Author: Sarah Pekkanen
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press and
Macmillan Audio
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Format: Kindle ARC and Audiobook ALC
Narrators: January LaVoy
No. of Pages: 320
Length: 9 hrs 4 mins
Date of Publication: August 5, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
Was it...
Bitter, all-consuming jealousy?
Pathological sibling rivalry?
Pure insanity?
Whatever the cause—and everyone has a theory—it's the Crime of the Decade when glamorous Georgia Cartwright, who was adopted as a newborn, is accused of killing the biological daughter of her wealthy, Southern family.
Georgia is locked in a psychiatric institution where the most violent offenders are held while she awaits trial. The only words she whispers when her estranged twin sister Amanda visits are, “I didn’t do it. You’ve got to get me out of here.”
Amanda doesn't trust Georgia, but she can't abandon her in a place so eerie and menacing that it seems to exist in another dimension. Is Georgia the victim of a powerful family that's so depraved murder is the least of their crimes? Or is Amanda being led down a path of madness into the web of a master manipulator?
Nothing is as it seems in Sarah Pekkanen’s The Locked Ward, a shocking psychological thriller about the complex bonds of sisterhood—and what happens when they are stretched to the breaking point.
Some doors in the Locked Ward should never be opened.
Bitter, all-consuming jealousy?
Pathological sibling rivalry?
Pure insanity?
Whatever the cause—and everyone has a theory—it's the Crime of the Decade when glamorous Georgia Cartwright, who was adopted as a newborn, is accused of killing the biological daughter of her wealthy, Southern family.
Georgia is locked in a psychiatric institution where the most violent offenders are held while she awaits trial. The only words she whispers when her estranged twin sister Amanda visits are, “I didn’t do it. You’ve got to get me out of here.”
Amanda doesn't trust Georgia, but she can't abandon her in a place so eerie and menacing that it seems to exist in another dimension. Is Georgia the victim of a powerful family that's so depraved murder is the least of their crimes? Or is Amanda being led down a path of madness into the web of a master manipulator?
Nothing is as it seems in Sarah Pekkanen’s The Locked Ward, a shocking psychological thriller about the complex bonds of sisterhood—and what happens when they are stretched to the breaking point.
Some doors in the Locked Ward should never be opened.
MY THOUGHTS:
Georgia Cartwright, arrested for murdering her sister Annabelle, has been temporarily committed to a psychiatric ward. This was Georgia’s strategic move; she believed an asylum was a better option than jail. By playing her cards right, she has managed to secure her temporary commitment. Meanwhile, the murder has made headlines, and prominent figures are entangled in this case of murder.
Georgia insists on seeing her other sister, Amanda. This revelation is shocking to Amanda, who had no idea she had a sister, let alone the reason behind Georgia’s situation.
In short order, Amanda obtains proof that Georgia is indeed her sister. When she meets with Georgia, the only thing Georgia says is, “I didn’t do it. You have to get me out of here.” Now, Amanda must uncover the truth behind the murder, despite the overwhelming evidence pointing to Georgia.
As Amanda struggles to find a way to help Georgia, Georgia faces her own challenges within the hospital walls. Her initial belief that the hospital was a safer environment than jail is quickly shattered. She realizes that the danger she would have faced in jail might have been easier to endure than the hardships she is currently coping with.
The narrative shifts to various perspectives, gradually revealing Georgia’s past. It also becomes clear why Amanda had no knowledge of her existence. Finally, the motive behind Annabelle’s murderis explored.
This captivating story unfolds on multiple levels, with the twin connections being the most intriguing aspect for me. The suspense is taut, keeping me engaged throughout the book. As a fan of Sarah Pekkanen’s writing, I eagerly anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’ve also enjoyed several audiobooks narrated by January LaVoy, and her expert narration made this story even more intriguing.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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