The concept of this book absolutely caught my attention hence why I requested so fast. I am glad to say I really enjoyed it. The mystery, the suspense everything just kept me hooked. The short, fast paced and action packed chapters really kept me on the edge of my seat. Some twists were predictable and I did expect a little more from the conclusion but I still really enjoyed it.

Audiobook

Wealthy socialite Georgia Cartwright is committed to a psych ward while awaiting trial for her adopted sister's murder. Trying to remain undetected, Georgia's only hope is Amanda, her estranged biological sister. Can Mandy find the true culprit, or is Georgia setting up her other sister?

The Locked Ward is a tense and gripping psychological thriller. Pekkanen crafts a story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Who is innocent? Who is guilty? How far can corruption infect? A reader will keep flipping the pages in anticipation.

Advanced copy provided by St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio. All opinions are my own

This is a unique story about two twins seperated and finding their way back to eachother amidst a murder & insanity trial. I think what was strange is that Mandy's POV is in first person but Georgia's POV is in third person which really took you out of the story it came off strange. I did like the short stories and the pace of the novel. The mysteries kept mystering.. thats a word now. This book would have a been a 5 star read if there was more time spent on any of the three sisters to really connect to the audience and really sell this domestic thriller. The last paragraph of this book was jaw dropping and good but the rest of the book just didnt hit the mark.

I will say the audio was done very well.

Georgia is accused of murder and locked away in a psychiatric facility. When her twin Amanda comes to visit, she whispers that she didn't do it, spurring Amanda on a wild good chase as to what really happened.

Righto guys, I'm not telling you any more than that but listen to me when I say - YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! My heart was pounding from start to finish as there were just so many twists I didn't see coming. Cleverly written, this fast paced thriller will have you reeling at the end with the big twist. It was dynamic on audio too. All the stars for this beauty.

This was a quick listen with a decent mystery and a lot of suspense mostly related to threats from inside the ward. The setting really came to life, both inside and outside the ward. The couple of twists were slightly predictable, but overall I enjoyed the ride. (Though the twin stuff was a little exaggerated, IMO.)

The narrator did a great job juggling the different voices, and I would definitely recommend this as an audiobook.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to listen to this ALC and provide an honest review!

As always, January LaVoy is an excellent narrator. She does a wonderful job narrating both Mandy and Georgia. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! January LaVoy, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, Novel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review from book-

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen held my attention and then some. I picked it up late last night and didn’t put it back down until I finished it this afternoon. Sorry kids. Sorry laundry. Sorry sleep schedule. I have been busy.

There were twists and turns I did not see coming throughout the book. Many surprises and just enough at the end of each chapter that had me reading “just one more chapter” multiple times. This one definitely grabbed my attention and held it throughout.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recommend. I look forward to listening to the audio version when it is released as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest view. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hmmm, I did read this in a day (short, sweet, and kept me intrigued).. but it was a little far-fetched. Overall, a quick thriller that kept me interested --- but kind of dumb.

Sarah Pekkanen delivers a twisting psychological thriller in "The Locked Ward," a compelling exploration of family secrets, fractured identities, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth. With a premise that immediately hooks the reader, the novel delves into the lives of two estranged twin sisters, Mandy and Georgia, whose paths collide under the most dire circumstances.

The story kicks off when Mandy, a seemingly ordinary woman running a bar, receives a shocking call: she has a twin sister, Georgia, who has been accused of murdering her adopted biological sister and is now confined to a locked psychiatric ward. The novel brilliantly utilizes a dual POV structure, with chapters alternating between Mandy's frantic investigation on the outside and Georgia's chilling, often disorienting, experience within the confines of the mental institution. Georgia's sections, notably written in the second person, contribute to an unsettling and immersive sense of her unreliable reality and desperate pleas for help.

Pekkanen excels at building suspense, carefully peeling back layers of deception and revealing long-buried family secrets. The wealthy and influential adoptive family of Georgia adds another layer of intrigue, raising questions about power, reputation, and how far some will go to protect their image. The themes of trust, identity, and the unbreakable yet complex bonds of sisterhood are central to the narrative, providing an emotional depth that goes beyond a simple "whodunit."

While the pacing is a steady burn rather than a breakneck race, it's consistently engaging, with each chapter pushing the plot forward. The twists, while perhaps not all entirely unpredictable for seasoned thriller readers, are well-placed and keep the reader guessing about Georgia's true innocence and the identity of the real killer.

However, some aspects of the portrayal of the psychiatric ward might strain credulity for certain readers, and at times, the numerous subplots can feel a bit convoluted, detracting slightly from the central mystery. Additionally, while the dual perspectives are largely effective, the choice of second-person for Georgia's chapters, while unique, might be distracting for some.

Despite these minor quibbles, "The Locked Ward" is a gripping and highly readable psychological thriller. Pekkanen masterfully crafts an atmosphere of unease and a sense of urgency that will keep readers turning pages well into the night. It's a solid choice for fans of domestic thrillers and psychological suspense who enjoy exploring the darker corners of family dynamics and the unsettling question of who to trust when nothing is as it seems

I loved being able to listen to the Arc audiobook through NetGalley. I really enjoyed this audiobook. Release date is August 5, 2025.

