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The Locked Door
Some doors are locked for a reason…
While eleven-year-old Nora Davis was up in her bedroom doing homework, she had no idea her father was killing women in the basement.
Until the day the police arrived at their front door.
Decades later, Nora’s father is spending his life behind bars, and Nora is a successful surgeon with a quiet, solitary existence. Nobody knows her father was a notorious serial killer. And she intends to keep it that way.
Then Nora discovers one of her young female patients has been murdered. In the same unique and horrific manner that her father used to kill his victims.
Somebody knows who Nora is. Somebody wants her to take the fall for this unthinkable crime. But she’s not a killer like her father. The police can’t pin anything on her.
As long as they don’t look in her basement.
While eleven-year-old Nora Davis was up in her bedroom doing homework, she had no idea her father was killing women in the basement.
Until the day the police arrived at their front door.
Decades later, Nora’s father is spending his life behind bars, and Nora is a successful surgeon with a quiet, solitary existence. Nobody knows her father was a notorious serial killer. And she intends to keep it that way.
Then Nora discovers one of her young female patients has been murdered. In the same unique and horrific manner that her father used to kill his victims.
Somebody knows who Nora is. Somebody wants her to take the fall for this unthinkable crime. But she’s not a killer like her father. The police can’t pin anything on her.
As long as they don’t look in her basement.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2021
About the author
Freida McFadden
47 books101k followers#1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher's Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple Kindle bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. She lives with her family and black cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 22,927 reviews
November 1, 2021
I’m just not fully understanding the plethora of brilliant ratings for this very mediocre novel. The entire story is reminiscent of In My Father's Basement, but without the intense character development and attention to detail that made Payne’s tale a solid stroke of genius. Instead, the brusque, straightforward style employed by author Freida McFadden is almost too simplistic. The attempt here to portray Nora as a potential heir to her father’s murderous throne comes across as elementary in technique and is never completely convincing, while the final epilogue seals the book’s fate as a valiant effort, minus the “valiant”.
February 1, 2022
I gave this 3 stars, but as I read more books, my ratings change. So really this is a 2.5 based on the anti-climatic ending and unanswered questions.
THE PLOT
Nora is the daughter of a serial killer. Now, a doctor, she's trying to live a normal life, until one of her patients die in the same fashion as her father's killings. Seems like someone has got the drop on Nora, and she starts to investigate who is behind the copycat killings, and why!?? This story is told in a series of flashbacks and current POVs.
MY OPINNI
I was drawn to this book by the high ratings and the description. Serial killer's daughter!? Say less. When I finished the book, I was disappointed. Many of the flashbacks alluded to Nora being just like daddy dearest; a sicko with a penchant to kill. She's killing animals and diabolically lured a "friend" into the forest to hunt like prey... but then she becomes a fairly normal doctor with no serial killer tendencies? Nah. Was it therapy? I need to know how she went from hunting girls for funsies/scaring the shit out of everyone to a doctor, responsible for SAVING lives. Also, the big reveal was a major f***ing eyeroll (MFE) for me. I don't understand what the culprit's lover had to gain from assisting in the crimes? Like it would take a lot of convincing to get me involved in some shit just for YOUR personal revenge... Hard pass, friendo.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Interesting premise. Chilling flashbacks.
Cons: No explanation how she went from budding serial killer to normal-ish doctor. Ending was TOO extra...... chill bro
THE PLOT
Nora is the daughter of a serial killer. Now, a doctor, she's trying to live a normal life, until one of her patients die in the same fashion as her father's killings. Seems like someone has got the drop on Nora, and she starts to investigate who is behind the copycat killings, and why!?? This story is told in a series of flashbacks and current POVs.
MY OPINNI
I was drawn to this book by the high ratings and the description. Serial killer's daughter!? Say less. When I finished the book, I was disappointed. Many of the flashbacks alluded to Nora being just like daddy dearest; a sicko with a penchant to kill. She's killing animals and diabolically lured a "friend" into the forest to hunt like prey... but then she becomes a fairly normal doctor with no serial killer tendencies? Nah. Was it therapy? I need to know how she went from hunting girls for funsies/scaring the shit out of everyone to a doctor, responsible for SAVING lives. Also, the big reveal was a major f***ing eyeroll (MFE) for me. I don't understand what the culprit's lover had to gain from assisting in the crimes? Like it would take a lot of convincing to get me involved in some shit just for YOUR personal revenge... Hard pass, friendo.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Interesting premise. Chilling flashbacks.
Cons: No explanation how she went from budding serial killer to normal-ish doctor. Ending was TOO extra...... chill bro
March 17, 2024
★ 1.5 stars
first one star rating of the year! who cheered? (not me).
oh wow... what a huge disappointment. this book is legit one of the most boring and unimpressive psychological thrillers i’ve ever come across. it missed the mark in every single way.
the first book i’ve read by Freida McFadden was The Housemaid, it was pretty cool, thrilling and had me hooked from beginning to end. then, after that, i was motivated to pick another book by her and i chose Never Lie, i must confess that it was not as good and thrilling — but it was not terrible given the fact that i could enjoy some aspects of it, so i was like “alright, i won’t give up on her, she has a bunch of other books that might be great and i’ll give them a try eventually” and that’s what i did. saw this one on my tbr and i felt like it was the perfect moment to read it. the positive reviews made me beyond excited to start it and see what the fuss was all about. and now that i’m finished, i don’t understand what the fuss was all about. not even a bit. am i the problem? or is the book the problem? i don’t know, i feel like it’s the second option.
this book is advertised as being a “Gripping psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist.” BUT WHERE?!
clearly, i’ve been lied to because this is definitely not a gripping psychological thriller with a twist capable of making my jaw drop. i want a refund immediately, please and thank you.
i really thought this book sounded promising — but as soon as i started reading it, i changed my mind. not even 30 pages in and i was already wanting to dnf. not a good sign, right? now that i’m looking back, i probably should’ve given up at the beginning because this was a complete waste of my time. there’s not even a single thing that made my experience worth it. everything failed to captivate me.
