everything you need to know about Freida McFadden 🔪

#freidamcfadden has taken over the thriller genre - from #booktok fame to accusations of ruining thrillers with formulaic writing, AI-generated books, and ripoff plots, her rise feels eerily similar to that of Colleen Hoover. is Freida’s downfall inevitable? and has she ruined the thriller genre?
let's find out together :)
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🍿 timestamps:
0:42 - intro, Freida McFadden phenomenon
1:52 - who is Freida McFadden? uncovering author's secret identity
6:00 - why readers love Freida McFadden, reasons behind her books being so popular
8:55 - my experience with Freida's books
10:19 - criticism: plagiarism, book covers, twists & more
23:20 - the rise of formulaic thrillers / has Freida ruined the thriller genre?
27:41 - what's next from Freida
29:29 - outro & thanks for watching!!
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✍🏻 more videos like this one:
Emily Henry deep-dive: • everything you need to...
Colleen Hoover deep-dive: • from BookTok darling t...
SJM deep-dive: • everything you need to...
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Hailey's video: • THRILLER READING VLOG ...
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🎥 interviews with Freida McFadden used in this video:
• Meet the Author: Freid...
• #BNEvents: Freida McFa...
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📚 books mentioned:
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden
The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
The Crash by Freida McFadden
The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden
The Co-Worker by Freida McFadden
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
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🕯️ goodreads: / 152132775
🕯️tiktok: / rayareadzzzz
💌 contact me via:
[e-mail]
🍂 for music on my channel i use EpidemicSound: share.epidemic...
thanks for watching and have a good one!
xoxo,
raya

[@han.ridl3y]

I feel like I'm of a minority that read most of her books... but have never rated any of them over 3 stars. I enjoy them as quick palate cleansers and find them entertaining, but don't find any of them overwhelmingly amazing. Can't wait to see your thoughts!

[@emilyclairmont4990]

this is exactly why i read her! they're so simple and i can finish one so quickly.

[@Gigi.loves.reading]

I feel the same way!!!

[@awaywiththetheories1833]

I haven’t ever read Frieda. But, I have a similar experience with Lisa Jewell

[@oUtlurking]

Righttttt they're easy to read. I think most of her readers understand they aren't getting anything mind-blowing and deep.

[@lottevanderpaelt1684]

I always feel like Freida's books sound great from the synopsis, but then you read them and you realise she couldn't actually pull it off to make them good so she went for the most unrealistic twists in order to keep it unpredictable.

[@selwatchesyt]

The plagiarism section was surprisingly short. I feel like that is the biggest deal. Sounds like McFadden comes from the Riley Sagar school of mystery. Just throw in something random at the end and people give it 5 stars because they’re surprised.

[@kindallb]

It's weird when people gloss over that, as if it's not the biggest issue of all with her. It's almost like they don't really understand the point they're making the video on

[@haylxx1]

Nah Riley’s books actually make sense at the end lol

[@joebloe4734]

Oh yay, someone else who doesn't like Riley Sager! I just... don't care about his characters. I've read two of his books, doubt I'd give him another chance.

[@Chattyaddy09]

you should all watch laura crone’s “the pink aisle of crime fiction must be stopped” she breaks down a lot of riley’s work

[@virginiafernandes336]

The problem is not Freida, it's the literary market. They see her success and start to pump this kind of books expecting to sell like her. And now we are fed the same bad books over and over again.

[@rayareadzzzz]

yes totally :(

[@marchewashere1224]

Omg yes. Cause wtf is haunting Adeline????

[@chaltrs]

@@marchewashere1224wrong author dude

[@kaitlyn3066]

Oh 100% agree. I'm fine with her doing it but i don't want other people doing it lol

[@miguelthedrawtist]

Yay, capitalism, right?

[@Allison_Troy]

I've only read two of her books so far (and probably won't read more tbh) but I think the entire Twist as a concept is part of the issue. Too many thrillers with a "Twist" are so focused on the twist that characterization is sacrificed as well as pacing, plot, & scenes. Often in writing, your planned ending will change as the story is written. And the problem with a Twist guiding the narrative is that no matter what other interesting stuff might develop during the course of writing gets ignored to preserve the twist. Sometimes a good thriller doesn't need a twist. Sometimes it just needs to be a solid story with characters who have some evolution and growth and a satisfying ending.

[@rayareadzzzz]

i couldn’t agree more❤️

[@meowmeowfuzzyface3698]

0:12 The Teacher is a TERRIBLE book and I will not trust anybody that recommends it.

