Dear Debbie

by Freida McFadden

A brand new twisted thriller that will have you cheering "good for her!" from the #1 New York Times bestselling and global sensation Freida McFadden, author of The Housemaid!

Sometimes, enough is enough…

Debbie Mullen is losing it. For years, she has compiled all of her best advice into her column, Dear Debbie, where the wives of New England come for sympathy and neighborly advice. Through her work, Debbie has heard from countless women who are ignored, belittled, or even abused by their husbands. And Debbie does her best to guide them in the right direction.

Or at least, she did.

These days, Debbie’s life seems to be spiraling out of control. She just lost her job. Something strange is happening with her teenage daughters. And her husband is keeping secrets, according to the tracking app she installed on his phone. Now, Debbie’s done being the bigger person. She’s done being reasonable and practical. It’s time to take her own advice.

And now it’s time for payback against all the people in her life who deserve it the most.

From #1 New York Times and international bestselling author Freida McFadden comes a biting, subversive thriller about what happens when women finally choose to take justice into their own hands – with killer results.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Book Club

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 27, 2026

About the author

#1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher's Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple Kindle bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. She lives with her family and possessed cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.

Note that I am maxed out on friends, so I apologize in advance that I can't friend anyone back!

Reviews

[ashlyn]

someone book miss Freida a flight to the Bahamas because my girl needs a vacation

[Nikos Drosinos]

“Freida, honey, you write like you got a deal with the devil and a sponsorship with Red Bull. It’s giving fast fashion but for thrillers.” Said whilst adding it to his TBR!! 🤣

[Laura Lovesreading]

Debbie is losing it!!
Freida is losing it!!
We are losing it!!
😭🥵😭🥵😭🥵😭

*ADDS TO WANT TO READ*

[Geethika]

Freida’s book releases are more regular than our menstruation cycle

[Holly B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

This was my favorite from the author so far! Debbie was completely unhinged in the best way! 😲

I love a revenge story and Debbie is the Queen of Karma! 👑 Don't cross Debbie!

Debbie writes an advice column for a local family oriented newspaper. People send in questions seeking Debbie's wisdom. Lately, she hasn't been holding back. She may even begin taking her own advice because well, things have gotten out of hand.

I think fans of Freida will love it! Her signature exaggeration plays well with this plot! I had to keep saying to myself, "Oh no she didn't"! The ending also played well! Hoping for a Debbie sequel. 🤞

This was a buddy read with Kaceey and we both flew through it!

Thanks to EW and the publisher for my ARC. Comes out Jan 26, 2026

[ahmeeka · Rating 4 out of 5]

women in male dominated fields

[Norma ~ The Sisters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Shooty Balls this one owned me! Viciously satisfying, darkly funny, & jaw dropping from start to finish!

Right away, there was this electric feeling that told me I was in the hands of a thriller that knew exactly what it was doing. Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden is a domestic thriller with claws and unapologetic energy that hooked me completely. I tore through all of it. Debbie kept my devoted interest from start to finish. The voice, the pace, the everything. I devoured it. The excerpts from the Dear Debbie column? I laughed out loud. Absolutely bingeable. And the fact that this is my very first Freida McFadden? I do not know what the heck I was waiting for.

Key Thoughts
📖 Pacing that never dipped. The chapters snapped forward with that addictive must keep reading momentum.
👀 Debbie. Debbie. Debbie. An all time favourite character for me. Her momma bear ferocity, her flaws, and that one moment that had both our hackles raised. I felt every beat of her.
💭 A wicked blend of humour and righteous fury. This is a story fuelled by women pushed past the edge and deciding enough is enough.
🏡 The setting gave me that creeping tension where everything looks perfect on the surface but you can feel something unsettling in the air just beneath it.
🧩 The twists were paced like detonations. One in particular shifted the entire landscape of the story with a single line. I sat back and just said wow.

This book completely wowed me. I am sitting here after finishing and I feel energized by what Freida McFadden just delivered. I am so glad I went in blind and let it hit me exactly the way it wanted to.

Anticipated publication date: January 27, 2026

Thank you so much to Poisoned Pen Press for offering me this DRC which I received via Edelweiss+.