the main character, Nora, got on my nerves. god, i absolutely loathed this woman! she was extremely insufferable and literally had no personality besides being irritating, whiny, rude and very stupid. she managed to annoy me from beginning to end. what’s up with Freida always writing unlikeable female main characters that have the personality of a personality of a cardboard box? i don’t know if she does that on purpose or if she just doesn’t know how to write a female main character with a nice and remarkable personality. either way; it’s time for that to change, ma’am. imagine how tired we are.
to make things even worse, the story itself was dreadfully tedious. for a thriller, this literally offers no thrill whatsoever — instead, it offers a weak, repetitive and badly-written plot with little to no suspense and boring twists that are predictable. the big twist at the end was not easy to predict, though. but wait, don’t get the wrong impression, i didn’t mean it in a positive way. just because it wasn’t predictable, it doesn’t mean that it was good or shocking. it was neither of these things. the author just came up with a lazy reveal that was unbelievable and nonsensical, it came out of nowhere. ridiculous.
i love thrillers, it’s one of my favorite genres, but lately it’s been so hard to find a good one with an amazing plot and a surprising twist. i’m exhausted...
all in all, The Locked Door is a book that i’d rather forget. i wish i hadn’t wasted my precious time reading it. sure, the premise was cool, but it was badly executed. we all know that good ideas don’t mean anything when they come from an author who doesn’t know how to execute them well.
do i recommend it? well, i would be lying if i said yes (sorry). but if you still want to give it a try, i really hope you have a different experience. good luck!
─────────────────────
➷ pre-review:
been craving a thriller so i decided to start this one! sounds promising 👀 let’s hope it delivers because the last thrillers i read were all bland and disappointing... 🫣
first one star rating of the year! who cheered? (not me).
oh wow... what a huge disappointment. this book is legit one of the most boring and unimpressive psychological thrillers i’ve ever come across. it missed the mark in every single way.
the first book i’ve read by Freida McFadden was The Housemaid, it was pretty cool, thrilling and had me hooked from beginning to end. then, after that, i was motivated to pick another book by her and i chose Never Lie, i must confess that it was not as good and thrilling — but it was not terrible given the fact that i could enjoy some aspects of it, so i was like “alright, i won’t give up on her, she has a bunch of other books that might be great and i’ll give them a try eventually” and that’s what i did. saw this one on my tbr and i felt like it was the perfect moment to read it. the positive reviews made me beyond excited to start it and see what the fuss was all about. and now that i’m finished, i don’t understand what the fuss was all about. not even a bit. am i the problem? or is the book the problem? i don’t know, i feel like it’s the second option.
this book is advertised as being a “Gripping psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist.” BUT WHERE?!
clearly, i’ve been lied to because this is definitely not a gripping psychological thriller with a twist capable of making my jaw drop. i want a refund immediately, please and thank you.
i really thought this book sounded promising — but as soon as i started reading it, i changed my mind. not even 30 pages in and i was already wanting to dnf. not a good sign, right? now that i’m looking back, i probably should’ve given up at the beginning because this was a complete waste of my time. there’s not even a single thing that made my experience worth it. everything failed to captivate me.
the main character, Nora, got on my nerves. god, i absolutely loathed this woman! she was extremely insufferable and literally had no personality besides being irritating, whiny, rude and very stupid. she managed to annoy me from beginning to end. what’s up with Freida always writing unlikeable female main characters that have the personality of a personality of a cardboard box? i don’t know if she does that on purpose or if she just doesn’t know how to write a female main character with a nice and remarkable personality. either way; it’s time for that to change, ma’am. imagine how tired we are.
to make things even worse, the story itself was dreadfully tedious. for a thriller, this literally offers no thrill whatsoever — instead, it offers a weak, repetitive and badly-written plot with little to no suspense and boring twists that are predictable. the big twist at the end was not easy to predict, though. but wait, don’t get the wrong impression, i didn’t mean it in a positive way. just because it wasn’t predictable, it doesn’t mean that it was good or shocking. it was neither of these things. the author just came up with a lazy reveal that was unbelievable and nonsensical, it came out of nowhere. ridiculous.
i love thrillers, it’s one of my favorite genres, but lately it’s been so hard to find a good one with an amazing plot and a surprising twist. i’m exhausted...
all in all, The Locked Door is a book that i’d rather forget. i wish i hadn’t wasted my precious time reading it. sure, the premise was cool, but it was badly executed. we all know that good ideas don’t mean anything when they come from an author who doesn’t know how to execute them well.
do i recommend it? well, i would be lying if i said yes (sorry). but if you still want to give it a try, i really hope you have a different experience. good luck!
─────────────────────
➷ pre-review:
been craving a thriller so i decided to start this one! sounds promising 👀 let’s hope it delivers because the last thrillers i read were all bland and disappointing... 🫣
September 30, 2023
4.5⭐️ my personal fix 💉
wow this was enjoyable! I'm all reviewed out 😭 BUT I want to say I never saw any of the twists coming and this one kept me at the edge of my seat for the entire ride!
I watched a Freida McFadden video interview with John Marrs where they did a 60 seconds challenge. He asked her if she ever got arrested what would her friends think they got her in prison for, she said vehicular manslaughter and they both couldn't stop laughing 🤭 they were so cute lol (this has nothing to do with this book- maybe, I just wanted to share that bit of info)
wow this was enjoyable! I'm all reviewed out 😭 BUT I want to say I never saw any of the twists coming and this one kept me at the edge of my seat for the entire ride!
I watched a Freida McFadden video interview with John Marrs where they did a 60 seconds challenge. He asked her if she ever got arrested what would her friends think they got her in prison for, she said vehicular manslaughter and they both couldn't stop laughing 🤭 they were so cute lol (this has nothing to do with this book- maybe, I just wanted to share that bit of info)
August 16, 2023
Ok loved this book. PLOT TWIST GOT ME
October 1, 2023
What a twist!
3.75 stars
The Locked Door is a compulsively readable psychological thriller about a prominent surgeon who happens to be the daughter of a notorious serial killer. When her patients start dying, she becomes a suspect. Is she her father’s daughter, or is there more going on than meets the eye?
