This was not my favorite Frieda McFadden book. The plot twists were mostly expected. The way the main character fell in love so easily and had blind faith in each of the men in her life was not very believable. The final chapter was a bit of a surprise, but given the bloodline, it was not totally unexpected, especially with the previous foreshadowing in the book. I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t love it.

The main character made me want to scream, especially the last 25% or so. And the plot twists??? 🤯 The start was just a slow buildup but again that last 25% -- it was one twist after another! 5 stars.

Freida McFadden, the queen of twists and turns has written a book about Brooke, who has a son with Shane, who is incarcerated for life for three murders he insisted he didn't do.

Brooke is now dating Tim, her best friend, and who also testified against Shane. However, was it Tim who was the actual killer? While this storyline seems ripe for an exciting mystery, I felt the "who did it part" was just a loop of me asking the same question over and over. Who did it, as opposed to advancing the storyline.

Another great read by Freida McFadden! Keeps you on the edge of your seat! Put this on your to-read list. The ending will take you by surprise!

The inmate is my least favorite Fredia McFadden book. She has so many great books. I guess one miss is unavoidable

Freida books are all some amazing thrillers.. this bad boy was no different. It was twisty and full of surprises. You never knew what was gonna happen when you turned the page. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. What a great book!

This is my first review in months, and it’s for the first Freida McFadden book I've read. Safe to say, it won't be my last! I found this book fast-paced and thoroughly engaging from start to finish. The story seamlessly shifts between the present timeline and flashbacks, which adds to the intrigue.

I really enjoyed Freida's writing style. If you go with the flow and don’t overanalyze, this book is incredibly entertaining. The twist was decent, though it didn’t leave a lasting impact on me. Was it worth reading? Absolutely! The story is straightforward, and the characters are easy to understand. If you're in the mood for a lightweight thriller, this is definitely one to pick up.

A good story that I’d recommend. Left me guessing. Would probably recommend for readers who enjoy this author!

What a ride!! Freida McFadden is a name we have all been hearing everywhere so I had to see what the hype was about and couldn’t resist this title. The twists continue until the very last line. I kept going back and forth with my theories and I still had it wrong!

Absolutely amazing read! Freida McFadden is a favourite of mine and she has yet to disappoint. Incredible read and highly recommend!

Wow. Another book full of twists and turns. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Frieda throws another curveball.

Brooke survives a terible trauma, and just when she thinks she had the truth figured out, her past come back. Well, she returns to her hometown and puts herself in the path of man he she sent to prison for trying to kill her. As time passes and her memory runs amuck. Did he really try to kill her, or was it the boy she thought was her friend and the man that she found love in again.

Started strong but then the end lost it for me. I appreciate a good twist, but at least drop some hints along the way. The epilogue was great.

Of all of the Freida McFadden books this is definitely the best one yet, the inmate was such a good book to read, this book had a lot of suspense, every chapter was so good at leaving you wondering what’s next that you cannot stop reading, I read this book in two sittings, that is how good this book was, I definitely recommend reading The inmate, I cannot wait to read more Freida McFadden books, she writes psychological thriller books like no other.

As always, Freida wrote another jaw dropping thriller with a strong female protagonist. Had me guessing to rhe last page. Read in less than 24 hours

This book was so amazing. The story line will hook you from the beginning and you will not want to put this book down. The book proves to us that sometimes the wrong people can go to prison.

The Inmate is a psychological thriller about a mother that is a nurse practitioner and her son. She had something horrible happen to her when she was younger, which ended up putting a young man in prison. Fast forward ten years and she’s back in town, her parents have been killed in an accident, she’s living in their home, and she needs a job. She takes a job at the prison. Readers then get to follow along as she ends up treating the young man that she had testified against to put in prison, re-connecting with an old neighbor/childhood friend turned handsome man, and getting all mixed up in whether she put the right person in prison. There are plenty of twists and turns as you fly through the pages with a great ending that readers don’t see coming!
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this book. Freida McFadden wins again with a quick read thriller!

Freida McFadden’s "The Inmate" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of justice, redemption, and the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of a maximum-security prison, the novel follows protagonist Alice—a dedicated prison librarian who forms an unexpected bond with a notorious inmate, Bobby.

McFadden’s storytelling is gripping from the outset, drawing readers into Alice’s world with vivid descriptions and palpable tension. As Alice navigates the challenges of her job and confronts her own preconceptions about inmates, Bobby emerges as a multifaceted character whose past actions and present struggles raise profound questions about guilt, forgiveness, and second chances.

