Book Review: The Locked Door by Freida McFadden
As a long-time fan of Freida McFadden, I’ve often found myself completely entranced by her books. Her knack for weaving psychological thrillers that grip from the first page is something I’ve come to anticipate eagerly. So, when I picked up The Locked Door, I was ready for a thrilling ride, especially with a premise as dark and enticing as the daughter of a serial killer grappling with her family’s sinister legacy.
The story centers around Nora Davis, a successful surgeon with a troubled past — her father was a notorious serial killer who committed unspeakable acts in their family home. McFadden sets up this chilling backdrop beautifully, juxtaposing Nora’s present life against her haunted past. The dual timelines, revealing snippets from 26 years prior, add a rich layer of suspense and complexity to Nora’s character. However, while I was initially captivated by this intricate setup, I found myself wrestling with Nora as a protagonist.
Despite her compelling backstory, I sensed that Nora often felt more like an idea rather than a fully fleshed-out character. As we delve into her psyche, moments from her childhood raise questions that the narrative doesn’t quite answer. Why, for instance, does she display strange behavior in her youth yet transition into an empathetic doctor so seamlessly? I craved deeper exploration into these psychological intricacies, but they remained frustratingly underdeveloped.
One of McFadden’s signature techniques is her ability to craft rapid-fire chapters that keep readers glued to the book. With The Locked Door, this pacing is both a blessing and a curse. I devoured it in a matter of hours, flipping pages with reckless abandon. Yet, I sometimes wished for slower moments that could allow for richer character insights or more nuanced interactions with secondary characters. The plot has its fair share of twists, with some surprises I genuinely didn’t see coming. However, the revelation of who was trying to frame Nora felt predictable, diminishing the thrill of that final twist.
The writing itself is undeniably engaging. McFadden demonstrates a keen ability to sprinkle red herrings throughout the narrative, keeping the reader guessing. Yet, as the book progressed, these distractions began to feel more like clever tricks than substantial emotional puzzles. Even the epilogue, a hallmark of McFadden’s past works that usually delivers a punchy conclusion, left me feeling somewhat unfulfilled. It was an ending that seemed to lack the definitive closure I had come to expect.
Nonetheless, The Locked Door is far from a disappointment. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller that will keep you entertained for an afternoon, it fits the bill perfectly. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy quick reads with a dose of suspense, even if it doesn’t reach the height of some of McFadden’s previous works.
In conclusion, while The Locked Door might not have marked a high point in my reading journey, it was nonetheless an engaging escape. For fans of psychological thrillers or those who appreciate McFadden’s unique flair, this book offers an intriguing premise and enough tension to make it worth the read. Just don’t expect it to linger in your memory like some of her more impactful tales. Happy reading!