Narrated by Nora, I was drawn into her story immediately. She is cold and not wholly likable, but something about her made me want to know more. She has a strong voice, and there are some layers to her character.
The timeline alternates between the present and Nora's childhood. Both timelines are crucial to understanding not only Nora’s background but also to understand her personality.
The chapters are short. There are a lot of red herrings, and I was invested in finding out what is going on with Nora. The tension and suspense develop as Nora’s story progresses, and I was thrown by the twist.
On the downside, there is some repetition and some plot/character development needed.
As a seasoned thriller reader, I thought I knew where this book was headed. I was so happy that I was wrong. This was my first book by McFadden, and I can understand why she is so popular. I look forward to reading more books by her in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Poisonwood Press.
3.75 stars
The Locked Door is a compulsively readable psychological thriller about a prominent surgeon who happens to be the daughter of a notorious serial killer. When her patients start dying, she becomes a suspect. Is she her father’s daughter, or is there more going on than meets the eye?
Narrated by Nora, I was drawn into her story immediately. She is cold and not wholly likable, but something about her made me want to know more. She has a strong voice, and there are some layers to her character.
The timeline alternates between the present and Nora's childhood. Both timelines are crucial to understanding not only Nora’s background but also to understand her personality.
The chapters are short. There are a lot of red herrings, and I was invested in finding out what is going on with Nora. The tension and suspense develop as Nora’s story progresses, and I was thrown by the twist.
On the downside, there is some repetition and some plot/character development needed.
As a seasoned thriller reader, I thought I knew where this book was headed. I was so happy that I was wrong. This was my first book by McFadden, and I can understand why she is so popular. I look forward to reading more books by her in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Poisonwood Press.
July 25, 2022
★ 1 star
The Locked Door or as I like to call it She Doesn't Remember If She Locked It or Not is my first Freida McFadden read all thanks to psychological thriller readers Facebook group. I had trusted the overflowing recommendations for Freida McFadden quite blindly so I had expected this to be good.
It is not so.
plot —
Nora Nierling's father is a serial killer, aptly named 'the handyman' because of his trademark — cutting off hands of dark-haired, blue-eyed, twenty-something women. Twenty-six years after his arrest, Nora is now Dr. Nora Davis, a general surgeon with no family, no love life, just work, she decided it that way. Everything was routine for Nora until people and things from her past shows up — first, her college ex, yet more striking was the murder of two women, both her past patients, both young, dark-haired, blue-eyed and both missing their hands.
characters —
I find Nora to be narcissistic, wholly unlikeable and quite frankly, a bitch. She was a bitch to Brady. She was okay with riding his dick but not with holding a proper human conversation with him. The dude ordered onion-less pizza for her yet she couldn't stay to eat it with him. She was just happy to take — attention, affection, favors and everything else.
Additionally, for someone who's apparently so brilliant at her job, Nora is unbelievably dumb throughout the book —
- She was about to give in to 'letting in' a detective inside her house for a 'quick look'. Brain not found.
- She kept saying she needed a home security installed but never really got to it even after numerous suspicious things going on in her house. Priorities, am I right?
- Her house, car and workplace data had been compromised but she just won't take the hint. I can't even at this point.
If I had a penny for every time Nora says — 'maybe I should —' or 'I thought I did —' I'd bought myself a ticket to Justin Bieber's Justice Tour in Singapore.
the twist —
It is in my opinion that the 'surprise relative' is the weakest, laziest way of twist. Scorned secret sibling out for revenge is not a bomb, it's a pop. It was meh.
The best reader/audience reaction to a twist arguably is 'I can't believe I didn't figure it out!' or 'Woah I didn't see that one coming!' . If you can crack at least a 'Ha, I knew it' , then you're good. What you never ever want to hear from the audience is 'That makes no sense!' . A good writing should have cues and foreshadowing that should be worked out and recontextualized with the twist. You want your audience to feel the satisfaction of having been rewarded for being observant rather than trying to blindside them. If you can't go back and see how the twist spins and weaves into the fabric of the story then it's an asspull. You've scammed your audience. A twist that makes sense weighs more than the shock factor.
writing —
The writing was okay at first but after some time it got too repetitive. Absolute snoozefest. This took far too much time describing inconsequential things like Nora's choice of drink, car, house, lunch food, feeding the cat and stopping a bleeder on a surgery which made zero impact if not to emphasize Nora's professional determination. We get it, she is good. Yet still, I don't appreciate that she treats her patients like scores to win their who-gets-to-operate-more contest — truly unprofessional.
Audiobook was not very good, that's a kind way of saying it.
Plot: ★
Writing: ★★
Audio: ★
Narrated by: Shaina Summerville
The Locked Door or as I like to call it She Doesn't Remember If She Locked It or Not is my first Freida McFadden read all thanks to psychological thriller readers Facebook group. I had trusted the overflowing recommendations for Freida McFadden quite blindly so I had expected this to be good.
It is not so.
plot —
Nora Nierling's father is a serial killer, aptly named 'the handyman' because of his trademark — cutting off hands of dark-haired, blue-eyed, twenty-something women. Twenty-six years after his arrest, Nora is now Dr. Nora Davis, a general surgeon with no family, no love life, just work, she decided it that way. Everything was routine for Nora until people and things from her past shows up — first, her college ex, yet more striking was the murder of two women, both her past patients, both young, dark-haired, blue-eyed and both missing their hands.
characters —
I find Nora to be narcissistic, wholly unlikeable and quite frankly, a bitch. She was a bitch to Brady. She was okay with riding his dick but not with holding a proper human conversation with him. The dude ordered onion-less pizza for her yet she couldn't stay to eat it with him. She was just happy to take — attention, affection, favors and everything else.
Additionally, for someone who's apparently so brilliant at her job, Nora is unbelievably dumb throughout the book —
- She was about to give in to 'letting in' a detective inside her house for a 'quick look'. Brain not found.
- She kept saying she needed a home security installed but never really got to it even after numerous suspicious things going on in her house. Priorities, am I right?