[@virginiafernandes336]

That ending. I just can't. So stupid.

[@lyddie8]

I agree. That book made me super angry- I do not understand reading it and feeling any other way.

[@eviehnt]

to me, she’s the colleen hoover of the thriller genre. i won’t elaborate further on this

[@MichelleP-t7o]

🤭

[@colleensainsbury9022]

Precisely!​@@MichelleP-t7o

[@ZDragonimated]

i mean, yeah, that was mentioned in the video

[@hidansektas]

Im still mad that i lost hours of my life to "Never lie" its an insult to intelligence. One time i try to get out of my comfort zone and take someone's suggestion, i get fucked

[@marchewashere1224]

Nah we understand the assignment. 🤣

[@roseaAlisu2000]

The way she incorporates random twists to “outsmart” the reader strongly reminds me of Marlene King's approach in Pretty Little Liars. It’s not inherently a negative thing to identify the culprit; what truly matters is the execution. I have little patience for instances where it becomes painfully obvious that the author is trying to outsmart us-it just feels lazy.

[@rayareadzzzz]

i am the same !!

[@zyongslife]

Whether a brain surgeon or not, the fact that she can do that job and write novels is very impressive!

[@rayareadzzzz]

yes!

[@bramstokerfan]

Not really!

[@ghostfacebutagirl]

@@bramstokerfanlmfao I literally came to say the same thing. people work and write novels all the time. I’m a full-time student and still write books.

[@aurora-cc6hk]

@@ghostfacebutagirl you think being a full-time student is as tedious as being a brain surgeon? oh lord.

[@broadwaybutterfly310]

@@ghostfacebutagirl so instead of patting yourself on the back for doing something equally impressive, you'd rather put down freida and yourself?

[@lyddie8]

I like her because when I was in a huge mental slump I was able to read her books for enjoyment, that’s all I wanted from the books. I wasn’t looking for anything super deep I just wanted entertainment and a break from what was going on in my life at that moment. I think that’s a perfectly okay reason for enjoying an author.

[@rayareadzzzz]

it definitely is!

[@Kimberly-fs5sq]

I think Verity and The Wife Upstairs and several other books by different authors are all their take on Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Rachel Hawkins has a book also called The Wife Upstairs that she specifically based off Jane Eyre. And now it looks like The Crash may be similar to Misery by Steven King. Lol

[@BookWormJess]

I’ve only read the housemaid but I was shocked at how bad the writing was. People praise her so much but the writing skills are non existent.

[@bhsprinkle]

I've personally never read her books but have heard about her. I've seen mixed opinions about her books. A lot of her work isn't seen a million times online so that is fascinating. Wasn't even aware she was gaining popularity. Thank you for another informative video.

[@rayareadzzzz]

thank you for watching! 🫶🏻

[@anonymouse903]

Petition for Gillian Flynn to start writing again 😢

[@rayareadzzzz]

YES YES YES

[@Katiethatgirl1993]

I think Frida's books are perfect for non-native readers who begin their reading journey in English.

[@rayareadzzzz]

yes they are very easy to read!!

[@morningbreeze3390]

omg yes! i totally agree with that

[@moustik31]

I agree with Lauren Hughes, it does feel like Freida McFadden draw A LOT of inspiration from popular domestic thrillers but I think, she has smart enough to make enough changes so that she wont be liable legally. Edit: You should read The Last Mrs Parrish, it's really good. I also liked: - Never See Me Coming - Never Have I Ever - It's Always the Husband

[@rayareadzzzz]

i was going to, but now i am worried that the twist in the last mrs parrish is ruined for me cause i’ve already read the housemaid

[@moustik31]

@rayareadzzzz Probably but the characterisation is superior. You might actually enjoy spending time with these (very flawed) characters.

[@seynabousarr679]

I needed this video because I read three of her books and I can't understand the hype.

[@delobster7711]

it's not for everyone. I've read most of her books but I don't like every single one. It's like junk food.

