The Surrogate

by Freida McFadden

Abby wants a baby more than anything.

But after years of failed infertility treatments and adoptions that have fallen through, it seems like motherhood is not in her future. That is, until her personal assistant Monica makes a generous offer that will make all of Abby's dreams come true.

Or all of her nightmares.

Because it turns out Monica isn't who she says she is. The woman now carrying Abby's child has dark, twisted secrets.

And she will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2018

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

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost want to write an unwarned spoiler here just to save someone the time…. But I won’t… What I WILL say is this: I’ve read at least 5 books by Frieda and I think at this point I can confidently say… this will probably be my last. The plots of her books are always what draw me in… that coupled with what always guarantees to be a fast paced, page turner — I always truly, truly, WANT to enjoy her books but alas… the way she writes her characters, particularly the women is always just so… mind-numbingly… STUPID. Like unbelievably so. The point of a psychological thriller is of course meant to have you questioning everyone, even your own instincts but the way she writes it is never realistic. She makes her characters ENTIRELY too naive every time just for the sake of frustrating the reader. I get it, books are supposed to evoke emotion but after reading multiples and getting a feel for her writing style… the bread and butter of the “psychological” part is simply making the scenarios so left field that you end up wanting to scream. The only reason I finished this book was to see how it ended. We got a nice little plot twist in the end but it still was so far fetched I rolled my eyes… and this coming from someone who enjoys reading sci-fi and fantasy as well. The only “thriller” part of this book was being done.

And Yikes… I know this is harsh but… I’m so irritated with this book. I would only recommend her books to those who are not avid readers of the genre… its faced paced and crazy enough to keep the occasional reader’s attention… but if you are a hard core psy-thriller reader, save your nerves.

[Sydney Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I eat this up in 1 sitting? Yes. Did it change my life? No. But I had a DAMN 👏🏼 GOOD 👏🏼 TIME 👏🏼

[Megan Tubbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book never got less ridiculous. The surrogate comes out the gate with clear “tryna-steal-yo-man” tendencies. Calls husband Sammy, keeps pregnancy test, calls it “our baby.” Like girl. Helen Keller could see it. Then surrogate and husband go to an ultrasound without the wife and she’s not instantly like, ummmmm bitch, what? THEN husband and surrogate go get coffee together. Wife can’t go because she’s so busy at work. Very next scene? Wife at lunch with a friend. WHAT. Then husband starts acting atrocious, even going so far as to believe the wife is on meth and not being framed. Threatens to take her rights away to “his baby” if she doesn’t go to rehab. Home boy shows all signs of a terrible husband. But nooooo Sam is so hot and so great. Girl, the bar is below hell. Anyway, turns out surrogate had this whole insane plan. Tries to kill wife. Doesn’t, but shoots herself. But dont worry!! They were able to get the baby out in time! So thank goddddd, wife finally gets a baby, who cares what it cost?? And she got to keep her hotty math teacher, despite him treating her like dog shit, hooray!! Did it keep me captivated? Yes. Will i read more from the author? Yes lmao

[Kyrah Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love how Freida removes all of her character’s brains before she writes them 🥰

[Ayman · Rating 4 out of 5]

yall pissed me tf offffff!!!! “stand tf up ho!” i scream as they drag me by the hijab to the white padded room…

[Laura Lovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing Freida can do is write a dumb ass female character and she made no exception in the surrogate mother!
I dare you to try not to use any expletives while reading this book! It’s IMPOSSIBLE!
The main character Abby made every stupid decision known to human kind, would question it and yet do the complete opposite to rectify it!
This book was so entertaining but also had me highly stressed!!! 😂😂😂

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Already from the start you feel like this is something new and exciting. Haven’t read any psychological thrillers with this angle before, and that made me pay extra attention while reading. The story was as always fast-paced, and even if the characters weren’t developed well, I didn’t mind it. The twists in this book just kept coming! I felt like I was in a tennis match with no idea where the ball would land. The tension kept building, and I loved the height of it.

[Lala Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. I don't mind predictable books, it's still, usually, some ah ha moments, but this book had NONE. The husband had me mad the entire book. You believe a total stranger over your wife you've known for OVER a decade? Seriously!? On what planet would that ever happen? Also the wife was soooooooo naive. Red flags just a-wavin in the air and she actin like Stevie Wonder. I gave it 3 stars because it was a nice pace and drama happened pretty quickly. It lost 2 stars for having stupid characters and being too predictable.

