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Identity Revealed
Freida McFadden has revealed her true identity as Sara Cohen, a doctor who treats brain disorders.
“McFadden has been one of the world's most popular authors of recent years, thanks to thrillers like The Housemaid”
She had kept her real name a secret for 13 years.
I'm at a point in my career when I'm tired of this being a secret, she told USA Today.
She created the pseudonym as a medical in-joke.
McFadden sold 5.5 million books in the US and 2.6 million in the UK in 2025.
Balancing Two Careers
Cohen initially chose to publish under a pseudonym to protect her medical career.
She self-published The Devil Wears Scrubs in 2013.
She did not want her writing career to affect her patients.
She went part time in 2023 and has now further reduced her medical work.
Workplace Revelation
One of her colleagues at the hospital recognized her in a Freida photo.
“One of my colleagues at the hospital recently recognised me in a Freida photo, and told everyone, so the cat is out of the bag”
They were really respectful about not posting anything on social media.
She tried to repay them with a book signing at work.
She still plans to use the Freida McFadden moniker.
I feel like I have shared the real me all along.
Cultural Impact
The Housemaid was turned into a box office hit film grossing nearly $400 million worldwide.
A sequel is scheduled for release in 2027.
McFadden has published 29 novels so far.
I've always been genuine with my readers.
There were rumors she was really three men or used AI.