[@rayareadzzzz]

i can understand the hype but sadly can not relate 😆

[@federicamandel6308]

I read several of her books on long flights to visit my family on the other side of the world and loved them for the context I read them in. Best books of my life? No. But when I’m at the airport I’m more likely to grab Burger King than a gourmet burger. There’s a time and place for everything. As a writer myself I can guarantee that if you write pulpy commercial things you never for a second delude yourself into thinking you’re writing a masterpiece. It’s a business like another. You analyze your income, you see what people like, you write more of it (that’s why you’ll see a lot of popular authors repeating themselves)

[@rayareadzzzz]

you know what, fair enough

[@moustik31]

To each their own, Freida McFadden's books are easy to read and usually fun in a "twisty" way. She isnt scared of writing imperfect to cruel characters and that's very refreshing. That being said, her stories are so quickly written, a lot of them could have used more editing imo to tie plot points a bit more tightly. Edit: This is maybe a controversial opinion but I dont think SJM, Colleen Hoover and Freida McFadden's "ruin" their respective genres, Im way more weary of how literary, genre fiction is becoming. 🙁

[@kefinkamed]

They don't. Their publishers do.

[@ghostfacebutagirl]

They don’t ruin a genre, but they certainly aren’t good books, or well written in any capacity.

[@valolafson6035]

​@@ghostfacebutagirl No, they aren't. But they don't have to be either.

[@pugluver1155]

Perfect timing! I just started the audiobook of The Perfect Son a few days ago. Honestly, I can see why people like her books. They're kind of unserious, but they're addicting. I haven't finished the book yet. I'm at about 50%, but the story feels like a lifetime movie.

[@ericawarren]

I finished that today, I like her books too. They are fun reads, I think it's exciting to guess part or all of the ending. It's like a murder mystery game, haha!

[@kriseaf]

The discussion of whether McFadden is ruining the thriller genre feels the same as is Maas/Romantasy ruining fantasy--specifically that so many people are whining that there's no classic fantasy being published anymore, no epic fantasy, etc etc etc. This is ridiculous to me. All of those "like I used to read" books are still being published (in both the fantasy AND thriller genres!), they're just not getting the mainstream treatment and hype because the general market has changed (it's always changing). Everyone complaining about that is really just self-reporting that they're not willing to seek out what they themselves prefer because they'd previously been served it to them as the default. It's laziness and entitlement, not reality.

[@kefinkamed]

Now, this is a magnificently uninformed opinon 😂

[@kriseaf]

@@kefinkamed Care to elaborate why?

[@echidna.chordata]

Well-put. I also think there is an element of easy contrarianism (not unlike the first reply). Hating on popular culture is low-hanging fruit as there is a lot of discourse to parrot.

[@kriseaf]

@echidna.chordata So true.

[@MaryaHach]

I don't care about more or less classic fantasy. I do worry about publishers giving deals to poorly written, unedited copycats of SJM while disregarding talented authors with fresh original ideas and a genuine love for the craft. You mention laziness, I don't think there's anything lazier than publishing the same book over and over again, without even bothering to edit it properly

[@kjstormy3682]

I haven't read any of her books and I'm not sure if I will or not but I do enjoy a fast paced easy read thriller every now and again. They can be great to get people into reading or to cleanse your palette. I started this year with a couple of these types of thrillers because I'd gotten burnt out with an epic fantasy series I was in the middle of, and they weren't great but they were what I needed to reboot my brain so I could enjoy other stories. My only slight issue is when people get too comfortable with these kind of books and refuse to expand beyond that entry level point of reading. You of course have the right to chose what you read but then people people do complain because the stories they’re reading are all the same when one of the reasons these kinds of books are so easy to read is BECAUSE they're formulaic. You also then have the market being overrun with these kinds of books and other amazing stories get overshadowed. For example: again, I haven't read The Housemaid so this might be a bit unfair of me to say but there are some amazing thrillers out there that probably deserve the recognition and awards on good reads more than The Housemaid does. My personal recs are: The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding The Things You Find in Rockpools by Gregg Dunnett The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon The Secrets She Keeps by Michael Robotham

[@rayareadzzzz]

i agree completely!!

[@rayareadzzzz]

oh and thanks for the recs ❤️❤️

[@hadashahdecker1053]

i consider her books to be quick palate cleansers more than anything else

[@rayareadzzzz]

samee

[@bramstokerfan]

That term is annoying

[@hadashahdecker1053]

@@bramstokerfan LOL fair, it describes it well tho imo

[@Melvis77]

Your eyeshadow is so pretty! Do you mind sharing what the shade is? It’s so shimmery!

[@rayareadzzzz]

thank you! it’s a shade called “laser” from polish indie brand glamshop!