[Mary Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a thriller with predictable plot lines and maddeningly naive characters, this may be a book you’d want to read. I could hardly get through half of it without being so irritated by the repeated cycle of poor decision-making and childlike inner thoughts of the protagonist that I had to put it down. I laughed out loud at the cheesy and overplayed “villain explains her rationale and intent” ending with dialogue that made me cringe. I think the general plot line could be interesting, but it wasn’t my cup of tea. I think the most surprising thing about this book is the 4.3 stars it currently has.

[benedicta · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ this book is a literary representation of 'the more you fuck around, the more you find out'

***
ngl, I like to think my favorite genre is fantasy but I'm a thriller girlie at heart 🤭

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll admit it—I’m a full-blown Freida McFadden addict. I devour her fast-paced thrillers like they’re slices of Basque burnt cheesecake: indulgent, intense, and totally addictive. Her books are my ultimate guilty pleasure, especially when they come with those signature sucker-punch twists that leave you wide-eyed and whispering, “Wait—what?!”

This one, originally published in 2018, is one of her earlier works, and when I saw it pop up on NetGalley, I didn’t hesitate. I clicked request faster than you can say “domestic thriller.” Now, is it as mind-bending as her more recent releases? Not quite. You can see some of the turns coming, and the twist doesn’t knock you flat like her latest jaw-droppers—but that’s okay. You can already sense the McFadden magic brewing here, and it’s wildly entertaining from start to finish.

Our main character Abby has all the hallmark traits of a McFadden heroine: a little too trusting, a little too naïve, kind of like a Disney princess crossed with a toothpaste commercial—smiling brightly while chaos brews behind her. And then there’s her husband Sam. Oh, Sam. He commits the cardinal sin of marriage: believing a stranger over his own wife. Boo, Sam. Instant deduction of husband points. You broke the sacred rule: the wife is always right!

The plot? Deliciously chaotic. Abby has the perfect life on paper: a successful career, a charming professor husband, and a dream of starting a family. After fertility struggles and a failed adoption, hope seems lost—until her sweet, seemingly selfless assistant Monica offers to be their surrogate in exchange for help pursuing her dreams in graphic design school. Sounds like a dream, right? Well… no surprise here—things spiral quickly. Red flags flap like crazy, especially since the novel opens with Abby may go to prison for murder. (Cue dramatic music.)

As Abby begins to suspect Monica isn’t who she claims to be, things unravel at breakneck speed. Suddenly it’s not just her marriage or future baby on the line—it’s her very survival. And just when you think it can’t get worse, McFadden tosses in a few more curveballs.

While the ending didn’t land with the explosive force I hoped for, and a few plot points were admittedly far-fetched, I still tore through this book in just a few hours. It grabbed my attention and didn’t let go—and honestly, that’s what I’m here for. McFadden delivers her signature suspense-soaked ride, and I’m always ready to buckle in.

Plus, the sneak peek of her upcoming novel Intruder at the end? Chef’s kiss. That was the cherry on top—or, more accurately, the icing on the cheesecake.

Four stars from me. Another thrilling ride from the queen of twists that slap you in the face and leave you grinning like a maniac.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sharing another unputdownable Freida McFadden digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’m already counting down to the next one.

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[Anisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Remind me to stop reading these “psychological thrillers” that are utterly predictable from page 10.

[alifetimeofliterature · Rating 2 out of 5]

➸ 2/5 stars
I HATE MONICA! I HATE SAM! I HATE ABBY!!!
What in the hell was the freaking plan!?
Who was the person that called on the phone!?
Why didn’t her stupid ass change her email password!
I do not trust that Sam didn’t have anything to do with any of this crap!!
I wouldn’t have kept that baby and I wouldn’t have kept being married to Sam either!
Whats with the deal with the “Except...” part from the epilogue?
I would’ve burned that damn baby blanket!
Why does the baby have a nickname for a random blanket!?
My favorite character was Abby’s mother because at least she had some sense that God gave her!
I will never EVER have a surrogate and you can quote me
I would rather read the teacher TEN TIMES OVER!

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF (60%) Omg, it just kept getting worse. Life is too short

[Alyssa Nieves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been absolutely HATING Freida’s recent releases and I swore I wouldn’t read another book by her but, I needed a quick read so I picked this one up (Freida books and I have a toxic relationship) and ya know what, I didn’t hate it!

This was pretty standard Freida. Her books are always easy to read and quick to get through and this one was no different! The plot twist wasn’t easily predictable and it did keep me interested until the end. I think I do prefer Freida’s older releases (I enjoyed the housemaid, the locked door, never lie, etc.) as opposed to her more recent releases which is probably why I actually enjoyed this!

