This was essentially a one day read (all right; I did start it the night before but only read a little bit). It was an engaging and quick read, just as The Housemaid was and sometimes that is exactly what you need. Like with many books and movies of this genre (suspense), you need to suspend disbelief and there are times that you just want to shake the protagonist because they are unspeakably naive. However, I did enjoy this more that The Housemaid because I felt like there were more twists and turns and there was a little more depth to it. Is it a tad formulaic? Of course...probably a bit more than a tad. But there are moments when I need to read something that does not require too much of my brain and yesterday was such a day. The character was engaging as was her situation and it kept me guessing right up until the end, which, at the end of the day, is really what you want from a suspense novel. Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for giving me the opportunity to read this novel.

This story kept me swiping the pages so fast I just needed to know what was going to happen next.

Many twists and questions through to the very end. Some seemed obvious, others not at all.

Another fabulous read from Freida McFadden!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Freida McFadden, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.


Expected publication: 05/03/2024


Synopsis:


Brooke Sullivan is a nurse practitioner and her newest job is working in a men’s maximum-security prison. She is told to adhere to rules by seasoned nurse Dorothy: 


Do not share any personal information. Do not tell them where you live. Don’t tell them anything about your life. Don’t put up any photos.


Keep it professional she is told. Little to Dorothy’s knowledge that Brooke already knows an inmate in intimate detail. Her high school sweetheart, Shane Nelson, who is currently serving a life sentence for multiple murders and Brooke’s testimony is the one that put him there. 


Another intense thriller from Freida McFadden. The author does a brilliant job with the timeline flipping between the present day and the past with the reader gripped on the edge of the seat with twists and turns throughout keeping them hooked guessing who the true murderer could be. 


Overall, I would recommend if you wants to read a fast paced psychological thriller full of suspense.

This book was great; Frieda McFadden does no wrong in my book.

This is a book that sticks to Frieda's abilities which are twists, turns, and psychological confusion. Just when you think you got it and know whats going to happen next; Frieda gives you a rude awakening.

Very great book.

4/5 stars. I loved this but for some reason the twist just did not hit as hard as her other ones have. I LOVED the epilogue it was so interesting. As always, this book was a page turner!

Overall, this was a good thriller! It just wasn’t mind blowing, it was a story where I saw most of the plot coming step by step. However, I wasn’t mad that I read it, I enjoyed the story, but for thrillers I do need to be shocked to give the book 4 or 5 stars.

I will try out this author again, as this book showed a ton of potential!

Freida McFadden has certainly gained quite the cult following among my friends in recent months but unfortunately for me, this was my first book by her! I say unfortunate simply because I can't believe I waited so long to read something from the QUEEN of thrilling twists! I could actually not put this down and it took me mere hours to finish because it was such a RIDE. I didn't like any of the characters and that made it all the more compulsively readable. Not for a second did I root for either men and I found Brooke to be, well... stupid and far too trusting for a single mom.

That being said, the sheer amount of twists had me hooked, each one bigger than the last. Just when I thought I'd made it to the BIG MOMENT, something else altogether INSANE happened! I can't wait to pick up more books by McFadden - she has a huge future in front of her if all her books are written like this.

Another fast paced, thrilling read with an ending that’ll leave you speechless. McFadden has mastered what it takes to write a thriller that’s worthy of binge reading.

Brooke Sullivan is literally thrown to the wolves as a fresh nurse practitioner at a max security prison. Three easy rules: Treat prisoners with respect, never reveal personal information, and don’t get too friendly with the prisoners.

However, Shane Nelson still remembers Brooke’s testimony that put him in prison over those murders. As one of their most dangerous and notorious inmates, even I would be unnerved to catch that man’s eye— period.

McFadden writes an amazing narrative packed full of suspense and tension. Her writing draws you in and keeps you in its hold as we untangle Brooke’s past, uncover secrets and figure out characters true agendas.

This was a phenomenal read and I can’t wait to see what she produces next.


Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Frieda McFadden for the eARC!

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 4 stars ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

"I would do anything for my mom."

WHOA. the ending left me speechless. what was that epilogue?? because it was a crazy one for sure. anyways, this was my first freida mcfadden book and i really enjoyed it! no wonder people call her the thriller queen. there were so many twists in this book and i kept changing my theories on who the actual killer was (brooke has influenced me, believe me 😖). i could not put this book down because of how gripping and intriguing it was, and because of how well the writing flowed. i really enjoyed how the story was dual timeline because you were able to progressively learn what happened during the night of the murders, and what happened during the present. my only complaint is that brooke, the fmc, was very dumb at times. like why did you keep having to change your mind?? it's also surprising how the police didn't get mad at her for filing false police reports all the time 🤦

˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to NetGalley and Freida McFadden for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

Really fast paced and edge of your seat read!

This is the second Frieda McFadden book I’ve read and I’ve really enjoyed it again! She seems to produce really fast paced reads with super short chapters so it’s easily digestible! I think it took me 2 days to finish this book so deffo a quick read!