[@heatherruiz9490]

Yes! You've nailed it with this synopsis. There is no substance or character development in most thriller books these days. I did read The Last Mrs Parrish, and it was a complete rip-off even though the ending was a bit different. The writing was much better than The Housemaid as well. So, for now, I'm skipping Freidas books 📚 since there are plenty of great books of there already.

[@Turbo_Waitress]

If people think 3-4 novels in one year is “suspicious”, and at the short length of this lady’s, then they probably should be turning that eye on Stephen King, who, at the height of his productivity, was putting out three novels a year, many of them large novels that could fit several smaller novels. Not only that, but the “12 in 12” novel writing challenge has been around for well over a decade. Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad that many readers are turning a discerning eye on concerns like plagiarism and GenAI, but there are some authors who are just prolific.

[@rayareadzzzz]

fair point!!

[@MaryaHach]

At the height of his productivity, Stephen King was taking a lot of drugs, he admitted it himself several times. I also don't think he had another full-time job, unlike the author in question

[@guromeido]

Well, people forget that Mr. King was hyped up on coke during the “height of his productivity”, lol. So, maybe not the same kinda comparison.

[@aries_nomadreader]

I love her books, not comparing her to anyone, do i enjoy the books yes, am i hooked yes, so that's a win for me 🎉🎉🎉

[@rayareadzzzz]

good for you!

[@kennaeatsgrass]

I hope this isn't an offensive question and I'm not even sure how to pose it but I really love your accent and am wondering where it is from?

[@rayareadzzzz]

no offense taken, i am Azerbaijani 🤗

[@VeggieBettyy]

The first book of hers I read was "The Coworker" I had never heard of her but it was on sale and I wanted a quick read. I ended up really enjoying it, so I went out and bought "The Housemaid" which I also enjoyed. Since then I have read "The Housmaid" books 2 and 3, "Never Lie", and "The Locked Door" and hated all of them. I do want to read some of her other books and see how I feel since I did enjoy the first 2 I read...

[@ikramot1833]

I love Freida's book and I really think she is talented, but there's one thing I've noticed that no one has ever talked about and you are the first one who ever talked about it . Her series The Housemaid is a copy of another book that was published years before, called The Last Mrs. Parrish. It has the same plot and the same characters, just with different names. I truly keep wondering-was it just a pure coincidence, or did she copy the plot from that book?

[@BlackRoseAndTomes]

That's so funny you said that because I read that book and it is the same plot. The wife does everything possible to leave her husband and brings a young beauty to capture the eyes of her husband. I read that book this summer and it's the same thing! Wow! Just putting it all together!

[@kindallb]

Lots of people talk about it (outside of this comment section.) It's a pretty big topic on reddit and even in the reviews on goodreads. She's a plagiarist 100%

[@quieraj1197]

I also feel like the crash is a copy of Misery, it just didn’t feel original

[@burnt_samosa]

Hmmm I read 4 of her books and I enjoyed them a lot. I believe I chose a bit wisely though based on ratings. I read: The Housemaid, The Housemaid's Secret (I avoided the 3rd book because rating dropped), Never Lie, and The Teacher I do agree with your thoughts on Never Lie. The inner dialogue didn't match the twist. Unfortunately, that wasn't the first time I experienced this disconnect. It happened with me with Next of Kin by Kia Abdullah. The twist didn't match the aunt's inner dialogue, but maybe I missed the hints (I'm still sure there weren't any hints though). I still rated it 4 starts though because I enjoyed it. I think I enjoy Frieda's books because they were simple and standalones, and there is always that one plot twist in the last chapter. I try to predict twists, especially in the mystery genre, but I fail most of the time There is one plot hole that still bothers me but it will be a spoiler so if anyone can answer it pls (regarding The Teacher) . . . . . . . . . . (Spoiler): how did the teacher not realize that the footlocker employee she was hooking up with was the quarterback/football player? I believe football players in the US stand out in their school so how come the teacher didn't know??? The quarterback seemed to know who she is though (he told her he had a GF and child but he's actually single and the child is actually his little sis)

[@valolafson6035]

Yes. Agree. There is too much reliance on the twist lately. It's definitely not her fault, she's not the only one doing it. I think part of McFadden's issue is the mixing of new books and older books. If an older book wasn't published before, maybe it just wasn't very good. And could explain why some twists aren't as well done as others.

[@amethystimagination3332]

I read the first Housemaid last year and it was alright, I wouldn’t read it again but I don’t regret reading it. I thought maybe I just wasn’t a thriller person but maybe I think I just don’t have the same taste as the booktok crowd.

