Best-Selling Author Freida McFadden Reveals True Identity

Acclaimed novelist known for 'The Housemaid' admits she is actually a New York doctor named Sara Cohen.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:24pm

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An extreme close-up of a luxurious, high-contrast texture related to the publishing industry, such as the glossy cover of a bestselling book or the metallic foil of an award statuette, conceptually representing the complexities and challenges faced by authors who maintain a double life.The reveal of a bestselling author's true identity shines a light on the secretive world of publishing and the pressures faced by writers who choose to conceal their real selves.NYC Today

Freida McFadden, the acclaimed author of the bestselling novel 'The Housemaid', has revealed that her real identity is Sara Cohen, a New York-born doctor who has been treating brain disorders while building a successful publishing career under a pseudonym over the past 23 years.

Why it matters

McFadden's revelation sheds light on the complex and secretive world of publishing, where some authors choose to conceal their true identities for various reasons. This story highlights the challenges and pressures faced by writers, especially those who achieve significant commercial success.

The details

After over two decades of maintaining a double life, McFadden, whose real name is Sara Cohen, has decided to publicly acknowledge that she is a New York-based doctor who has been treating patients with brain disorders while also publishing bestselling novels under the pen name Freida McFadden. McFadden cited the desire to no longer keep her identity a secret as the primary reason for the reveal.

  • Freida McFadden revealed her true identity on April 9, 2026.

The players

Freida McFadden

The acclaimed author of the bestselling novel 'The Housemaid', who has now revealed her true identity as Sara Cohen, a New York-born doctor.

Sara Cohen

The real identity of Freida McFadden, a New York-based doctor who has been treating patients with brain disorders while also publishing bestselling novels under a pseudonym.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Freida McFadden, Author

The takeaway

McFadden's decision to reveal her true identity highlights the complexities and challenges faced by authors, especially those who achieve significant success under a pseudonym. This story serves as a reminder that the publishing industry can be a secretive and demanding world, and that some writers may choose to conceal their true selves for various personal and professional reasons.