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Freida McFadden Reveals Identity as Dr. Sara Cohen, a Brain Doctor

The physician behind the best-selling thrillers says she will keep writing as Freida McFadden.

Overview

  • Cohen disclosed her name in a USA Today interview published Wednesday, saying she was tired of the years of speculation about who she was.
  • She said she used a pen name plus a wig and glasses to keep her medical work separate so patients would not question her care.
  • Balancing the two careers became overwhelming and caused panic attacks, and she stopped full-time clinical work in 2023 and now picks up only occasional shifts.
  • She will continue publishing under the Freida McFadden name, with her next novel, The Divorce, scheduled for May 26.
  • Her breakout book The Housemaid spawned a 2025 film that earned nearly $400 million worldwide, and a sequel based on The Housemaid’s Secret is in development.