[@rayareadzzzz]

housemaid is fine, but there are so many better thrillers out there!! don’t give up on the genre

[@valolafson6035]

Fine is the perfect descriptor. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either.

[@DanielleOutLoud]

Frieda McFadden was my first ever thriller so I’ve enjoyed most of them. I still haven’t branched out to other thriller authors yet so she’s basically all I know as of now. Thrillers aren’t my genre of choice so I’m slow on the venture.

[@delobster7711]

It's completely narcissistic to think one person can ruin a whole genre. There is a place for Freida books. That's it. Obviously since people are reading it and enjoying it. idk why people are so offended by her success.

[@wronggeometry]

You might want to check the definition of narcissistic

[@delobster7711]

@@wronggeometry yeah it's definitely the wrong word, i couldn't find the right one that i wanted to use but it's something like she would be giving herself too much credit if she (freida) thought that she can ruin a whole genre by herself or something like that. sometimes english is hard lol

[@EmryCat24]

26:30

[@christinegreen3974]

I enjoyed the Housemaid Trilogy and found them to be "light" reads. I think the twists were more interesting than many other thrillers. I think what people actually have an issue with is the easier readability. The vocabulary and structure is more of a YA level but has more adult themes. They're easy to read and that's not a bad thing in itself.

[@iheartcats4life_]

I feel like I have an unpopular opinion that I never have enjoyed thrillers. I am curious to try just one Frieda McFadden though just to see what it's like. Personally the thriller that made me give up the genre was The Silent Patient, and that one seems very beloved by the thriller fans, so it just made me realize I'm not a plot twist reader.

[@ihatemickiegee]

as another cmnter said, I actually have read most of her books despite absolutely opposing all the issues in the industry which her books exemplify (but respected her a tiny bit more b/c she did it mostly independently for a while), , I read b/c of kindle unlimited & wanting a quick thriller on the train & not having any Flynn left to read nor the mental energy to find a deeper work..& ended up just being happy to have had a very easy book that also wasn’t simply a romance. I continued in my open mornings, & ended up getting a kick out of highlighting typos and annotating similar sentences-but especially highlighting redundancies. soooo much redundancy in the language, with her and with a bunch of other quick-read thriller authors. and then I just kept getting pissed at the endings even if I expected the BS twists after reading a few, because as you said, the twists almost always contradict the ~villain’s~ ACTUAL feelings & motivations from the first half of the book. _now that i think about it, it might be fun to rank the twists from best to worst in terms of sensibility lol…_ anyway, the only ones I *purposefully* haven’t read yet are the ones compared to verity & last mrs parrish, because I’ll know the outcome but also b/c I’ll be supporting basically plagiarism. I also haven’t read the Housemaid but going to if it stays ‘free’. but really, who can _with a serious face_ read a book called “the widow’s husband’s secret lie”??? the whole title itself is redundant, but I digress. like I said, I enjoy the ease of the read. there are multiple like her with the same writing issues, so I really don’t blame her, but for copying others’ plots I definitely do. also, she said the reason so many of her written works are unpublished are because she will take forever to revise them. to me that sounded like she doesn’t put much into revising her quicker-published books.. which makes total sense. hell I’ll probably read the Crash and judge her then, because if this is more revised than her others then maybe it’s got something more quality to it (even if the narrative isn’t the greatest, if the character dvlpmt / prose / dialogue is better, then I’ll admit she has talent she just needs to nurture more.) I do believe she writes her own books, because she has a job as a dr meaning she doesn’t need to have a bookwriting side hustle for money, so IMO she obv loves it. but if she loved it just a little bit more, maybe the writing could be a little bit better… thank you for the video, I feel like no one talks about her & I’ve been so curious to hear other caring readers’ opinions

[@echidna.chordata]

Haven’t read her books but just wanted to comment regarding the typos. That’s not so much a reflection of an author’s writing as it is a reflection of the publisher’s copy editors.

[@annjay2581]

I recently read The Inmate because it had so many good reviews and I was SO underwhelmed. I want my time and my money back. I dont get the hype.

