I was INTO this one. Omg. I thought the storyline was so good and I couldn’t put it down!! Very eager to keep reading- the ending was so good!

I loved this book! Sarah Pekkanen is a great story teller and this book was no exception. In The Locked Ward, Georgia is institutionalized after being accused of killing her sister Annabelle. Georgia uses this moment to reach out to the twin sister she has only just learned about, in hopes that her sister will help her prove her innocence. This book is filled with a massive web of lies and secrets, and is truly engaging. I did see some aspects of the ending coming, but that comes with the territory of reading many thrillers. There were other aspects that surprised me. I loved the epilogue and felt like it was such a fitting end to this book.

This book is expected to publish on August 5, 2025. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for my ARC.

I really enjoyed this one! It was fast-paced with a twist I didn't see coming! I will definitely be reading more from this author

The premise of this book was so interesting and it didn’t disappoint. This is not the first book I’ve read by this author and I’ve really become a fan! I loved the psychological aspect of this as someone who works in mental health and thought it was well written with lots of great twists and turns! Overall, another fantastic read from Sarah Pekkanen.

Oh. My. Freaking. GOSH!!! Pekkanen has outdone herself, which I didn’t think was possible after House of Glass! I have loved her for years and years but my goodness she just keeps writing better and better novels! I loved the alternating POV between Georgia and Mandy and I loved the unique twist of her using second person perspective on Georgia’s chapters to highlight her state of mind. Absolutely brilliant! I was so caught up in trying to get ahead of one massive twist that I totally missed the big whammy! (Don’t even bother trying to guess what it is…)
This book is definitely going on my list of books to recommend! Beyond brilliance!

“The Locked Ward” by Sarah Pekkanen delves into the psychological complexities of Georgia Worthington, a young woman confined to a mental institution after being accused of murdering her sister. Adopted into a prominent and wealthy family at birth, Georgia finds herself entangled in a web of suspicion as the biological daughter of the family is found dead, and she is at the scene covered in her blood. Her desperate plea for assistance leads her to reconnect with her twin sister, Amanda, whom she was separated from at birth. Amanda doesn’t even know she had a twin, let along one accused of murder. She feels strangely drawn to her new sister, but are Georgia’s intentions as pure as she claims they are?

I worked in a psych unit and I really appreciated how accurate this novel is. It can be really frustrating to read an inaccurate novel but this book really delivered and Sarah Pekkanen definitely did her research! I devoured this book within 24 hours of starting it. I recommend this novel for fans of Sarah Pekkanen’s previous works and enthusiasts of psychological thrillers in general.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this novel. “The Locked Ward” by Sarah Pekkanen will be published on 8/5/2025.

Man I love this author so much. Everything she writes is truly thrilling which is hard to find. She genuinely keeps me guessing the entire time.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Locked Ward is a clever labyrinth murder mystery thriller from the wonderfully imaginative mind of Sarah Pekkanen that explores themes such as familial loyalty, trust, and going up against a powerful omnipresent political force who has almost everyone, including the local police, in their pocket.

Pekkanen does an excellent job of telling this story with compelling subplots - the intriguing story of twins, separated at birth, reunited to rescue the one who is facing either 20 years in prison or life in a psychiatric institution for a murder she did not commit.

Keep writing Sarah Pekkanen, we will keep reading!

Excellent character and plot development in this captivating psychological thriller.

Sarah Pekkanen delivers a gripping psychological thriller in The Locked Ward, a novel that masterfully blends suspense, family secrets, and the unsettling question of whether we can ever truly know those closest to us.

The story follows Amanda, who is thrust into a nightmare when her estranged twin sister, Georgia, is accused of murdering the biological daughter of her wealthy adoptive family. Georgia, institutionalized in a psychiatric ward for the most dangerous offenders, insists on her innocence, pleading with Amanda to help her escape. What follows is a tense and chilling unraveling of truth and deception, set against the backdrop of an eerie mental institution and a family that may be hiding far darker secrets than anyone suspects. Honestly, Pekkanen is a master at crafting an atmosphere of paranoia and dread, so if that’s your thing (it’s mine!) then she’s your girl! . The novel plays with themes of trust, sisterhood, and power, making us question whether Georgia is a victim or a masterful liar. The Southern gothic undertones add richness to the setting, making the family’s wealth and influence feel both intoxicating and suffocating. Five stars!!

