It looks like an open and shut case when Georgia is found, bloodied by her sister body. Everyone knows they didn't get along. This easy to read mystery explores family dynamics of all kinds and also class and power. Very interesting read, think my students will like it.

A Gripping Psychological Thriller with Unpredictable Twists
Sarah Pekkanen's The Locked Ward delivers a compelling psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of family secrets and mental health. The narrative centers on Georgia, confined to a psychiatric institution after being accused of murdering her sister, and Amanda, her estranged twin who is drawn into a web of mystery and deceit.
The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, with Georgia's chapters uniquely presented in second person, creating an immersive experience that some readers found engaging, while others felt it disrupted the narrative flow.
Pekkanen masterfully maintains suspense throughout the novel, with twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is brisk, and the short chapters make it a page-turner. While some elements, such as the portrayal of the psychiatric ward, may stretch believability, the overall storytelling remains compelling.​
In summary, The Locked Ward is a thrilling read that explores the depths of familial bonds and the shadows of the human psyche. It's a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers seeking a story that keeps them on edge.

LOVED this!! Dual POV and short chapters had me up reading way past bedtime. This author is a must read for me and never disappoints! A huge thanks to Netgalley and to the publisher.

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen hooked me from the very beginning—not because of any big, flashy twist, but because of the quiet, unsettling way it builds tension. This is a psychological thriller that understands subtlety. It doesn’t need to scream to get your attention; it whispers until you’re completely pulled in.

The story is set inside a psychiatric facility, and from the moment we’re introduced to it, the setting feels charged. There’s this tight, claustrophobic atmosphere that never lets up, like the walls are closing in and you’re not sure who—or what—you can trust. I was constantly questioning: who's being honest, who’s hiding something, and how much of what we're seeing is real?

What really kept me turning pages, though, was the narrator. She’s layered, vulnerable, and clearly carrying more than she’s letting on. There’s a quiet strength to her, even in moments of fear or doubt, and I found myself deeply invested in her unraveling—not in a voyeuristic way, but in a “please make it out” kind of way. She’s not just trying to figure out the truth—she’s trying to survive it.

Pekkanen does a great job balancing suspense with emotion. The plot moves, yes, but it also gives you space to sit with the heavier themes—mental health, trauma, identity. Nothing feels thrown in for shock value. Even the darkest moments feel intentional and earned.

By the time I finished, I was drained in that oddly satisfying way only a well-done psychological thriller can deliver. The Locked Ward doesn’t just keep you guessing—it makes you feel the stakes of every lie, every secret, every moment of doubt.

This book was perfectly fine. I love a twin trope so I was expecting to eat this UP!

Overall, the story dragged a bit, and I kept thinking this could have been shorter. When I wasn't reading, I was never rushing to pick the book back it. It was perfectly fine. I think if you don't read a lot of thrillers, you'll enjoy this. As someone who does read a lot of them, I called the big reveal and knew exactly what was happening.

I’m a huge fan of Sarah Pekkanen. I read this book in nearly one sitting because I knew there would be a twist in the final pages, and I was eager to find out what it was. This was the first time the twist wasn’t a jaw-dropper for me. I thought it was good, but it wasn’t that surprising.

Great story by Sarah Pekkanen. I am a fan of her books and this one did not disappoint. The twists in this story and character relationships kept my interest. 4.5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. I can't wait until I can read the next book by Sarah Pekkanen. Five out of five stars from me and would be more if I could.

You wake up, and check your phone the news reads about a woman murdering her sister the night before. As you get to the shower your phone rings, it says a private call on the screen and you feel you should answer. The lawyer on the phone informs you that your sister wants to see you, she also happens to be the one you just read about who killed her sister.
That’s how this story begins.
How could I not be hooked immediately? There’s so many twists that you would never expect and you’ll love them! Excellent.

I love her books and this one was great! I don't know how she does it coming up with so many twists but this book will keep you coming back for more!! I also love when she teams up with Greer Hendricks. The Golden Couple is my favorite collab by them if you loved this book read that one now.

I really enjoyed this book! First of all, the title made me immediately want to read it; any hospital-based book is always enticing to me. Also, I am originally from the Charlotte, NC area, so the references to places there was great. I absolutely did not expect the twist with Mandy at the end! This book kept my attention, for sure! Thanks so much for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!

Amanda was raised by two loving parents who left her a thriving bar, and she always believed they were the best parents anyone could have. Their deaths turned her world upside down, as she had only known their affection and the family business. However, there was a significant secret they had kept from her: she was adopted. To make matters more complicated, Amanda has a twin sister named Georgia, who was aware of Amanda's existence but had never had the opportunity to meet her. Georgia even hired a private investigator to learn more about her long-lost sister, but until now, their paths had never crossed.
Georgia's arrest for her sister's murder changed everything, leaving her with only Amanda to turn to. Although Amanda is initially distrustful of Georgia, her investigation into the circumstances of her sister's murder leads her to believe that Georgia is innocent. As Amanda unravels the threads of their separation, she grows increasingly curious about Georgia's life and the path she could have taken. This newfound insight sparks a twinge of envy, but as she delves deeper into a world she never knew, she discovers that things aren't always what they seem.

