Self-published authors everywhere can learn a lot about how to create a successful career thanks to this author. Reading Freida McFadden books in order will give you a good idea as to how she rose to fame—whether you’re a writer or reader.
When an author has dozens and dozens of books to their name, so much so that a reading order is indeed necessary, you know they’ve spent the time it takes to do this well.
Let’s take a look at Freida McFadden’s rise to success as a self-published author, and which order is best to read her books in (and why!).
What we’ll cover about Freida McFadden books in order:
Freida McFadden’s self-published rise to success
Freida McFadden is such a powerful example of how authors can find remarkable success through self-publishing. Starting her career as a practicing physician, McFadden’s pivot to writing psychological thrillers has made her a household name among fans of twisty, suspense-filled narratives.
This is something crucial for all writers-to-be to take note of. Her previous passion and profession has informed her writing to such a degree that her books feel more realistic and potent because of it.
But what sets her apart isn’t just her gripping plots but her decision to self-publish many of her works—a move that has allowed her to retain creative control and connect directly with her audience (not to mention the insane royalties she’s no doubt earned).
You can imagine just how many books she’s sold by the sheer number of reviews under some of them—hundreds of thousands in some cases! And of course, these aren’t just sales, they’re a fraction of sales, given that only a handful of buyers actually take the time to rate and review a book.
If you’re new to her books or are a die-hard fan trying to keep track of Freida McFadden books in order, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list of her books in order and some tips to enhance your reading experience.
Freida McFadden books in order as published
As you can probably tell, she started out writing a bit slower, publishing a book a year from 2013 until 2017, where it then picked up considerably, with several books published each year.
Here’s the Freida McFadden books in order.
| Order | Book | Year Published |
| 1 | The Devil Wears Scrubs | 2013 |
| 2 | Dead Med | 2014 |
| 3 | Baby City | 2015 |
| 4 | Brain Damage | 2016 |
| 5 | The Devil You Know | 2017 |
| 6 | The Perfect son | 2020 |
| 7 | The Ex | 2020 |
| 8 | The Surrogate Mother | 2020 |
| 9 | The Wife Upstairs | 2020 |
| 10 | One By One | 2020 |
| 11 | Want to Know a Secret? | 2021 |
| 12 | The Locked Door | 2021 |
| 13 | Do Not Disturb | 2021 |
| 14 | The Housemaid | 2022 |
| 15 | Do You Remember | 2022 |
| 16 | The Inmate | 2022 |
| 17 | Never Lie | 2022 |
| 18 | The Housemaid’s Secret | 2023 |
| 19 | Ward D | 2023 |
| 20 | The Coworker | 2023 |
| 21 | The Housemaid is Watching | 2024 |
| 22 | The Teacher | 2024 |
| 23 | The Boyfriend | 2024 |
| 24 | The Housemaid’s Wedding: A Short Story | 2024 |
| 25 | The Crash | 2025 |
Of course, not all of these are standalone books. To get the true Freida McFadden books in order, take a look at the books in a series and how to read them below.
Freida McFadden series reading order
While this author primarily has standalones (which is an interesting success method, given that we know how much series can be a predictor of self-published success), she also has a couple series, one of which is her top selling.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden books in order
This is a story that follows Millie Calloway, a woman desperate for work, who accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Winchester family. From the start, Millie senses that something is off. Nina Winchester, the lady of the house, is unpredictable, alternating between charm and cruelty. Her husband, Andrew, is calm and kind, but his overly polished demeanor raises questions.
As Millie navigates the Winchesters’ luxurious yet suffocating world, she begins to uncover chilling secrets about the family. The plot intensifies as Nina’s behavior grows increasingly erratic and Millie discovers the terrifying reality of why her predecessor disappeared. With shocking twists and turns, the book keeps readers guessing until its final, jaw-dropping revelation.
Here’s the order to read them:
- The Housemaid
- The Housemaid’s Secret
- The Housemaid Is Watching
- The Housemaid’s Wedding
Dr. Jane McGill by Freida McFadden books in order
Freida McFadden’s Dr. Jane McGill series is a witty and lighthearted look at the chaotic and often absurd world of medical residency (based on her own experience). Blending humor, drama, and relatable struggles, the series follows the life and career of Dr. Jane McGill, a young and overworked medical resident navigating the challenges of hospital life, difficult patients, and demanding supervisors.
In the first book, Jane McGill is fresh out of medical school and thrown into the high-stress environment of her hospital residency. She quickly discovers that life as a doctor is far from glamorous, as she battles long shifts, sleep deprivation, and her ruthless supervisor, Dr. Alyssa Morgan. Alyssa, nicknamed “The Devil,” is impossible to please, and her relentless criticisms push Jane to her limits.
Amid the chaos, Jane must also deal with quirky patients, the drama of her coworkers, and her growing feelings for a fellow resident. The novel balances the grueling realities of residency with humor and heart, offering an entertaining peek into the life of a young doctor trying to survive and thrive in her career.
- The Devil Wears Scrubs
- The Devil You Know
Reader tips to remember for Freida McFadden’s books
Not all reading experiences are created equal. According to readers of this author, here’s what to remember to enhance your reading experience:
- Read in publication order (if possible): While many of Freida McFadden’s books can be read as standalones, reading in publication order allows you to appreciate how her storytelling has evolved over the years.
- Focus on the twists: McFadden is known for her jaw-dropping twists. As you read, pay close attention to the seemingly minor details—they often foreshadow the shocking revelations to come.
- Join online communities: Fans of Freida McFadden have vibrant discussions on platforms like Goodreads and Facebook groups. These spaces are perfect for exchanging theories, discussing your favorite twists, and discovering recommendations for similar authors.
- Check for series connections: McFadden occasionally builds sequels or thematic connections, such as The Housemaid and The Housemaid’s Secret. Be on the lookout for clues that might enrich your experience across related books.
- Support self-published authors: Buying directly from platforms where McFadden self-publishes, leaving reviews, and sharing recommendations are small but impactful ways to support her ongoing success.
Next time you’re in the need of a good read, remember these Freida McFadden books in order! Add them to your TBR and you’re set for months.