- Her house, car and workplace data had been compromised but she just won't take the hint. I can't even at this point.
If I had a penny for every time Nora says — 'maybe I should —' or 'I thought I did —' I'd bought myself a ticket to Justin Bieber's Justice Tour in Singapore.
the twist —
It is in my opinion that the 'surprise relative' is the weakest, laziest way of twist. Scorned secret sibling out for revenge is not a bomb, it's a pop. It was meh.
The best reader/audience reaction to a twist arguably is 'I can't believe I didn't figure it out!' or 'Woah I didn't see that one coming!' . If you can crack at least a 'Ha, I knew it' , then you're good. What you never ever want to hear from the audience is 'That makes no sense!' . A good writing should have cues and foreshadowing that should be worked out and recontextualized with the twist. You want your audience to feel the satisfaction of having been rewarded for being observant rather than trying to blindside them. If you can't go back and see how the twist spins and weaves into the fabric of the story then it's an asspull. You've scammed your audience. A twist that makes sense weighs more than the shock factor.
writing —
The writing was okay at first but after some time it got too repetitive. Absolute snoozefest. This took far too much time describing inconsequential things like Nora's choice of drink, car, house, lunch food, feeding the cat and stopping a bleeder on a surgery which made zero impact if not to emphasize Nora's professional determination. We get it, she is good. Yet still, I don't appreciate that she treats her patients like scores to win their who-gets-to-operate-more contest — truly unprofessional.
Audiobook was not very good, that's a kind way of saying it.
Plot: ★
Writing: ★★
Audio: ★
Narrated by: Shaina Summerville
November 6, 2023
Freida McFadden knows how to write easy-to-read page-turners. This one was suspenseful and featured intriguing dual timelines, well-executed misdirection, and red herrings that kept me compulsively turning the pages. I was intrigued by the straightforward voice and character of our murderous heiress, FMC narrator, Nora Davis, aka Nora Nierling.
Unfortunately, I've got the type of overactive brain that will inevitably attempt to guess the "whodunit" in twisty psychological thrillers, often spoiling the fun for myself. I wish I could just go with the flow and enjoy the ride.
Out of personal curiosity, and maybe regrettably, I made a couple of Kindle notes before reaching the 55% mark (I'll keep it intentionally vague to avoid spoilers for others) and I was correct (This is why I can't have nice things.)
However, let me be clear – this isn't a shortcoming of the book itself. The plot remains engaging and Ms. McFadden maintained my interest and surprised me with many other contextual reveals. I still overall enjoyed this quick, gripping read. I’m definitely a little jaded by the genre and need to take a big break.
My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this work in exchange for an honest review.
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I correctly predicted the major twists. 😐 RTC.
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I've only read one Freida book before and really enjoyed it. Thanks for the digital review copy from Poisoned Pen Press to make this the official second one!
Unfortunately, I've got the type of overactive brain that will inevitably attempt to guess the "whodunit" in twisty psychological thrillers, often spoiling the fun for myself. I wish I could just go with the flow and enjoy the ride.
Out of personal curiosity, and maybe regrettably, I made a couple of Kindle notes before reaching the 55% mark (I'll keep it intentionally vague to avoid spoilers for others) and I was correct (This is why I can't have nice things.)
However, let me be clear – this isn't a shortcoming of the book itself. The plot remains engaging and Ms. McFadden maintained my interest and surprised me with many other contextual reveals. I still overall enjoyed this quick, gripping read. I’m definitely a little jaded by the genre and need to take a big break.
My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this work in exchange for an honest review.
-----
I correctly predicted the major twists. 😐 RTC.
-----
I've only read one Freida book before and really enjoyed it. Thanks for the digital review copy from Poisoned Pen Press to make this the official second one!
July 1, 2021
Freida freaking rocked my socks off with this book. This is definitely her best writing yet. I loved getting to know Dr. Nora and her complex back story. I want MORE of Dr. Nora! There were some excellent red herrings in this story that kept me guessing until the very end when the twist stunned me. I read this book in one night! The whole thing! I couldn't put it down.
April 7, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for many reasons! First, I loved the short, quick chapters. Secondly, I loved the fast pacing of this story. Third, I loved the character development of each of the characters, and I especially loved that of Nora.
I read a lot of thrillers and suspense stories, and this one definitely kept me on my toes. I feel that the storyline was different, and I appreciated that it wasn’t similar to the majority of the thrillers that I’ve been reading lately. The only thing I would have liked more of is to learn of Nora’s childhood. I have too many questions about Nora’s childhood that I needed answers to. I felt that part was cut too short (too many unanswered questions and scenarios).
I highly recommend reading The Locked Door. I’m also glad that I took a chance on reading this book, and I will be reading more from Freida McFadden going forward!
I read a lot of thrillers and suspense stories, and this one definitely kept me on my toes. I feel that the storyline was different, and I appreciated that it wasn’t similar to the majority of the thrillers that I’ve been reading lately. The only thing I would have liked more of is to learn of Nora’s childhood. I have too many questions about Nora’s childhood that I needed answers to. I felt that part was cut too short (too many unanswered questions and scenarios).
I highly recommend reading The Locked Door. I’m also glad that I took a chance on reading this book, and I will be reading more from Freida McFadden going forward!
September 25, 2021
This was an amazing psychological thriller. It will probably be in my top five this year. I read it in one sitting, completely invested in the story and characters.
April 26, 2024
•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 4,9 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |•
Freida mais uma vez consegue surpreender.
Confesso que estava longe de sequer imaginar o que aconteceu.
É viciante e faz-nos a pensar, imaginar os cenários possíveis, alerta máxima.
Nada faz sentido.
Fantástico.
════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════
Freida once again manages to surprise.
I confess that I was far from even imagining what happened.
It is addictive and makes us think, imagine possible scenarios, on maximum alert.
Nothing makes sense.
Fantastic.