[@Lolee56]

Writing a full length novel is a lot harder than people may think but I do think she would benefit from slowing down her writing and publishing

[@glitchezartist]

The Crash already sounds suspiciously like Misery. Lol

[@rayareadzzzz]

😆

[@zwiebelkuss987]

I read three books by her and I actually enjoyed it. They weren't masterpieces by any meaning but really entertaining and quick/easy to read. So, i was looking forward to reading her newest book "the boyfriend". I hated it, the plottwist was horrible. It was designed to be shocking, not ti make the reader feel outsmartes

[@strawberrryniu]

i've recently read never lie for my book club and we collectively agreed that the twist made no sense, her books are easily consumable tho so i rated it three stars

[@rayareadzzzz]

that twist made me so angry i had to rate it 1 star 😂

[@strawberrryniu]

@@rayareadzzzzlol real, it felt like a twist for the sake of a twist rather than crafting a twist into the story as thriller books should

[@CosimasNiehaus]

I'm not really a fan of her books but I'm also not a fan of thrillers in general. (I'm aware this sounds like bragging but it's not) I tend to always guess the twist at least a couple of chapters before it's revealed - and though that means the writer has done a good job of breadcrumbing the mystery - it usually dampens the enjoyment for me, and then I tend to never reread a thriller afterwards, since there's nothing more for me to get out of them. I think she is a good 'entry' into the genre, the same way most popular writers atm are good 'entry' writers for people who were never avid readers their entire life. At the end of the day, the more bookstores and libraries remaining open because of popular demand (even if the books are subpar to average at best) the better!

[@rayareadzzzz]

haha i guess the twist most of the time as well 😂 for me i am still able to enjoy the book though, esp if it’s clever and well written! thank you for sharing, it’s so interesting to see how people view different genres and what appeals to them the most

[@aurora-cc6hk]

you should read the book "we used to live here", its genuinely amazing

[@breannawilliamson9787]

I know her writing isn’t genius or groundbreaking but I really enjoy her books a lot and I just read them on KU. lol

[@kaitlyn3066]

I like Frieda Mcfadden and have read probably 5 of her books. I enjoy them for sure but ill never claim shes on the same level as someone like Stephen King. They are addictive for sure. I would never say they are "ruining" a genera. They are a good, easy read.

[@aslan_jade1120]

random but im more of a classical/ contemporary literature girlie and I'd like to start reading thrillers , I read lot of thriller mangas and i want to give a try to the book format of this genre ^-^ do you have any recs?(btw I'm obsessed with your nails they look goood)

[@rayareadzzzz]

thank you sm☺️ i recommend “look closer” by david ellis and i also have thriller rec video on my channel 🤗

[@aslan_jade1120]

@rayareadzzzz thank youu I'm going to watch it now 💗

[@geektanic]

So much of what you're saying is very typical for self-publishing (Facebook group, Kindle Unlimited, fast publishing cycle, designing your own covers). I know this because I am also a self-pubbed author and hang out with other self-published authors in a private writing space and this is the M.O. needed to be successful without a big publishing house behind you. I think the reason it catches attention is because she's broken through to really mainstream success (I saw one of her books at the grocery store the other day). That said, I am a thriller lover, and McFadden hater, and *I tried*.

[@rayareadzzzz]

very interesting!! thanks for sharing

[@natscorner]

I was excited to pick up Freida McFadden as so many people recommended her books online and even in person, but since I've already read many amazing thriller books her books just disappointed me. Granted I have only read The Boyfriend and Never Lie, but literally both of them had characters I didn't care about and the second half of the books seemed nonsensical. Like she did plot twists that shocked the reader but (to me at least) they made no sense. I understand that people enjoy her books because her writing is easy to read but there are so many other better thriller authors and I wish they were getting the recognition they deserved. Recently, it feels like majority of the authors or books that are popular are such mediocre reads that it's hard to trust people online or sometimes even in person with book recs. There are some great books that I have read recently, but I just don't know how I feel about all this. Guess not all of us are going to like these popular reads/authors so I guess the best we can do is stay away from them after trying them out and seeing they aren't for us. Same thing happened to me with Colleen Hoover, probably other authors too🙈

[@AGULL]

Me as not a fan of thrillers, freidas books are easy and good for me. I love her books 5 star housemaid series

[@Souls-at-zer0]

I’ve read a few from her, didn’t like them really, “locked door” is the only book of hers I ended up keeping in my own collection, I did enjoy that a bit . A easy read with a good twist but the others I just couldn’t get into 😭very much for “new” readers I’d say? No offense but definitely a Walmart type book lol. As in easy mild crowd pleaser . But that’s ok I have a few “ Walmart books” that are in my top favs

[@keenkuchipatchi]

Suddenly making a lot of sense why ALR loves her books. TikTok popular and easy to read.

