Thank you NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press & Freida McFadden for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I have quickly become obsessed with Freida McFadden's books after binging The Housemaid over the summer, so I was so excited to be approved for this arc. And no surprise but I loved this book! This kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I loved all of the wild twists and turns! Solid 4 star read for me!

Unveiling Shadows and Racing Against Time: A Gripping Journey in "The Locked Door" by Frieda McFadden

Summary:
In Frieda McFadden's literary masterpiece, "The Locked Door," readers are transported into a thrilling world of secrets and suspense. The story follows Nora Davis, a skilled surgeon burdened with a dark and hidden truth: her father was a notorious serial killer. When tragedy strikes as one of Nora's young patients is found murdered in a manner evoking her father's crimes, she finds herself entangled in a relentless pursuit to protect her secret while uncovering the identity of the true culprit.

Review:
Frieda McFadden's "The Locked Door" seamlessly weaves together elements of suspense and mystery to craft a truly enthralling narrative. From the very first page, readers are captivated by McFadden's impeccable storytelling skills, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

The central protagonist, Nora Davis, is an incredibly well-developed character whose struggles and hidden past draw readers into her world. McFadden skillfully brings Nora to life, creating a sense of empathy, and the weight of her dark heritage becomes palpable, intensifying the intrigue and suspense throughout the story.

As the plot unfolds, the sudden murder of one of Nora's young patients serves as a catalyst for unearthing long-buried secrets. McFadden adroitly guides readers through a labyrinth of twists and turns, generating an unmistakable atmosphere of trepidation and suspense. The constant undercurrent of impending danger keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making "The Locked Door" an unputdownable experience.

Nora's uphill battle to safeguard her secret and uncover the truth intertwines with her personal growth, injecting an added layer of depth into the narrative. McFadden expertly explores Nora's resilience and unwavering determination, evolving her character amidst the chaos and heightening the readers' emotional investment in her journey.

The author's descriptive prowess breathes life into the pages of "The Locked Door", immersing readers in the disquieting ambiance that permeates the story. McFadden's ability to expertly craft each scene with vivid imagery enhances the reading experience, evoking powerful mental images in the minds of readers. Furthermore, the seamless blending of suspense, mystery, and psychological tension sustains a riveting pace throughout the novel.

In conclusion, "The Locked Door" is an exquisite psychological thriller that ensnares readers with its intricate storyline, compelling characters, and an atmosphere of nail-biting suspense. Frieda McFadden deftly navigates the complexities of concealed secrets and their repercussions, delivering a spellbinding literary journey. For those seeking an addictive read filled with unexpected twists and a resilient protagonist, "The Locked Door" is the secret passage that leads to excitement and literary satisfaction. Prepare to be enthralled as you step through the doorway into Nora Davis's world, where hidden truths can no longer remain locked away.

I feel like the thriller community overuses the phrase, "You'll never see this coming," but I have to say in the case of Frieda McFadden's "The Locked Door," it is well deserved. As someone who reads close to 50 mysteries a year, I consider myself a seasoned reader and am rarely surprised by the way a novel ends. I was well and truly shocked this time. "The Locked Door" was suspenseful and well-plotted and genuinely kept me on the edge of my seat. I FLEW through the last hundred pages racing towards a conclusion I thought I had seen coming from miles away only to be gobsmacked by the actual ending.

Nora Davis has spent the past twenty-six years building a quietly successful life. She works as a surgeon, drives an unassuming car, works long hours, and then returns to her quiet, empty house. While the routine and the loneliness of a life unshared might bother other women, to Nora that rigid structure of her life means two things, safety, and anonymity.

After having an idyllic childhood shattered by the realization that her father was a prolific serial killer, responsible for the deaths of close to thirty women, Nora values this safe, anonymous, boring life she's built around herself more than anything. As the twenty-sixth anniversary of her father's arrest looms over her, however, she finds herself drawn into a web of lies, deceit, and danger as someone begins killing her female patients using the same MO that made her father infamous. Nora must stay one step ahead of not only a dangerous killer but also the police as she works to unravel the trail of lies and half-truths swirling around her.

