sydnireadz 's review for:

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen

4.5

mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 

4.5 stars

I have been a fan of Sarah Pekkanen since “The Wife Between Us.” I find her books have the perfect balance of character development and pacing while the mystery unfolds. “The Locked Ward” does not disappoint.

[I listened to the ALC on NetGalley.]

I liked getting to know the main characters. I feel like their similarities and differences were explored throughout. I understood their motives well. 

I think the psych ward experience was well done without stigmatizing. I liked the eeriness of being in Georgia’s head while she tries to stay sane while also giving the impression she is not sane. The “you” POV threw me off and confused me sometimes as an audio listener.

I don’t feel like the “twist” was a dramatic reveal. I felt like the breadcrumbs lead me to the ending in a satisfying way. 

I love the narration! I don’t pick up books for a narrator, but I do feel relieved when I hear this narrator start the story. I know it’ll be a good listen. 

{SPOILER ALERT !!}

The only place where I wanted a bit more development was on Cole’s place in the story. Maybe his purpose was as a red herring, but I wanted to delve more into his motives. 

{MAJOR SPOILER}

I’m subtracting a half star because Patty was a little ~too~ convenient of a “fixer.” It seemed a step too far to put finger prints somewhere just to frame someone. I feel like it would’ve been perfect without that being mentioned.