kris10lee79 's review for:

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen
4.0
dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Started it before bed—finished it with my jaw on the floor.

I received an advance reader’s edition of this book from St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Sarah Pekkanen novel—and definitely not my last. I already own House of Glass, and after this it’s officially on my tbr list.

The Locked Ward releases on August 5, 2025, and it’s an intense psychological thriller centered around Georgia, a young woman awaiting trial in an institution for the most violent offenders. When her estranged twin sister visits, Georgia breaks her silence with a chilling plea: “I didn’t do it. You’ve got to get me out of here.”

I devoured this book in a single sitting—it kept me up all night. The ending left me absolutely stunned; I never saw it coming. If you’re a fan of thrillers that twist and turn until the final page, this one deserves a spot on your list.