Best-selling The Housemaid author Freida McFadden reveals true identity
A Publishing Enigma Unraveled
A long-standing mystery in the literary world has been resolved as the acclaimed author behind bestsellers like *The Housemaid* revealed her true name. Known to millions under the pseudonym Freida McFadden, the writer has now disclosed that her real identity is Sara Cohen. This revelation marks a turning point in her career, as she steps away from the dual life she maintained for years.
The Genesis of a Pseudonym
Cohen initially adopted the name Freida McFadden to conceal her identity while self-publishing her debut novel, *The Devil Wears Scrubs*, in 2013. The pseudonym was born from a medical joke—Freida references the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database, a system used in hospitals. She continued writing under this alias while working as a doctor specializing in brain disorders in Boston, balancing her medical career with her passion for storytelling.
From Doctor to Bestseller
McFadden’s literary success surged with the release of *The Housemaid* in 2022, which later became a film starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. The book propelled her to the second-highest sales in the UK for 2025, with 2.6 million copies sold, and over six million print copies in her home country. Her work, including *Want to Know a Secret?* and *Dear Debbie*, has consistently topped bestseller lists, showcasing her prolific output of 29 novels to date.
Under the name Freida McFadden, Cohen had kept her identity hidden, fearing patients might question her professionalism if they recognized her as a bestselling author. “At work, I want to be a doctor,” she stated in a 2024 interview with the *New York Times*. “My books often touch on medical themes, and I don’t want people wondering if their own story inspired me.”
A Shift in Priorities
Her decision to reveal her name came after years of managing two identities. In 2023, Cohen transitioned to part-time work as a doctor, a move that eased the pressure to keep her secret. She now dedicates less time to her medical career, allowing her to focus on her writing. “I was overwhelmed by trying to juggle both roles,” she explained to *USA Today*. “Keeping this hidden no longer felt necessary.”
The final piece of the puzzle fell when a colleague at the hospital spotted her in a Freida McFadden photo, inadvertently exposing her real identity. Despite this, Cohen notes that her fans remain respectful of her dual persona. “Even though I haven’t shared my name yet, everything I’ve told them has been true,” she said. “The name may surprise them, but the rest of who I am is already known.”
Confronting the Spotlight
When asked about the spotlight, Cohen admitted to feeling the weight of public attention. “I don’t like being the center of attention,” she told the *Washington Post*. “I love that people read my books, but the focus on me personally is challenging.” She also shared her concerns about social anxiety, stating her success had amplified fears of not meeting others’ expectations. “It’s not just about privacy—it’s about proving I’m as amazing as they think I am.”
“I’ve reached a stage where I no longer wish to conceal my identity,” Cohen said. “I’m tired of people debating if I’m a real person or three men. I am real, and I have nothing to hide.”
To maintain her disguise during public appearances, Cohen wears a wig, a practical choice she described as stemming from her lack of confidence in styling her hair. While she acknowledges the value of her pen name to her readers, she expressed a desire to keep it as part of her legacy. “My McFans and Freida Readahs will still know me by the name I’ve used for years,” she added, emphasizing her commitment to honesty with her audience.