Editing Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden (section)

== Reception ==
Dear Debbie has received predominantly positive reviews from both critics and readers. The novel debuted on multiple bestseller lists, including the #1 New York Times bestseller list, and has been praised for its engaging narrative and complex protagonist.

Critical reception includes:

* [[Kirkus Reviews]] called it "gleefully sadistic, gloriously gratifying revenge fiction," praising Debbie as "a nontraditional antihero for the ages."

* [[Booklist]] gave the novel a starred review, describing it as an "exciting yarn" and noting that McFadden is "an expert at keeping the pages turning and misdirecting her audience."

* [[Publishers Weekly]] noted that "Debbie's dark but consistent moral code makes her easy to root for...this darkly funny thriller will put a wicked smile on readers' faces."

* Shari Lapena, author of ''The Couple Next Door'', called Debbie "such an endearing psychopath―I couldn't stop reading!"

Readers have particularly praised the novel's pacing, dark humor, and the surprise twist that concludes the narrative. Many reviewers noted that the character of Debbie is a departure from traditional female protagonists, being genuinely intelligent and self-aware about her own psychopathic tendencies.

Some readers noted that the early portions of the novel move more slowly than later sections, and content warnings have been noted for sensitive subject matter including a rape scene.