[@sabrinamyers4553]

I feel like people are finally talking about the plagiarism and I'm so glad! The Teacher also heavily plagiarized My Dark Vanessa! Realizing that as I read The Teacher has put me off any of her books.

[@rayareadzzzz]

😕 my dark vanessa is literally one of my faves of all time maybe i am wrong but i can’t imagine Freida discussing such a heavy topic with appropriate nuance

[@sabrinamyers4553]

@rayareadzzzz she unfortunately does not tackle it well at all

[@heatherlraike]

I think it's great that writers like fredia mcfadden and even Collen hoover have people excited to read!. Ive enjoyed all the books I've read by fredia mcfadden. The same way I enjoy lifetime movies.

[@hidansektas]

I think this came as a perfect time for me. I hated the "Never lie" with burning passion. Garbage, wattpad writing style. The one time i try to get out of my comfort zone and not read Jø Nesbo i get extremely disappointed. Who the hell made me take advice from Tiktok 🤷‍♀️ Take for example how the person i mentioned Jø Nesbo writes compared to her, I'm not sorry for saying it but reading Never lie was an insult to intelligence. I've been reading thriller books since i was 15 and I'll be 28 in a few days. I've read quite a few thriller books in that time. I like Lars Kepler , i liked Harlan Coben as a teen (but his books follow the same pattern). Also to clarify I'm not a native english speaker but I grew up online. I dont read anything in my native language, I've read Russian classic literature in english as well as some classics such as Dracula without issues

[@Cierrareadsandwrites]

I read and enjoyed reading The Teacher, because it reads like a Lifetime movie. Will I read more of her books? Not sure, especially since I’m reading more of the books I own and only have that book.

[@sarah-ul5gr]

omg thank you for this !!! I read the housemaid last year and it was the worst book read that year

[@littlesponge212]

Lucy Foley that's all I have to say, genuine artist, I couldn't put down any of her books!

[@rayareadzzzz]

thank you! i ve heard a lot, but haven’t tried her stuff myself

[@LavenderLydia]

YES!! I really hate Freida's books.

[@guromeido]

I think what puts me off is the out of control parasocialism people have with her for some reason? I have had to leave about 4 book groups at this point online because if you even so much and allude you don’t want to be suggested her books because you want something else to read they will flay you alive.

[@rayareadzzzz]

😕that’s crazy

[@blue3111]

Do you have any thriller recs that are more on the challenging, engaging side then a palette cleanser?

[@rayareadzzzz]

i recommend look closer by david ellis ❤️ & i have a couple more listed in my thriller video

[@katmancilla5777]

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is a favorite of mine. Also the girl on the train

[@sayuriakirayuu7944]

So people got bored on hating at coho and rebecca yarros and now are going after freida 😅 do you all can't enjoy anything? There is always someone to hate, I guess. I will keep reading my silly little freida books. I'm easily entertained

[@genie7987]

I need to know what eyeshadow you’re wearing!?! 😍

[@rayareadzzzz]

hii, not sure if this is helpful (depends on where you’re from) but the sparkle is from polish indie brand ‘glamshop’ and i have catrice bronzer in my crease!

[@Lacy-k1h]

@@rayareadzzzz thank you! I’m from AZ 😊

[@afoxasden]

Starting this comment with a better Thriller/Crime book in case you want to read the genre but not Frida: Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll I want to believe that this is just gonna be another fad. Like dystopia was with the Hunger Games or Twilight and vampires. It will saturate the market and people will realise it was never good in the first place (unlike THG) and drift to better writing. Not to say Frida won't have a place in Thriller Fiction, just that it won't be as prevalent. I really need to believe that because her writing is terrible and her twists make no sense (and I only read the Housekeeper or whatever it's called).

[@rayareadzzzz]

omg that has been on my tbr for the longest time, everyone loves it!

[@mariankrickblog]

I do find her book enjoyable, but at the same time they feel very basic. I think I'm done with her newer books, but I would like to read The Housemaid before the movie comes out. Just because I always like to read the book before watching the movie. Haha.

[@rayareadzzzz]

i like the housemaid a lot to this day - and i think the movie is going to be great, idk i have a good feeling about it for some reason 😂

[@visorah9299]

i beg of you to tell me: what are you wearing on your eyes? okay now i'm gonna watch the video

[@rayareadzzzz]

idk if that’s helpful but it’s catrice shimmering bronzer in the crease and sparkly eyeshadow from a polish indie brand called GlamShop!

