Bestselling author Freida McFadden unveils her true identity in exclusive interview The acclaimed author behind the domestic thriller The Housemaid and other popular novels has finally revealed her real name to the public, ending a long-standing secret that has shaped her career. Known to readers as Freida McFadden, the writer has maintained a dual life for years, balancing her medical profession with her literary success under a pseudonym. In an exclusive interview with USA TODAY, she shared the story behind her anonymity and the decision to finally step into the spotlight. McFadden, who has built a reputation for crafting gripping tales of suspense and betrayal, has used a carefully crafted persona to protect her privacy. Her public image includes a wig, glasses, and a deliberate effort to avoid recognition. For years, she lived a life that many might describe as a "Hannah Montana"-style double existence, juggling her roles as a doctor and a bestselling author. She first began writing under the pseudonym McFadden when her medical career was still active, a choice she made to ensure her writing career did not interfere with her professional obligations. "I'm at a point in my career when I'm tired of this being a secret," McFadden 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." Her revelation marks the end of a carefully maintained secret that she had kept for years, a decision she described as both liberating and necessary. Outside of the literary world, McFadden is Sara Cohen, a doctor specializing in brain disorders. Her medical career has been a cornerstone of her life, and she has always maintained a strict separation between her professional identity and her writing persona.#hospital #usa_today #freida_mcFadden #sara_cohen #the_housemaid