Silsbee Mystery Book Club

04/18/2026

04/09/2026

Freida McFadden has multiple bestselling books. She's received countless glowing reviews on "BookTok," and is read the world over. However, it's long been known that she is writing under a pseudonym.

Not any longer.

The Housemaid author has finally revealed her true identity. When speaking with USA Today, the talented writer revealed her real name is Sara Cohen.

"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," Sara said. "I am a real person and I have a real identity and I don't have anything to hide."

In a cool twist, Sara isn't just a globally recognized author; she's also a brain doctor. Her role sees her treating brain disorders, and somehow, she's managed to balance that alongside her incredible writing career.

Her job is the exact same reason why Sara initially chose to work under a pseudonym. Being a doctor of any kind is a highly respected career, and she didn't want to sway that based on her writing.

"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," she explained.

In recent years, books have undergone a resurgence in popularity. They're hip again. Therefore, there's a new wave of incredibly talented writers emerging, Sara among them. Yet, Sara never got into being an author to quit her day job; instead, she did it for the love of her craft.

When speaking on the "Open Book" podcast, Sara explained her mindset when she decided to start putting pen to paper.

"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 said. "I kept clinging to being a doctor because, first, I worked very hard to get there, and I find it really rewarding; I love seeing patients and helping people."

The only question any of us will have left, is whether she will continue to publish as the globally recognized Freida McFadden or stick with her real name moving forward. That's likely a choice in need of some legitimate consideration.

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