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A review by bookishpatricia
The Inmate by Freida McFadden
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The start of the novel was an instant hook. I listened to the audiobook version so it immediately gave life to the characters. The synopsis was promising and it stayed true within the pages. However, eventually, some chapters felt dragging, Brooke's indecision pulled down the quality of the story, and midway through, I just wanted to know the end of the novel regardless of how the events unfolded. I find that it's not a positive sign if the reader is rushing to get to the end, not out of excitement but of boredom.
Now this is the part I trash-talk the novel. If it happens to be your favorite or you simply don't like negative reviews, I suggest you stop reading and look the other way.
✏️ Crude review + spoilers ahead ⤵
The Inmate has a 4.1 overall rating on GoodReads as of this writing. I can't wrap my head around it.
The plot is so simple it can pass as weak. The protagonist, Brooke, has zero self-awareness and a backbone made of noodles. If she got any more unlucky, she would have been the perfect candidate for murder. And in this book, *drumroll*, she is!
I've been seeing this novel everywhere and the reviews are constant: it's GOOD. However, I beg to disagree.
In the end, the plot twist and the epilogue were good. I didn't see those coming. But they weren't enough to vindicate the entirety of the novel.
Was it just a bad egg? Have I watched enough thriller films to find this novel basic? Am I dumb and unappreciative?
I don't know. I'm still confused. And this book review is clearly as messy as the book itself.
Now this is the part I trash-talk the novel. If it happens to be your favorite or you simply don't like negative reviews, I suggest you stop reading and look the other way.
✏️ Crude review + spoilers ahead ⤵
The Inmate has a 4.1 overall rating on GoodReads as of this writing. I can't wrap my head around it.
The plot is so simple it can pass as weak. The protagonist, Brooke, has zero self-awareness and a backbone made of noodles. If she got any more unlucky, she would have been the perfect candidate for murder. And in this book, *drumroll*, she is!
I've been seeing this novel everywhere and the reviews are constant: it's GOOD. However, I beg to disagree.
In the end, the plot twist and the epilogue were good. I didn't see those coming. But they weren't enough to vindicate the entirety of the novel.
Was it just a bad egg? Have I watched enough thriller films to find this novel basic? Am I dumb and unappreciative?
I don't know. I'm still confused. And this book review is clearly as messy as the book itself.