I will not only be ordering McFadden's entire back catalog for our collection (and bingeing it myself) but she will be a new go-to recommendation when I'm talking to patrons who feel like they no longer get the sense of surprise from reading a thriller. "The Locked Door" is a perfect book club thriller, one that any fan of the genre can race through in one dark, lonely evening. And if they check the locks on the doors a little more closely than usual, no one would be able to blame them after finishing "The Locked Door." Special thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an unbiased review! A true must-read!

Thank you Frieda McFadden, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC e-book. Frieda McFadden does it again with another psychological thriller that keeps you guessing every step of the way. Nora's father is behind bars unable to reach her from the outside... or is he? Suddenly women are being murdered in exact fashion as her father's typical MO. How close can Nora get to the case before she is the one being suspected? This book was a quick pull you in type of read and had me guessing up until the final page.

On a McFadden binge!

Another sitting at the edge of my seat read! Nora’s father is a serial killer. When her patients begin dying, she is the prime suspect. Not likable or unlikeable, but a strong character. Loved the past and present timelines, but wish there was a little more from her childhood.

Interesting, with a great twist at the end! I’ve yet to find a book by this author that doesn’t get me hooked!

I always enjoy McFadden's skillful storytelling. It is a mix of suspense and heartache, making it a compelling and unforgettable read. Really liked it!

An entertaining page-turner even though I guessed whodunit halfway through. It was as obvious as the red herrings and not at all mindblowing, especially with such a small cast. Still, I enjoyed breezing through this highly readable thriller and how it kept me hooked. I also liked the dual timelines. The romance grew on me and the epilogue took me by surprise.

Some parts could have been more polished (btw, it's weird how Harper says her roommate will totally "lend" her a condom lol... is she planning to return the condom after use? Or remove one from a box to gift?) but overall, it was a bingeworthy read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Frieda McFadden for this arc for free in exchange for an honest review.

I genuinely enjoyed this book. I have only read the Housemaid by her. This book was fast paced, had short chapters and kept me intrigued, definitely didn’t disappoint. I really loved the flashbacks too. It had a great plot twist that I did not see coming.

🦋psychological thriller
🦋murder mystery
🦋suspense
🦋twists
🦋crime fiction
🦋serial killer
🦋creepy read
🦋action
🦋fast paced-thrillers


The premise of the story was alluring enough. I was reading and thinking how disappointed I was gonna be if it actually turned out how I thought it might, but the way my jaw dropped by the end, it was all worth it. It was a quick read with short chapters
I liked the pacing and the dual timeline. I would have liked a bit more insight into Nora and her mindset especially during her growing phases coz she was definitely somewhat of a creepy kid even if she always ended up doing the right thing. The writing was terrific and it was a pretty good read.

Whew, this was a page turner and a wild ride! You see this all the time in the news—a family member doing terrible things—and nobody is stopping them. Gripping, fast paced, and made of nightmares!

Another fast paced and twisty thriller from Freida! I really struggled putting this book down, and devoured it in one sitting. I love her writing style, and you just never know what is going to happen next with this author!

One of my very favorite authors. Her books always catch me off guard and I very rarely predict the suspense. Loved this one. Didn’t guess this either. Follows the story of a surgeon whose dad is a serial killer and her past following her.

Nora Davis is a surgeon who is keeping a terrible secret about her father in The Locked Door by Freida McFadden. Having changed her name to dodge any link to her father, Nora is on the verge of being outed as a copycat is out there while her father remains in prison for the rest of his life.

Trouble starts when two of her patients become victims of the copycat killer, bringing the police to her office. Nora has always kept a low profile, living a solitary life with little variance. She gets reacquainted with a boyfriend from college and engages in a game of push-me, pull-me with him as she is so damaged from what happened in her childhood.

Nora constantly reassures herself she is not like her father as she works hard in the operating room to save lives rather than to take lives. When she basically forces a vehicle into a crash, she begins to question herself. Could she be a killer like her father? She’s a surgeon saving lives! Does the apple fall not far from the tree? No, it does not, but there is the expected twist that comes with the psychological thrillers that McFadden writes.