June 15, 2024
Twenty-six years ago today, a man named Aaron Nierling was arrested in his Oregon home. He was known as an upstanding citizen, holding a steady job, and was a dedicated husband and father—a true family man. However, following an anonymous tip, the police made a horrifying discovery: the remains of thirty bodies dating back over two decades. Nierling earned the chilling moniker "the handyman" for his gruesome signature killings involving the severing of victims' hands. He was swiftly sentenced to a lifetime in prison. His daughter, Nora, was only eleven years old at the time, an introspective and observant girl who couldn't help but wonder why her father's basement workstation was always locked and why he spent the majority of his time there.
In the present, Nora has changed her last name and works at a clinic with a competitive partner, aspiring to become a surgeon. She has embraced a solitary existence, immersing herself in work, shunning intimacy and relationships, determined not to pass on her genetics and create another monster like her father. She even refuses to care for animals, despite a persistent stray cat that knocks on her window at night.
Nora is resolute about leaving her past behind, but the past has other plans. A sudden visit from a police officer shatters her so-called peaceful life. Someone is targeting her patients, murdering them in a manner eerily reminiscent of her father's gruesome deeds—severing their heads. Nora becomes the prime suspect due to her connections to the victims. She soon realizes that someone is constantly watching her, leaving behind evidence at her house that could directly implicate her as a murderer. With her father still locked in prison, the question looms: who could be the copycat killer following in her father's macabre footsteps? Nora must find this imitator before she gets wrongfully convicted for the brutal murders she did not commit. Or did she? As we delve into the events of twenty-six years ago and read about young Nora's adventures, she appears to display some psychopathic tendencies, almost akin to a soulmate of Dexter. Could she be the real killer?
Pros: The book maintains a heart-pounding pace with its short, action-packed chapters. It immediately intrigues you, inviting you to make guesses from the very beginning. It skillfully lures you into its narrative and expertly delivers the final twist in the vein of the best Freida McFadden style. The classic final chapter that reveals yet another plot twist is both unexpected and delicious enough to leave a sinister smile on your face—it's truly well-executed.
Cons: Nora is intentionally crafted as a perfectly dislikable character who rubs you the wrong way from the outset. While it's understandable not to connect with a character due to her dark inheritance from a killer, it can be challenging to invest in a story when you don't particularly care about the protagonist's fate. At times, she behaves like a teenager, giving the impression that she never truly grew up since her father's incarceration. It's unclear whether the author intentionally portrayed her this way or took a risk to create an intentionally annoying character to set up a twist. Additionally, the on-and-off semi-relationship between Nora and Bradley may induce eyerolls.
Overall: Despite its flaws, the book remains an entertaining, riveting, and fast-paced read that you can easily devour in one sitting. It delivers thrilling twists, much like the other works by this author. I especially recommend it to devoted fans of McFadden's style.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a digital review copy of this intriguing thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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In the present, Nora has changed her last name and works at a clinic with a competitive partner, aspiring to become a surgeon. She has embraced a solitary existence, immersing herself in work, shunning intimacy and relationships, determined not to pass on her genetics and create another monster like her father. She even refuses to care for animals, despite a persistent stray cat that knocks on her window at night.
Nora is resolute about leaving her past behind, but the past has other plans. A sudden visit from a police officer shatters her so-called peaceful life. Someone is targeting her patients, murdering them in a manner eerily reminiscent of her father's gruesome deeds—severing their heads. Nora becomes the prime suspect due to her connections to the victims. She soon realizes that someone is constantly watching her, leaving behind evidence at her house that could directly implicate her as a murderer. With her father still locked in prison, the question looms: who could be the copycat killer following in her father's macabre footsteps? Nora must find this imitator before she gets wrongfully convicted for the brutal murders she did not commit. Or did she? As we delve into the events of twenty-six years ago and read about young Nora's adventures, she appears to display some psychopathic tendencies, almost akin to a soulmate of Dexter. Could she be the real killer?
Pros: The book maintains a heart-pounding pace with its short, action-packed chapters. It immediately intrigues you, inviting you to make guesses from the very beginning. It skillfully lures you into its narrative and expertly delivers the final twist in the vein of the best Freida McFadden style. The classic final chapter that reveals yet another plot twist is both unexpected and delicious enough to leave a sinister smile on your face—it's truly well-executed.
Cons: Nora is intentionally crafted as a perfectly dislikable character who rubs you the wrong way from the outset. While it's understandable not to connect with a character due to her dark inheritance from a killer, it can be challenging to invest in a story when you don't particularly care about the protagonist's fate. At times, she behaves like a teenager, giving the impression that she never truly grew up since her father's incarceration. It's unclear whether the author intentionally portrayed her this way or took a risk to create an intentionally annoying character to set up a twist. Additionally, the on-and-off semi-relationship between Nora and Bradley may induce eyerolls.
Overall: Despite its flaws, the book remains an entertaining, riveting, and fast-paced read that you can easily devour in one sitting. It delivers thrilling twists, much like the other works by this author. I especially recommend it to devoted fans of McFadden's style.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a digital review copy of this intriguing thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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December 6, 2023
5/5 🌟
Oooooooeeeeeee!! That plot twist at the end!!! I absolutely LOVED it!
TRIGGERS: abduction, torture, mutilation, mind games, gaslighting, framing someone, drugs
Dr. Nora Davis is the daughter of a serial killer. At the age of 11 her parents were arrested and she went to live with her maternal grandmother and took her last name. She has lived for the past 20 years with no one knowing her secret. She wants to keep it that way.
She has never allowed herself to get close to anyone and has even lived a celibate life. She knows she can never have children for fear of passing on the serial killer gene. She’s a prominent and well loved surgeon. Nora thrives on saving people’s lives.
One evening after a long day of surgery she stops by the bar not far from home to have a drink. It’s there that she runs into her last serious boyfriend. A college boyfriend she had dated for 3 months and could’ve pictured herself living a long happy life with him. They even kind of share a love for slasher horror films. Until their first Halloween when they’re deciding to attend a Halloween party. He pulls out tons of masks like Jason and Michael Meyers but when he pulls out a mask of her father’s face, she knows it’s over for them.