[Salma [HIATUS]]

Plot twist: Ali Hazelwood and Freida McFadden are the same person.

[manas (traveling)]

i never learn

[Kurryreads (Kerry) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars MAYBE 4.5 honestly - this one hit


Vlog:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTM2jDCjF/

[Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGGG!! Get this book!! 🤯 Thank you SO much @poisonedpenpress for my gorgeous gifted copy!! I was lucky enough to grab a copy at Boucheron! 🥰

I had only read one @fmcfaddenauthor .. and now I have read two in a month… I just ordered like umm 12 more...literally.. I am OFFICIALLY obsessed. 🤩 Thanks @poisonedpenpress 😂 Okay I absolutely loved Dear Debbie!! Ten stars ⭐️ people!! Seriously. 👏👏

This book is totally unhinged… crazy and twisted!! Our girl Debbie is my favorite kind of character. She is absolutely cray! 😬 Like scary cray… 😳… Lock 🔒 your doors… don’t make eye contact. 😂 I LOVED her so much!! What does that say about me?😬🤷‍♀️

Debbie’s life is falling apart.. but no worries.. 😉 She has it ALL under control. 🫣😳😂 She’s FINE… She is tracking her husband and kids. You just wait until you read the advice she dishes out in her column.. you guessed it.. Dear Debbie. 😉

That ending!! WOW! 🤯 👏👏 I seriously binged this in a day. I couldn’t stop!! Whew! Okay now go read this so we can talk about how crazy it was! 😂

Pub date: 1/27/26! 🥳🥳

[desiree(finally back)]

debbie’s losing it, i’m losing it, we’re all losing it. freida, please. let’s just spiral on into january..😩🫠

[brittany:)]

I’ve had this arc for awhile now, I’m gonna hurry up and knock it out this week🌷✂️

[Michelle]

Debbie is worried about her family. Her husband seems to be keeping secrets from her, her oldest teenage daughter has a boyfriend that seems dangerous, and her younger teenage daughter, a soccer star, has suddenly quit the team.

Debbie doesn't know what's going on with the people she loves most but she will stop at nothing to find out. No one messes with her family.

All you need to know: This book is bananas and Debbie is batshit crazy!

This is my first McFadden other than a short Christmas story I read a couple years ago and wasn't all that crazy about. Lordy knows I see her name and her books in my Goodreads feed all the time. Part of me was hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. I find that authors that crank out multiple books in a year care more about quantity than quality. And this still may be true about McFadden but credit where credit is due - this was completely entertaining. Will I remember this a few weeks from now? Probably not. Was it a fun way to pass the time? Sure! 🍿 4 stars!

Thank you to Edelweiss and Poisoned Pen Press for my complimentary copy.

[thea. (finnick’s version)]

This woman sleeps with her laptop next to her😂 IF she sleeps

[Deanna]

Plot twist: Freida McFadden already wrote another book

[Marialyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

Not what I was hoping for.
MTC

Debbie Mullen is an advice columnist. She has heard numerous complaints from women about their husbands and how they are treated by them so Debbie gives them advice.

Debbie's life is on a downhill trajectory. She has lost her job, her teenage daughters are being surly teenagers, and her husband is keeping secrets.

Debbie becomes a do something gal, and do something she does. It's time for those who wrong Debbie or her family to pay the piper. She's a woman with a mission.

[Meagan✨]

Frieda?! I just know my girl is tired.

[Dani ˚⊹♡ (catching up)]

I have a feeling that they have my girl kidnapped in a basement writing books without the right to rest.

[Cristiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Krista✨🪩]

I’m fully convinced this woman never sleeps. 😭

[Clace]

Not me adding this to my tbr after giving the past 6 Freida books 1,2 or 3 stars.

[Danielle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Frieda McFadden since the beginning of her writing career and I have yet to be disappointed with any of her books. I would put DEAR DEBBIE high on the list if I were ranking her books. I found it to be wildly entertaining and the twist was seriously shocking! I was hooked on this one from the start!

Many thanks to Frieda McFadden for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

[Casey Reads 🌸]

I am sure I will eat this up! 🖤

[Conny Godefroy]

No one in history has ever locked in the way Freida McFadden has locked in since 2022.

