2.75 stars rounded up

The Locked Ward follows Georgia as she is locked away in a psychiatric ward for killing her younger sister, and Mandy, the twin she didn't know she had. The fun part of this book was the dual POV, specifically Georgia's being in second person, which I don't often see! I also enjoyed the short chapters as it allowed me to fly through the book. Unfortunately, those are the only good things I really have to say. I did not enjoy this thriller, I felt like things were just too messy. The twists did not twist for me and too many things happened that were either unresolved or irrelevant. It was not for me, but that doesn't mean it's not for someone! The writing style did remind me a bit of Verity, so if you were a fan of that, you might enjoy this more than I did!

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to check this out!

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for a copy of The Locked Ward in exchange for my honest review. Rounded up from 3.5 stars. This was so fast paced and twisty. I liked the use of first and second person for the different point of views. It made it easy to track the changes in who the reader is following. I did like the second person POV which I don’t usually. I feel like it was done well and really got you as the reader in the mindset of Georgia. There were a lot of moving parts in this story and a lot of secrets. I liked the overall pacing of the book. I will say the ending felt overly long and drawn out. I think it would’ve been better to cut it off at the reveal of Annabelle’s murderer rather than where the book ended up at.

This was a very straight-forward thriller. Everything about it was good, from the pace to the plot to the slow reveals of the characters' histories.

But none of it was great.

And honestly, that's okay. I had fun reading The Locked Ward, just not as much fun as I had with Pekkanen's House of Glass or her collaborations with Greer Hendricks. This was entertaining, just not as entertaining as it could've been. There aren't twists so much as there are plot developments, and I guess I was waiting on something bigger and more shocking that never came. Not that what's here is a disappointment, because it's all very competently done, but it does lack a bit of that shock factor I was hoping for.

Georgia is arrested for the murder of her sister and is currently on a psy hold in a locked ward in the hospital.
She has many things up her sleeve,
Including reaching out to a long, lost twin sister( who never knew she had a twin sister), faking a psychosis, and hopefully getting this long lost sister to help clear her name.
You begin to wonder what is real and what is not.

Then you meet Mandy, who grew up so different from Georgia and who just found out that Georgia is not only her sister, but her twin

Georgia involves Mandy into this world when nothing is as it seems

I so enjoyed this roller coaster of a ride everything I thought I knew I didn’t know, and this book had me glued to the pages from beginning to end

The premise of this story got me intrigued with Georgia who was adopted as a newborn, is accused on murdering the biological daughter of their adoptive family.

While locked up, she reaches out to Amanda/Mandy who is her twin and they did not know each other. Here's where the plot lost me. Why would Mandy go out on a limb to help her sister who she didn't know existed. Also, as twins (the story does not say if they are identical) I expected them to share a lot of facial similarities which I thought would have been brought up in the story.

I enjoyed the dual POV but it was weird that Georgia's POV was not wirtten in 1st person like Mandy. The setting of the locked ward and what Georgia experienced was creepy and kept me wondering what was happening.

The last 25% of the book was just a bit far fetched to feel believable.

January LaVoy can do no wrong with narration. She created the creepy vibes and kept me interested in the story.

Thank you @macmillan.audio @stmartinspress for a copy of the book.

I was really excited for this book but I had such a hard time getting into it. I may try reading it again in the future to see if it was just timing that made me not love this book.

When I got the chance to read Sarah Pekkanen’s latest book I was super excited! I am definitely a fan of her writing and this thriller did not disappoint! I loved the twin connection and the suspenseful twists. The Locked Ward gave the creepy asylum vibes that gave me chills at times. In the best creepy way of course! I would definitely recommend to any suspense/psychological thriller lover. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fun pool/beach thriller! I think the twin connection was a bit overplayed and there were some moments where it felt like a character jumped to a conclusion that wasn't quite clear how they got there... but there was a lot of tension, I loved the alternating POVs, and the ending was really satisfying. Definitely enjoyed!

Thank you Netgalley, St-Martin’s Press and the author Sarah Pekkanen.
I was hooked from chapter one and could not put the book down.
Very intriguing and did not see that ending.
Will continue to read from this author
Highly recommend.
5 stars

I'm not locked in here with you, you're locked in here with me...

I actually quite enjoyed this one! A lot of reviews were hanging around 3 stars or so but ultimately, I was very pleasantly surprised.

It isn't genre defining but it's a very competent, well written mystery and while there weren't a lot of gotchas or character depth, I actually really enjoyed the two POVs and the short chapters.

I don't have much more to say except that this one publishes next week and is would be a great way to kick off your August!