Running into him again is quite a surprise because she thought he was in Silicon Valley somewhere. They begin to hang out and hook up. He explains about what happened with his job and that he’s currently trying to get hired somewhere else. It’s not til after their 2nd “date” that she remembers why she had broken up with him. Nora timidly asks Brady if he’s still into slasher films and he says no way. He outgrew that phase of his life.
Everything is going fairly well other than receiving letters from her father via being slipped under her back door. She’s unsure of how it’s happening as her father is still in prison for life. No eligibility for parole. Ever! Nora really begins to worry when 2 of her patients are found dead and have been found with their hands removed. Her father’s M. O.
Nora is scared. She’s beginning to suspect everyone and worried that her true identity will be revealed, ruining her career. Especially, after a patient claims to know who she is, who her father is and her daughter is one of Dr. Nora Davis’ patients/victims.
Not only that but someone is now framing Nora to take the fall of both deaths as well as a third they’re planning to commit in Nora’s basement.
There are so many secrets uncovered. Who is actually the killer? Is Nora committing the crime then blocking it out? Is someone close to Nora guilty? Or is it just a fan of her father’s, a minion playing copy cat. It wasn’t who I thought it was by a long shot.
I’m saying 4.5/5 🌟
I enjoyed the thrill, the plot, twists and surprises but it just needed a bit more of something. I’m not even sure what.😢
Oooooooeeeeeee!! That plot twist at the end!!! I absolutely LOVED it!
TRIGGERS: abduction, torture, mutilation, mind games, gaslighting, framing someone, drugs
Dr. Nora Davis is the daughter of a serial killer. At the age of 11 her parents were arrested and she went to live with her maternal grandmother and took her last name. She has lived for the past 20 years with no one knowing her secret. She wants to keep it that way.
She has never allowed herself to get close to anyone and has even lived a celibate life. She knows she can never have children for fear of passing on the serial killer gene. She’s a prominent and well loved surgeon. Nora thrives on saving people’s lives.
One evening after a long day of surgery she stops by the bar not far from home to have a drink. It’s there that she runs into her last serious boyfriend. A college boyfriend she had dated for 3 months and could’ve pictured herself living a long happy life with him. They even kind of share a love for slasher horror films. Until their first Halloween when they’re deciding to attend a Halloween party. He pulls out tons of masks like Jason and Michael Meyers but when he pulls out a mask of her father’s face, she knows it’s over for them.
Running into him again is quite a surprise because she thought he was in Silicon Valley somewhere. They begin to hang out and hook up. He explains about what happened with his job and that he’s currently trying to get hired somewhere else. It’s not til after their 2nd “date” that she remembers why she had broken up with him. Nora timidly asks Brady if he’s still into slasher films and he says no way. He outgrew that phase of his life.
Everything is going fairly well other than receiving letters from her father via being slipped under her back door. She’s unsure of how it’s happening as her father is still in prison for life. No eligibility for parole. Ever! Nora really begins to worry when 2 of her patients are found dead and have been found with their hands removed. Her father’s M. O.
Nora is scared. She’s beginning to suspect everyone and worried that her true identity will be revealed, ruining her career. Especially, after a patient claims to know who she is, who her father is and her daughter is one of Dr. Nora Davis’ patients/victims.
Not only that but someone is now framing Nora to take the fall of both deaths as well as a third they’re planning to commit in Nora’s basement.
There are so many secrets uncovered. Who is actually the killer? Is Nora committing the crime then blocking it out? Is someone close to Nora guilty? Or is it just a fan of her father’s, a minion playing copy cat. It wasn’t who I thought it was by a long shot.
I’m saying 4.5/5 🌟
I enjoyed the thrill, the plot, twists and surprises but it just needed a bit more of something. I’m not even sure what.😢
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2023
My thanks to Poisoned Pen Press, Freida McFadden and Netgalley.
Frieda is an author that I occasionally like. Her stories can be so fundamentally different. I'm still uncertain whether this is a good thing or bad. Nope! That's bullshit. Different is a good thing!
I like getting arcs from her. Why? Because it makes me ornery when I buy one of her crap books. And yes, contrary to a lot of people's opinions, she can and has written crap.
This book wasn't so much in the crap department. I did take my time reading it. That right there does say something. I often take time reading some books. Hell, check out my currently reading stuff on Goodreads, and there's quite a bit of slow, 🐌 reading going on! Freida and I will never be on good terms, and personally I think if she'd stop trying to put out so damn much, and just concentrate on a damned good story? I think she'd go far. The woman can write. What I want is a messed up story that she's spent some time in the development of. In other words, slow the output down, and concentrate on one spectacular book a year. Sure, it will occasionally fail, but other times? That's why we readers read. I think that McFadden could be really good. I just wish she'd go deeper.
So yes, this story gets a half rating from me. Decent story, but I expect more.
My advice would be to stop putting out 3 mediocre books a year, and do what I think McFadden is capable of. Good storytelling.
For now? Sadly, I must bid adieu to Freida.
2 1/2 stars rounded up to 3.
It's still just 2 and a few stars.
Frieda is an author that I occasionally like. Her stories can be so fundamentally different. I'm still uncertain whether this is a good thing or bad. Nope! That's bullshit. Different is a good thing!
I like getting arcs from her. Why? Because it makes me ornery when I buy one of her crap books. And yes, contrary to a lot of people's opinions, she can and has written crap.
This book wasn't so much in the crap department. I did take my time reading it. That right there does say something. I often take time reading some books. Hell, check out my currently reading stuff on Goodreads, and there's quite a bit of slow, 🐌 reading going on! Freida and I will never be on good terms, and personally I think if she'd stop trying to put out so damn much, and just concentrate on a damned good story? I think she'd go far. The woman can write. What I want is a messed up story that she's spent some time in the development of. In other words, slow the output down, and concentrate on one spectacular book a year. Sure, it will occasionally fail, but other times? That's why we readers read. I think that McFadden could be really good. I just wish she'd go deeper.
So yes, this story gets a half rating from me. Decent story, but I expect more.
My advice would be to stop putting out 3 mediocre books a year, and do what I think McFadden is capable of. Good storytelling.
For now? Sadly, I must bid adieu to Freida.
