Book Blurb:
My Thoughts!
At this point, I'm picking and finishing Freida's books like a McDonald's meal - a decent quick fix that acts as a break in between "heavier" books. Dear Debbie was a surprisingly entertaining read and ended up being exactly the kind of book I needed between more emotionally demanding books.
The story follows Debbie Mullen, a suburban wife, mother, and advice columnist whose life appears fairly ordinary on the surface. But from the very beginning, there is something unsettling simmering beneath that picture-perfect exterior. Debbie has recently lost her job, her family relationships seem strained, her husband Cooper is acting suspiciously, and strange things keep happening around her. Some things become obvious, like we know who is behind the petty revenge actions, but there's a constant, nagging, annoying feeling about WHY and how is it relevant. This is not majorly a murder mystery - for most of the book it felt like I kept waiting for something to happen, that this is not just a clever woman's daily journal, or at least understand the motive behind her actions.
Debbie herself is an interesting protagonist. At first, she comes across as petty, judgmental, and honestly not all that likeable. But she also has an incredibly sharp mind, and watching her navigate situations was one of the most engaging parts of the book. She’s the kind of character you don’t necessarily root for, yet you can’t stop reading about. The story gradually reveals more layers to her personality, and while I never fully warmed up to her, I was definitely invested in seeing how everything would play out. The Dear Debbie column angle was also interesting, and used in a way to further throw off the reader - like, what do you mean Debbie's going around responding to questions in her newspaper column with ideas to kill their husbands?
What was constant was the sense of discomfort that runs throughout the book. This isn’t a fast-paced, twist-every-chapter thriller. Instead, it’s more of a slow-burn domestic thriller with a creepy undertone that never really goes away. Freida McFadden does a great job of making you feel like something is off, even when nothing particularly dramatic is happening. There are ongoing mysteries surrounding several characters and their secrets, and I found myself continuously questioning everyone’s motives. The book finally picks up pace in the later half and I have to admit - the classic sharp turn/twist, characteristic of Freida's style, did come and for a change, was not that surprising to me!
The writing style is classic Freida McFadden - simple, accessible, and very easy to binge. I flew through it in just a few hours (THE best therapy). The chapters are short, the narrative keeps moving, and even when not much is happening, the atmosphere keeps you turning pages.
That said, I wouldn’t necessarily classify this as a strong mystery. The mystery element is there, but it felt secondary to the character dynamics and the growing sense that something was deeply wrong beneath the surface. Some plot points also required a fair amount of suspension of disbelief, and there were moments that felt a little unrealistic. The ending, however, was satisfying and tied things together in a way that worked for the story. (Go Debbie!) Major themes that this book is centred around includes moral ambiguity, revenge, and taking justice into your own hands.
Overall, I think Dear Debbie is best approached as a fun, slightly dark, domestic thriller rather than a complex mystery. It’s the literary equivalent of a palate cleanser—a quick, engaging read that scratches the reading itch without demanding too much from you. Not every book needs to be groundbreaking, and sometimes that’s exactly what you’re in the mood for.
Would I recommend it? Yes—if you’re looking for a lightweight thriller with an unsettling atmosphere, an unconventional protagonist, and a story you can finish in an afternoon. Just don’t go in expecting an intricate whodunit. This one is more about the creeping discomfort, the morally messy characters, and the entertaining ride along the way.