St. Martin's Press, I can't thank you enough for the opportunity to read this in advance in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first book by this author and won't be my last! I loved the pace of this book. It kept me interested the whole way through. It's a story about sisters with a little mystery. The story is told between the perspective of both sisters. There's a murder and we're guessing who done it the whole way through. Great book and highly recommend for an easy, summer read! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! Can't wait to see the next book from Sarah!

The Locked Ward is a gripping story that masterfully intertwines the lives of two twin sisters, showcasing their distinct yet connected perspectives. Their interactions unravel a complex narrative filled with family dynamics, betrayal, and an urgent quest for truth.

Georgia finds herself trapped in a sinister asylum, wrongfully accused of the horrific murder of her sister, Annabelle. As she pleads insanity, she clings to the hope of convincing her estranged twin, Mandy, of her innocence before her trial begins. Paranoia creeps into Georgia's mind as she grows increasingly aware of powerful enemies—manipulated by influential figures with dark agendas—who aim to silence her before she can uncover the reality of her situation.

Meanwhile, Mandy (Amanda) has stepped up to run her family's bar following the tragic loss of her parents, abandoning a promising PR career. As she navigates her grief and seeks to redefine her identity, her world is turned upside down by a shocking revelation: the alleged murderer making headlines—her sister—was part of a hidden twin she never knew existed. This earth-shattering truth disrupts her understanding of family and forces her to confront the implications of their concealed past.

When Georgia’s lawyer urgently contacts Mandy, imploring her to visit the asylum and confront her sister, she grapples with skepticism but is drawn by an undeniable curiosity. Their meeting is charged with intensity, revealing the weight of their shared, yet fragmented history. As Georgia hands Mandy strands of her hair for a DNA test, a revelation strikes: Georgia is not merely a long-lost sister; she is an essential piece of Mandy’s identity, long shrouded in darkness.

The twist intensifies when Georgia proclaims her innocence, insisting that danger looms in the shadows of the asylum—and beyond. But as Mandy navigates this treacherous terrain, she must question everything she thought she knew: Is Georgia truly innocent, or is she crafting a deceptive web that could ensnare her sister in peril? As tension mounts, Mandy’s resolve deepens in her quest for the truth—not just to save Georgia, but to reclaim her own fragmented sense of self.

Venturing into the dark underbelly of elite society, Mandy unearths the scandalous secrets surrounding the Cartwright family, who adopted Georgia. As she delves deeper into their tumultuous dynamics, she confronts unsettling questions: Was Georgia the misunderstood black sheep shunned and abandoned, or merely a victim of toxicity and neglect, driven to the edge?

With each layer of deceit unveiled, it becomes clear that some individuals would prefer to see Georgia silenced forever. In this treacherous game, Mandy unwittingly places herself in danger, yet she remains unyielding. Justice must prevail, even if it means risking her own life.

The intricate mystery surrounding Georgia’s alleged innocence, coupled with the dark secrets of the Cartwright family, unfolds with a thrilling intensity. While some twists may feel predictable, the depth of character development and the magnetic bond between the sisters keep the reader engaged. This story reaffirms my love for tales centred on the complexities of sisterhood.

Told in short chapters from each sister's POV, this book drew me in right from the start. Neither narrator is reliable, and you'll wonder who or what you can believe. The twins seem to have a mysterious connection, and Mandy feels compelled to investigate Georgia's story. It's also interesting to see how differently the twins were raised - Georgia, raised by a wealthy family, seemed to have gotten the better part of the bargain, but did she? The psychiatric ward was a creepy, scary place, and I couldn't wait to see how all this would end—and I wasn't disappointed. Once again, January LaVoy was outstanding, perfectly capturing both women's personalities. I couldn't stop listening! I wholeheartedly recommend this expertly crafted thriller to avid readers who want an unputdownable experience that captivates from the very first page.

I want to thank NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I was under no obligation to provide a review

Sarah Pekkanen's The Locked Ward is a gripping psychological thriller that showcases her exceptional storytelling ability. The novel centers around Georgia Cartwright, a woman adopted at birth who finds herself in a psychiatric ward, accused of murdering her biological sister, the daughter of her affluent adoptive parents. The premise is intriguing, and Pekkanen masterfully weaves a tale that keeps readers engaged.

Georgia's character is compelling; she is portrayed as both a victim and a potential master manipulator. The introduction of Amanda, Georgia's newfound twin sister, adds another layer of complexity to the story. Amanda, initially unaware of her sister's existence, is thrust into a world of secrets and deception. Her visits to Georgia in the psych ward are fraught with tension, as Georgia's chilling assertion, “You have to get me out of here or they will kill me,” leaves Amanda—and the readers—wondering about the truth.

