🧠 Book Review: The Surrogate Mother by Freida McFadden
A taut, twisty psychological thriller that explores motherhood, manipulation, and the terrifying cost of trust.
Freida McFadden, queen of the one-sitting thriller, delivers another addictive page-turner in The Surrogate Mother. With over 178,000 ratings and a solid 4.0/5 average on Goodreads, this novel has captivated fans of domestic suspense and psychological mind games. If you love stories where nothing is what it seems and everyone has something to hide, this one’s for you.
👶 Plot Overview
Abby, a woman desperate to become a mother after years of failed infertility treatments and adoption heartbreak, finally sees hope when her personal assistant Monica offers to be her surrogate. It seems too good to be true—and it is.
As the pregnancy progresses, Abby begins to notice strange behavior. Monica isn’t who she claimed to be. Her past is riddled with secrets, and her intentions may be far more sinister than altruistic. What begins as a dream come true quickly spirals into a nightmare of lies, obsession, and danger.
🔍 Why It Hooks You
- Fast-Paced Chapters: McFadden’s signature style keeps the tension high and the pages flying.
- Unreliable Characters: Both Abby and Monica are layered and unpredictable, making it hard to know who to trust.
- Twist-Heavy Plot: Just when you think you’ve figured it out, McFadden throws in a twist that flips everything.
- Emotional Stakes: The theme of motherhood adds a visceral layer of vulnerability and urgency.
⚠️ Themes & Content
- Deception and betrayal
- Obsession and identity
- The emotional toll of infertility
- Contains mature themes and psychological intensity
⭐ Reader Reception
- Goodreads Rating: 4.0/5 from over 178,000 readers
- Praise: “One of the best thrillers I’ve ever read!” — Amazon reviewer
- Criticism: Some readers felt the ending was rushed or overly dramatic, but most agree it’s a gripping ride from start to finish.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Surrogate Mother is a chilling, emotionally charged thriller that will keep you guessing until the final page. If you’re a fan of Freida McFadden’s other hits like The Housemaid, this one delivers the same addictive energy—with a darker, more intimate twist.
