Member Reviews

Review of Freida McFadden’s Latest Thriller

Freida McFadden has once again delivered a spine-tingling, psychological thriller that leaves readers both mesmerized and deeply unsettled. Known for her ability to weave complex narratives filled with twists and turns, this book is no exception. From the chilling epilogue that echoes the themes of history repeating itself to the intricate dynamics of familial influence, McFadden’s storytelling is as sharp as ever.

The characters in this book are multifaceted and unforgettable. The protagonist, while frustrating at times, adds a layer of authenticity that makes her relatable. It’s a testament to McFadden’s skill that readers can empathize with her choices, even when they seem questionable. The relationships between the characters are fraught with tension and emotion, particularly the influence of mothers on their children—an intriguing motif that McFadden explores thoroughly. This theme adds depth to the narrative and highlights the impact of family dynamics on personal development.

The pacing of the story is rapid, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Every chapter feels necessary, driving the plot forward and maintaining momentum. While some aspects may appear predictable, McFadden expertly keeps readers guessing, introducing new layers of complexity that make the journey unpredictable. You may find yourself questioning every character’s motives, creating a palpable sense of suspense that fuels the reading experience.

And let’s talk about that epilogue! It’s a masterclass in leaving readers with lingering unease. The connection between Josh and his father’s past serves as a haunting reminder of the cyclical nature of trauma and legacy. It’s clear that McFadden has a knack for crafting endings that resonate long after the final page has been turned.

The character of Josh is particularly compelling; he’s the kind of character you can’t help but root for, even as you worry about the path he might take. The parallels drawn between past and present add a rich layer to the narrative, making you reflect on the choices that define us.

Freida McFadden’s knack for creating relatable characters in horrifying situations keeps readers invested in their journeys. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers that evoke a range of emotions—from excitement to dread—this book is a must-read. While it might leave you feeling a bit traumatized, that’s all part of the experience.

Overall, this latest offering is a testament to McFadden’s prowess in the thriller genre. Her ability to create suspense while exploring deep emotional themes is unparalleled. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this book will undoubtedly leave you thinking about the characters long after you’ve closed the cover. I can’t wait to see what McFadden has in store for us next!

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Wow!! What read from Freida McFadden.

Full of twists. Had me hooked. Kept me guessing throughout.

The ending, wow!

Keep it up Freida.

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Another amazing read from Freida McFadden!! This was fast paced and so difficult to put down. The FMC is a new nurse practitioner at a prison.. where her ex is imprisoned. This book is so twisty. Short chapters and has great characters that you never know if you can trust. The whole time I felt like I knew what was going to happen and then NOPE. Didn't see anything coming.

Thank you netgalley for the earc in exchange for an honest review

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Always love Freida’s books and this one didn’t disappoint. I felt like I could tell where this book was leading for a while but knew it wouldn’t be as obvious as it was seeming. Loved the twist during the epilogue too!! A great book to get you out of a reading slump.

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Having previously read couple of books by Freida, I knew I was going to enjoy this book, i read this book in less than a week as couldn’t put it down, would recommend it to others.

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Brooke is a nurse practitioner that gets a job at a max security prison. Eleven years ago her boyfriend Shane was convicted of a crime and is an inmate at the prison. What really happened eleven years ago and is Shane really to blame?

This one is no literary gem, but it has high shock value and was entertaining the whole way through. I liken it to the Arrangement series by Kiersten Modglin. Is it a little crazy?? well yes, but it was fun and the perfect read for October.
I also really appreciate that McFadden is a physician because her books are medically accurate and not irksome.

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If you're a thriller with a twist fan, don't miss anything by Freida McFadden. Her twists are always amazing and you can't stop reading her books. In the Inmate, we learn about Brooke who has taken a job at a maximum security prison. We soon find out that Brooke and a certain prisoner have a romantic history back in high school and boy is it ever crazy!!! The twist is absolutely insane and when you think it's over you find another level of craziness in the Epilogue. I devoured this book, as I do all Freida books. Please keep them coming!

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Omg, wild, addicting, and you literally have no idea what will happen! She never disappoints! I think I grew frustrated with the MFC, but Frieda does this on purpose! I just became curious and felt so many emotions! lol frustration, anticipation, surprised!

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I liked this story! A good twist that I wasn't able to guess all the way. I usually like books like that, can't make it too easy to solve. I can't wait to read my next one!

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Oh my goodness this was quite a book. I didn't enjoy the premise in the first place. The FMC had zero sense and made some really poor choices.

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4 ⭐️ this was a wild ride. I was trying to figure it out the whole time and I’d think I had it and then it went a different way and then another way and back again. And that’s what I want in a thriller, keep me guessing! I feel like this didn’t pack quite as big a punch as some of her other books but it was super fast paced and I really liked it

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Absolutely addictive! I read this novel in one sitting.

The Inmate holds you captive from the very first page. Perfectly paced, the pages fly as you follow the plot from both past and present perspectives. Full of twists and turns, buckle your seatbelt for the final reveal.... you will never see it coming!

One of today's the most engaging authors, McFadden has raised her own bar with The Inmate.

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Dramatic, intense, dangerous, and truly ferocious. A short, straightforward, super fun read by McFadden

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Was the FMC incredibly naive and stupid at times? Yes. Was I thoroughly entertained to the point I couldn’t put this down? Also, yes.

This one was FUN - super fast paced, loved the flashbacks and essentially 2 stories in one and lots of twists!

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Loved it! Kept me on my toes. I felt like it was predictable but the ending proved me wrong! Freida does it again! She can do no wrong when it comes to thrillers!

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Thank you to NetGalley on behalf of the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. No one does a thriller like Freida McFadden! The Inmate was a quick and easy page turner that I binged in about a day. I always appreciate Freida’s twists in the last 20% of the book, but some of the reveals here felt too convenient and far fetched and the FMC repeatedly making poor decisions was frustrating. I do feel the writing here was weaker than in her other books, but critiques aside, this was still a bingeable thriller from an auto buy author.

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Brooke has returned home nine years after she left with her son in tow and has gotten a job as a nurse at the local prison, being back in her hometown isn't all it is cracked up to be as a decade ago she sent her boyfriend Shane to prison after he murdered her friends and tried to kill her. She has always believed he was guilty, but as she comes face to face with him in the prison- he is still proclaiming his innocence. When Brooke meets another face who was there that night - Tim. She starts to think back to that fateful night and wonders that if it wasn't Shane then who could it have been? Was it Tim? Did he kill their friends and set Shane up for the fall? Brooke's son also wants to meet his father, so what happens when he realizes his dad is in prison for murder? I have to admit, this one started well as I do enjoy the murder and past experiences, but I have to say the last few chapters of this book took a turn for the worse for me and left me more confused about what had happened. I feel that if you do enjoy Freida McFadden's books then you will still enjoy this read but overall, The Inmate was a hit/miss read for me due to the ending as I am a "need for closure ending" in a book.

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. A fast-paced, page turning thriller. Hard to put this down, and the main character, Brooke, and her son, Josh were well developed. Lots of twists - some predictable but others were a surprise so it keeps you guessing

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Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers for the opportunity to read this e-book in exchange for an honest review of the content.
Talk about a fast-paced, easy read thriller!! I literally did not want to put this book down at the end of the night. It grips you from the very start and never lets go! I was *slightly* disappointed in the twist but I definitely was shocked and didn’t expect it. The FMC also definitely pissed me off at times (like really girl???). But it literally took me 1.5 days to read and I will most definitely read more Freida McFadden books.

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Absolutely loved this book, Freida always brings out the best plot twists! I’ve yet to find a book of hers that I do not love.

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