⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 4 stars ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

"I would do anything for my mom."

WHOA. the ending left me speechless. what was that epilogue?? because it was a crazy one for sure. anyways, this was my first freida mcfadden book and i really enjoyed it! no wonder people call her the thriller queen. there were so many twists in this book and i kept changing my theories on who the actual killer was (brooke has influenced me, believe me 😖). i could not put this book down because of how gripping and intriguing it was, and because of how well the writing flowed. i really enjoyed how the story was dual timeline because you were able to progressively learn what happened during the night of the murders, and what happened during the present. my only complaint is that brooke, the fmc, was very dumb at times. like why did you keep having to change your mind?? it's also surprising how the police didn't get mad at her for filing false police reports all the time 🤦

˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to NetGalley and Freida McFadden for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

Really fast paced and edge of your seat read!

This is the second Frieda McFadden book I’ve read and I’ve really enjoyed it again! She seems to produce really fast paced reads with super short chapters so it’s easily digestible! I think it took me 2 days to finish this book so deffo a quick read!

I really liked the premise especially the idea of her working in the prison knowing who’s behind a prison cell there! It’s quite a unique story and while elements of it were similar to other thriller books I’ve read and enjoyed, I think the fact she was working in the same prison as him really added a lot to this book.

Some of the plot points seemed quite predictable but the further along I got, the more I was surprised and impressed by the twists!

Definitely worth a read!

A thrilling read full of twists and turns that follows two timelines, the night of a horrific massacre and the present as Brooke tries to assimilate to life back in her hometown, in her parents house, working at the prison where the man who tried to kill her is housed. A great read that follows Brooke as she second guesses everything that happened that night, that one foggy moment she can't seem to recall, that seems so crucial, if she could only remember. Face to face with Shane, she begins to remember how she felt once upon a time, and that seems a dangerous thought. Protecting her child seems more important than anything and throw in her former best friend since they were toddlers, and you have a recipe for some unresolved feelings. You are definitely in for a roller coaster with this one!

A Riveting Thriller That Keeps You on the Edge of Your Seat!
As a new nurse practitioner at a maximum-security prison, Brooke Sullivan is thrust into a world where danger lurks around every corner. Freida McFadden masterfully weaves a gripping tale of suspense, secrets, and forbidden connections.
The three rules Brooke must follow seem simple enough: treat all prisoners with respect, never reveal personal information, and never become too friendly with the inmates. But when she discovers her intimate connection to Shane Nelson—one of the penitentiary’s most notorious and dangerous inmates—everything changes. Shane, once her high school sweetheart and star quarterback, is now serving a life sentence for grisly murders. Brooke’s testimony put him behind bars, but he knows her secret, and revenge simmers in his eyes.
McFadden’s writing is taut and evocative, drawing readers into the prison’s dark corridors and the tangled web of Brooke’s past. The suspense builds relentlessly, leaving you breathless as secrets unravel and loyalties are tested. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own hidden agendas and vulnerabilities.
“The Inmate” is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with twists that will leave you gasping. McFadden’s skillful pacing and intricate plot make this psychological thriller a must-read. Prepare to lose sleep—you won’t be able to put it down!
Highly recommended for fans of suspense, mystery, and psychological thrillers. Grab your copy and buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled journey through the prison gates.
Pub date 3/5/2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Freida never disappoints!
I found the plot a little bit far fetched but I couldn't put it down. It was so entertaining and intriguing I HAD to keep reading.
It doesn't get 5 stars because of the plot twist .. but that epilogue! 100% recommend

(Contains spoilers) I clearly read a lot of romance because I was rooting for Shane to be the good guy the entire time 🤣 I was convinced he did nothing wrong. The first twist was incredibly cliche, but I didn’t put it together until it was developing. I definitley fell for the red herring with Tim. However, I just didn’t like the twist. Vengeful mistress is so boring to me. I guess I’ve never been a mistress to get the feeling that they must have, but ruining a bunch of people’s lives over a man who couldn’t step up and be a MAN seems pointless to me - I just don’t get it. Like how is it the daughter’s fault that her dad was a cheater? Anyways. The second twist of her son being exactly like his dad? I didn’t expect that at all. It also felt cliche to me, but it was a surprise at the end.