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen is an emotional and compelling contemporary novel that explores the complexities of family, secrets, and personal healing. The story follows a young woman named Grace who, after a personal tragedy, takes a job at a psychiatric ward. As she becomes entangled in the lives of her patients and co-workers, Grace confronts her own trauma and begins a journey toward understanding herself and those around her.

Pekkanen’s writing is sensitive and insightful, offering a deep dive into the lives of the characters. The novel balances suspense with emotional depth, keeping readers engaged as it explores themes of forgiveness, mental illness, and the struggles of personal growth. The character development is strong, and the setting of the locked ward adds an atmospheric element to the story.

Overall, The Locked Ward is a powerful, thought-provoking read that will resonate with fans of character-driven narratives, offering both emotional intensity and a nuanced look at mental health and recovery.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! An absolute page turner.

Georgia Cartwright is in a locked psychiatric ward for the murder of the biological daughter of her adoptive family - a sister with which she has always had a strained relationship. Georgia reaches out to Mandy, her estranged twin sister for help - telling her she didn't do it and there's a much bigger story here. The chapters alternate POV between Georgia in the locked ward with glimpses into the past, and Mandy who is investigating and trying to figure out what exactly happened.

I adore this kind of thriller - short chapters that convince you to stay up way too late telling yourself "just one more!" - dual POV and questionable reliability of EVERYONE! And a very satisfying ending with all of my questions answered.

A bonus for me is that this book is set in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I live! I have friends that live in the Vue - the apartment complex where Georgia lives - and it was fun to picture events at the real restaurants and neighborhoods the author used in the book.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC - all opinions are my own.

THANK YOU, Netgalley for the ARC! I really enjoyed this book. Couldn’t put it down. The story kept me on my toes and I didn’t see the final twists coming.

Honestly I didn’t know what to expect as this is my first time reading anything by this author but I loved it!

I loved the two point of views and short chapters as things were constantly going and seeing things from both sides.

This story not only was a fast and easy read (as I always say one more chapter if it’s less than 5 minutes). But also it just had me on the edge of my seat that I didn’t want to stop reading it.

The Locked Ward was a great book that when you thought you knew what was happening something else comes up and what you thought isn’t it.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves some mysteries

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC. I found myself so drawn into this. Between the short but fast-paced chapters ending with cliffhangers, and the alternating POV chapters (one of which is written in the second person, which I thought would be off-putting but actually really liked), I legitimately kept doing the “just one more chapter” dance. Really great.

OMG wow this book was so good I loved the institution setting and then trying to solve the murder while not falling victim of the space. This book was a wild ride and I cant wait to own the physical copy and re read this. Wow this book I just cant get over how it was almost atmospheric but in a building.

The Locked Ward
Sarah Pekkanen
08/05/2025
St. Martin’s Press

Sarah Pekkanen - this is a banger. Every book you have written or co-written just seems to get better! The Locked Ward is best going in blind, so avoid spoilers. Just know that there will be plenty of perfectly placed red herrings on this journey! Told between two alternating POV’s with two unreliable characters - Mandy, who owns a bar and recently lost her parents and Georgia, a wealthy socialite accused of murder - the reader follows these to women finding out how they and their families are connected. The novel delves into complex themes like family dynamics, politics, wealth and power, and the deep, often complicated bond between sisters, especially twins.

This book grabbed my attention right from the start. Sarah Pekkanen's portrayal of a mental hospital ward is unmatched. The eerie mix of unsettling tension and the complexities of misunderstood individuals make a challenging environment to maintain your sanity. I genuinely believe Sarah did her research while writing this novel; it felt like I was right there on the locked ward with Georgia from the very first page. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. It’s a nail-biting, can't-put-it-down story that keeps you hooked until the very end. So, prepare for a thrilling ride!