The strength of "The Inmate" lies in its rich character development and exploration of moral dilemmas. McFadden portrays Alice with empathy and nuance, capturing her internal conflict as she grapples with the complexities of human nature and the flaws of the justice system. Bobby, meanwhile, evolves from a figure of suspicion to a deeply sympathetic figure, challenging both Alice and the reader to reconsider their judgments.

The novel’s pacing is expertly crafted, balancing moments of introspection with suspenseful twists that keep the narrative moving forward. McFadden’s prose is both poignant and pragmatic, shedding light on the harsh realities of life behind bars while also illuminating moments of hope and connection.

Beyond its portrayal of prison life, "The Inmate" is ultimately a story about empathy and the power of human connection to transcend barriers. It raises important questions about societal perceptions of crime and punishment, urging readers to look beyond stereotypes and consider the humanity of those often marginalized in society.

In conclusion, "The Inmate" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that resonates long after the final page. Freida McFadden’s insightful exploration of justice, redemption, and the bonds that unite us makes this novel a must-read for fans of literary fiction with a social conscience.

"There are three rules Brooke Sullivan must follow as a new nurse practitioner at a men's maximum-security:
1) Treat all prisoners with respect.
2) Never reveal any personal information.
3) Never EVER become too friendly with the inmates."
The Inmate is about Brooke and how she works where her first boyfriend Shane is spending his life in prison for murder. The catch is that Brooke's testimony put him in there and Shane knows but will never forget. This book was another solid thriller by this author that kept me guessing until the very end. The book was fast paced, easy to follow and with great characters. This author wrote this really well and I look forward to more of her books. The ending of this book was amazing and I loved how the author wrote it. I highly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to any reader but especially to readers who love a good thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and Poisned Pen Press for this read in exchange of my honest review of The Inmate by Frieda McFadden.

I will be sharing this review on @readitwithtay on instagram and goodreads under Taylor Crowell

The Inmate by Frieda McFadden

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Why have I waited so long to read a book by this author? I had no idea when I applied for these ARCs on NetGalley that they were republications but as fate had it I acquired two of her republications.

From the writing style, to the characters and the plot. This was a 5 star for me.

This may be the first time in a year or two that the female mc and narrator of a book didn’t annoy me! I thought I had figured out the plot halfway through but I was so far off.

SPOILER

My only critique is that I didn’t LOVE the epilogue at the end…I’m sensitive about child characters so I didn’t like that Josh ending up having a dark side. However, I’ll give it to the author it was a full circle way to end the book.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the free copy to review. I’m looking forward to diving into this authors collection more

The Inmate. Holly Batman. Robyn hang on to your drawers. My fellow readers I usually don’t say this early in my reviews, but be prepared. I so did not see it coming.
I will add this advice. Expect the unexpected my MFR’s, expect the unexpected. The main female character, Brooke she was alright. In certain scenes she did get on my nerves just a bit.
Girl how many times can you play hippity hoppity with bed mates?
You have a young man to think about.
Any who. With the job that she has, the poor girl was desperate, working at that penitentiary. I would have peed in my pants once I seen that long dark corridor and that one flickering light. Nope not me. You got the wrong Nurse Practitioner here.
I’m out! I would have been like Simone Biles. Imagine it, me running down the parking lot, doing her famous somersault on the last leg to my car. In mid air I’m clicking my key fob to unlock my car. As I land, I made a mad dash into my car like I just robbed a bank.
I hit the push button to start the car. I burn rubber as I imagine myself in the movie The Fast and the Furious (the first one). My boo the late Chris Walker taps into my soul. He says “let’s get the hell out of here”. I’m already at home reading one of my historical romance novels what you talking about.
All Hunter see’s are my tale lights in the distance. Let’s talk about Tim. Tim! You are a smmmooottth operator, but man you have got to get it together. I’m not sure if I would want him as my side kick or someone to call in an emergency. I am totally on the fence.
However, you being the local school’s principal I think is totally awesome. The kids love you and you are great for the kids. I enjoyed the book. For me I actually read the book like I was at the movies. I had my butter popcorn.
I had my pop. I was covered up with my comfy blanket and I stayed up all night reading. Each page was better than the last, because the twist gave us rewards of better thrills to come. Ho! ho!
The twist were crazy good. They keep you guessing all the way to the last chapter. I’m serious! The characters are amazing. The plot has totally knocked the book out of the ball park.
The writing is simply amazing. I am very pleased with this story. I give this book two snaps and - ain’t no way I’m cleaning someone else’s house in the middle of the snow and the cold weather with no heat. Brook use your mom voice child! Shane, keep your tale in the car. We’ll visit the woods next time.
Until next my fellow readers. Read on!