I really liked the premise especially the idea of her working in the prison knowing who’s behind a prison cell there! It’s quite a unique story and while elements of it were similar to other thriller books I’ve read and enjoyed, I think the fact she was working in the same prison as him really added a lot to this book.

Some of the plot points seemed quite predictable but the further along I got, the more I was surprised and impressed by the twists!

Definitely worth a read!

A thrilling read full of twists and turns that follows two timelines, the night of a horrific massacre and the present as Brooke tries to assimilate to life back in her hometown, in her parents house, working at the prison where the man who tried to kill her is housed. A great read that follows Brooke as she second guesses everything that happened that night, that one foggy moment she can't seem to recall, that seems so crucial, if she could only remember. Face to face with Shane, she begins to remember how she felt once upon a time, and that seems a dangerous thought. Protecting her child seems more important than anything and throw in her former best friend since they were toddlers, and you have a recipe for some unresolved feelings. You are definitely in for a roller coaster with this one!

Freida never disappoints!
I found the plot a little bit far fetched but I couldn't put it down. It was so entertaining and intriguing I HAD to keep reading.
It doesn't get 5 stars because of the plot twist .. but that epilogue! 100% recommend

(Contains spoilers) I clearly read a lot of romance because I was rooting for Shane to be the good guy the entire time 🤣 I was convinced he did nothing wrong. The first twist was incredibly cliche, but I didn’t put it together until it was developing. I definitley fell for the red herring with Tim. However, I just didn’t like the twist. Vengeful mistress is so boring to me. I guess I’ve never been a mistress to get the feeling that they must have, but ruining a bunch of people’s lives over a man who couldn’t step up and be a MAN seems pointless to me - I just don’t get it. Like how is it the daughter’s fault that her dad was a cheater? Anyways. The second twist of her son being exactly like his dad? I didn’t expect that at all. It also felt cliche to me, but it was a surprise at the end.

Overall, I felt like it wasn’t surprising enough for me. I just wasn’t wowed. I didn’t dislike it, it was a quick and easy read. It kept me entertained. I enjoyed the story telling. If you’re a fan of thrillers and of this author I definitley would recommend.

The Inmate" is a novel by Frieda McFadden. It follows the story of Rachel Snyder, a journalist who becomes deeply involved in the case of a woman named Maria Purvis, who is serving a life sentence for murdering her husband and children. As Rachel delves deeper into Maria's past and the circumstances surrounding the murders, she uncovers shocking revelations that challenge her beliefs and raise questions about Maria's guilt. With its gripping plot and complex characters, "The Inmate" is a compelling psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

I'll start by saying that I like all Freida Mcfadden books. I usually guess the ending, but I do that with crime movies too.
This book is about Brooke who is a nurse at a maximum security prison. The staff are never allowed to fraternize with the prisoners, but Brooke has already broken that rule as she knows Shane. They were high school sweethearts, but now Shane is notorious, not for his prowess on the football field but for the murders. But he has a secret - he knows a secret that Brooke hopes will never get out.
For Mcfadden fans, this is a must!

I thoroughly enjoyed the intricate plot of this story, where twists unfolded seamlessly, keeping me engaged from start to finish. The way everything was wrapped up at the end added a satisfying touch, leaving no loose ends. The narrative skillfully delivered surprises, creating a compelling experience.

While the character's frequent changes of mind may have felt a bit unrealistic, it's a testament to the complexity of human emotions and decisions. Perhaps, without firsthand experience, it's challenging to fully understand the nuances of such changes. Nonetheless, this aspect added a layer of unpredictability to the storyline.

In conclusion, the story's well-crafted twists and resolution make it a captivating read, even if some character choices seem perplexing. It's a testament to the author's ability to keep the audience guessing and engaged throughout the narrative.

I love Freida McFadden books. They are all just so reliable. You know you are going to get a good read when her name is on the cover. The Inmate was no different. Told in both past and present points of view, the Inmate takes the reader on an exciting journey with a surprise ending.

This is my absolute favourite Freida book to date! I can't even express the amount of whiplash this book gave me (in the best way)
I was not expecting the ending AT ALL
Freida always delivers however this was sooo much better than I expected.

It just motivates me even more to get through her whole back list!
I can't wait to see what else she can write with that creative mind of hers.

I always think I know where Freida McFadden is going with her twists and am always surprised still. I caught along with this one a little better than some of her other books. Didn't guess all of it but got some of it!
I like reading her books and just going along for the ride because it will never be what it seems. She does a great job of making you think one way the whole time to just play with your mind. However, Brooke was not my favorite character, she frustrated me throughout the book many times.
I will still keep reading McFadden books, they are easily entertaining and quick reads.

"The Inmate" by Freida McFadden totally sucked me in right from the get-go! I love Freida's books and have never been able to guess the twist in any of them, including The Inmate. Mystery, romance, and suspense? Yep, it had it all. Overall, "The Inmate" is a must-read if you're into stories that mess with your head and make you feel all sorts of emotions. Freida McFadden, you nailed it! 5 stars for sure!