[@BougieBlue]

She’s no Peter Swanson however it’s quick enjoyable read.

[@monikaliane]

I don’t mind her, ppl are reading so good BUT she is not a good thriller writer and wish she wouldn’t win book awards bc they are not good. But that’s just me.

[@e_nyuszi]

can't wait to watch!!

[@rayareadzzzz]

❤️✨

[@cattaylor8246]

I DNF'd Never Lie in 2023 and decided, never again.

[@rayareadzzzz]

right? it was so bad

[@w0nderif]

freida mcfadden lowkey gives off a дарья донцова vibe

[@rayareadzzzz]

lol this is kind of accurate :D

[@bramstokerfan]

Freida has some intense vocal fry ... 3:30 😂

[@zwiebelkuss987]

Maybe it sounds weird, but your accent it really relaxing and calming!

[@rayareadzzzz]

thank you sm☺️

[@delobster7711]

Never Lie made me rage hahaha I was so fucking mad but it was also the only one I've guessed. The Teacher for me had the best twist.

[@colleensainsbury9022]

I do not like any of her characters. They leave a very taste in my mouth. No more.

[@rayareadzzzz]

they are just very cartoonish to me

[@bitmegs8809]

Her vocal fry is unbearable I’m sorry

[@MichelleP-t7o]

I read the teacher and never lie. I think that is enough. There are too many books out there😂

[@rayareadzzzz]

hahah same

[@YuniYuna]

I personally don‘t think she is a good writer. The prose (if you can call it that) is lacking for my taste 😅

[@rayareadzzzz]

lol the prose

[@delobster7711]

David Ellis Look Closer Strange Sally Diamond Listen For The Lie Any Jennifer Hillier book

[@rayareadzzzz]

well i LOVED look closer! will have to check out the rest thanks!!

[@delobster7711]

@@rayareadzzzz I watched your other video and saw it was on your list lol if you can get Listen to the Lie in audio it was so much better than First Lie Wins (i confused them when I put the hold on libby lol)

[@ThelmaGuilbot]

sorry this has nothing to do about your video but I loveeee your eyeshadow!

[@rayareadzzzz]

thank u ✨❤️❤️

[@JuanyPotato]

I'm not even a Frieda stan but this video screams biased xD How is this a 'deep dive' and not just a hate video? Maybe I missed something idk

[@rayareadzzzz]

we have very different definitions of hate then :) these videos on my channel usually follow similar structure: get to know the author, why people love them, why people hate them in case i am familiar with author’s work, i’ll express my thoughts along the way (which yes, that automatically makes a video biased) and my thoughts weren’t 100% positive here cause my experience with Freida’s books wasn’t as such 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@valolafson6035]

This wasn't a hate video at all.

[@silveriogarcia2431]

I'm an Indie author. Would you be interested in reviewing my book. Interested in reviewing my debut book. Is a YA historical fantasy that takes place in colonial period Mexico. Is called "Las Casas by The Ocean".

[@MichelleP-t7o]

Congratulations!!!!

[@rayareadzzzz]

congrats!! feel free to send it my way (my email is always in the description) - i can’t unfortunately make any definitive promises on reviewing it though

[@rohanmulgaokar5682]

I think you should put a spoiler tag somewhere at the start. Since you discuss all her books

[@rayareadzzzz]

i usually do my best to put spoiler alerts everywhere i can, but since i discussed everything super vaguely in this one i didn’t do that

[@kellseyhuard6217]

Yall cant let us enjoy anyone unless its fantasy it seems 😮

[@bramstokerfan]

Someone having an opinion is not stopping you from reading a book. Please be less offended.

[@rayareadzzzz]

i’m never attacking anyone who enjoys Freida’s books (or any other author’s for that matter) keep reading and enjoying whatever you want and let those of us who love to overanalyze everything live as well please 😆 we really don’t need to fight over this

[@valolafson6035]

You can enjoy whatever you want.

[@Astro-uc1pi]

Lord jesus y’all are never happy😂

[@bramstokerfan]

I doubt u even watched the video

[@Astro-uc1pi]

@ i was talking about the comments….so keep doubting all u want i said what i said😘

[@valolafson6035]

​@@Astro-uc1pi How would anyone know you were talking about the comments?

[@Astro-uc1pi]

@@valolafson6035 thats not my business. Take it as you want 😘