Meanwhile, Georgia endures harrowing experiences in a psychiatric ward, feeling increasingly distant from her goal of proving her innocence. Amanda knows she must keep pushing forward before it's too late. This story is a thrilling exploration of family secrets and the lengths one will go to protect them. You won't be able to put it down! Initially, the pacing felt a bit slow, but soon you'll find yourself captivated by the lives of the wealthy and their myriad secrets. A heartfelt thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the amazing opportunity to read and review this gripping tale—I loved the twisted ending!

This thriller kept me hooked from the very beginning. It is very fast paced and captivating. Told from two sisters points of view, this book keeps you guessing until the very end. 4 stars! Cannot wait to read more by this author.

“But our surfaces are mirages. They project lies. Everyone has hidden layers, including me. Especially me.”
The Locked Ward included some of the ingredients I always look for in a good suspense book; a whodunnit, a good call back, and an unexpected twist! I read a good amount of suspense and thriller books and have gotten pretty good at guessing endings but was pleasantly surprised at this one. I thought I had it figured out but was definitely wrong in the end. This is the first book I’ve read by Sarah Pekkanen but will definitely not be the last.

A psychological thriller centering around twins, separated at birth, and aren’t aware of the other’s existence. Georgia is adopted by a wealthy family but often described as the “bad child”. Stories of her tormenting and abusing her little sister Annabelle, her adoptive parent’s biological daughter, while growing up led to resentment and an estranged relationship with both her parents and sister. Mandy is adopted by a middle class family, had a more humble childhood, but was surrounded by love instead of animosity. Both girls have led completely different lives thus far.

Georgia ends up in the locked ward of a psychiatric hospital where she awaits trial for the murder of her sister, Annabelle, after she is found standing over her bludgeoned body.

Mandy receives a call from Georgias lawyer that she’s requested to see Georgia in the ward. Mandy has no idea who she is until it is revealed that she’s a twin and her sister needs her. Mandy who has always felt alone and was missing someone, is intrigued thus beginning a wild journey of unraveling the truth. Is Georgia innocent? Why were they separated? What would their lives be like if they were switched?

I loved the interesting relationships between the sisters, the dynamic between Georgia and Annabelle and then Georgia with Mandy. I enjoyed their stories unfolding and what it meant to be sisters.

I thought it was an interesting story as psychiatric wards/medicine has always been interesting as a healthcare provider. I liked the alternating POV from Georgia and Mandy, but I didn’t understand why Georgias was told in second person vs. first like Mandy’s. As the twists unfolded, they weren’t the biggest reveals and you could maybe figure out a few, but it was well written and kept my interest.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this twisty story.

I wasn’t sure about this book at first but when it picked up, it was so good! I absolutely ate it up.

Georgia is locked in a mental institution after harming her youngest sister Annabelle. Georgia was adopted as a newborn and she finds out she has a twin sister who was given to another family.

Amanda is Georgia’s twin sister and she goes to the mental institution to hear Georgia’s reasoning behind what happened to Annabelle.

I recommend giving this book a read if you love Sarah Pekkanen books.

Thanks netgalley and publisher for the chance to read this book for free in return for my honest opinion.

Pub date is 8/5/25

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen
Publishing date - 08/05/25
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC. Loved it!! Memorable characters… suspense Absolutely unputdownable. It’s fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat read that keeps you guessing until the very last page.

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen
Publishing date - 08/05/25
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC. Sarah Pekkanen is one of my must-read authors, and her newest book did not disappoint! The short chapters and alternating points of view kept me turning the pages. Absolutely unputdownable. It’s fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat read that keeps you guessing until the very last page! Highly recommend this one when it releases on August 5th.

The Locked Ward was a great read. I've been a Sarah P. fan since she was co-writing thrillers. She does a fantastic job writing solo. The Locked Ward kept me guessing until the very end. If you are fan of a thriller with many twists and turns, as well as one that builds anticipation as one chapter ends and another begins, pick this book up.

Title: The Locked Ward
Author: Sarah Pekkanen
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mandy is summoned to a psychiatric hospital to meet the twin sister she never knew she had, Georgia. Georgia has been accused of murdering her adopted sister in a fit of rage and she knows the only person she can have help her discover the truth and free her is Mandy. Placing Mandy in uncertain danger, Georgia plays the role of incompetent patient while Mandy searches for the truth.

Positives: Amazing character development! From Georgia to Senator Dawson to Honey, Pekkanen writes distinct roles for each within her novels and even when you think you know exactly who did what, she throws in the twist that causes one of more characters to veer right in your mind. I thought I had the twist right shortly before it was revealed, but then I was blindsided by the other one that happened. This one will be a great late summer read!

Struggles: Mandy was very trusting of someone she didn’t know existed pretty quickly, but there is the womb bond that twins forms that transitions to life on the outside.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on August 5, 2025.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #TheLockedWard #sarahpekkanen #StMartinsPress

3.5 ⭐️
After loving House of Glass, I was really looking forward to reading The Locked Ward!
Told from alternating points of view, we follow first Georgia, who has been locked away in a psychiatric ward, accused of killer her sister Annabelle. Not feeling she can trust anyone else to help her, Georgia reaches out to her other sister, Mandy, of whom she recently learned existed after being separated at birth by adoption.
While there was a good twist in the end, I was left a bit unsatisfied. While Mandy’s story was told from the first person perspective, Georgia’s was told from second person… and I really thought that would come to mean something! But it didn’t. And so now I wonder what the point was. Hmmm…
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of The Locked Ward in exchange for an honest review.