This book kept my attention and I wanted to keep coming back for more…but it took a turn somewhere near the 75% point and I became underwhelmed. I’m not sure what it was. I liked the twists early but was disappointed by the ending. Thanks to NetGalley for both an ARC and ALC.

WOW this book had me so gripped! It almost had me up until 3 am but I made myself put it down at 80%.

I loved the dual POV and it was a unique plot. The writing was good and I liked the characters. The story might seem a tad unrealistic but it was still very entertaining and fast paced.

Twins separated at birth, and now one is in a psych ward, accused of murdering her sister. BUT not her twin sister, another sister.

Georgia's only hope is to find Amanda, her twin, a woman she's never met. Can she find her and can they trust each other.
-----

This.....sucked.

I HATE when main characters are just so beautiful and alluring that men will do things for them at the blink of an eye. I also hate the idea that Amanda would risk everything for someone she doesn't even know.

I just...hated it all.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Wow! I loved this psychological thriller with a side of murder mystery! I couldn’t tell who was telling the truth or who was lying. Just when I thought I had my pulse on what was going on, I was thrown a twist!

This was a very fast paced and engaging read. If you’re a fan of thrillers this does not disappoint!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

Curling up with a Sarah Pekkanen is always a thrill. The Locked Ward kept me turning the pages, but it was missing a little bit of "oomph" and "OMG" to make me rate this one higher.

This story is told from both Georgia's and Amanda's points of view. I have to say that the setting of Georgia locked in this ward was my utterly favourite part. There were some great scenes where I feared for her life. Amanda "Mandy," on the other hand, there was something about her, and I cannot put my finger on it, but I just couldn't connect with that character.

Overall, not a fave but still a page turner.


Publication Date 05/08/25
Goodreads Review 05/08/25

This was a fun, fast-paced popcorn thriller. The chapters were short and it was sort of addicting to read once I got into it. It wasn't the most original story (I feel like I've been reading a lot of long lost, secret twin books lately), but it was definitely entertaining.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

Happy Publication Day!

5 ⭐

Sarah is an auto buy author for me. Her books are always twisty, psychological mind games and I love that about her.

The Locked Ward is about two sisters who were separated at birth. Twins!
Mandy owns a bar and recently lost her parents.
Georgia is a wealthy socialite accused of murdering her sister and sent to a psychiatric ward before going to trial

The writing is atmospheric - the mental ward description is eerie and unsettling. Each time we visited her room I felt claustrophobic. Georgia being written

There is plenty of tension, suspense, danger and intrigue and I was completely invested in the story.
I suggest going in blind to avoid spoilers.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by @januarylavoy who is one of my favorite voice actors. She did a phenomenal job using different accents and exuding the emotions needed at every situation. This really helped ramp up the tension and feelings of danger.

I think The Locked Ward will appeal to all mystery and thriller lovers.
Thanks to Netgalley , MacMillan Audio and Saint Martin's Press for my arcs. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Mandy was the only child of loving parents. When they died, she inherited their bar. She quit her job and made a decent living at the bar.

Meanwhile, Georgia has lived the life of a daughter from a wealthy family, albeit not loved nor cherished. Georgia is in the locked psychological ward of the hospital, having pled not guilty to killing her sister, the favored daughter, Annabelle. When Georgia has her lawyer reach out to Mandy, Mandy is skeptical, but visits Georgia under the watchful eye of nurses and aides. Georgia insists they are sisters and provides Mandy with hair samples to have tested.

This comes as a complete shock to Mandy, but she finds that they are indeed sisters. As she tries to unlock the long-hidden secrets, she finds herself confused, knocked off her feet with shocking information. She also appears to be the target of some unknown individuals and for unknown reasons.

This is a great psychological thriller that has both sisters in danger. Both young women have strong personalities and do what they need to do for survival and to work through the mysteries and dangers surrounding them.

I have both the e-book and the audio version. I had planned to start another book, but once I opened this one, I was hooked and had to finish it. The narrator was great.

What would you do if you discovered you had a twin sister you never knew existed?
Now imagine she’s locked away in a high-security psychiatric facility—accused of murdering her family’s younger daughter. And she’s begging you to help prove her innocence.

The Locked Ward is a chilling psychological thriller told from dual perspectives: Mandy, the unsuspecting twin pulled into a nightmare, and Georgia, the accused—whose story unfolds in second person, adding an eerie and unsettling edge that grips you from the start.

This book delivers everything you crave in a thriller: tension, drama, an unreliable narrator, and a fast-paced plot packed with jaw-dropping twists. I was second-guessing every character and clue right up to the final page.