The locked ward was suspenseful thriller. I can't say enough how much I loved this book. I would recommend this one. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars. Probably in my top 5 books for 2025

The Locked Ward was an excellent read! It's been a while since I've read a well written and suspenseful plot. Pekkanen carefully wove a story together with many red herrings. She tied up all loose ends by the end of the novel, which is a delight! It wasn't the typical story line and was refreshing to read a new idea. The way Pekkanen built the story line was excellent and exciting. It got very hard to put down, especially the last 1/4 of it. By that point, I'm usually bored and ready for things to end, but it wasn't the case with The Locked Ward. Highly recommend!

✨️Review✨️
The Locked Ward by: Sarah Pekkanen
5/5 🌙's

Overview: Georgia has always been the bad sister. The one no one wanted. It's always been about Annabelle the perfect daughter. That is until Annabelle dies. Now the news talks about Georgia. Her mean streak has just continued.

Thoughts: This book kept my attention from the very beginning. The way that Sarah captured a ward in a mental hospital is unparalleled. I used to work at our state mental hospital and the creepy crawly mixed with the misunderstood it is a hard place to stay sane. I truly believe that Sarah did her homework while writing this book. I felt like I was on the locked ward with Georgia from the very beginning. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a mystery. This is a nail biting hooked until the end type of story. So buckle up.



Many thanks to netgally, st. Martin's press, and the author for a DRC of this book in which I had the pleasure in reading. all opinions are my own.
Publish date: 8/5/25

Great read. I really enjoyed it. Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. Love the twist at the end.

This book had me seated from the very first chapter. Told in short chapters and alternating POV’s, I could not put it down. Georgia is accused of murdering her perfect, favourited little sister Annabelle and sent to a psychological floor in a hospital, otherwise known as the locked ward. The only person she wants to see and who can help her escape and prove her innocence, is the long lost twin sister she discovered. Amanda’s life is thrown upside down when she meets her estranged, secret twin in the locked ward. From there, Georgia sets Amanda on a rabbit hole mission of finding the truth and exposing her wealthy, diplomatic family and friends. I loved the secrets, reveals, twists and turns. Georgia’s chapters were the most riveting, getting those detailed descriptions of the claustrophobic, deranged locked ward and the sick, violent people who are sent there. Georgia plays an excellent game inside to buy herself as much time as she could and that tension built the story so well right until the end. Just when I thought I was right about something, there was a twist I didn’t see coming. 4,5 stars!

Two sisters separated at birth. Is one a killer? Follow Georgia and Mandy as the reconnect and save each other.

Mandy and Georgia are twins. They’ve never met before today. Mandy owns a bar. Georgia has just been charged with murdering her half-sister, Annabelle. She is currently in a locked psychiatric ward.

The chapters alternate between Mandy and Georgia. Something I’ve never seen before: Mandy narrates in first person and Georgia in second person, as if she’s telling a story about herself.

Georgia proclaims her innocence to Mandy, and says that “they” will kill her unless Mandy helps. So Mandy, baffled and concerned, helps, making things up as she goes along. Mandy’s adoptive parents are dead and her adoption was a closed one, so she has no family to consult. I confess I did not trust Georgia’s motives. Was Mandy going to wind up accused of murdering the half-sister?

The plot grows increasingly menacing. Paranoia grows. Suddenly all the hate and anger explodes. The answers become clear.

I’ve read other books by Sarah Pekkanen and found them exciting and enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy. This is my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the ebook arc. This is my first Sarah Pekkanen novel and I was hook from page one super invested in the story and character

“The Locked Ward” by Sarah Pekkanen

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of “The Locked Ward” by Sarah Pekkanen.

I loved this story! It’s filled with suspense, mystery, danger, and intrigue.

Georgia is locked in an insane asylum. She’s being accused of murdering her sister, Annabelle. I love her character and the part she plays.
Mandy is pulled into the saga by Georgia’s lawyer. That starts a whole other mystery.

