I’m not usually a dark-humor girl when I pick up a thriller. When I want thrills, I want thrills. No jokes unless it’s an ironic, “did that really just happen?” kind of laugh. So I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden and the humor woven throughout the story.

This isn’t laugh-out-loud comedy, but it is the kind of humor that makes you smirk or pause and shake your head. And somehow, it works. The balance between suspense and subtle humor felt intentional instead of distracting, which is not easy to pull off in a thriller.

At its core, Dear Debbie follows Debbie Mullen who seems like your typical suburban mom, she keeps the house running, raises her kids, and writes an advice column called Dear Debbie for her local paper, where woman after woman turns to her for sympathy, encouragement, and practical guidance. But when her own life starts to unravel , losing her job, family tensions rising, and secrets bubbling just beneath the surfaces, Debbie begins to question what being reasonable really gets her.

She’s always been someone who solves problems and not just for her readers, but for the people she cares about most. And when life starts pushing her to the edge, she doesn’t sit back and stay “reasonable” for long. Instead, she starts taking her own advice in ways that are surprising, unsettling… and sometimes downright ruthless. Debbie’s fierce loyalty to her family slowly reveals itself as a kind of warped justice: she’ll do anything for the people she loves, even if it means fighting fire with fire.

What I really liked was reading a thriller from the point of view of the person doing the dirty work. Debbie has a reason for everything she does. Whether you agree with her logic or not is another story, but she’s convinced she’s justified, and that makes the experience way more engaging. You’re constantly questioning whether she’s right, wrong, or somewhere in between.

The premise also hit a nostalgic note for me. I was obsessed with Dear Abby growing up and genuinely believed I could be the kid version of her. I even wrote in once with that dream in mind. Spoiler alert: she never responded. So when I saw the concept behind this book, I knew I had to read it as soon as it came out.

It’s no secret that I love Freida McFadden’s books. If you’ve read my review of The Boyfriend, you already know she’s one of my go-to authors when I want something fast, twisty, and bingeable. Dear Debbie absolutely delivered on that front. The twists were satisfying, and even though I’m starting to recognize some of her patterns, I still enjoy the ride every single time.

I finished this in about a day and a half. The only reason it took that long is because I had to work. Otherwise, this easily could’ve been a one-sitting read.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.9/5 Lighters

Readability When High:

Very easy to follow and quick to get through. The chapters move fast, the perspective stays clear, and nothing feels overly complicated. This is a true binge read, even if you’re only half paying attention at first.

Mind-Blown Factor:

The twists aren’t jaw-dropping, but they’re satisfying. Once you start to understand Debbie’s mindset and motivations, things begin to fall into place. The fun is less about shock and more about watching how far she’s willing to go.

Vibe Check:

Everyday mom life, small-town routine, and quiet frustration simmering under the surface. It feels grounded and familiar, which makes the darker choices and humor hit harder as the story unfolds.

Smokability:

A smooth hybrid vibe. Relaxing enough to stay comfortable, but engaging enough that you don’t zone out. This is a “one more chapter” kind of read.

Would I Reread While Baked?:

Yes. This feels like a good reread because knowing Debbie’s motivations adds another layer to her decisions. The buildup and internal logic are just as entertaining the second time around.

If you enjoy thrillers that are quick, a little messy, and told from an unexpected point of view, Dear Debbie is worth picking up. It’s not heavy or emotionally draining, but it is entertaining and easy to get lost in. You can grab your copy here and see for yourself why this one kept me hooked until the very last page.