A review by nicolehitchcock
The Inmate by Freida McFadden

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.25

Freida McFadden delivers another gripping thriller with The Inmate, a fast-paced, twist-filled read that kept me on my toes from start to finish. As always, McFadden’s writing is engaging— she masterfully builds suspense, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

That said, while I enjoyed the book overall, the plot felt flimsier compared to her other works. Without giving too much away, I found the antagonist’s motive unconvincing—it didn’t quite justify the actions taken, which made the big reveal feel a bit underwhelming. A stronger, more thought-out motive would have elevated the story and made the twists land with more impact.

Despite this, The Inmate is still an entertaining, fast-paced read that will keep readers guessing. While it may not be McFadden’s strongest plot-wise, it’s undeniably a fun and suspenseful ride for thriller fans.