A Gripping Dive into the Darkness: Review of The Locked Ward by Janelle Brown
As a book blogger, I often find myself drawn to stories that peel back the layers of human connection and family dynamics, and The Locked Ward by Janelle Brown is a perfect example. The moment I read the synopsis, I was intrigued by the complex intertwining of two sisters, their shared and fragmented past, and the chilling atmosphere of an asylum. I couldn’t resist diving into this intricate tale of betrayal, identity, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
At the heart of The Locked Ward are twins Georgia and Mandy—two women bound by blood yet separated by circumstance and secrets. Georgia, wrongfully accused of murdering Annabelle, her sister, navigates the perilous confines of a sinister asylum. With powerful forces intent on silencing her, Georgia’s desperate plea for her estranged sister to believe in her innocence adds a tense urgency to the narrative. Meanwhile, Mandy, who has stepped away from a promising PR career to run their family bar after their parents’ tragic death, grapples with her own grief and identity. The revelation of Georgia’s existence sends her world spiraling, as she confronts the deeply buried secrets of their family.
Brown masterfully crafts the story through alternating perspectives, with each short chapter leaving you hungry for more. The pacing is expertly handled—at times swift as Mandy delves into her sister’s dark world, and at other moments slow and contemplative, allowing for emotional weight to settle in. The unreliable narrators kept me on my toes, making it incredibly difficult to determine who was telling the truth. This ambiguity heightened my investment in both characters and their intertwined fates.
One aspect that stood out was the exploration of sisterhood—how love, jealousy, and trauma can entwine and complicate even the strongest bonds. The layers of deceit unraveling throughout the narrative kept me guessing, while the socio-economic dynamics between the twins revealed a darker commentary on privilege and the varying degrees of trauma experienced by individuals based on their circumstances. At one point, Georgia’s plight was described as being akin to “the misunderstood black sheep shunned and abandoned,” a line that resonated deeply with me. This encapsulated the essence of the characters—how their upbringing shaped their identities and actions.
I must also applaud January LaVoy’s outstanding narration. She captures the nuance of each sister’s personality, breathing life into their struggles, fears, and desperate hope. I found it so captivating that my audio version turned into a binge-listening session; I couldn’t, and didn’t want to, hit “pause”!
The Locked Ward is a gripping thriller that pulls you in from the outset and doesn’t let go. Its depiction of complex family ties, societal secrets, and the quest for truth resonates with readers seeking a thought-provoking yet suspenseful experience. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories centered on mystery, dark secrets, or the intricate nature of sisterhood.
Reflecting on my reading experience, I feel a renewed appreciation for the power of narrative to shine a light on those shadows we all carry. If you’re looking for a page-turner that challenges your perception of family and brings forth the complexities of human relationships, grab a copy of The Locked Ward. You won’t regret it!
I want to extend my gratitude to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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