Gripping, atmospheric, and full of psychological twists, The Locked Ward had me hooked from the first chapter. The story unfolds in a high-stakes, eerie setting—a psychiatric ward housing violent offenders—and the suspense only deepens from there. I was completely pulled in by the complex relationship between estranged twin sisters Amanda and Georgia. I especially loved Mandy and Georgia as characters—both layered, flawed, and ultimately compelling.

The mystery kept me guessing all the way through; I didn’t see the big twist or the final reveal coming, which made the ending all the more satisfying. January LaVoy’s narration was phenomenal—her ability to give each character a distinct, memorable voice brought this chilling tale to life and heightened the emotional intensity.

If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced psychological thriller with rich characters and jaw-dropping surprises, this is a must-listen.

low 3 star. Politicians and Rich people. No one was likable and the twist was obvious. the writing wasn't terrible but I wish there had been two narrators because the two main MCs sounded the same.

The strength of the novel lies in its exploration of moral ambiguity and the emotional toll of working in mental health care. However, certain characters could benefit from deeper development, as some motivations feel underexplored.

I loved this thriller. I usually say I don’t need twists that surprise me, but this one really caught me off guard. My friend Farah and I listened fast because we were hooked, and we both agree it was something different and more than just a typical story.

The plot revolves around twins who didn’t even know they existed. They had no relationship at all, which made the story even more intense. Their separate lives made everything more mysterious and kept me wanting to know how it would end.

The twist was something I didn’t guess at all. It wasn’t just thrown in for shock; it changed everything and made me rethink what I thought I knew.

When it ended, everything was clear. There was no need to reflect forever because the story tied up all loose ends. It didn’t leave me confused or hanging.

This book doesn’t have nonstop action or loud drama. The tension grows quietly from secrets and the distance between people. For anyone who likes a story that’s different and smart, this is a must.

I didn't love this book as much as I was expecting. I do like this author though. The characters were likable.

So as someone who works on a behavioral health floor, I enjoyed this book a lot (however the color of the restraints is incorrect. Blue goes on the wrists and red goes on the ankles). This was a book full of surprises and twists. It gives you a little view into what it can be like working on a locked floor or being sent there. Though I’ve never seen anything horrid happen like in the book.
I finished it in two days. Great narration. I loved the ending. Really good book.

I am so sorry to say that this was just not it for me. I LOVE Sarah Pekkanen and was so excited for this one. I really loved Gone Tonight and thoroughly enjoyed House of Glass. Unfortunately, The Locked Ward was such a let down for me. I did not care one bit about either of our protagonists. This is an extra bummer because I LOVE the concept of this book. Somehow, it just didn't work. I finished it because I love SP so much, but honestly, by the time I got to the end I didn't care what was happening. I will not be recommending this one to anyone, but I will still recommend her other two to everyone!

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen is a twisty, fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish!
Mandy has spent her adult life running the bar she inherited from her parents. Adopted at a young age, she’s always felt like something was missing—like a piece of herself was out there somewhere. Then one day, she gets a call from a psychiatric hospital: a patient named Georgia, accused of murdering her own sister, claims Mandy is her long-lost twin.
Georgia insists she’s in danger and needs Mandy’s help to survive but can she be trusted? As the story unravels through multiple POVs, the tension ramps up and the mystery deepens. Who’s telling the truth? Who’s playing who? And who really committed the crime?
I loved the layered storytelling. Sarah Pekkanen does a great job of building suspense while exploring themes of identity, trust, and sisterhood. A great read for any thriller fan who enjoys complex characters and high-stakes mind games.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC and audioARC in exchange for an honest review. The Locked Ward releases August 5, 2025 from St. Martin’s Press—definitely one to add to your late summer TBR!

This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 after reading and enjoying Pekkanen's previous novel House of Glass. Unfortunately, The Locked Ward fell a little short for me.

What I liked:
-dual/alternating POVs
-short chapters
-secret twins
-aristocratic family drama
-quick read

What didn't work for me:
-I didn't feel connected to either protogonists
-the story felt a bit disjointed and failed to convey that sense of 'urgency' or 'danger' that I think was intended.
-the ending was satisfying, but overall the story didn't stand out from many other thrillers I've read before.

I missed the creepy, atmospheric writing that we got with House of Glass despite this story being set partially in a psychiatric facility.

Bonus star for the narrator, January LaVoy, who did a fabulous job narrating this production. Her narration was easy to listen to and enjoyable.

.

Book- The Locked Ward
Author: Sarah Pekkanen
Release Date: August 5th, 2025
2.5⭐️

I’ve been craving a mind-blowing twist, and I really hoped this would deliver—but sadly, I guessed the murderer the second the character showed up. It’s always a letdown when a book is marketed as a “shocking psychological thriller” and ends up being super predictable.

