Freida McFadden has long been known for weaving suspense into everyday life, but her latest book, Dear Debbie, just hit shelves on Jan. 27. In a recent interview, the international bestselling author revealed the six titles that live rent-free in her mind, while also juggling a career as a neurologist. Her candid reflections show how she keeps reading, writing, and treating patients in tandem.
At a Glance
- Freida McFadden shares six books that inspire her.
- Her new thriller, Dear Debbie, was released on Jan. 27.
- She balances a medical career with writing and film adaptations.
Why it matters: Her blend of medicine and literature offers insight into how creative passion can coexist with demanding professions.
Balancing Medicine and Mystery
McFadden is a doctor specializing in brain disorders, a field she entered after years of rigorous study. She said on the Dec. 11 episode of Jenna Bush Hager’s Open Book podcast, “Some people go into writing hoping to quit their day job, but I didn’t do it [for that reason]. I was just having fun.”
She explains that her medical career is a core part of her identity. “I love seeing patients and helping people. And the idea of not doing that anymore, I just couldn’t imagine it,” she told the podcast.
When the demands of both careers collided, she experienced intense stress. “There was a moment, it was actually when I was writing the third Housemaid book and I was moving simultaneously, and I was just losing my mind. I was almost having panic attacks,” McFadden recalled.
Despite these challenges, she continued to write. “I kept trying to cut back a little bit and clinging to it, and just trying not to leave,” she added, emphasizing that writing remains a source of joy.
The New Thriller and Film Success
Dear Debbie, McFadden’s latest thriller, arrived on Jan. 27. The story follows a columnist who hears from countless women ignored and abused by their husbands before her own life spirals out of control.
In December, the film adaptation of The Housemaid hit theaters, featuring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar. McFadden told News Of Los Angeles at the New York premiere on Dec. 3 that “I just thought the end was so exciting and it really made the whole thing go out with a bang.”
She kept the plot details under wraps, but her enthusiasm was clear. “I can’t give out any details about it, but I just loved it,” she said.
Reading Habits and Book Picks
McFadden’s approach to reading is eclectic. “Reading is one of my absolute favorite activities, and I’ve always got a book (or Kindle) in my hands,” she told Page Six.
She also noted that she skips around genres to avoid boredom. “If a book is popular, I will read it just to see what the fuss is all about … and often, the fuss is very much deserved!”, she added.
Her favorite books reflect this diversity, spanning romance, gothic thriller, psychological suspense, science fiction, historical novel, and medical drama.
The Six Books That Live Rent-Free
McFadden listed her six top picks in a recent interview. Below is a quick reference:
| Title | Author | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Remember Me? | Sophie Kinsella | “Nobody does a romantic comedy like the great Sophie Kinsella, and this particular one made me both laugh and cry.” |
| Rebecca | Daphne Du Maurier | “Mandalay lingers in the back of my mind every time I read about an isolated mansion full of dark secrets.” |
| Gone Girl | Gillian Flynn | “Gone Girl completely reinvented the modern domestic thriller.” |
| Jurassic Park | Michael Crichton | “Reading Jurassic Park felt exactly like taking a ride in an amusement park.” |
| Scandalous Women | Gill Paul | “Scandalous Women is a fictionalized historical novel about Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann that is equal parts heartwarming and empowering.” |
| Still Alice | Lisa Genova | “I found Still Alice to be a masterfully done account of a woman coming to terms with an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.” |
Why These Books Matter to McFadden
- Romantic humor keeps her grounded.
- Gothic suspense fuels her love of mystery.
- Psychological thrillers sharpen her narrative instincts.
- Science fiction satisfies her curiosity about biology and technology.
- Historical novels inspire her creative world-building.
- Medical dramas resonate with her professional life.
Timeline of Recent Milestones
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Podcast interview on Jenna Bush Hager’s Open Book | Dec. 11 |
| Film premiere of The Housemaid | Dec. 3 |
| Release of Dear Debbie | Jan. 27 |
| Publication of this interview | Jan. 27, 2026 |
About Freida McFadden
- Profession: Neurologist and author
- Specialty: Brain disorders
- Writing Style: Suspense, mystery, and psychological depth
- Notable Works: The Housemaid series, Dear Debbie
McFadden’s journey illustrates that creative ambition can coexist with a demanding medical career. By openly sharing her favorite books, she invites readers to explore titles that might inspire their own storytelling or simply provide a good read.
Key Takeaways
- McFadden balances a neurological practice with a successful writing career.
- Her new thriller, Dear Debbie, debuted on Jan. 27.
- She recommends six books that span multiple genres, each offering a unique perspective.
- The film adaptation of The Housemaid was a personal highlight, released in December.
McFadden’s blend of science, suspense, and personal experience underscores the power of literature to enrich both professional and creative lives.