If you're hunting for your next spooky fall read, this one should be at the top of your list.

Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC—I couldn’t put it down!

I received an e-ARC and am giving my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley for this opportunity!

When starting this book, I had assumed this would be about Georgia's stay in the ward , primarily. However, it was mainly about the mystery surrounding the death of Georgia's adoptive sister. This book could have been very interesting, but I think it bit off more than it could chew. Georgia's POV being in second person, how quickly things were tied up in the end, introductions to plot lines that were just... never brought up again? It was an entertaining read for sure, but given how much was introduced throughout the book and how little was actually wrapped up in the end, it just didn't hit.

This is a FAST paced story with short chapters which alternate between the POVs of Georgia and Mandy. It explores family dynamics and twin synergy but the second half reads more like a sudsy, SOAP OPERA, than it does a thriller.

Thank you to the publisher: St Martin’s Press for providing me with E ARC via Netgalley, in exchanger for an honest review*

4.5⭐️
A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I was captivated by the story from the first page. The way the author begins the book immediately hooks you and makes you wonder what happened to land her in a psychiatric institution. The Locked Ward 's dual perspective structure provides a different feel of the story from each character. I liked how each sister was written from a different point of view, Georgia in second person and Mandy in first person. I've read books in the second person, but I've never read one written in both first and second person. It was such a unique reading experience. Although I enjoyed reading from both Mandy's and Georgia's points of view, I liked Georgia's more because it was written in the second person, which made me feel as though I was experiencing both her mental state and everything she was going through while she was in the institution. The vivid and amazing descriptions made me picture myself there. My thoughts were conflicted about whether Georgia was being honest with Mandy because of her mental health.

Mandy's perspective on the other end follows her as she searches for the truth and uncovers some secrets along the way. I could tell Mandy was hesitant about Georgia at the beginning, and I couldn't blame her given where Georgia was. I have a feeling that the reason she tried to uncover the truth was because she was curious what happened as much as Georgia was. I found myself trying to figure out what happened along with Mandy. I was concerned that Mandy was putting herself in danger by digging into the past. A few of the story's twists were predictable; at least, I figured them out before they were revealed. The ending was the most unexpected twist, which even I did not see coming.

I've read Sarah Pekkanen's contemporary fiction, but it was years ago. I'm glad I got the chance to read this one. The story and characters kept me captivated for most of the book. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers.

3.5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a free advanced copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

If you like dual POV, twin stories and rich people’s messy lives then this book is for you. Overall I found the plot enjoyable with a good twist and a solid ending. I struggled reading Georgia’s POV since it was in second person, which is not a POV I typically read. Once I pushed past that it was pretty good and I’d recommend!

#IndigoEmployee

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen was a such a fun thriller! I always look forward to Pekkanen’s books and this one did not disappoint.

I don’t want to give away any of the twists but they kept on twisting! Pekkanen’s books are always quick fun reads I can’t put down until the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press a for an advanced copy of this book!

This is a fantastic and twisty psychological thriller! The short chapters had me flying through it wanting to get further into the story and find out what happens next. The story is told in dual POV between two twin sisters who were separated at birth and recently learned about one another. Georgia was adopted as a baby and grew up in an extremely wealthy (and toxic) southern family. Amanda on the other hand grew up in a more "normal" family with no clue she had a twin sister out there. I liked the way the author captured the twin connection that is often described. Even though neither sister knew the other existed growing up, they both experienced similar feelings and connections in completely different environments. Both sisters are unreliable narrators (which I love!) so you never know what information to fully believe. This is one that will keep you questioning everything and guessing until the very end!

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

I really enjoyed this book. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the atmosphere—claustrophobic, intense, and dripping with secrets. 🔐🧠

If you love a good family drama filled with messy sibling rivalries, carefully guarded secrets, and twisty lies, this one delivers. I genuinely didn’t see the ending coming, and it hit hard in the best way.

The pacing is tight, the tension is constant, and the psychological aspect adds a chilling depth to the story. A perfectly bingeable read that had me suspicious of everyone.

Twin sisters, Georgia and Amanda, separated at birth, a murder brings them together after Georgia is accused of that murder. Can Amanda trust Georgia and help her newly found sister who claims she is innocent? Great storyline here with twists I did not see coming. A captivating psychological thriller!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy.

When I tell you this book had me hooked from the start, I mean it! Georgia and Mandy are long lost twin sisters who have recently discovered the other exists. Georgia reaches out to Mandy after she is accused of a heinous crime hoping her twin can help her find what she needs to be exonerated.