2 1/2 stars rounded up to 3.
It's still just 2 and a few stars.
May 9, 2023
i’m in fact upsetti spaghetti that i didn’t enjoy this since freida is my new fav thriller author. BUT LIKEEE i can’t expect to love ALL of an authors books so it’s okay. we’re gonna ignore this one.
i just found it very predictable and boring? the story lacked something for me. and nora was intolerable 😭
i’ll continue binging all of freida’s books tho, let’s not get it twisted.
i just found it very predictable and boring? the story lacked something for me. and nora was intolerable 😭
i’ll continue binging all of freida’s books tho, let’s not get it twisted.
May 12, 2022
I didn't like how I felt this author was trying to lead to one conclusion. It felt forced. Also, this is not a story for those who find clues and try to solve the story. Why? Soon as you question, it's answered.
This is a simple read.
I will fess up that I read this book in a 24 hour period.
That in no way means that this shit rocked.
Again, it was simple.
Actually, it felt more like a James Patterson book!
This is a simple read.
I will fess up that I read this book in a 24 hour period.
That in no way means that this shit rocked.
Again, it was simple.
Actually, it felt more like a James Patterson book!
September 26, 2023
Nora Davis is the daughter of a notorious serial killer dubbed "the handyman." Her father told her he was working in the basement, but he was actually killing women in their basement. She has since moved on, become a surgeon, and changed her name, hoping no one knows that she is related to a deadly killer imprisoned for life for his crimes. Her world is rocked when a copycat killer begins killing women she has seen in her medical practice in the same manner of her father.
Like Freida McFadden's other books, this was a fast read. The Locked Door is told in two timelines. Readers get to know Nora as an 11 year-old girl, living with her mother and father. The rest of the book, shows her as a successful adult. There is a big time jump with little mention of what happened in between. As a child, Nora does something disturbing and I was left wondering about her nature.
I enjoyed trying to figure out the identity of the copycat killer. I wondered who knows Nora's true identity? Why is someone replicating her father's horrific murders now? Although, this was a fast read which held my attention, I did not find it as enjoyable as the other books I have read by McFadden. It was missing that little bit of something to push my rating to a higher level.
I found this to be an enjoyable (good not great) read with a shocking reveal. I did not see it coming out all! Freida McFadden does excel at shocking twists and reveals!
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Like Freida McFadden's other books, this was a fast read. The Locked Door is told in two timelines. Readers get to know Nora as an 11 year-old girl, living with her mother and father. The rest of the book, shows her as a successful adult. There is a big time jump with little mention of what happened in between. As a child, Nora does something disturbing and I was left wondering about her nature.
I enjoyed trying to figure out the identity of the copycat killer. I wondered who knows Nora's true identity? Why is someone replicating her father's horrific murders now? Although, this was a fast read which held my attention, I did not find it as enjoyable as the other books I have read by McFadden. It was missing that little bit of something to push my rating to a higher level.
I found this to be an enjoyable (good not great) read with a shocking reveal. I did not see it coming out all! Freida McFadden does excel at shocking twists and reveals!
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
June 10, 2022
***3 STARS***
I was highly anticipating reading this book. Admittedly I am late in reading but still I was excitedly looking forward to an edge of your seat ride full of plot twists and turns. But alas, there were few of those and the climax was sub anticlimactic. The writing was done well but overall it was not a book that stood out proudly as a bestselling thriller. It was just okay. And there is nothing wrong with a “just okay” book but I was not expecting it after all the buildup. But I will continue to read this author’s work and look forward to her next book.
I was highly anticipating reading this book. Admittedly I am late in reading but still I was excitedly looking forward to an edge of your seat ride full of plot twists and turns. But alas, there were few of those and the climax was sub anticlimactic. The writing was done well but overall it was not a book that stood out proudly as a bestselling thriller. It was just okay. And there is nothing wrong with a “just okay” book but I was not expecting it after all the buildup. But I will continue to read this author’s work and look forward to her next book.
July 19, 2024
My second book by this author and I don't think she is for me.
The first 75% is so incredibly dull with a weak plotline and zero foreshadowing. I wanted to quit so many times, but I slogged on because this author is so popular, but I struggled with finding the direction this was heading towards. The last 25% finally showed some life, but I never felt any suspense or tension and even with the twist ending, I still wouldn't classify this as a thriller.
I didn't like any of the characters, but most especially Nora due to her irrational behavior. The telling of her past and present lives was too monotonous and a tad too repetitive, and the author's narrative style seems directionless and lacking in enough supporting and relevant details.
While I enjoy an unexpected and thrilling twist to close out a story, I'm just not feeling that jolt of excitement with the two Freida McFadden books I've read so far. I would like to give The Housemaid a try, but should I?
1 star for the first 75%, 2 stars for the last 25%.
The first 75% is so incredibly dull with a weak plotline and zero foreshadowing. I wanted to quit so many times, but I slogged on because this author is so popular, but I struggled with finding the direction this was heading towards. The last 25% finally showed some life, but I never felt any suspense or tension and even with the twist ending, I still wouldn't classify this as a thriller.
I didn't like any of the characters, but most especially Nora due to her irrational behavior. The telling of her past and present lives was too monotonous and a tad too repetitive, and the author's narrative style seems directionless and lacking in enough supporting and relevant details.
While I enjoy an unexpected and thrilling twist to close out a story, I'm just not feeling that jolt of excitement with the two Freida McFadden books I've read so far. I would like to give The Housemaid a try, but should I?
1 star for the first 75%, 2 stars for the last 25%.
January 25, 2023
Sometimes I just want to read “trash”, especially when I’m in the middle of a very long, very complex, novel. There is good trash and there is bad trash. This one was “good trash.” Plus it was free for Amazon Prime customers.
I read it in a few hours. Another one to add to my “guilty pleasures” shelf.
I was hooked by the book description: Nora is a successful surgeon. She is also the daughter of a notorious serial killer, who has been locked in prison for 26 years. Suddenly, two of her former patients are murdered in the same unique way that her father used to kill his victims. A copycat killer.