I loved the writing and especially the narrative for Georgia. It kept me intrigued being written as if she was talking to herself. It flows perfectly back and forth between Georgia and Mandy, dropping little nuggets of what’s happened between different family and friends in the past, as we try to figure out who really killed Annabelle. Is Georgia playing a part and someone else is a killer, or is Georgia truly guilty?

This story keeps you guessing. I had an inkling of some things, but never 100% certain. There are some fantastic twists. As revelations unfold, things get dangerous and sinister. I could see this as a movie, the story was so great. A gripping thriller that keeps you anticipating to the very end.

“We’re both the unreliable narrator and the gullible listener in our own life stories.”

Lots of twists and turns in this psychological thriller. I was captivated from the very first page. I loved the mystery and secrets!

Wow, what a ride! The Locked Ward kept me guessing throughout the entire book (which is very rare for me as I usually figure out the perp less than halfway through). Georgia and Mandy are twins, separated at birth, that do not find out about one another until their early 30's. Add in murder, secrets and lies and a cast of characters with secrets of their own and you have an absolutely un-put-downable book.

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen is a story about the length people will go for love. Mandy finds out she has a twin sister when an attorney contacts her to visit Georgia in the psych ward. Things get complicated and the author keeps the reader guessing, never quite knowing what is going on until it’s slowly revealed and the ending is phenomenal! I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read The Locked Ward before the publication date. It was such an honor!
This was my first Sarah Pekkanen book to read and it will not be my last. I loved her writing style and the juxtaposition of Georgia and Mandy. This book had plots twists and turns at every turn of the page.
There was not a dull chapter or any fluff filling which was refreshing. I can honestly say, it's one of the first thrillers that I didn't trust any of the characters. It's a true thriller that will keep you guessing and questioning the plot to the very last page!
Overall a truly great thriller and a must read by any psychological thriller fan out there.

Being adopted, there is always the curiosity about your biological family. Amanda Ravenel, Mandy, runs the bar she inherited from her parents. She is asked to visit the hospital where her sister, Georgia Cartwright, is being held for "the crime of the century". Mandy never knew she had a sister, and Georgia claims that she is innocent of murdering her other sister. Mandy wants to help Georgia, but how can you prove someone is innocent when you don't know them? Mandy's decision to help her sister will change both their lives. Why doesn't Georgia trust the police to investigate this crime? Georgia's adoptive family is wealthy and uses that wealth in many good and bad ways. To fully understand what has happened, Mandy will have to unearth the past to solve this mystery.

The Locked Ward is about murder, manipulation, and family ties. Sarah Pekkanen takes intrigue, wraps it in murder, and gives readers a ride. Twists and turns will keep you guessing as the investigation takes a sinister turn. Mandy and Georgia's developing sisterly bond is well written and one of the reasons readers will stay engaged throughout the book. This thriller keeps you guessing. The ending is excellent and provides the closure that this story needs. Mystery and thriller fans will love this quick-paced book!

Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Sarah Pekkanen for the advanced copy of the book.

Wow!

My first book by Sarah Pekkanen and I'm definitely a fan.

Georgia is a rich, high society girl when she's arrested for the murder of her sister Annabelle. She is placed in a locked ward for mental illness. About a month before this happened, Georgia found out she had a twin, Mandy. Her attorney gets Mandy to come visit Georgia and sets out to get Mandy to prove her innocence.

Lots of drama and danger ensues. The book reminds us that the narrative the press feeds us may not be the truth.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Book Review

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Shoutout to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for this advanced readers copy, due out August 5, 2025!

I am absolutely a Sarah Pekkanen fan and this one did not disappoint. Twins separated at birth, an affair, a heinous murder, a mental ward, a cover up, and the hints of a budding romance. This one has all the things!

The story is told between two sisters, Mandy and Georgia, who have no idea they are twins until later in their lives. Will one twin be able to save the other? I loved the two points of view and the shorter chapters. That always keeps me wanting to come back for more.

There was a twist I didn’t see coming and I will admit, made me dislike one specific character (no spoiler) more than I thought possible.

I don’t want to give anything away. But put the release date on your calendar and grab this one!

#twins