The Unmasking of a Bestselling Author: Sara Cohen is Freida McFadden

The literary world is buzzing with a revelation: Freida McFadden, the bestselling author behind gripping domestic thrillers like “The Housemaid,” has finally revealed her true identity. For years, McFadden maintained a carefully guarded secret, utilizing a pseudonym, wig, and glasses to protect her privacy. Now, with the success of the first “Housemaid” movie (starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried) and a second adaptation on the horizon, along with a string of new bestsellers, McFadden – whose real name is Sara Cohen – says it’s time to come forward.

A Double Life Unveiled

McFadden’s story is almost as captivating as the plots she weaves in her novels. Initially, she led a “Hannah Montana”-esque double life, balancing her writing career with her profession as a doctor. She deliberately kept these two worlds separate, never intending for the secret to become so significant. However, as her popularity soared, so did the need for discretion.

“I’m at a point in my career when I’m tired of this being a secret. I’m tired of people debating if I’m a real person or if I’m three men,” McFadden explained in an interview with USA TODAY. “I am a real person and I have a real identity and I don’t have anything to hide.”

From Doctor to Author: The Reason for the Pseudonym

Outside the realm of books, Sara Cohen is a dedicated doctor specializing in brain disorders. While the glasses are a genuine necessity, the hair is a wig – a practical choice, she admits, because “I have no idea how to style my hair!”

The initial decision to adopt a pseudonym stemmed from a desire to prevent conflicts between her writing and her hospital work. “My whole goal was to keep it a secret until I was (ready to) step back from my doctor job, so it wouldn’t be like everyone I work with suddenly knew and it compromised my ability to do my job,” McFadden shared. She stepped away from full-time practice in late 2023, now working only once or twice a month.

A Secret Shared and a Future Revealed

Surprisingly, her colleagues eventually discovered her secret and were incredibly supportive, many already being fans of her books without realizing their author was among them. She’s even started bringing her novels into the hospital, fostering a connection between her two worlds.

Despite revealing her identity, McFadden insists she remains the same writer her readers have come to know and love. She’s relieved to shed the secret she never intended to keep, but she hopes to continue being known as Freida in the literary world. “Even though I haven’t told my real name until now, I feel like I have shared the real me all along and everything I’ve told them has been the truth,” she stated. “Even though the name will be a surprise, nothing else will. I’ve always been genuine with my readers.”

This revelation marks a new chapter for Sara Cohen/Freida McFadden, one where she can embrace both her identities and continue to captivate readers with her thrilling stories.

Source: USA Today