A review by kearstinreading
The Inmate by Freida McFadden

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

"The Inmate" takes readers on a gripping journey through the tumultuous life of Brooke, a nurse practitioner recently employed at a local prison. Amid the prison's stringent rules that forbid any form of camaraderie with inmates, Brooke carries a heavy secret: her ex-boyfriend is incarcerated within those very walls, and it was her involvement that led to his imprisonment.

Freida McFadden has this knack for keeping readers on the edge of their seats, and "The Inmate" is no exception. The suspense throughout the book is just palpable. She's got this way of hiding the plot twists until the very last moment, and it's a skill she's perfected. That said, after reading a bunch of her books, I've started to catch on to her style, so I managed to predict some of the twists. However, she still managed to throw me off with a few unexpected developments.

One thing I love about McFadden's writing is how smoothly it flows. Her narratives are consistently engaging and keep the story moving forward without missing a beat. Although I did notice a bit of repetition in the book, her talent for focusing on the essential details and keeping the story on track shines through.

But here's the one thing that didn't quite earn this book a perfect score from me – the motivation behind the characters' actions. I like understanding why characters do what they do; it adds depth to the story. While the ambiguity in character motivations might reflect real life, it left me a bit frustrated as a reader.

All in all, "The Inmate" is another feather in Freida McFadden's cap. Her mastery of suspense, clever twists, and well-crafted narratives continues to impress me. This book, despite some minor hiccups, offers a thrilling and engaging reading experience for fans of the genre.