really enjoyed this storyline, as well as the double pov. i'm a sucker for fast-paced, action-packed chapters - although this one still felt a bit slow despite the short chapters. the characters fit right into their respective categories (the evil matriarch, the no-back-bone father, the treasured child and the demonized one, etc.) and it works for the plot. the writing kept me hooked and i really wanted to know more. i'm glad this has a sort-of-happy resolution, and i'm kind of hoping for a sequel in which we lean more into mandy's darker side (+ can we know more about colby's obsessive side??)

overall - not earth-shattering, but definitely a good read

thank you to net-galley for the e-arc <333

I liked the story but sometimes understanding who was talking was kind of difficult. The point of view was sometimes hard to understand and I kept having to back to see who’ was talking. Other than that, it was great! Really interesting and kept me guessing till the end.

Georgia is being held in a psych ward awaiting arrest after being found bloody and looming over the murdered body of her adopted sister, Annabelle. Amanda is working in her bar, the one she inherited from her parents, when she gets a life-changing call from Georgia’s lawyer: Georgia and Amanda are twins, separated at birth and adopted by two different families, Georgia’s wealthy and Amanda’s not so much. Mandy goes to visit and finds that Georgia is pretending to be in a dissociative state but believes she is innocent and that “they” will kill her too if Mandy doesn’t help her get out and figure out who really killed Annabelle. Mandy slowly enters Georgia’s life to help the sister she never knew she had—even though she has no idea if Georgia is the killer—but can she figure out what really happened before it’s too late?

The Locked Ward is a solid, if imperfect, thriller. You’ll probably have some idea what’s happening though you’ll likely not figure it out exactly. Unsurprisingly, it alternates perspectives between Georgia and Amanda. Interestingly, it tells Georgia’s from the second-person, keeping everything largely in the present so the reader is not shown whether or not she’s the killer until the same time Amanda learns. I liked the two main characters, and their evolving relationship. There are lots of suspects and lots of twists in the main story, though some are less believable than others. There’s one twist in the Epilogue (view spoiler) that was wholly unnecessary, inconsistent with the character for the entire story, and honestly a trying-too-hard, lame way to end the book. Recommended, but be prepared to roll with some unlikely plot twists. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I loved this book. As much as I like the books that grab me on page 1 and don't let up until I get to the end, I find that I read them too quickly just to see how they end, and then a day later, I've started a new book and totally forgotten what the previous book was about. This book had promise from the very beginning, but I was able to read for an hour or two before bed, put it down at a reasonable hour, and look forward to the next night when I could read more. The chapters alternated between the two sisters, so we really got to know both of them and learn about their lives. I loved the conflict Mandy had over whether to believe Georgia or not, and how she kept changing her mind based on new evidence. There was an underlying tenseness about whether or not Georgia was actually in danger, which was totally believable since we saw how she tried to manipulate Mandy into helping her. Maybe there really wasn't danger and that was just another means of trying to get Mandy's help? As soon as I found out they were twins, my first thought was that they would end up switching places so Georgia would be free to find out who framed her, so I was very happy that that wasn't the case. The only thing I had trouble with was that Georgia's chapters always talked about 'you', when she meant herself. This might be helpful for people who don't read the chapter titles to know immediately who was talking, but I found it very jarring. Now, to be fair, I just got done watching 'You', so I had to shake off the idea that Georgia wasn't a serial killer in EVERY one of her chapters, but then I would think she was talking about Mandy, because who talks about 'you' as being themselves? I have never read this author before but am looking forward to reading more!

This was so well-written! It’s a classic murder mystery, with really well-developed characters and even when you assume it’s formulaic, you’ll be surprised. The whole package ended up being a very fun read. It’s well worth your time!

Such a great storyline! I’ve never read anything by this author before. I love her writing. I will seek out more books by her. It’s an intense, fast paced story but very well written! I’d love to read a sequel. There are aspects that I want to know more about; how life changes for Mandy with Georgia, but also with Scott. Great book!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This sounded so thrilling, yet it turned out to be anything but compelling. This didn’t work for me on so many levels. The premise is that wealthy and successful Georgia Cartwright was adopted, and is now accused of killing her adoptive family’s biological daughter. Georgia decides to pretend to be in a dissociative state instead of going to jail. She is sure that she can just call her twin sister, Mandy, who has no clue that she is a twin, and Mandy will put her life on pause to help Georgia prove her innocence. Implausibly, Mandy does just that, and the two immediately develop twin telepathy.

The story is narrated first person by Mandy, and second person by Georgia. Georgia’s narration just didn’t work as it was hard to connect with her illogical thinking. There is also a big ick factor later in the book, skirting around relationships that would be incestuous if allowed to develop.

Overall, the story just lost momentum as Georgia’s predicament became repetitive and boring. There is one point where Mandy is dressing in Georgia’s expensive designer clothes, spritzing on her perfume, daydreaming about becoming Georgia, and that could have been an interesting turn.

I enjoyed reading The Locked Ward as my first book from this author and have added her other books to my TBR now!! From beginning to end, I could not wait to see what the next page held. The storyline and the twists were perfectly executed! Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers!