This book caught my interest quickly - i loved the short chapters and the dual point of view. The pacing is well-balanced, with enough twists and turns to keep the plot moving. I do feel like the ending fell a little flat for me - I think i was expecting something more. Overall I enjoyed this book a lot. The story held my interest all the way throughout. I did find a few parts to be predictable but I read a lot of domestic thrillers so its kind of hard to fool me.

I am a fan of this author and have read quite a few of her books and this one was one of my most anticipated books. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC of in exchange for my honest review.

This, though not the writer's best book, was a good summer read. Not ever having been locked in a mental unit, I can still imagine how frightening it was for Georgia. Lots of suspense, though it was quite predictable.

Okay, this was good. The setting for this book was good, almost claustrophobically so. Nothing like being locked up in an asylum right? (I hope I never experience it aha).

This book was reminiscent of the book series and show The Lying Game. They both have twin sisters separated at birth, and there’s a mystery to solve about their separation.

Georgia is interesting because she keeps trying to disassociate and that’s fun as a psych major (am I Georgia?) to read/watch. Mandy though is the one doing a lot of the grunt work to figure out the secrets since she’s on the outside.

The twists weren’t shocking to me, but overall I still enjoyed the story!

I loved house of glass last year so couldn’t wait to read this new release. This was a twisty fast paced read. There were a ton of twists down to the very last few pages. While a bit predictable, I still hadn’t guessed quite all the twists

Thanks so much for the gifted copy!

𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑳𝑶𝑪𝑲𝑬𝑫 𝑾𝑨𝑹𝑫 𝒃𝒚 𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒉 𝑷𝒆𝒌𝒌𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒏 was an instant anticipated read that I was graciously #gifted by @stmartinspress via @netgalley!

I loved this one!

I was instantly gripped by Georgia as she awakes in the Locked Ward and begins to recall what led her here. When I got to Amanda/Mandy's chapters, I was equally enthralled. I had no idea who to believe and what would happen as the story of Georgia brutally killing her younger sister, an apparent rivalry taken to the extreme, was revealed.

The sisterhood variants explored here with Georgia being adopted and then having a sister only months younger, and seemingly much favored, juxtaposed against the twin with whom she just met and has an instantly deep connection. Amanda's take on the relationship as an only adopted child gave a drive to her that went beyond her new sister, but to her origins.

All those deeper lines added to the compelling suspense that I couldn't pause for a minute. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I think this will be a big win when it comes out on August 5th!

The Locked Ward is fast-paced, mysterious and suspenseful. Amanda and Georgia are twins, separated shortly after birth. They each know they were adopted but don’t know they have a twin. Amanda grew up an only child with loving parents who have both died. She runs the family bar and seems content but there could be more in her life. Georgia grew up rich with a younger sister she hated and has been accused several times, since a toddler, of trying to harm her sister. Now she’s in the locked mental ward of the hospital, accused of murdering Annabelle. She’s not as mentally disturbed as she’s pretending to be, and she’s got a plan.

The plan is to get Amanda – Mandy – to put her own life on the line to save Georgia’s. Georgia found out a while ago about Mandy but didn’t contact her until she needed her to execute this plan.

This was an interesting book but it could have been much more. The scene shifts back and forth from Georgia in the hospital and Mandy outside doing her bidding. Mandy seemed happy enough in her life, but suddenly she is experiencing “twin” feelings and almost being absorbed by the lifestyle she finds in Georgia’s apartment. Georgia is cunning and it’s hard to tell how many of these “twin” feelings she’s given a little push. There are twists and turns, danger, surprises and a rather unexpected ending. I have always enjoyed author Sarah Pekkanen’s stories because they have so much depth and the plotting is so strong, but The Locked Ward feels a little flat. It’s a good read but doesn’t quit draw you in like Pekkanen’s other books have. Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of The Locked Ward via READ NOW. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

Loved this book! I posted a rave review on my Instagram for bookish content. Please see post for the entire review.

Great plot
Kept you guessing
Characters were fun to read about (I had the same history growing up with a blended family, with stepmom)

I love Sarah Pekkanen and will always read her books.

Georgia Cartwright is locked in a psychiatric ward for violent offenders after being accused of murdering her adoptive family's biological daughter, and her only hope is the twin sister she's never met - Amanda, who gets sucked into Georgia's drama despite having zero reason to trust someone she literally just learned exists. The instant psychic twin connection thing is pretty laughable and the plot stretches believability to the breaking point with its soap opera-level twists, but somehow I still tore through it in record time despite being annoyed by the short, choppy chapters. It's frustratingly addictive in that way where you know it's awfully dumb but can't seem to put it down.