[Sandra's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW ✨️
Another great fast read by Freida McFadden!Dear Debbie, she gave her advice in the newspaper column. When her world seems to be falling apart, she's done being pushed around and becomes unhinged. The dark humor, the crazy twist, get ready for a ride! I loved reading this book, and I definitely recommend it!

Thank you, Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Mandy Chahal for this ARC. I enjoyed reading this book, for my opinion.

[Judy Collins]

In DEAR DEBBIE by the masterful 'queen of twists,' Freida McFadden, comes an intoxicatingly wicked tale of vengeance that unfolds through the life of an advice columnist. As her own world crumbles under the weight of betrayal from those she once trusted, she embarks on a dark journey that leads her to forsake her once-rational counsel.

Instead, she meticulously plots revenge against those who have wronged her and her family. This gripping psychological thriller is filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats, as the protagonist navigates the murky waters of justice and retribution, revealing the lengths one might go to reclaim their power and the refusal to be silenced.

The novel serves as a darkly humorous thriller where the advice columnist becomes the dispenser of her own brand of harsh, tech-fueled justice.

About...

Debbie Mullen appears to have a stable life as a housewife, a gardener, a mother of two teenage daughters, and a local newspaper advice columnist known as "Dear Debbie," offering practical tips to other New England wives.

Several crises hit Debbie in quick succession, as her life spirals out of control. Including losing her job for giving a reader radical advice to divorce her abusive husband, her husband being denied a promotion, one daughter facing blackmail over nude photos, and the other being cut from her sports team due to a chauvinistic coach.

Debbie is sharp and uses a tracking app and her sharp computer skills (she's a former MIT computer science major) to uncover secrets her husband, Cooper, has been keeping, including a potential affair.

Feeling ignored, belittled, and betrayed, Debbie decides "enough is enough" and stops being the "bigger person". She resolves to take her own, more unhinged "Dear Debbie" advice, seeking payback against the people in her life who deserve it most.

The main characters in Freida McFadden's Dear Debbie are primarily members of the Mullen family and the individuals in their suburban community to add layers and who Debbie targets for revenge. 

Primary Characters
~Debbie Mullen: Main Character. Wife & Mother. Local Advice column called Dear Debbie.
~Cooper Mullen: Debbie's husband, an accountant who keeps secrets from his wife.
~Debbie's Teenage Daughters: Debbie and Cooper have two daughters in high school whose personal challenges (one facing blackmail, the other cut from her sports team) serve as a catalyst for Debbie's actions. 

Secondary Characters and Targets
Debbie's Boss, Cooper's Boss, Daughter's Blackmailer/Boyfriend, Daughter's Coach, Book Club Attendees/Neighbors, An Old Enemy from College, and a Friend.

My thoughts...

Do not cross Debbie!

I absolutely adored DEAR DEBBIE! Once again, McFadden has solidified her status as the queen of thrills, delivering all the signature entertainment you come to expect from this best-selling author.

The revenge plot unfolds with a blend of dark humor and sharp wit, following Debbie's intricate journey as she masterfully orchestrates "karmic results" for those who have wronged her and her loved ones.

From her unscrupulous husband’s boss to the predatory educator and boyfriend who preys on her daughters, each encounter is laced with a cleverly twisted sense of comeuppance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Freida McFadden's novels, including DEAR DEBBIE, often explore themes of psychological manipulation, betrayal, domestic abuse, and female empowerment and revenge. Her books are known for their fast pace, unreliable narrators, and unexpected plot twists.

The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives and excerpts from Debbie's advice column drafts, building tension and leading to a jaw-dropping conclusion where all the pieces of the puzzle fit together in a surprising, highly entertaining way.

Fed up with being wronged, Debbie decides to stop being the "bigger person" and takes matters into her own hands, using her forgotten tech skills for revenge.

Tailored for devoted fans of Freida McFadden, as well as those who are captivated by the intricate world of domestic suspense, DEAR DEBBIE masterfully weaves together themes of betrayal and retribution, showcasing a strong female protagonist who is fiercely determined to reclaim her narrative.