[Flo Camus · Rating 3 out of 5]

[2.5⭐] 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 es un thriller psicológico escrito por Freida McFadden y publicado en 2018. La novela nos presenta a Abby, una mujer que desea ser madre más que cualquier otra cosa, pero que tras años de tratamientos de fertilidad fallidos siente que la maternidad es un sueño imposible. Todo cambia cuando su asistente personal, Mónica, le ofrece convertirse en su madre subrogada.


Esto es lo que pasa cuando has leído mucho a una autora: se te hace repetitivo.
Mientras avanzaba en la lectura no podía evitar sentir que estaba ante una especie de borrador de varias ideas que la escritora ha ido puliendo con los años. Siento que esta historia es una mezcla de varias otras novelas suyas, pero en una versión más primaria. Es como si aquí estuvieran las semillas de lo que después perfeccionó en libros posteriores. Cuando ya conoces la “fórmula”, el efecto sorpresa pierde fuerza.

Esta novela es la más evidente de todas. Desde muy temprano se sabe hacia dónde va la historia: se intuye quién no es quien dice ser y se sospecha qué va a suceder. Incluso, uno anticipa los famosos “plot twists” antes de que ocurran, no fue nada emocionante leerla en ese sentido.

El tema del vientre de alquiler o la maternidad subrogada me pareció interesante. No había leído antes un thriller que abordara este conflicto desde ese ángulo y eso le da un punto a favor. Hay un potencial enorme en esa premisa: el deseo desesperado de ser madre, la vulnerabilidad emocional y la confianza puesta en otra mujer que literalmente lleva tu sueño en el cuerpo. Es un terreno ideal para la paranoia, la manipulación y el terror psicológico.
El problema es que la ejecución se quedó corta.

Además, está ese típico elemento que hace recordar a Millie en 𝙇𝙖 𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖: ese constante “esto es rarísimo, pero lo dejaré pasar” que el personaje principal repite una y otra vez (esa decisión de ignorar señales evidentes para que la trama avance).

Abby, como narradora única, está construida para que dudemos de su percepción, algo muy característico de la autora. Sin embargo, aquí el juego no es tan fino porque no hay suficiente ambigüedad real como para que el lector caiga en la trampa. El título mismo prácticamente anuncia el conflicto central.

A pesar de todo, la novela tiene una narrativa dinámica y rápida de leer, algo muy característico en la autora. Los capítulos son cortos, los finales de los capítulos tienen pequeñas tensiones y el ritmo es ágil. De hecho, creo que si esta hubiese sido mi primera experiencia con la autora, probablemente la habría disfrutado más, pero cuando vienes de leer sus novelas más pulidas, se nota la diferencia.
No le pongo tan mala nota precisamente porque es de sus inicios y hay una clara evolución narrativa en sus obras posteriores. Se percibe que aquí todavía estaba afinando su estilo, probando estructuras y consolidando esa voz que después se volvió tan reconocible.

Si no conociera el potencial de Freida, quizás la evaluación sería distinta. Le hubiese puesto un 2 porque sé lo que puede hacer, he leído libros suyos que realmente me dejaron sorprendida. Sin embargo, no lo hago porque entiendo que esta novela forma parte de su proceso de crecimiento como escritora y también porque, pese a todo, no me aburrí.

El clímax, que debería ser explosivo, se siente más como una confirmación de lo que ya uno había ido sospechando. El clásico momento en que el “villano” explica su motivación está ahí, pero no me generó impacto, sino cierta sensación de déjà vu. No hay ese “wow moment” (como dirían los Power Peralta) que una va persiguiendo cuando toma un thriller psicológico.


Finalmente, puedo decir que 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 es una historia con una premisa potente y narrada con el ritmo ágil que caracteriza a la autora, pero que se siente demasiado débil en su desarrollo. Es evidente, es formulaica y, para quienes ya hemos leído varios de sus libros, resulta repetitiva. Aun así, me parece interesante verla como un punto de partida dentro de su trayectoria.

[Belinda · Rating 1 out of 5]

How does this have such a high rating ? I couldn't wait to finish this. Poor writing and unlikeable characters and legit the worst dialogue. Never again, from this author.

[Tracy P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun. Only complaint is the ending could have been stronger. Not the shocker I have come to expect from her books.

Alyson Krawchuk's narration was flawless.

[Alright Hey (Matt) · Rating 4 out of 5]

a classic Freida novel - a few good plot twists. a few good plot holes. a few good laughs. quite enjoyed this one! felt it was very similar to a couple others of hers I’ve read. I recommend if you’ve already read the rest of her catalogue but it isn’t a must read.

[Karla Espinosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25!! A very straight-forward kind of thriller but definitely still enjoyable!!