Freida McFadden, a brain injury trained physician, writes psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. She self-published her first book on Amazon in 2013. A New York native, she has stated in interviews that all the protagonists in her books are based on her. When McFadden was a kid, she read The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin and Judy Blume books. She is most known for her book The Housemaid. McFadden lives with her family and black cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking an ocean.

My review will be posted on Goodreads starting November 11, 2023.

I would like to thank Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.

3.5 stars

The Locked Door by Freida McFadden  is a psychological thriller about the daughter of a serial killer.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


 My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When Dr. Nora Davis was eleven, her father Aaron Neirling was arrested.  It turns out that he was a serial killer, and he was killing women in their locked basement, and storing the bodies there.  No wonder Nora wasn't allowed to see his workshop.  That was 26 years ago, and Nora's father is doing 18 consecutive life sentences in jail.  Nora's mother was also charged.  She killed herself in jail.

So, Nora changed her name, became a successful surgeon, and made sure she no one knew about her relationship with "The Handyman".  She may not be perfect, but she tries to save lives instead of take them.

But now, someone is repeating her fathers' crimes, and the police are wondering about Nora.  Even Nora is starting to worry about Nora.

 
My Opinions:
I had enjoyed Ward D by this author, so I thought I'd try another one.  McFadden is quickly becoming a new favorite author in my books, if only because they are fast reads.  They may not be deep, but they are entertaining.

The book was fast-paced, and had a really intriguing plot.  I really liked Nora, even though I didn't always trust her, and often found her behaviour ridiculous for someone supposedly as bright as she is.  Mind you, I know some very bright people who lack common sense, so.....

Although I  had anticipated the true killer, there were enough suspects that it wasn't really obvious.  I certainly didn't see that twist coming....which in hindsight, I probably should have, as it too was a little obvious.

One thing...I thought this was a new book, but then find out it was originally published in 2021...so maybe McFadden's writing style has improved in her more recent books. I'm not saying it was bad in this book, but it was just very simple, and didn't seem to have depth.

Although I seem to have a lot of complaints,  I did enjoy the book, and will definitely be reading more of her books.

Thank you to NetGalley, Freida McFadden and Poisoned Pen Press for the free evil in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve only read The Housemaid by McFadden, but I really really enjoyed it and was very excited to read more. This didn’t disappoint! Never a dull moment and lots of people to suspect. Definitely what you need if you want a quick but twisty thriller!

When I want a great, fast paced thriller, I know Freida McFadden is always the right choice! This one was dark as it centralizes around a daughter of a convicted serial killer. It had such a great plot twist. My guesses were completely wrong the entire time. I would recommend any of Freida's book. I have enjoyed all the ones I have read by her and plan on reading more!

Anything she writes i will read! Freidas writing is so captivating and has you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The story line for this book was so good and fast paced. This book had my brain coming up with all kinda of conclusions and i loved every minute of it.

The Locked Door is my first Freida McFadden read and I can say that it definitely set out my expectations for this author and I mean it as a compliment.

Nora is the daughter of a convicted serial killer. Now a renowned surgeon, she has cut all ties to her old life, including her name. Except it seems her old life is not done with her as Nora's patients start dropping dead in an identical MO to her father. Is he somehow coordinating these from prison? Or is she going mad?

This was a perfect popcorn read, McFadden's writing style is easy to get through and she keeps you guessing. I think my qualms were mainly about how unlikeable the characters were and how on the nose Nora's 'condition' is in the flashbacks which is used as a red herring. I wasn't massive on the ending as I thought it was a tad cliche but not as cliche as it would've been had they gone the route I thought while reading.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.

Can Frieda do anything wrong? Another smash hit from her.

I absolutely loved this tale of surgeon Nora who is the daughter of a serial killer. He is still in prison but it seems like a copy cat is on the loose. Or is it? All signs are pointing to Norma.

Norma seems a bit off. Perhaps a bit evil. Could she be committing these heinous crimes? The evidence is piling up.

Another one you need to read! Go get your copy today. The shocking ending will not disappoint!

Thanks to netgalley and poisoned penned press for this arc! I absolutely loved it

Freida always nails it! She’s the palette cleanser between all my heavy reeds.

The description hooked me! Serial killers? Yes please! A literal page turner complete with plot twist!