Dr. Nora Davis has tried her best to distance herself from her past. She moved, changed her name, left everything behind. But when your father is a notorious serial killer, you can only run so far. Especially when 26 years later, women start dying again with his exact MO. Nora is positive her father is still in jail, and she knows she didn't kill those women. But who is? And who is trying to frame her for those crimes?

Honestly, this was a disappointing read for me. I LOVE Freida McFadden's other works (The Housemaid and The Perfect Son are two of my favorites), but this one just fell flat to me. The premise is very interesting--a young girl learns her father is a serial killer and 26 years later, she has to relive all of it. But the pacing of the story felt flat, and some of the characters felt that they didn't get the development they needed or deserved. I did like the flashbacks to what Nora was like as a child--showing tendencies that would have made her father proud, but not giving in to them and trying to be a better person. I think that would have been the better story to tell--a young girl being groomed by her serial killer father, decides enough is enough, and stops him.

The plot twist wasn't as good as they normally are, and I think that's because the characters didn't have the development that McFadden usually provides them. The murderer was barely in the story, and I think a few more areas of misdirection or moments where we would be able to look back and see that person for what they are after the fact would have made a huge difference. And the epilogue was unnecessary and made things feel too neat when they should have stayed messy--it gave the appearance that Nora overcame her traumatic childhood and life in less than a year without help, support, or therapy, and there's just absolutely nothing no way that would be possible.

It was a very quick read and written in a way that keep me interested in the story--I read the entire thing in one sitting--but it just fell flat for the genre, especially compared to McFadden's other novels. Over all it's a solid read if you're a fan of the author and genre, but it's definitely not her best.

Dr. Nora Davis leads a solitary existence, but has still managed to make a name for herself as a successful general surgeon. She also happens to be the daughter of a notorious serial killer. When two of her patients end up murdered in her father’s signature style, she begins to question everything and fears that her dark past will come back to ruin her. Told through absolutely chilling flashbacks (we could have used more of these, particularly some to fill in the gaps during Nora’s med school years) and a warp speed present day narration, The Locked Door is a razor sharp, nail biting ride that I was able to fly through in one sitting. Don’t be surprised if this one keeps you up all night. Freida McFadden is known as a queen of twists and The Locked Door is no different. Without divulging any spoilers, the author excelled in laying out a trail of breadcrumbs that I thought led me to solving the mystery only to have the rug pulled out from under me in the end- it was thrilling to get this one wrong! Written in a truly terrifying nature, the flashback chapters during which we meet Nora as an 11 year old and learn about her family history stand out as this novel’s greatest strength. The author could have devoted more chapters to Nora and her father’s past without sacrificing pacing, but for the sake of my nerves and weak constitution, I’m glad she did not. Those who do not do well with extreme levels of gore should still be alright with this serial killer novel as the most graphic details are kept behind locked doors; we’re, thankfully, given more thrill than torture. Narrator Nora is extremely well developed and while her inner monologue comes off as mildly clinical, I found this only added to the building tension as we learn more about her background. From the gripping prologue to the very last page, this book delivers exactly on its promise to thrill and terrify, a perfect pick to kick off October and an easy 5 star recommendation from this reviewer. Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

This book was a fun, quick read. It was fast paced and suspenseful. I enjoyed the short chapters, and all of the twists. I really enjoyed Nora as a character and found myself rooting for her throughout the book. This one was a solid 3 star read for me. Nothing over the top, but a good time.

Thank you to the author and published for granting me an E-ARC of this book in exchange for my review. That being said---WHOA! I did not expect the ending of this book at all.

In The Locked Door we meet Nora who is a successful surgeon trying to live a quiet existence. She's sworn off dating and letting people close to her because of who she really is--the daughter of the infamous serial killer, The Handyman. Her father is serving numerous life sentences, however, one of Nora's patients ends up dead in the same horrific manner he murdered his victims and the cops start investigating Nora. Someone knows who she is. Someone knows her secret.

This book hooked me from the very first chapter and I could not put it down until I finished it. It's been a few days since I finished reading and I'm still thinking about it. The suspense was top-notch and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout. I found Nora to be very relatable and a great narrator. The supporting characters gave just enough that it didn't distract from the main character and story, nor did McFadden give away the main twist of the book by revealing too much. I will definitely be looking at more books by Frieda McFadden.

I could not put this book down! If you love psychological thrillers that keep you turning the page, this is the book for you! Freida McFadden is the master at character development! From the moment you start this book, everyone is a suspect...EVERYONE. Run...don't walk...to get this book!

Thanks to NetGalley for my copy of this e-book.
3.5 stars. The pace was great and it kept me engaged. I did not see the twist coming but it didn't come from a place that doesn't make sense unlike in other thrillers where the culprit is someone so far off the plot just for the sake of the surprise element.

