Book Review: The Coworker by Freida McFadden
I have to confess—I’m officially on the Freida McFadden fan train, and The Coworker is my ticket to this thrilling ride! After hearing so much buzz about her works, I couldn’t resist diving into this one, even as I daydreamed about devouring the much-loved Housemaid series that’s languishing on my to-be-read list. As the pages flew by, I felt a pull to not just read more of her work but to get lost in her whole universe of storytelling, even if it meant sacrificing a few hours of sleep.
McFadden’s The Coworker is a fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep you biting your nails and wondering who to trust until the very end. Our story revolves around two strikingly different coworkers: Natalie, the polished, charming ‘golden girl’ of the sales team with a Margot Robbie vibe, and Dawn, the socially awkward yet detail-oriented accountant who thrives on routines and has a passion for turtles. These two characters couldn’t be more different, and therein lies the spine-tingling intrigue.
What struck me from the get-go was how compellingly McFadden constructs unreliable narratives. Both women are complex and layered; Natalie’s bubbly exterior hides a tumult of ambition and perhaps darker impulses, while Dawn, despite her quirks and eccentricities, pulls on your heartstrings. As you delve deeper into the story, you oscillate between sympathizing with Dawn’s plight and scrutinizing Natalie’s motivations. Whose story should we believe? Is there a hidden villain lurking in the shadows, or is it simply the chaos of flawed human relationships unraveling?
One standout feature of McFadden’s writing is her knack for pacing; it’s riveting! The tension builds steadily, and just when you think you’ve settled into the rhythm, she expertly throws in twists that leave you gasping. The big reveal at the end of Part One felt predictable, yes, but the subsequent twists in Part Three and the epilogue? Chef’s kiss! They were executed with finesse that kept me glued to the pages.
And can we talk about the themes? They pack a punch, touching on bullying, mental health, and the struggles of being on the spectrum. McFadden doesn’t shy away from heavy topics, and her portrayal feels both bold and sensitive, giving rise to necessary conversations.
Though I found some of the romantic elements a bit frustrating—especially during climactic moments—the payoff was satisfying. The slight plot holes left me with questions that danced in my mind long after reading, but that didn’t diminish my overall enjoyment. I just couldn’t put it down!
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that make you think while also delivering swoon-worthy tension, The Coworker is a must-read! It’s an exhilarating experience that will resonate with anyone who enjoys mind-bending narratives and complex characters. After this wild ride, I can’t help but be eager to dive into more of Freida McFadden’s work—who knows, I might even go blind reading through her backlist!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced copy. Be sure to check out my thoughts on other captivating reads on my blog, and let’s keep the conversation about books going!