Freida McFadden is a genius!

 

I usually find myself starting the year with Thriller Novels. I love the genre. Thrillers keep me awake at night and get me out of a reading slump instantly. When I say I can spend the entire day reading - I mean, I can spend an entire day of my life or my entire life reading thrillers. 

Recently I came across this author - Freida McFadden. 

Now, just because I love the genre - thriller, does not mean that I love every book I read of that particular genre/ love every author’s work I come across. It takes a while for me to immerse myself in someone’s writings and to completely fall in love with it.

For me, books are an escape. My safe place. And, Freida McFadden is nothing short of a literary genius. The way she writes - Oh My God. From the 1st page till the last, it won’t feel like you’re reading a book, it’ll genuinely feel as if you are a part of her world. And, that’s what I look for when I discover new authors. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or poignant dramas, Freida McFadden's works should be on your TBR. 

Here are 5 books and a short story that I recently read. And, once you read her work, you’ll definitely say the same - Freida McFadden is a genius! 


1) “Never Lie” 

This one will take you on a thrilling journey through the secrets and mysteries hidden within a remote manor. Newlyweds Tricia and Ethan find themselves trapped in the eerie estate, uncovering chilling truths about its former inhabitant, Dr. Adrienne Hale. 

Tricia and Ethan, in search of their dream home, stumble upon Dr. Hale's abandoned manor during a snowstorm. Stranded with no means of escape, they delve into the secrets of the house. Tricia discovers a hidden room containing audio transcripts of Dr. Hale's patients. As she listens to the tapes, she unravels the unsettling events leading to the psychiatrist's disappearance. Each tape reveals a new piece of the puzzle until the final cassette unveils the horrifying truth.


2) “The Locked Door”

The life of Nora Davis, a successful surgeon whose past comes back to haunt her when a series of murders echo the horrors of her childhood.

The story revolves around Nora Davis, who, as a child, was unaware of her father's sinister activities until he was convicted of killing women in their basement. Now an accomplished surgeon, Nora's past resurfaces when a young female patient is murdered similarly. Suspicion falls on Nora, and she realizes someone may be trying to frame her for the crime. The author adeptly explores themes of trauma, family secrets, and the repercussions of childhood experiences on adult lives. 


3) “The Inmate”

Set in a men's maximum-security prison, where the protagonist, Brooke Sullivan, struggles with the complexities of her past and the challenges of her present as a nurse practitioner. 

Brooke Sullivan enters her new role as a nurse practitioner at a maximum-security prison with three strict rules to abide by. She must treat all prisoners with respect, never reveal personal information, and most importantly, never get too close to the inmates. However, Brooke harbours a secret that threatens to unravel her carefully constructed facade—she shares an intimate history with Shane Nelson, one of the prison's most dangerous convicts. Shane, once Brooke's high school sweetheart, is now serving a life sentence for gruesome murders, and Brooke's testimony played a crucial role in his conviction. As she navigates the challenges of her job, Brooke must confront her past and the forbidden connection she shares with Shane, knowing that he will never forget her betrayal.


4) “Ward D”

This one is about the experiences of medical student Amy Brenner as she reluctantly spends a night in a locked psychiatric ward.

Amy Brenner, a medical student, finds herself on Ward D, the hospital's psychiatric unit, for an overnight rotation. She harbors deep-seated fears and anxieties about this assignment, keeping her reasons hidden from others. Throughout the night, Amy encounters a diverse array of patients, each with their own struggles and stories. As the night unfolds, Amy confronts her own fears while navigating the challenges of mental health care in a confined setting. It reveals both the struggles and moments of humanity within the psychiatric unit.

This one is my personal favorite. 10/10!


5) “The Surrogate Mother”

A heartwarming tale of hope, friendship, and the lengths one woman is willing to go to become a mother. With relatable characters and a compelling storyline, McFadden takes readers on an emotional journey filled with twists and turns.

Abby, the protagonist, yearns for motherhood but faces numerous obstacles due to infertility. Despite undergoing various treatments and adoption attempts, her dreams remain unfulfilled. However, her faithful personal assistant, Monica, comes forward with a remarkable proposition: to act as a surrogate mother for Abby. This generous offer opens up a new door of possibilities for Abby, promising to make her long-awaited dreams a reality.


6) “The Gift: A Short Story”

Stella Hansen finds herself in a tough spot as Christmas approaches. Despite working tirelessly at two jobs, she's unable to afford a gift for her husband, marking their first holiday together as a married couple. However, fate takes an interesting turn when Stella encounters a mysterious storekeeper at a pawn shop. This encounter leads to an intriguing trade offer that could change Stella's holiday fortunes.

A thriller with a heartwarming premise, McFadden sets the stage for a tale of hope and unexpected blessings. 


The last month has been so beautiful in terms of reading only and ONLY because of this author whose writing has my heart for now and will have a place in it, forever!


Popular Posts