Title: THE LOCKED DOOR
Author: Freida McFadden
ISBN: 9781728296180
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Pages: 320
Source: Audible
While eleven-year-old Nora Davis was up in her bedroom doing homework, she had no idea her father was killing women in the basement.
Until the day the police arrived at their front door.
Decades later, Nora’s father is spending his life behind bars, and Nora is a successful surgeon with a quiet, solitary existence. Nobody knows her father was a notorious serial killer. And she intends to keep it that way.
Then Nora discovers one of her young female patients has been murdered. In the same unique and horrific manner that her father used to kill his victims.
Somebody knows who Nora is. Somebody wants her to take the fall for this unthinkable crime. But she’s not a killer like her father. The police can’t pin anything on her.
As long as they don’t look in her basement.
Official Summary
27 June 2024
If you are a regular visitor to the blog you will know that I have added a few of Freida McFadden’s books to my TBR and that they have managed to slip to the top of my TBR pile all by themselves.
“The Locked Door” is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The novel follows Nora Davis, a successful surgeon with a dark past. As the daughter of a notorious serial killer, Nora has managed to build a quiet, solitary life, successfully hiding her true identity from the world. However, her fragile peace is shattered when a young patient is murdered in a manner eerily reminiscent of her father’s crimes.
McFadden weaves a tale of suspense and paranoia, drawing you into Nora’s troubled mind. The protagonist’s struggle with her legacy and the constant fear of being discovered adds a layer of depth to the character, making her both relatable and intriguing. Nora’s determination to distance herself from her father’s heinous actions while struggling with her fears and suspicions is portrayed with a subtle touch, creating a compelling psychological portrait.
The narrative is fast-paced and filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. McFadden’s writing is atmospheric, effectively conveying a sense of dread that fills the novel. The tension is clear, and the mystery surrounding the new murders is expertly crafted, making it difficult to put the book down. I enjoyed the novel’s exploration of the themes of identity and inheritance. Nora’s internal conflict about whether she can escape her father’s legacy or if she is doomed to repeat his sins adds a profound psychological dimension to the story. This aspect of the novel resonates deeply, raising questions about nature versus nurture and the extent to which we are shaped by our past.
However, some readers might find certain plot points a bit predictable, and the ending, while satisfying, may not come as a complete surprise to seasoned thriller fans. Despite this, “The Locked Door” is a thoroughly engaging read, thanks to McFadden’s ability to create a suspenseful and immersive atmosphere.
This book combines a chilling plot with well-developed characters and thought-provoking themes. Freida McFadden has crafted a novel that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last, making it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.
Also by Frieda McFadden
Do Not Disturb
Quinn Alexander has committed an unthinkable crime.
To avoid spending her life in prison, Quinn makes a run for it. She leaves behind her home, her job, and her family. She grabs her passport and heads for the northern border before the police can discover what she’s done.
But when an unexpected snowstorm forces her off the road, Quinn must take refuge at the broken-down, isolated Baxter Motel. The handsome and kindly owner, Nick Baxter, is only too happy to offer her a cheap room for the night.
Unfortunately, the Baxter Motel isn’t the quiet, safe haven it seemed to be. The motel has a dark and disturbing past. And in the dilapidated house across the way, the silhouette of Nick’s ailing wife is always at the window. Always watching.
In the morning, Quinn must leave the motel. She’ll pack up her belongings and get back on the road to freedom.
But first, she must survive the night.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
#1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practising physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple Kindle bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humour novels. She lives with her family and black cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.
That’s it for this week! It’s been another busy week on the blog. All the books I reviewed have been brilliant reads that I highly recommend you add to your TBR list. If my review inspired you to buy a book, please let me know. I look forward to hearing about the books you purchased this week. Until next time…. Happy Reading!
