Apparently this is a reprint and I haven't read the first version, so I can't speak to the changes between them. That being said, this is typical Freida McFadden fare (in a positive way!) and is a quick, easy thriller. I love a good single white female moment, and while it's easy to see where this story is leading, that didn't stop me from enjoying the ride. Fun!

The moment The Surrogate Mother opens, you’re pulled in. Abby, a successful career woman, has endured years of heartbreaking infertility and failed adoptions — and desperately, she wants a child. When her trusted assistant Monica offers to be a surrogate, it seems like a perfect solution…until everything unravels. Secrets surface, and the trust Abby placed in Monica begins to crumble in unexpected ways. It becomes a high-stakes emotional maze, riveting from page one to the final twist.

From the outset, McFadden hooks you — McFadden’s writing is sleek and powerful; a lean prose built to ratchet up suspense. Chapters end on cliffhangers that practically demand you keep reading.

The Surrogate Mother was a solid 3-star read for me. I liked it more than some of McFadden’s recent books, mostly because the double twist genuinely caught me off guard. It didn’t feel forced either, which made the payoff more satisfying. The pacing was fast, the chapters flew by, and it was easy to sink into. I’ll definitely keep reading her work to see what she surprises me with next.

Freida's books grab your attention from the beginning and then take you on a wild ride. So much tension. And that twist?! I did not see that coming. Such a fun read overall.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I’m usually a fan of Frieda’s work, but I really felt like this one missed its mark. Abby and Sam, a couple deeply wanting a baby but unable to conceive on their own, turn to adoption, which hasn’t worked for them. Abby’s assistant then offers to become her surrogate, but there’s more to her than she lets on.

I found the story to be quite far-fetched. It’s hard to believe that most of this would happen to fairly educated adults. It’s a quick and easy read, though. If you’re a fan of Frieda’s, you might want to check it out. Your opinion might differ from mine.

Freida McFadden has done it again—and The Surrogate Mother just became my new favorite book of hers. From the very first page, I was completely hooked. I honestly couldn’t put it down. The story was so tense, so believable, and so full of suspense that I found myself flying through the chapters, needing to know what would happen next.

The plot centers around a woman who agrees to become a surrogate for a couple that seems perfect on the surface—but of course, nothing is quite what it seems. As the story unfolds, secrets begin to surface, trust starts to crack, and the tension just keeps building. McFadden has this amazing way of turning everyday situations into absolute nightmares in the best possible way.

One of the things I love most about her writing is how real her characters feel. In The Surrogate Mother, I could genuinely understand the emotions and decisions of everyone involved—even when things got dark. The psychological twists are sharp, and the pacing is perfect. There were moments I had to pause just to catch my breath.

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that feel real and keep you constantly on edge, The Surrogate Mother is a must-read. It’s filled with twists, emotion, and just the right amount of creepiness. McFadden continues to prove she’s a master of the genre. I get so excited every time she releases a new book—and she never disappoints.

Freida McFadden always writes a decent thriller and whenever I read her books I cannot put them down. However I am waiting for a book of hers to blow me away. The twist in this one was good but not one of my favorites. I do look forward to whatever she puts out next.

A 5 star read! I couldn´t put it down, because the story is so suspensefull and agressive in a kind of way.
This book punched really hard on my emotions, mostly on my nerves (read to understand why).
Freida McFadden really is one of the best thriller writers in this generation.

Here we are, my first Freida, and boy was that a wild ride.

The Surrogate Mother was a fast-paced, suspenseful read, full of crazy twists and insane character choices. All of these characters are actually insane... and (no spoilers) but Sam is the absolute worst, biggest walking red flag I have ever read in my life. I cannot even with this man. Put him in the bin, he is trash.

Anyway, I flew through this one, it was very easy to read and had enough crazy shenanigans that had me wanting to keep going for just one more chapter. I'm not a big fan of over-the-top, unbelievable characters and plot, so that was a detractor. But I suspect that is Freida's appeal, and simply just means her style of crime is not my particular style. It was fun though.

I figured out most of the twists, but there was one particular part I did not guess and it was well done, so big thumbs up for that.

yeah no. i'm not even sorry about this one. the writing is just... bad. too bad to focus on the story (which feels very obvious from the getgo). freida, i know you're not a professional writer, so i'm giving grace, but don't quit your day job

Once again, Freida knocks it out of the park. Another fun, story with an ending that I didn't see coming.

Frieda McFadden always has the twists so that was not unexpected, however, I loved the "who done it" who was helping the surrogate? if anyone? Love that her books still surprise me.

This was a fantastic read. I was so thrilled when I was able to read this book so thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Well written and great plot. I love the thriller aspect of the story but it was also frightening to think at what lengths people would go through to get what they want. The characters were great and with the plot twist it was just a great book. Frieda McFadden doesn’t disappoint.

Anna can’t have a baby but they desperately want one. Then out of the blue her assistant at work offers to carry one for them. Everything just gets wilder and weirder and then scarier. Edge of your seat tension here!

In true Freida McFadden fashion, The Surrogate Mother sucks you in right from the beginning with its fast-paced storytelling and twisty plot. The psychological suspense builds quickly, and while there was one big “no way” surprise that genuinely caught me off guard, I found many of the other plot points fairly easy to guess. That said, knowing—or at least suspecting—what was coming didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story.

Even with its more predictable elements, the book kept me engaged and eager to see how everything would unfold. McFadden does a great job creating tension and crafting flawed, intriguing characters that pull you deeper into the mystery. Overall, it was a great read, and I definitely recommend it to fans of domestic thrillers and fast-moving psychological suspense.

The surrogate mother, Frieda has made us terrified of another person. Can’t get pregnant? Adoption not working out.? Try having your assistant be a surrogate for you. What could go wrong?

Apologies for the cliche but I have to say this book is unputdownable! Abby's life is being turned upside down at work and at home. Is her loyal assistant Monica to blame? Is her hubby having an affair? Monica is the surrogate of the title but it's soon clear she may be a psychopath. Or that Abby is hallucinating because of a drug issue. This story is fast-paced, exciting, easily read and McFadden is back to her best. With one twist I definitely didn't see coming. Do yourself a favour and get this book. You'll read it in one sitting. Thank you to the author and poisoned pen press for the eARC in return for an honest review. Denise x

I had a hard time putting this book down! All the twists and turns got my heart racing and I needed to know what happened next. I could feel Abby's anxiety, I wanted to scream at her to record everything and to her husband to see what was actually happening. I definitely enjoyed this book and the writing!

This book will keep you in suspense till the very end. Cleverly captures the unique manner to which motherhood and desire to be a mother can cloud all judgement. Emotionally compelling and we thought out!

As with all McFadden books this was an enjoyable and quick read. There were several unexpected twists that kept readers guessing what was to come next and engaged throughout