As the characters navigate treacherous emotional landscapes, readers are drawn into a thrilling exploration of vengeance and empowerment, making this story a must-read for anyone who revels in the art of psychological intrigue.

Themes:
~Revenge & Justice
~Secrets & Betrayal
~The Dark Side of Suburbia
~A Woman Pushing Her Breaking Point

The title's significance refers to the local newspaper advice column written by the protagonist, Debbie, and serves as the central framework for her transformation and revenge. Its significance is found in the following themes: 

~Reclaiming Power
~The Facade of Suburbia
~Narrative Structure (unhinged drafts from Debbie’s advice column folder)
~A "Shout Out" to Silence
 
Freida McFadden has stated the title and character are a "shout out to the silence that so many women live in every day," representing a woman who has reached her breaking point and refuses to be "the bigger person" any longer.

The audiobook...

The audiobook was an extraordinary journey that transcended traditional storytelling. I had the joy of not only reading the book but also immersing myself in the audiobook, brought to life by a stellar cast of narrators—my absolute favorites, Julia Whelan, January LaVoy, and Scott Brick.

Each of them infused the narrative with their unique vocal talents, transforming the story into a dynamic experience rich with suspense and emotional intensity. Their distinct voices carried the weight of the characters' struggles and fears, immersing me fully in the plot's twists and turns. This epic auditory adventure left me captivated from start to finish, and I wholeheartedly recommend delving into the audiobook for an unforgettable listening experience! An impeccable pairing for the talented Freida McFadden.

Recs...

DEAR DEBBIE is for avid fans of the author, Freida McFadden, and those who enjoy domestic suspense novels frequently featuring female characters motivated by revenge and the desire to control their own narratives after betrayal.

~Victoria Helen Stone (Jane Doe)
~Kaira Rouda (Best Day Ever, The Next Wife, The Second Mrs. Strom)
~SA Cosby (King of Ashes).
~Liv Constantine (The Last Mrs Parrish)
~Alison Gaylin (The Collective)
~Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl)
~The Housemaid (Freida McFadden)

Special thanks to Poisoned Pen Press, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for graciously sharing an advanced reading copy and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 27, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
January Newsletter

[yun with books]

Freida McFadden! the hardest and the most hardcore writer ever.
Seriously, does she even sleep? or rest? or both? 57049204924 books in a year.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

This is a review of the ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is performed by Julia Whelan, January LaVoy and Scott Brick.

I am such a big Freida McFadden fan and Dear Debbie was definitely one of my most anticipated reads. And it did not disappoint. I enjoyed this book so much!

Debbie is a wife and mom who writes a Dear Debbie advice column. She is such a unique character. She is so smart and witty. But she definitely also has another side to her that I did not expect. The book alternates mostly between Debbie and her husband Cooper's POVs. I really liked getting both the husband and wife’s viewpoints. Especially since they both had secrets. This aspect of the story and Debbie’s actions were so fun to read

The audiobook of Dear Debbie is wonderful. Julia Whelan is so good as Debbie. Scott Brick is really good as her husband Cooper. And January LaVoy is really good in her part. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook so much!

This is a riveting book that I did not want to put down! And OMG there is one part that blew my mind! I highly recommend listening to the audiobook. Freida McFadden knows how to write a wonderful thriller!


Thanks to edelweiss and Poisoned Pen Press for the ebook. And thanks to Dreamscape Media and netgalley for the audiobook.

[Dallas Strawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I **chokes on my own vomit** actually enjoyed Dear Debbie. I know—I'm as surprised as anyone. I’ve made it very clear that I’m not a Freida McFadden fan; her writing style just isn’t for me, and this book definitely still has that same simple, not-exactly-literary prose.

But Debbie? Debbie is absolutely unhinged in the best way. She’s one of the most memorable main characters I’ve read in a thriller in a long time. This is exactly the kind of protagonist I wish my favorite thriller authors would write: chaotic, compelling, off her rockers, and impossible to look away from.

I also found the twists more believable than in other McFadden books I’ve read, and it made the whole reading experience a lot more fun.

Overall, despite myself… I had a good time with this one.

Don't count on me loving the next one though.