A review by shesflippinpages
The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

After enjoying Sarah Pekkanen’s previous works like The Golden Couple, House of Glass, and Gone Tonight, I went into The Locked Ward with high expectations. The premise certainly hooked me: twin sisters separated at birth and adopted into different families, unaware of each other’s existence until three decades later. That setup alone promises a gripping psychological ride—and for the most part, it delivers.


There’s plenty of drama layered in: murders, infidelities, secrets, and a large cast of suspicious characters that keeps the reader guessing. Pekkanen is skilled at weaving intrigue and tension, and that talent shines here. However, despite the strong pacing and dramatic elements, I found myself wishing for a bit more originality. While the story was entertaining and fast-moving, it didn’t quite deliver the big, mind-blowing twists I’ve come to expect from her.


Overall, The Locked Ward is a solid, enjoyable read, but not one that breaks new ground. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with complex characters and tangled secrets, it’s worth picking up—just don’t expect it to completely upend your expectations.


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