Review of The Locked Door by Freida McFadden
From the moment I stumbled upon Freida McFadden’s The Locked Door, I was intrigued. The premise sounded like a psychological thriller that could tap into my fascination with complex characters and chilling narratives—especially with the striking concept of a surgeon grappling with the dark legacy of her serial killer father. As an avid reader of McFadden’s work, I was eager to see how she would weave this compelling backdrop into her signature fast-paced, page-turning style.
At the heart of The Locked Door is Nora Davis, a successful surgeon trying to escape the shadow of her father’s horrific actions. The tension is palpable as she finds herself embroiled in a crime that mirrors his past—an extraordinary foundation that had me hooked. The alternating timelines, flashing back to 26 years ago, added a rich layer of complexity to Nora’s character. I appreciated how these flashbacks contributed depth, revealing facets of her psyche that were both haunting and intriguing.
Yet, despite the strong foundation, I found myself struggling with Nora as a character. While she possesses a compelling backstory, I often felt she was more of an idea than a fully fleshed-out individual. Her transformation from a troubled child to a compassionate adult felt too abrupt and underexplored. Was it therapy, denial, or sheer willpower that allowed her to overcome her past? The narrative left me with more questions than answers, and while ambiguity can enrich a story, this particular arc felt insufficiently developed.
McFadden’s writing style remains engaging, with a brisk pace that made the book a fast read. I devoured it in just a few hours, hooked by the short, punchy chapters that kept me turning the pages. However, the very speed that drew me in also worked against the narrative at times, leaving relationships and ethical dilemmas feeling somewhat superficial. There were moments where a deeper dive would have enriched the emotional landscape, but the urgency of the plot often took precedence.
The twists, as expected, kept me on my toes, with several surprises I genuinely didn’t see coming. However, a key reveal felt more like a confirmation of my suspicions than a shocking twist, somewhat diminishing the impact of McFadden’s carefully laid clues. The finale also lacked the dramatic punch I’ve come to expect from her thrillers. Instead of leaving me breathless, the conclusion felt just ‘correct’—a competent ending, albeit one that faded from memory far too quickly.
Ultimately, I’d say The Locked Door is a gripping read, but it doesn’t quite stand alongside McFadden’s finest. It offers an entertaining experience perfect for a quick, atmospheric escape, but might not linger in your mind long after the final page is turned. For anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers with intriguing premises and rapid pacing, it could be a solid choice. Just don’t expect a transformative reading experience. As I closed the book, I felt a mix of enjoyment and a nagging sense of unfulfilled potential—an entertaining read that, while enjoyable, left me wishing for just a bit more.