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- Title: The Locked Door
- Author: Freida McFadden
- Published: June 2021
- Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
Have you ever read a book that makes you second-guess every single character, only for the final reveal to leave you absolutely stunned? That’s The Locked Door by Freida McFadden in a nutshell. If you’re a fan of twisty thrillers that mess with your head and keep you glued to the pages until 3 AM (guilty as charged), then this one’s for you.
Plot Overview: A Surgeon with a Killer Past
Dr. Nora Davis is a brilliant surgeon, respected in her field, and living a quiet, solitary life. But here’s the kicker: when she was just eleven, her father was arrested for kidnapping and murdering young girls—right in their basement. And she had no idea.
Fast forward to the present, and Nora has worked hard to distance herself from that horrifying past. Nobody knows who she really is. But then, something chilling happens—her female patients start getting murdered in the exact same grotesque way her father used to kill his victims. Someone is setting her up. Someone knows who she is. And suddenly, the walls of her carefully built life start crumbling around her.
Freida McFadden’s Signature: Twists, Suspense, and More Twists
If you’ve read any of McFadden’s books before, you know she thrives on keeping readers guessing. You think you’ve figured it out—Oh, it has to be this character!—but nope, she’ll flip the script in the last few chapters and leave you sitting there, blinking at the book like, Wait… WHAT just happened?!
This book is no different. I had my theories—oh, did I have my theories. I was convinced I had the killer pegged at least twice. But McFadden does what she does best: she makes you doubt everyone. And when the truth finally hits? Let’s just say, you might need a minute (or five) to recover.
What Works: Engaging Plot & Fast-Paced Writing
✅ Page-Turning Simplicity – McFadden’s writing is easy to follow yet addictive. No overly complex prose or unnecessary filler. Just straight-up suspense that keeps you flipping pages like a detective on a case.
✅ Short Flashbacks That Add Depth – The book includes brief glimpses into Nora’s childhood—just enough to give you chills but not so much that they take over the story.
✅ A Ticking Clock Feeling – There’s this sense of urgency in the book. With every new murder, Nora’s grip on her life slips further, and you feel that tension mounting with each chapter.
What Feels a Bit Off: Nora’s Fear vs. Her Profession
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Nora is a highly skilled surgeon—a profession that requires steely nerves, precision, and the ability to make life-or-death decisions. But in her personal life? She’s constantly on edge, almost too paranoid and fearful.
Yes, I get it—she has every reason to be paranoid. But at times, her fear feels a little excessive for someone who handles high-pressure situations daily. She’s a grown woman, yet she’s still afraid to fully engage with the world. It adds to her character’s depth, sure, but there were moments where I found myself thinking, Come on, Nora! You’re a SURGEON, for crying out loud!
The Verdict: A Must-Read for Thriller Lovers
The Locked Door is a solid psychological thriller that keeps you hooked from page one. The premise is dark, the execution is brilliant, and that final twist? Pure Freida McFadden genius. It’s not the most mind-blowing thriller ever written, but it’s a fast, fun, and seriously addictive ride.
If you love mystery, psychological suspense, and books that keep you guessing until the last page, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Do you love thrillers that play mind games with you? Have you read The Locked Door or any of McFadden’s other books?