[KnittaPhd · Rating 1 out of 5]

Spoiler? I haven’t finished this but I just know the letter opener is the murder weapon. Who gives their spouse an engraved letter opener for their anniversary?? And she accidentally cots herself with it (blood evidence!). This could not be more obvious. I’ll come back and apologize if I’m wrong. 😏

Sidebar- we get it…the husband is perfect. We don’t need to be beaten over the head with this.

[Lisa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Winner from Frieda Mc Fadden you think you have it all worked out then BANG ‼️ there is another twist coming you didn’t expect, characters were well fleshed out the pacing was fast the Narration by Alyson Krawchuk was outstanding.


Abby had always wanted to be a mum she is married to Sam a math Professor they have wanted children for a long time, Abby brings up the idea of a surrogate Sam is totally against the idea.

Abby’s personal assistant offers to be the surrogate she is so efficient & a great help to Abby, Abby is thrilled that she will become a mum they write up an agreement that when Monica starts to show she will quit as her PA…. You would think she would stand by her word … wrong things start to spiral out of control for Abby, forgetting meetings even failed a drug test the twists keep coming, Monica is hiding a secret !!


I loved this book but I would have given this 5 stars 🌟 but the ending was a bit flat for me don’t get me wrong the audio kept me invested from start to finish, the ending could have packed more of a punch a strong 4 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had me angry during the whole read! The lead female character was portrayed as stupid and naive as I've noticed is a trend in Freida's books. Plot was predictable from the start. It kept me reading because I was so irritated. Glad this one's over.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a woman is desperate for a child, anything can happen.

And "anything" is exactly what happens in Freida McFadden's "The Surrogate Mother."

Although "The Surrogate Mother" was not my favorite "surrogate thriller" and/or "Freida book", it was a compelling, fast-paced. and entertaining drama that was intriguing from beginning to end.

Yes, it was predictable and yes, it had many "this would never happen" implausible moments.

But it featured author Freida McFadden's classic misdirections, twists, and unreliable narrators -- making this quick-and-easy read a winner.

I listened to the audiobook and narrator Alyson Crawchuk did a superb job with the narration.

This is my 7th book by author Freida McFadden and I am a fan.

When the next Freida book is released, I'M IN!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE SURROGATE MOTHER is a psychological thriller by bestselling author Freida McFadden.
Having loved “The Housemaid”, I was eager to starting reading all of her standalone novels. As an avid reader of psychological thrillers, I can only say, treat yourself and read all of her books! Her books are so good!

Her Standalone Books Include:
Baby City (2015)
The Surrogate Mother (2018) (Read)
The Ex (2019)
The Perfect Son (2019)
The Wife Upstairs (2020)
One By One (2020)
Want to Know a Secret? (2021)
The Locked Door (2021)
Do Not Disturb (2021)
Do You Remember? (2022)
The Housemaid (2022) (Read)
The Inmate (2022)
Never Lie (2022)

This is my review of The Surrogate Mother.

Abby had a good job in advertising, a great marriage to husband, Sam, a math professor, and she came from a well-off family.

But Abby was missing one thing, to make the picture complete…Abby wanted a baby more than anything.

After years of failed infertility treatments and adoptions that had fallen through, it seemed like motherhood was not in her future. But then her personal assistant Monica made a generous offer that made all of Abby's dreams come true.

Monica offers to be Abby’s surrogate. Sam and Abby will compensate Monica by sending her to graduate school. After much consideration, Abby and her husband except Monica as a surrogate. The plan is now in place and Abby couldn’t be happier!

This novel has so many twists, that it kept me on my toes. Another great book by McFadden! I am so impressed with this author that I will continue to read all of her novels.

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audio - 1 star
Story - 1 star

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 13th book by Freida McFadden and I have to say I laughed out so loud while listening to this book. This gripped me from the very beginning and the ending was epic! And the MANY twists near the end? Holy cow!!! Freida is a genius! Another fantastic book by a fantastic author!

[*•MJ•* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is it too much to ask for a FMC who doesn’t ignore red flags? or better yet, someone that’s discerning?! 😪

[Meagan✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just didn’t care enough.

My Freida McFadden Ratings:
Want To Know A Secret 4 Stars
The Housemaid- 3.5 Stars
The Co-Worker- 3 Stars
Never Lie- 3 Stars
The Inmate- 3 Stars
Ward D- 2.85 Stars
The Surrogate Mother 2 Stars

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced psychological thriller. It has a likable, sympathetic female protagonist, twists and turns, and an unexpected conclusion. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Alyson Crawchuk, who has a spot on Long Island accent, does a fabulous job voicing the characters.