If your needing a book so captivating you cant put it down, this is the book for you, I literally read this book in one sitting. I love Freida McFadden and have read quite a few of her books but this is definitely one of my favourites of her work. For anyone looking for a gripping psychological thriller that makes you second guess your assumptions this is definitely the book for you.

Thank you Netgalley and Poisened Pen Press for the arc of The Locked Door by Frieda McFadden.

I have truly enjoyed other books by this author and I know I will do that again, but The Locked Door wasn't one of them unfortunately.

I felt that I just wanted to rush through it, cause I didn't find the plot so interesting and it really felt slow in the beginning. I didn't get what I've gotten before from this author which I think is a great thriller writer. Her twists and turns that she put in her books makes her books very surprising. But The Locked Door didn't do much for me and wasn't my kind of book.

3.5 stars

Nora is a successful surgeon, homeowner, and reluctant cat-mom. On the outside, she has a great life. But in reality, she lives with a terrible past that she can’t let go of- her father is a notorious serial killer. While her father is in prison for the rest of his life, her childhood still influences her actions in the present. Even worse, it starts to come back in very real and tangible ways when former patients start turning up dead and the killings are very similar to her father’s. Now not only does she not know who to trust, but she must try and convince the police and herself that she isn’t behind these murders.

I appreciated the premise of this story. The daughter of a serial killer presents a fascinating main character with the potential for a lot of depth and development. The way that the story is told in past and present timelines made the narrative more intense and I really enjoyed the flashbacks to when she was a child learning about her father’s crimes. I thought the pacing of the story was also well done and that things were revealed at the right times. Nothing felt too dragged out or rushed.

I do wish that there was more depth to the characters, Nora in particular. There was so much opportunity to explore the psyche and emotional trauma that a serial killer’s child would have and I feel like that was missed in this book. I also felt like the constant references to her father were overbearing. If Nora was obsessed and hyper-aware then I could see the point, but she wasn’t really portrayed as being that way. The characterization was of a woman who wanted to forget her past. So the constant “my father” lines were too much. Also, while I was surprised by the twist, I didn’t particularly like it. I felt like it was so far out there that it was too unbelievable. I honestly am alright with knowing the twist beforehand, if the build up to it and revealing of it is done really well. That, in my option, is better than a twist that comes completely out of left field and can really only be linked to the rest of the story in very loose connections.

Overall though, I think this is a great introduction to thrillers. The writing isn’t overly intense or involved and it isn’t so creepy that it would be scary to readers new to the genre. I would still recommend this to people looking for a light, easy to read thriller.

What an extremely intriguing book! First of all, serial killers are my Achilles heel when it comes to a book. Second of all, children of serial killers is maybe sometimes better. I was all in for this ride. What I was really hoping was that it wasn’t a surprise sibling twist, because that one has been done quite a few times. That is what made this one a 4 star vs a 5 star for me.

Psychological thriller books are my favorite but sometimes I feel like you can figure out the ending halfway through, but this book had me going one direction and completely went the other way. Finished it in half a day and didn’t want to put it down. The book was easy to follow along and kept you on your toes with all of the different characters. I couldn’t imagine being the daughter of someone who murdered so many people.. but this book gave a good look into the possible effect it could have if you were the daughter. Good read.

I could not put this book down! I read it in one day, which I do not usually do.

The story is about a woman whose father was a serial killer, and then 26 years later, copycat killings begin. The protagonist, Nora Davis, is odd, but likeable. She is a highly respected surgeon, and a powerful character. The story takes the reader on a journey through the copycat killings, and someone trying to set Nora up. It goes back and forth between the past (26 years ago when her father was caught) and the present. There was a twist at the end that I did not see coming!

The characters in the book were well developed and likable. There was some bullying that happened in the past and an uncomfortable incident between Nora and her long-ago classmate but I think the outcome of the incident was important to Nora’s character.

I have read several Frieda McFadden books but this was by far my favorite!

Thank you, NetGalley and Frieda McFadden, for the advanced copy.

I think I liked this one more than The Housemaid! What a page turner. You think you know who did but .... Nora's father is a monster. She's trying to keep her old identity a secret, not to be associated with that monster. But something happens and now she has to relive this whole nightmare. I love how strong Nora is and tries to keep her sanity at the same time try to solve the situation. Things happen to her and your thinking, ok, she's got some psychological issues but then hmmm. Awesome read, highly recommend!

This book was very good and has just the right amount of suspense to keep me on my toes. I covered my mouth in surprise so many times!!

I am giving this book 3 stars however, because after reading the book I still have so many questions. I know as a reader you are supposed to acknowledge the fact that there are things left unsaid, but I feel like there were some plot holes. And surprisingly I kind of guessed who did it about 40% in… :/

Overall, you should read it if you love suspense books! Just go into it with an open mind.

another freida mcfadden hit! 4 ⭐️

the locked door is about a woman who’s father committed horrible crimes when she was a kid, and he was sentenced to life in prison. it’s now many years later, and women are dying in the same way they did when her father was around. and her father is still safe in prison. that’s all i’ll say about that because it’s best to go into thrillers with as little info as possible!

this one was super interesting and definitely keeps you interested the whole time. a little predictable to me but i still had lots of fun and didn’t guess the twist. definitely recommend!

thanks to netgalley and poisoned pen press for this eARC of the traditionally published version of the locked door!

