3.75 stars

Look. There's a reason Pekkanen is a best seller. This author knows how to keep us on our toes and questioning what we'd do if we found ourselves in the creepy situations of any of her characters. Readers get all of those disturbing benefits in _The Locked Ward_.

Amanda and Georgia are twins, but they only recently learned about this (one much more recently than the other). They're 32, so this is a long-held secret. The circumstances under which they are meeting now? Not exactly ideal. After all, one of them is in the titular locked ward, and it's not because she's accused of being a model citizen.

Like most thrillers, one must suspend disbelief when it comes to some of the coincidences and conveniences that befall these characters, but who cares about all that? If you're here for a summer thriller or an any-season read that'll keep you engaged without too much thinking necessary, this is a great option. There are many characters with sus motives and behaviors, hidden and sometimes surprising connections, and some questions that may leave readers pondering even after they've come to the final lines.

I enjoy this writer consistently and I look forward to whatever Pekkanen has for us next!