became a massive success, reaching thousands of readers.
Breakout Books
The Housemaid became a sensation and was instrumental in establishing McFadden as a bestselling author. The book’s success was driven by its gripping story, which explores the life of a troubled housemaid and the dark secrets she uncovers. Following its success, McFadden continued to release bestselling books such as The Locked Door and The Wife Between Us, solidifying her place in the literary world.
Impact on Genre
McFadden has made a significant impact on the psychological thriller genre. Her ability to create complex characters, build suspense, and craft unexpected twists has resonated with readers. Her books often explore themes of power dynamics, secrets, and revenge, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Adaptations and Media Presence
While McFadden’s books have not yet been adapted into films or TV series, her immense popularity suggests that such adaptations could be in the future. The media presence surrounding her books, including interviews, podcasts, and social media, continues to grow, contributing to her wealth and fame.
Freida McFadden Books Earnings
Freida McFadden’s primary source of income comes from her books, and the earnings from her book sales are substantial. As a self-published author, she has enjoyed a greater percentage of the profits from her work, which has contributed to her growing wealth.
Book Sales and Revenue
McFadden’s books are available through major platforms like Amazon, where she has sold millions of copies worldwide. Her revenue from book sales, both physical and digital, is considerable, especially given the large number of readers she has reached. McFadden’s ability to consistently release new books has also helped maintain her income stream.
Royalties
Royalties from McFadden’s books and any future adaptations are a significant part of her earnings. As her books continue to sell, the royalties from each sale provide a steady income. Additionally, McFadden’s success has positioned her as a well-known name in the literary world, leading to more lucrative opportunities for future book deals and licensing agreements.
Freida McFadden’s Success Story and Awards
Freida McFadden’s journey to thriller writing success is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a self-published author on Amazon in 2013, she quickly gained a devoted following with her gripping psychological thrillers. Her breakthrough came with The Housemaid in 2022, which became an international bestseller. The book earned her a nomination for the International Thriller Writers Award and a spot in the 2023 Goodreads Choice Awards for The Housemaid’s Secret. With her works translated into over 30 languages and a movie adaptation on the way, McFadden’s impact on the thriller genre is undeniable and continues to grow.
Freida McFadden’s Top Books
Freida McFadden has written numerous books that have captivated readers. Some of her top books include:
- The Housemaid: A thrilling psychological drama about a troubled housemaid with a dark past.
- The Locked Door: A suspenseful tale that explores secrets, betrayal, and revenge.
- The Wife Between Us: A gripping story of deception and obsession, told from multiple perspectives.
These books, along with others, have contributed significantly to her success and are among her top sellers.
How Many Books Does Freida McFadden Have?
As of 2025, Freida McFadden has published over 15 books, including both standalone novels and series. Her ability to release new works consistently has played a key role in her success, and her growing bibliography is one of the reasons she continues to attract new readers.
What Contributes to Freida McFadden’s Success?
Several factors have contributed to Freida McFadden’s success, including:
Writing Style
McFadden’s writing is known for its sharp, suspenseful narratives and deeply flawed characters. Her ability to build tension and create unexpected twists keeps readers engaged and coming back for more.
Social Media & Marketing
McFadden has successfully utilized social media to engage with her audience, promoting her books and connecting with fans. Her marketing efforts, including newsletters and direct reader interaction, have helped boost her visibility.
Platform | Link | Followers |
---|---|---|
@fmcfaddenauthor | 130k | |
Freida McFadden Author | 3k | |
@freida_mcfadden | 36k |
Reader Reception
Her ability to connect with readers has been a major factor in her success. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth have fueled her popularity, leading to continued book sales.
Freida McFadden’s Personal Life and Investments
Freida McFadden, a successful thriller author and practicing physician specializing in brain injury, prefers to keep her personal life out of the spotlight. While details are scarce, it’s known that she resides outside of Boston with her husband and two children. In a rare glimpse into her family life, McFadden once mentioned her seven-year-old daughter named Emma in a Goodreads quote. Despite her growing fame, she values her privacy and maintains a sense of normalcy away from the literary world.
Lifestyle
McFadden enjoys the fruits of her hard work, leading a comfortable and fulfilling life. She often shares glimpses of her life and work on social media, keeping her fans engaged.
Philanthropy
McFadden has also been involved in charity work, although specific causes she supports are not widely publicized. Like many authors, she may choose to keep her charitable endeavors private.
FAQs
What is Freida McFadden’s most popular book?
Her most popular book is The Housemaid, which became a major bestseller and catapulted her to fame.
How much does Freida McFadden earn per book?
While exact earnings per book are not publicly disclosed, McFadden likely earns a significant amount from both book sales and royalties.
Has Freida McFadden had any books adapted for film or TV?
As of now, none of McFadden’s books have been adapted into films or TV series, but given her popularity, such adaptations may be a possibility in the future.
What is Freida McFadden’s real name?
Her real name is Freida H. McFadden, and she uses a pen name for her writing career.
How many books has Freida McFadden published?
Freida McFadden has published over 15 books as of 2025, with many more planned for the future.
Conclusion
Freida McFadden’s journey from medicine to bestselling author is a remarkable story of persistence and passion. Through her bestselling books, successful self-publishing career, and ability to connect with readers, McFadden has built a substantial net worth. As she continues to release new books and grow her fanbase, her future in the literary world looks incredibly promising