Nora Davis has been running from her serial killer father’s reputation since she was 11 years old and has even changed her name from nettles to Davis she is now a Surgeant and enjoys her quiet life and although it is solitary it’s hers and private. Her favorite bar is Kristof in one night while there she sees someone familiar and eventually will realize it is her ex from college named Brady and they will have a one night stand but one quick mention reminds Nora why she broke it off and it doesn’t help that he too has a place like her dad‘s basement that no one can go in. When one of her patients is found dead with her hands missing in the exact same way that made her father an infamous killer she is blamed but Nora is not that type of killer… She’s a different kind. This book was so good and even though throughout the book Freda McFadden explains the story as ago there is still heart palpitating scenes in every reason I have come to love her books. I do believe this is an older story of hers but it is definitely still full of her flair and a talent that only belongs to her. There is so much I have left out of the summary for this OMG awesome book! I want to thank poison pen press and Net Galley for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

"The Locked Door" by Freida McFadden is a spine-tingling thriller that'll keep you guessing. With secrets lurking behind those locked doors, the story delivers a creepy punch. Nora's twisted family history adds a wicked twist to the plot. The suspense will grab you, but make sure you're ready for what's lurking in the basement! Four stars for the thrill, chills, and the locked-up suspense! 🚪💀🔑🌟

Book Review | The Locked Door 🔒

Twenty-six years ago:
11-year-old Nora Nierling is a young girl living in Oregon with her loving family. Her father, a respectable man named Aaron Nierling, was known for his stable occupation and being a committed father and husband.
Nora often reflected on her dad’s workshop. He spent most of his time there, yet he never seemed to come up with a finished product. The workshop is always locked, and weird noises can be heard. Sometimes, Nora thinks she hears screams... but that's wild… right? Her father also loves lavender, as the basement workshop door can always smell its overpowering smell. It's not covering anything up...

The present:
Aaron Nierling was apprehended in his residence in Oregon following an anonymous tip, leading to a shocking revelation: the remains of thirty young girls. Nierling acquired the eerie nickname "the handyman" due to his unsettling modus operandi that involved dismembering his victims' hands. He was promptly handed a life sentence in prison.
Nora has changed her last name and is employed at a medical facility alongside an ambitious colleague, with the aspiration of attaining the status of a surgeon. She has embraced a lifestyle of solitude, dedicating herself entirely to her professional responsibilities, avoiding any form of closeness or connection with others, determined not to pass her genetics and create another monster like her father.

Nora is determined to move on from her past, but the past has different intentions. An unexpected visit from a law enforcement officer disrupts her supposedly tranquil existence. Her patients are being targeted and killed in a manner that disturbingly resembles her father's gruesome acts. Due to her connections to the victims, Nora becomes the primary suspect. She soon realizes that she is being constantly monitored, with incriminating evidence left in her home, potentially framing her as a murderer. As her father remains incarcerated, the pressing question emerges: who is this imitator following in her father's horrifying footsteps? Nora must locate this copycat killer before she is convicted for the murders she did not commit. Or did she? Here is a fun little twist: Nora displays some psychopathic tendencies.

This was my very first Frieda McFadden novel, and it will not be my last. This was a fun and very fast read. It’s probably one of my fastest reads yet. It would have been a one-sitting read if I didn’t have two young, crazy kiddos. I highly recommend this psychological thriller.

This was my first McFadden novel and probably my last. The first half of this book <i>dragged</i> and I almost stopped reading. There were so many flashbacks to the main character’s time in school and how she had no friends except for Marjorie. I thought that was going to come full circle at some point, but when it was brought up later it wasn’t really eventful. Also, there were soooo many excerpts detailing how she feeds the stray cat that comes to her back door, what her favorite drink is, etc. which were so boring.

I felt like the main character lacked common sense…she’s this brilliant surgeon but then can’t be bothered to put in a security system when she first gets the idea someone is following her. The twist at the end was decent but predictable. I will absolutely forget about this book in a couple of days.

Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Every single time I finish reading a McFadden book, I tell myself “I need to take a break and stop reading her for awhile,” and I always end up reading another book and rating it as average or worse.

McFadden has a talent for writing EXTREMELY fast paced, easily digestible plots. McFadden also has a talent for botching up the plot twists and climaxes to the point where I’m actively eye rolling at the pages…

I had gotten this ARC on netgalley before I realized that I owned the copy self-published. I’m curious as to whether she changed anything about the ending or the story itself in the new edition. (Will look into this and update)

The Locked Door was an easy read, I finished it within 24 hours and now I’m just ready for the next book. Nothing extraordinary to say about this book unfortunately