Overall, I felt like it wasn’t surprising enough for me. I just wasn’t wowed. I didn’t dislike it, it was a quick and easy read. It kept me entertained. I enjoyed the story telling. If you’re a fan of thrillers and of this author I definitley would recommend.

The Inmate" is a novel by Frieda McFadden. It follows the story of Rachel Snyder, a journalist who becomes deeply involved in the case of a woman named Maria Purvis, who is serving a life sentence for murdering her husband and children. As Rachel delves deeper into Maria's past and the circumstances surrounding the murders, she uncovers shocking revelations that challenge her beliefs and raise questions about Maria's guilt. With its gripping plot and complex characters, "The Inmate" is a compelling psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

I'll start by saying that I like all Freida Mcfadden books. I usually guess the ending, but I do that with crime movies too.
This book is about Brooke who is a nurse at a maximum security prison. The staff are never allowed to fraternize with the prisoners, but Brooke has already broken that rule as she knows Shane. They were high school sweethearts, but now Shane is notorious, not for his prowess on the football field but for the murders. But he has a secret - he knows a secret that Brooke hopes will never get out.
For Mcfadden fans, this is a must!

I thoroughly enjoyed the intricate plot of this story, where twists unfolded seamlessly, keeping me engaged from start to finish. The way everything was wrapped up at the end added a satisfying touch, leaving no loose ends. The narrative skillfully delivered surprises, creating a compelling experience.

While the character's frequent changes of mind may have felt a bit unrealistic, it's a testament to the complexity of human emotions and decisions. Perhaps, without firsthand experience, it's challenging to fully understand the nuances of such changes. Nonetheless, this aspect added a layer of unpredictability to the storyline.

In conclusion, the story's well-crafted twists and resolution make it a captivating read, even if some character choices seem perplexing. It's a testament to the author's ability to keep the audience guessing and engaged throughout the narrative.

I love Freida McFadden books. They are all just so reliable. You know you are going to get a good read when her name is on the cover. The Inmate was no different. Told in both past and present points of view, the Inmate takes the reader on an exciting journey with a surprise ending.

This is my absolute favourite Freida book to date! I can't even express the amount of whiplash this book gave me (in the best way)
I was not expecting the ending AT ALL
Freida always delivers however this was sooo much better than I expected.

It just motivates me even more to get through her whole back list!
I can't wait to see what else she can write with that creative mind of hers.

I always think I know where Freida McFadden is going with her twists and am always surprised still. I caught along with this one a little better than some of her other books. Didn't guess all of it but got some of it!
I like reading her books and just going along for the ride because it will never be what it seems. She does a great job of making you think one way the whole time to just play with your mind. However, Brooke was not my favorite character, she frustrated me throughout the book many times.
I will still keep reading McFadden books, they are easily entertaining and quick reads.

"The Inmate" by Freida McFadden totally sucked me in right from the get-go! I love Freida's books and have never been able to guess the twist in any of them, including The Inmate. Mystery, romance, and suspense? Yep, it had it all. Overall, "The Inmate" is a must-read if you're into stories that mess with your head and make you feel all sorts of emotions. Freida McFadden, you nailed it! 5 stars for sure!

Thank you to the publisher for the copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. From 17% in I knew I was not going to enjoy this book. I had already started putting the pieces of the plot twist together. Although there were still some surprises left (only one) it wasn’t enough to make me feel like this was a mystery/thriller. The writing felt very amateurish and undeveloped. Definitely in the style of telling the reader instead of showing the reader. I’m not going to be recommending this book to anyone and will probably skip any books by this author in the future.

