Freida McFadden Reveals Identity as Physician Sara Cohen

Bestselling thriller author Freida McFadden, known for psychological hits like The Housemaid, has revealed her true identity as Sara Cohen, a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation for brain disorders. Cohen, 46, shared the disclosure in an interview published this week, ending years of speculation about the writer who maintained a double life under a pseudonym, wig, and glasses.

Cohen explained that she adopted the Freida McFadden name starting with her 2013 debut novel, The Devil Wears Scrubs, to separate her burgeoning writing career from her medical practice. "I'm at a point in my career when I'm tired of this being a secret," she said. "I'm tired of people debating if I'm a real person or if I'm three men. I am a real person and I have a real identity and I don't have anything to hide." She confirmed her glasses are prescription but the straight hair seen in public appearances is a wig, worn because, as she put it, "I have no idea how to style my hair."

For years, Cohen balanced both professions, publishing more than 30 books that have sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Her breakthrough came with The Housemaid in 2022, which she followed with...