The Coworker Book Review: Freida McFadden’s Twisty Workplace Thriller

Can you ever really know someone? I found myself asking that again and again while reading The Coworker by Freida McFadden.

What begins as a story about a missing colleague quickly unravels into something far more layered – unexpected, twisty, and completely thrilling.

I’m already a big fan of Freida’s work. After devouring the entire Housemaid series (and mostly enjoying the movie adaptation, but that’s a conversation for another day), I knew I was in for another wild ride. The Coworker follows Natalie, a celebrated and high performing sales rep at Vixed, and Dawn, the company’s meticulous accountant who suddenly goes missing. Dawn is known for being punctual and precise, so when she doesn’t show up for work, Natalie immediately senses something is off. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear their relationship is much more complicated than it first appears.

What struck me the most was how the story explores the lengths people will go to when driven by grief, revenge, or a desire to right a perceived wrong. It gave me flashbacks to the ABC show Revenge – one of my all‑time favorite series – where characters commit themselves fully to settling scores, no matter the cost. In the first half of the book, Freida has us genuinely worried for Dawn. I felt sincere sympathy for what she endured and found myself despising Natalie for being so cruel. But, in true Freida fashion, part two flips everything on its head, revealing truths that completely reframe the narrative.

Freida is a master at planting tiny details – turtles, in this case – that seem insignificant until they become major clues. She pulls readers into one mindset and then snaps the thread with a twist that feels both shocking and earned.

This story will resonate with anyone who has ever had a coworker they tolerate out of necessity (which, let’s be honest, is most of us at some point). If you’re looking for a fast‑paced, addictive thriller that keeps you guessing and questioning every character’s motives, The Coworker is absolutely worth the read.

My Final Pour:
5/5 lattes

Perfect for: readers who love fast‑paced psychological thrillers
with sharp twists and messy coworker dynamics
Overall vibe: twisty workplace suspense with revenge‑driven tension, morally gray characters,
and clues that come together in a great reveal