Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden Book Review

Title: Dear Debbie
Author: Freida McFadden
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press / Sourcebooks
Genre: Psychological Thriller / Thriller
Year of Publication: 2026
Date of Publication: January 27, 2026
Pages: approximately 336
ISBN-13: 978-1464264832
Audiobook Narrator: Julia Whelan, January LaVoy, and Scott Brick

Our Rating of This Book

Summary of Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden

At the start of the book Debbie Mullen is a writer for an advice column called Dear Debbie and lives in Massachusetts. Through her column, she advices women ignored or belittled by their husbands or those who have other personal issues they are struggling with on how to react to whatever situation that is troubling them. Usually, she would give her thoughts and a suggestion to make things work. But personally, she maintains a file with her true thoughts on how things should be handled, which often times are rather inventive or creative ways for revenge.

When Debbie gives a particular advice closer to what she truly thinks to one of her readers, she is fired from her job. At the same time, a series of other events relating to her husband and her two teenage daughters push her over the edge. Instead of being the voice of reason, Debbie begins taking her own advice and seeks revenge on those who have wronged her.

Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden Book Review

Main Plot & Characters

Debra “Debbie” Mullen – Debbie is the protagonist in this story. She is an advice columnist whose life spirals into revenge and violence as her “Dear Debbie” persona begins influencing her own actions.
Cooper Mullen – He is Debbie’s husband. Cooper is an accountant who struggles with his own secrets and personal challenges.
Alexa “Lexi” Mullen – She is Debbie and Cooper’s daughter. Lexi is seventeen years old and is currently dating Zane.
Isabel “Izzy” Mullen – Izzy is Debbie and Cooper’s younger daughter. She is also a teenage and enjoys playing soccer.
Coach Pike – Izzy’s soccer coach from school.
Zane – He is Lexi’s boyfriend.
Garrett Meers – He is Debbie’s boss.
Sierra – She is Garrett’s secretary.
Ken Bryant – He is Cooper’s boss.
Harley – She is Debbie’s friend and a personal trainer from the gym.
Cindy – She is the gym receptionist at Titan fitness where Debbie, Cooper and Harley work out.
Jesse – Cooper’s coworker.
Brett Carlson – He is Debbie and Cooper’s neighbor. He has been their neighbor for about a year and is known for playing loud music.
Jo Dolan – She is Debbie’s neighbor who owns a rose garden.
Bev – She is an 87 year old neighbor of Debbie and Cooper.
Tabitha – She is part of a book club that Debbie joined.
Lorraine – Another book club member.

Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden Book Cover

Writing Style

The story is fast-paced and is told from multiple perspectives. There are some chapters from Debbie, her husband Cooper, and from her friend Harley. There are also parts of the story that are told based on the messages Debbie receives from readers seeking advice. Using sarcasm or somewhat dark humor, we get an idea of Debbie’s internal thought process and the type of advice she would have truly liked to give her readers.

We liked the fact that even though this story is based on revenge and Debbie is technically up to no good, it’s a revenge story that you as a reader can get behind. You may find yourself hoping she gets away with her actions. OK not all her actions, but some of them!

This is a McFadden book and so, we guess at this point it is normal to expect twists and turns along the way, and this book is no exception in that regard. If you are someone who enjoys dark humor, this one is definitely for you, so seat back, relax, and enjoy Debbie’s revenge spree.

Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden Audiobook Review

Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden Audiobook

Final Thoughts on Dear Debbie

Dear Debbie leans fully into dark humor and moral gray areas, and in many ways, it makes this story a very interesting read. Debbie is not a traditional, likable heroine, but that’s part of what makes the story work. Yes, the way she shifts from the role of an advice columnist to someone actively following her own worst suggestions feels exaggerated, yet some of the frustrations she faces felt real and very familiar to us.

Freida McFadden gives readers another fast-paced book with twists and turns. You may not agree with Debbie’s decisions, but the book constantly dares you to understand them. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with dark humor and a main character who refuses to play nice, then this one delivers.

Book Rating

Characters ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Plot ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Writing ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)

Book Cover ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)

Audiobook (Narration only) ★★★★★ (5/5)

Overall ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)

**Have you read Dear Debbie yet? What did you think of Debbie’s choices? Let us know in the comments!**

Authors

Ufuoma Akpotaire

Ufuoma Akpotaire is a passionate book, movie and music reviewer with a love for travel and culture. She combines her enthusiasm for storytelling with her experience exploring new places and stories. Through her reviews, she celebrates creativity and inspires readers to appreciate the connections between books, movies, music, travel, and global cultures.
Nathaniel Adebayo

Nathaniel is a Media Content Specialist at Verayea, where he specializes in curating content and gathering data for the company’s extensive book library. He is also dedicated to writing insightful reviews, offering thoughtful perspectives on a range of media. His work ensures that Verayea’s library is comprehensive, well-organized, and informative, providing valuable resources for its audience.