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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a really interesting thriller. I liked how it was told from both Georgia's and Mandy's POV, allowing us to know as much as possible and adding some dramatic irony when we knew something one of our narrators didn't. The second person POV for Georgia threw me off at first since it's not a super common POV to use, but I got used to it as I read. It's really easy to follow along -- there are plenty of details to keep you intrigued, but you're not disoriented by all the moving parts. The tension that we see in the psych ward helps to keep tension high during the exposition, which can then be replaced by the actual plot as we start learning what happened leading up to/the night of Annabelle's death. I was surprised by a lot of the reveals, and there were a few things that I thought "this could be x" and it ended up being x. I really wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next, especially past the halfway point when the plot gets more complex. It was also interesting to learn about Georgia and Mandy as characters, as well as their pasts. One thing I didn't love was the constant references to the twins' connection (sharing feelings, dreams, etc.); I know that some of that is documented for specific cases, but it felt a little overboard sometimes. There were also some minor things that felt slightly unresolved/dropped, but it wasn't anything major enough to the plotline to make me feel unsatisfied by the ending. I also thought the pacing was maybe a little unsteady in the beginning (it might've been that it felt a little hard to believe some of the choices?), but that began to smooth itself out further into the story. Overall I would recommend this book to thriller readers -- there were times when I didn't want to put this down (even to go to bed)!
Thank you so much to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you so much to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Rape, Violence
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Locked Ward is an emotionally intense psychological thriller, ideal for your summer binge. Georgia Cartwright had it all—glamour, wealth, and prestige—but now she is held in a psychiatric hospital, accused of murdering Annabelle, her adoptive family’s biological daughter. Georgia maintains her innocence and persuades her estranged twin sister, Amanda, to help her. Amanda becomes embroiled in the chaos, undertaking DNA tests and uncovering family secrets in an attempt to clear her sister’s name.
Pekkanen masterfully creates tension and discomfort within the oppressive atmosphere of a locked psychiatric ward. Using dual perspectives—Amanda in first person and Georgia in second person—can be a bit confusing at first, but it perfectly captures Georgia’s delicate perception of reality. Pekkanen’s fast, quick chapters maintain a steady pace, driving the story forward with each page. Filled with red herrings and revelations, the plot's twists remain both satisfying and immersive.
If you're drawn to dark family secrets, captivating sibling suspense, and exploring themes of trust and deception, you'll find this book hard to put down until the very last page. It's an excellent choice for fans of domestic thrillers filled with psychological tension, mental health themes, and intense sibling relationships. A fantastic summer read with a touch of darkness that will stay with you long after you've finished.
Be sure to pre-order this captivating book; it’s available starting August 5th!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my eARC!
Posted initially on BookshelfbyTori on Instagram!
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
4/5⭐️
The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen is an interesting twist on a psych ward thriller. The setting itself is right for being a creepy mystery and it amps up the suspense with twins, a conspiracy, a ticking clock, high-level politics, and of course murder. The whole combination was entertaining and extremely intriguing.
However, I found the switching back and forth between first and second person perspectives off putting at times, particularly in the beginning of the book. There were also few last minute players that were confusing (and random.) At one point, 80% of the way in, I was asking why is one sister involved at all? All the situation did was complicate her life. Is she some sort of gossip addict? I also questioned a big change of heart (unless I missed something) with a major character. I find people rarely reverse years of opinion and action overnight without a major catalyst.
Overall, the book drew me in with a great plot and intriguing writing. The conclusion was satisfying and most of my questions were answered by the end. I recommend giving it a read.
Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the ARC! No compensation—just my honest thoughts.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received an ARC of the audiobook.
This was pretty middle of the pack as far as whodunits goes. Mildly surprising, pretty predictable, main character that makes questionable/unrealistic decisions.
Unrelated to the content of the book: I didn’t enjoy the audiobook narrator. It made it even harder to get into the mystery. This does not factor into my rating
This was pretty middle of the pack as far as whodunits goes. Mildly surprising, pretty predictable, main character that makes questionable/unrealistic decisions.
Unrelated to the content of the book: I didn’t enjoy the audiobook narrator. It made it even harder to get into the mystery. This does not factor into my rating
I really enjoyed this book! I read the digital copy while listening to the audiobook and it was quite the experience. I loved the short chapters. I did feel like that ending was heavily implied much earlier on in the book, so I wouldn't call it a twist per se, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment.
I really enjoyed this book! I read the digital copy while listening to the audiobook and it was quite the experience. I loved the short chapters. I did feel like that ending was heavily implied much earlier on in the book, so I wouldn't call it a twist per se, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No