Why The Co-worker Didn’t Quite Live Up to the Hype

Freida McFadden has carved out a reputation for herself as a master of twisty, fast-paced thrillers, and her latest, The Co-worker, certainly lives up to that promise in many ways. Known for her ability to build suspense and keep readers glued to the pages, McFadden brings that signature edge to this story of workplace mystery and unexpected disappearances. However, while the book entertains and delivers a compelling setup, it ultimately left me feeling a bit underwhelmed, especially when it came to the resolution.

At the heart of The Co-worker is Natalie Farrell, an awkward, socially isolated woman whose disappearance shakes up the office she works in. Natalie isn’t your typical co-worker—she’s autistic, deeply meticulous, and sticks to a strict routine, which sets her apart from her colleagues. The story kicks off when she suddenly fails to show up for work, something utterly out of character. Dawn Schiff, her bubbly but somewhat superficial co-worker, finds herself unwittingly pulled into the mystery when she realizes she was the last person to see Natalie.

What follows is a narrative that hops between timelines and perspectives, slowly unravelling the truth behind Natalie’s vanishing. McFadden’s talent for pacing shines through here—the short chapters and alternating viewpoints make the story impossible to put down. The tension builds steadily, peppered with office gossip, small betrayals, and secrets that complicate the relationships between characters. The workplace environment is portrayed with a keen eye for detail, capturing the subtle undercurrents of cliques, judgment, and the loneliness of being an outsider.

One of the more refreshing aspects of the novel is its portrayal of autism through Natalie. While the depiction sometimes borders on surface-level, McFadden does offer a neurodivergent character who is intelligent, complex, and vulnerable in ways that feel real. It’s rare to see a thriller centre a character like Natalie, and it adds a layer of depth and empathy to the story, giving readers a new perspective on social isolation and misunderstood behaviours.

Yet, where the book struggles most is in character development beyond Natalie. Dawn, who initially comes off as the story’s bright and bubbly foil, quickly falls into cliché territory—the friendly but shallow co-worker with secrets of her own. Her arc feels undercooked, and despite some hints at complexity, she never quite becomes fully dimensional or relatable. Other characters similarly lack nuance, making it harder to invest emotionally in their fates or motivations.

The signature twist that Freida McFadden is known for lands here but feels a bit forced. The revelation that Natalie has a secret boyfriend within the office—a man linked to her disappearance—had potential to elevate the mystery, but the build-up is thin and the idea itself somewhat hard to believe given Natalie’s social struggles. The twist feels like it was shoehorned in for shock value rather than emerging organically from the narrative. This ultimately weakens the impact, leaving the climax feeling rushed and less satisfying than it could have been.

The ending, in particular, feels like a missed opportunity. The motivations behind key characters’ actions aren’t fully explored, and Dawn’s role in the resolution seems uncertain, lacking a clear emotional payoff. The promise of a high-stakes thriller unravels into something more predictable and hurried, which was disappointing after such a carefully constructed build-up.

Despite these flaws, McFadden’s talent for crafting suspense remains undeniable. Her prose is accessible and punchy, making the book a quick, addictive read. She knows how to keep the reader guessing, even if the ultimate answers don’t quite hit the mark. The office setting adds an additional layer of relatable tension, with realistic depictions of gossip, judgment, and loneliness that amplify the suspense.

That said, my rating is 3/5 —not because it wasn’t enjoyable, but because as much as I liked the setup and McFadden’s pacing, the storyline started to get lost in the middle and the ending didn’t live up to her usual standard. It’s not her best work by any means, and it left me wanting more clarity and depth in the final act. For readers who have followed McFadden’s previous books, this one might feel a little underwhelming compared to her stronger, more tightly woven thrillers.

In sum, The Co-worker is a compelling, if imperfect, thriller with moments of genuine emotional depth thanks to its focus on neurodiversity and workplace dynamics. It’s an enjoyable ride, even if the destination leaves you wanting a little more.