At times this street like a soap opera with the high level of drama and mystery. I enjoyed that aspect of it and it had me compulsively reading it. I did not see the ending coming and thought it was so well written. The scenes in the locked ward were creepy and so unsettling! Definitely recommending this one.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my ARC.

#1 NYT bestselling author, Sarah Pekkanen (a long-time favorite) returns following House of Glass with her latest shocking, deliciously twisted domestic thriller, THE LOCKED WARD. You will be glued to the pages to solve this tantalizing suspense mystery of the complex bonds of sisterhood and dark secrets of the past.

Some Doors Should Never Be Opened

About...

Georgia Cartwright is a 32-year-old with a job as a high-end wedding planner, a city apartment, a weakness for ugly dogs, and a love of running. Now she is the newest resident of THE LOCKED WARD.

The Crime of the Decade. Georgia Cartwright, who was adopted as a newborn, is accused of killing the biological daughter of her wealthy, Southern family.

Georgia is accused of bludgeoning her younger sister to death at the family estate in Charlotte, North Carolina. The daughter of one of the wealthiest families in NC—an accomplished equestrian, an expert on wedding flowers— Now case # NC-0416729.

Pathological jealousy is the presumed motive.

Mandy (Amanda Ravenel), a bar owner at Sweetbays, receives a call from the public defender representing Georgia. He states that Georgia is her sister. She is an only child, but she was adopted. She grew up 70 miles away, worlds apart. Her dad was a bartender, and her mom was a waitress, and she inherited the bar.

Georgia wants to see her. A twin? How could she have a twin and not know it? They may share the same DNA, but they are opposites. They share the same birthday, Dec 14.

Georgia is a former debutante, product of the finest boarding schools, and exudes charisma and is a flittering fixture in the Southern social set.

VICTIM: Annabelle Cartwright. The younger sister. It was her birthday, and a grand party was thrown in her honor at the family estate. Annabelle was found shortly after midnight on the floor of the dining room after being mahed in the temple with a heavy paperweight in the shape of the letter A—a birthday gift from Georgia.

Georgia was discovered looking over the body with blood on her hands and clothes. Georgia was ordered a 72-hour psychiatric hold because she appeared to be in a dissociative state. The press seems to have already convicted her.

Georgia is locked away, and unless Mandy comes, everything will change. Georgia tells Mandy she did not do it, and if she does not get her out of the locked ward, they are going to kill her.

DNA will tell the true story. Georgia is her sister. She is now the only family she has left since her parents are gone. Should she keep her distance or help her?

Will she survive in the locked ward until someone rescues her and she can find the real killer? Mandy doesn't trust Georgia, but she can't abandon her in this horrible place for the insane.

Is Georgia the victim of a powerful family that's so depraved that murder is the least of their crimes? The mother, Honey Cartwright, or the father, the Senator - did they have motive?

Or is Amanda being led down a path of madness into the web of a master manipulator??

Three sisters. How does the past connect with the present?

Who will possibly get away with MURDER?

My thoughts...

Holly Canoli! That ending??? !!!

THE LOCKED WARD is a deep dive into the dark secrets of a powerful family, where no one is as they appear. Trust no one.

Told from POV: Mandy and Georgia, a heart-pounding game of cat and mouse and a claustrophobic mental ward where every minute counts.

How far will someone go to protect their lies and secrets?

Intense, twisty, addictive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining as the secrets of the past start to unravel in this dynamic, riveting thriller that keeps you guessing until the end!

You are going to love these sisters.

I am a long-time fan of Pekkanen and have read every book. She keeps getting better and better if that is possible! Thriller fans, this is a must-read! I would love to see this one played out on the big or small screen.

Audiobook...

BINGE-WORTHY! I was privileged to read the digital copy and listen to the audiobook narrated by an all-time favorite, January Lavoy! . A stellar performance for all voices, making it impossible to put it down. You do not want to miss a thing. Highly recommend the audio.

TOP audiobooks of 2025!

Recs...

THE LOCKED WARD is for fans of the author and those who enjoy works by Mary Kubica, Jennifer Hillier, BA Paris, Alice Feeney, and Liv Constantine. (all favs)

A big shout-out thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, NetGalley, and #MacAudio2025 for providing an ARC and ALC for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 5, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars +
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Unfortunately The Locked Ward didn’t quite live up to my expectations for it. The premise seemed promising but I wanted more from the overall story as the big reveal was anticlimactic. The chapters were short and fast-paced which kept me turning the pages, but I didn’t like how one POV was told in second person. I feel the story would have been better executed if it had focused on the time one twin spent in the Locked Ward, as there were some creepy/disturbing moments there.

While this wasn’t my favorite, I would still pick up future work by this author due to enjoying a previous book I read from them.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.