Who is Sara Cohen? 'The Housemaid' author Freida McFadden reveals identity after 23 years of secrecy

The bestselling author unveiled her true identity in an interview, revealing she is a doctor

The bestselling author behind The Housemaid has revealed her true identity after more than two decades of secrecy, confirming she is Sara Cohen, a doctor specialising in brain disorders.

The writer, known publicly as Freida McFadden, shared the news in an interview with USA Today.

“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,” she said. “I am a real person and I have a real identity and I don’t have anything to hide.”

Cohen, 45, balanced her medical career with writing bestselling thrillers, often appearing in public wearing a wig and glasses to protect her identity. While she confirmed she does wear glasses, the hair seen at events was part of a disguise. “I have no idea how to style my hair,” she said, adding that her real life is “so much more boring than anything that happens in my books.”

She explained that adopting a pseudonym was initially necessary to avoid complications at work. “My whole goal was to keep it a secret until I was (ready to) step back from my doctor job,” she said. Despite her efforts, colleagues eventually discovered her identity but respected her privacy.

Online speculation about her identity has circulated for years, including claims involving artificial intelligence and multiple authors. “Some of them are just so out there,” she said, dismissing the rumours with humour.

Although she has now gone public, Cohen confirmed she will continue writing under her established pen name. She added that anonymity had limited her ability to engage with readers through tours and events.

Her work has also expanded into film, with The Housemaid adaptation starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, and a sequel, The Housemaid’s Secret, currently in development.