The Inmate by Freida McFadden
Pub date with Poisoned Pen Press
is Mar 5, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
McFadden knows how to keep you turning those pages. The story is always interesting and the characters in this one are completely cringey like many of her other novels. I find the lead character so gullible and flat out stupid, I actually wanted her to fail. The twist is what made the book though for me. 4 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review. #netgalley #freidamcfadden #poisonedpenpress #thriller #mystery #fiction #bookstagram #theinmate

‘As the prison doors slam shut behind me, I question every decision I’ve ever made in my life.’

Brooke Sullivan has just started work as a nurse practitioner at a men’s maximum-security prison in Raker, upstate New York. There are three rules that Brooke must follow:
1) Treat all prisoners with respect.
2) Never reveal any personal information.
3) Never EVER become too friendly with the inmates.

Yes, Dear Reader, there could be a Problem. Shane Nelson, one of the men imprisoned, was once Brooke’s boyfriend. And, Dear Reader, it was her testimony that led to him being incarcerated. Hmm. Brooke moved back to Raker after her parents died. She was living in New York City with her ten-year-old son Josh but chose to return to Raker to live in her childhood home. Brooke had difficulty finding a job in Raker and while the job at the Raker Penitentiary was her least-preferred option, it was the only job offered.

Returning home is never easy and is made more difficult for Brooke because of her involvement in the murder case that led to Shane Nelson’s conviction. And, in Margie, Brooke’s found a wonderful woman to care for Josh while she works. Then her first encounter with Shane in the prison seems to go alright.

But … things go rapidly downhill. Twist after implausible twist lead Brooke, her best friend Tim and ultimately Josh, into danger. The story shifts between past between the night of the murders eleven years earlier, and the present. Brooke starts to doubt what she thought happened in the past and starts questioning who might have been involved. If she believes Shane, then he is innocent. And the murder of another woman in the present casts doubt on the one person Brooke thought she could trust.

Ms McFadden ties all the loose ends together neatly and while anything is possible in fiction, I could not suspend enough disbelief to accept the way this story plays out. While I enjoyed some of the twists along the way to truth, others jerked me right out of the story.

This is the first novel by Ms McFadden I have read.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

I thoroughly enjoyed this read by Freida McFadden, the queen of fast paced, unputdownable thrillers. I kept thinking I had everything figured out and of course she always throws in a plot twist (or several). Definitely recommend picking this one up.

3.5 ⭐
As an introduction to Freida McFadden's literary world, "The Inmate" was an intriguing foray that sparked my interest and left me curious about her other works. The book tells the story of Brooke, a single mother and a nurse practitioner who works in a maximum security prison where her ex-boyfriend is incarcerated. Brooke had helped put him behind bars ten years ago. The plot is quite campy, and it takes readers on a wild ride full of surprises and unexpected twists. McFadden has a unique talent for leading readers to one conclusion, only to upend their expectations. I enjoyed "The Inmate" and look forward to reading more of McFadden's work.

There are three rules Brooke Sullivan must follow as a new nurse practitioner at a men’s maximum-security prison:
1) Treat all prisoners with respect.
2) Never reveal any personal information.
3) Never EVER become too friendly with the inmates.
But none of the staff at the prison knows Brooke has already broken the rules. Nobody knows about her intimate connection to Shane Nelson, one of the penitentiary’s most notorious and dangerous inmates. And they certainly don’t know that Shane was Brooke’s high school sweetheart—the star quarterback who is now spending the rest of his life in prison for a series of grisly murders. Or that Brooke's testimony was what put him there. But Shane knows. And he will never forget.
This is a great read from Freida McFadden. I have read almost all of her books and I have loved each and every one. I don't know how she does it but each one has a surprising ending that gets you every time. I am now waiting for the next Freida McFadden book. Love her books. If you like books that surprise you then you will love this book. You will just have to read it!

This was my first Freida McFadden book and I am in shock. My jaw must have dropped about 4 times in the last 40 pages!

I absolutely loved this book, and just when I thought I knew exactly who did it, I never saw the twist coming!! The epilogue was also WILD.

I am now a Freida McFadden FAN. Ready to devour the rest of her books!!