Book Review: The Inmate by Freida McFadden
Freida McFadden’s novels always manage to pique my interest, and "The Inmate" was no exception. The premise alone—centering on a nurse practitioner returning to her hometown to work in a prison where her ex, who once attempted to murder her, is an inmate—had my heart racing. I couldn’t help but dive in, eager to experience the twists and turns Freida is so adept at crafting. However, I emerged feeling a bit conflicted and frustrated. Sometimes, you expect characters to act in predictable ways, and then they still manage to disappoint you. Damn, Freida, you really know how to hit where it hurts!
The plot had all the elements of a gripping thriller. We follow Brooke Sullivan as she starts a new job in a prison—a decision fraught with tension and danger, especially given her past with her ex-boyfriend, Shane Nelson. The idea alone was intriguing, and I found myself unable to put the book down; Freida’s pacing and ability to keep the reader hooked are, as always, commendable. But oh, Brooke—my feelings toward her ranged from frustration to disbelief. She often felt more like a plot device than a well-rounded character, leading me to the realization that her mistakes made it hard to enjoy the thrilling aspects of the story.
One moment I felt deeply intrigued by the fascinating writing style, tinged with that bone-chilling vibe that Freida delivers so well. Her prose sent chills down my spine, and the twist at the end left me speechless. I want to commend Freida for her talent in creating vivid emotional responses, even if this time they came wrapped in layers of annoyance towards the protagonist.
Brooke’s actions throughout the narrative were baffling, leading to my ultimate frustration. From choosing to work in the same prison as her violent ex-boyfriend to allowing him back into her home with her child—these decisions felt not only unrealistic but also deeply unsettling. Honestly, I wanted to shake her. I can’t help but echo that line in my review: "this girl had 0 brain cells." It’s tough to enjoy a book when you can’t fathom the protagonist’s choices, and I think Freida’s depiction of Brooke vacillated from relatable to utterly ridiculous.
That said, I do recommend "The Inmate"—especially to die-hard Freida fans who appreciate a straightforward, fast-paced thriller. It’s a book that generates discussions and reactions, and I imagine it would resonate with readers who can compartmentalize their feelings about characters while still enjoying a riveting plot.
Ultimately, while I walked away with a headache from the endless decisions I couldn’t comprehend, I also found a story that sparked conversation. For those looking to immerse themselves in a psychological thrill ride, "The Inmate" may be just the ticket—just be prepared for a protagonist who could drive you mad! Happy reading, and until next time, keep turning those pages! 📚💖