So many unanswered questions for a read as slow paced as this. Honestly the back and forth was too much with not enough context ie 77 chapters or so in this 300 page read. I really loved The Golden Couple by this author so this was quite a shame. But I have questions about Colby, Scott, the aftermath of Patty and the graper for it to be any higher of a review

I was issued this book by NetGalley for my unbiased review.

This book was recommended by NetGalley for me to read. I am glad they did!

Excellent story and lots of twists and turns throughout. Even the ending through an interesting twist.

Looking forward to reading more from Sarah Pekkanen.

If you’re looking for a book with an immense amount of details, chronicling every item in the main characters apartment, with a lackluster plot, this is the book for you!

I was thrilled to receive this arc, I had such high hopes. And they fell so flat. There isn’t much of a story here, with minor twists, and FAR too much description of mundane things that are irrelevant to the story. About 90% of this book was just detailed descriptions. I don’t need to know every piece of clothing worn by every character.

Sarah Pekkanen's "The Locked Ward" is a gripping and emotionally resonant thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Pekkanen masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, mystery, and the complexities of the human mind, creating a truly unforgettable reading experience.
The story follows Georgia, a patient in a high-security mental institution who may hold the key to a deeply disturbing secret. Mandy is also followed as the gritty character who unravels the secret. Pekkanen's portrayal of Georgia in the psychiatric ward is both realistic and unsettling, providing a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama. The characters are incredibly well-developed, each with their own vulnerabilities and motivations, making it easy to become invested in their fates.
What truly sets "The Locked Ward" apart is Pekkanen's ability to blend a thrilling plot with profound psychological insights. As the layers of the mystery are peeled back, the novel delves into themes of trauma, memory, and the blurred lines between sanity and madness. The suspense builds expertly, with twists and turns that are genuinely surprising and keep you guessing until the very last page.
Pekkanen's writing is sharp, evocative, and propulsive. She knows how to craft a compelling narrative, and her prose is both elegant and accessible. You'll find yourself racing through the chapters, desperate to uncover the truth, yet also wanting to savor the intricate details of the story.
"The Locked Ward" is more than just a thriller; it's a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche and the secrets we keep, even from ourselves. If you're looking for a book that combines heart-pounding suspense with richly drawn characters and profound themes, then this is an absolute must-read. Sarah Pekkanen has delivered a truly remarkable novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
* I was given an advanced copy of this book to review.

In the following novel, the atmosphere is seriously tense, the ward is chillingly creepy, and Pekkanen masterfully blurs the line between innocence and guilt. It’s a wild ride through twisted sibling relationships and hidden darkness. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, unpredictable read with some Southern gothic flair, *The Locked Ward* will keep you guessing until the very end. Just be careful—not every secret in this place should be uncovered.

Georgia is accused of a terrible crime - killing her biological sister. Now Georgia is locked in a special ward while awaiting trial. She gets an unexpected visitor, the only person that may be able to find out what really happened and free her. But all is not what it seems. There are secrets among these wealthy families and their friends. A bit of a twist at the end and quite an interesting read. I thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first read for this author and she BLEW ME AWAY!!! The way she alternates between first and second person for characters really puts you in the story! I loved the unpredictability of this book! This would be a great book if you have found yourself in a slump and want to re-ignite your passion for reading an unpredictable, unputdownable book!!!

I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately this fell incredibly flat for me. While the initial premise was intriguing, there were far too many moving parts, and I was disappointed that the twist that I had envisioned didn’t play out in the end.

Twists, turns and slow burn, this novel keeps the reader turning the pages and trying to find the right path of whodunnit. Georgia Cartwright, a wealthy woman wakes up in a locked ward accused of bludgeoning her younger sister to death. She is refusing to speak to anyone, but only wants to see one person, Amanda (Mandy) Ravenel. Imagine Mandy’s surprise when she receives a call from Georgia’s public defender to go and meet his client- considering they have never met before. Due to curiosity and some sort of connection, Mandy goes to visit Georgia and she learns some deep secrets that turn her life upside down. Told from dual point of views as well as flashbacks of the two growing up. A well written and plotted story with nicely developed characters. There are some outstanding points that I feel might lead to another book on one of the other secondary characters. This book had so much depth with the plots of love, sisterhood and was nothing like any thriller I’ve read before. Definitely pick this book up if you like psychological thrillers that will keep you on your toes. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and St. Martin's Press. The Locked Ward comes out on Aug 5 2025.

Another great thriller from one of my faves. The pacing and storytelling are perfect for a summer read. Most exciting was a thriller where the characters all felt so grounded—taking believable actions in a surreal situation. Will definitely recommend!

I absolutely loved the book
Such an interesting story of mothers and daughters
An interesting mystery as well.
I really enjoy her writing

I enjoyed the back and forth of the two main characters; this made for a faster read. Loved the ending and the character development. I’d recommend to anyone who is looking for a fun, fast paced thriller that will have you wanting more!

The title is not my favorite, I’d recommend changing.