This was a new one for me… the book was told in two points of view: Georgia’s chapters were written in second person, and Mandy’s were in first. I’ve got to say, I didn’t enjoy that at all. I love dual POV when it builds out the story, but switching narrative styles like that was just weird and kind of distracting—especially in the audiobook. A few times I had to rewind because I was confused while multitasking. I think the second person was meant to make you feel like you were Georgia, to add suspense and urgency, but it totally missed the mark for me.

Also, the random storyline about Mandy’s roommate Beth? It just felt out of place. I get that it ties in eventually, but it didn’t mesh with the rest of the plot and could’ve been replaced with something more impactful or connected. There were so many other directions this story could’ve gone that would’ve packed a punch.

I had both the ARC and ALC (didn’t realize I’d grabbed both—whoops), so I bounced between them. The audiobook narration by January LaVoy was definitely a highlight! Her performance was engaging and super easy to follow.

It wouldn’t be my first recommendation, but if you’re looking for a quick audiobook and enjoy thrillers, it might be worth checking out.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

4 out of 5 Stars! Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook of The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen, narrated by January LaVoy.

I am so glad I got a chance to listen to this book by this author. I had listened to her recent book - House of Glass and was only okay with it. This story...I was hooked right from the beginning. I listened to this book in 2 days. The ending was totally unexpected and was not who I would've expected. There were some times were you could just get so upset by some of Honey's (one of the moms) behavior to her kid(s) and just angry at the higher social class...but the ending for this was well put together. Not to mention the additional stories of what Georgia was going through in the Locked Ward....

The narrator did a fantastic job. I really liked the energy that she had when reading this. Very well done! Thank you!

Release: August 5, 2025
Author: Sarah Pekkanen
Publisher: McMillan Audio

Rating: 4 ★ 

The Locked Ward is a chilling psychological thriller that dives deep into the twisted dynamics of sisterhood, identity, and trust. The story centers around Georgia Cartwright, a beautiful and mysterious woman adopted into a wealthy Southern family, who now stands accused of killing her family’s biological daughter. Branded as the suspect in what’s being called the “Crime of the Decade,” Georgia is locked away in a psychiatric facility for the criminally insane.
Her twin sister, Amanda, who has long been estranged from Georgia, reluctantly visits her in the eerie, unsettling ward. Georgia insists she’s innocent and begs Amanda to help get her out. But Amanda isn’t sure what—or who—to believe. Is Georgia being framed by the powerful, possibly dangerous family that raised her? Or is she manipulating Amanda into joining her descent into madness?
As Amanda tries to uncover the truth, she finds herself drawn into a dark maze of secrets, lies, and psychological games. In this place where nothing is what it seems, and some doors are better left unopened, Amanda must confront both her past and the terrifying possibility that she doesn’t truly know her own sister.
The Locked Ward is a twisty, fast-paced psychological thriller that dives into family secrets, mental institutions, and the murky depths of sisterhood. The story follows Georgia Cartwright—a glamorous but troubled woman locked up in a psychiatric hospital after being accused of murdering her adopted family’s biological daughter. Her only lifeline? Mandy, the twin sister she’s never met, who suddenly finds herself pulled into a dangerous mystery where nothing is quite what it seems.
Told in alternating POVs—one in first person and the other in second person—the book delivers a disorienting but intriguing experience. Some readers may find that choice off-putting or confusing at first, but it’s clearly an intentional stylistic move meant to reflect the fragmented nature of memory and identity. Once I adjusted, I actually appreciated how it made the sisters feel emotionally distinct.
There’s no shortage of twists here. Some are predictable, others genuinely surprising, and while not every plot point holds up under scrutiny (especially the backstory involving the twins' adoption), the journey is undeniably entertaining. The book walks a fine line between suspense and disbelief—you’ll need to suspend logic in places, but if you’re just along for the ride, it’s a good time.
One of the book’s strongest elements is the atmosphere. The psychiatric hospital is claustrophobic and unnerving, filled with unsettling characters and shady staff. It sets the tone perfectly for the psychological tension that builds between the sisters. You’re constantly questioning: Is Georgia innocent, or is she manipulating everyone—including Mandy?
As for the audiobook, January LaVoy does an incredible job bringing the characters to life. Her performance adds depth and intensity, especially in scenes inside the locked ward. Some wished for a second narrator to separate the twins more clearly, but LaVoy’s nuanced voice work kept me engaged throughout.
That said, the book isn’t perfect. Some plot twists feel overly dramatic or underdeveloped, and Georgia’s second-person narration may not work for everyone. A few readers wanted more from the twin dynamic or felt that certain big reveals didn't quite land. Still, the short chapters and shifting perspectives made it hard to put down.
Overall, The Locked Ward is a bingeable summer thriller—ideal for fans of Sarah Pekkanen’s past work, or readers who enjoy stories about dark family legacies, unreliable narrators, and shadowy institutions. It might not be the most groundbreaking thriller out there, but it’s undeniably gripping and entertaining, especially in audio format.

Favorite quote: 
“Dangerous secrets are as corrosive as acid.”

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