The story moves at a breakneck speed, and the killer’s identity isn’t revealed until near the end. Furthermore, I didn’t guess this identity—didn’t even have this person among my possible suspects.
It is best not to examine this story too logically because when looked at rationally, there are several obvious gaps for someone who has knowledge about psychological behaviours and motivations. It is best just to go with the flow, and enjoy this chaotic and implausible tale.
I read it in a few hours. Another one to add to my “guilty pleasures” shelf.
I was hooked by the book description: Nora is a successful surgeon. She is also the daughter of a notorious serial killer, who has been locked in prison for 26 years. Suddenly, two of her former patients are murdered in the same unique way that her father used to kill his victims. A copycat killer.
The story moves at a breakneck speed, and the killer’s identity isn’t revealed until near the end. Furthermore, I didn’t guess this identity—didn’t even have this person among my possible suspects.
It is best not to examine this story too logically because when looked at rationally, there are several obvious gaps for someone who has knowledge about psychological behaviours and motivations. It is best just to go with the flow, and enjoy this chaotic and implausible tale.
January 30, 2023
2,5*
I made a mistake 😪🤯. I didn't look at the reviews before I started listening to the audio book for this one because I didn't want to risk getting spoilers. If I had l would have seen that most of the negative reviews come from people who listened to it as an audio book.
To say that the audio book for this one is horrendous is being kind. Holly crap 😳 it's bad. The main caracter comes of as neurotic and lacking in the common sense arena 🙄 she is a surgeon so that didn't add up for me. Also take a shot every time someone asks Nora if she is okey and she says she is fine 😵💫🤮 I'm going to give this one a 2,5* at the moment and then come back to it and read it and see how I feel about it then. Needless to say I do not recommend the audio for this one go for the book.
I made a mistake 😪🤯. I didn't look at the reviews before I started listening to the audio book for this one because I didn't want to risk getting spoilers. If I had l would have seen that most of the negative reviews come from people who listened to it as an audio book.
To say that the audio book for this one is horrendous is being kind. Holly crap 😳 it's bad. The main caracter comes of as neurotic and lacking in the common sense arena 🙄 she is a surgeon so that didn't add up for me. Also take a shot every time someone asks Nora if she is okey and she says she is fine 😵💫🤮 I'm going to give this one a 2,5* at the moment and then come back to it and read it and see how I feel about it then. Needless to say I do not recommend the audio for this one go for the book.
July 8, 2024
3.75/5
Listen, do Freida McFadden's thrillers have the most mind-blowing plot twists I've ever read? No, the more I read her stories, the more I see a pattern she has in her books that keeps them from being all that shocking. Does Freida have the most poetic and beautiful writing style? No, her writing sometimes seems too robotic and not what I expected from an author with such a high rating and popularity, but her stories are so engaging that once you start them, it's hard to put them down until the very end. Are her heroines the most likable main characters? No, although if you know you know — I support women's rights but most importantly I support women's wrongs. Wouldn't certain situations in her thrillers have a chance of happening because normally the police or anyone else would have noticed or checked them out long ago? Yes, but you know what? Surprisingly, I am not interested in all the negative issues here. For some time now, I have had a problem finding stories that I could devour in one day, and this author's books are just like that, so my rating is that high — high by my standards, because Frieda's stories are just so bingeable and will probably help you get out of your reading slump.
Listen, do Freida McFadden's thrillers have the most mind-blowing plot twists I've ever read? No, the more I read her stories, the more I see a pattern she has in her books that keeps them from being all that shocking. Does Freida have the most poetic and beautiful writing style? No, her writing sometimes seems too robotic and not what I expected from an author with such a high rating and popularity, but her stories are so engaging that once you start them, it's hard to put them down until the very end. Are her heroines the most likable main characters? No, although if you know you know — I support women's rights but most importantly I support women's wrongs. Wouldn't certain situations in her thrillers have a chance of happening because normally the police or anyone else would have noticed or checked them out long ago? Yes, but you know what? Surprisingly, I am not interested in all the negative issues here. For some time now, I have had a problem finding stories that I could devour in one day, and this author's books are just like that, so my rating is that high — high by my standards, because Frieda's stories are just so bingeable and will probably help you get out of your reading slump.
September 7, 2023
Maybe I would have enjoyed it better in print, but my house is clean with this audio buzzing. The audio was narrated by Shaina Summerville. It was unpredictable and kept me guessing wrongly with every twist. A lot of suffering and torture without writing the gore and I have a hard time with that. A sweet kitty in the story though 😻 I’m still a huge fan of this author!
Chiseling away my TBR! 💛
Chiseling away my TBR! 💛
June 29, 2024
I was reasonably surprised with this one! It was able to keep me engaged the entire time, and I didn’t see the plot twist coming 🫣
Standard Freida writing, there wasn’t anything special or different in this book like I felt there was with Never Lie, it was just a really easy read that didn’t waffle on for too long like some of her other books do. I felt this one was straight to the point and of course there were some standard Freida-isms throughout. (I’m talking about the “but he wouldn’t want to hurt me… would he?” that appears in every book LOL).
If I’m honest it’s probably 3.5 stars but I’ve given 4 cause I don’t have much to fault here. I really enjoyed it.
I recommend this book but only if you’ve read some of Freida’s other absolute bangers.
Standard Freida writing, there wasn’t anything special or different in this book like I felt there was with Never Lie, it was just a really easy read that didn’t waffle on for too long like some of her other books do. I felt this one was straight to the point and of course there were some standard Freida-isms throughout. (I’m talking about the “but he wouldn’t want to hurt me… would he?” that appears in every book LOL).
If I’m honest it’s probably 3.5 stars but I’ve given 4 cause I don’t have much to fault here. I really enjoyed it.
I recommend this book but only if you’ve read some of Freida’s other absolute bangers.
January 18, 2023
Czytana jakiś czas temu. Dla mnie niestety rozczarowanie — zbyt chaotyczna i urwana końcówka jak na tak długie budowanie napięcia. Rozwiązanie mnie nie usatysfakcjonowało.
February 14, 2023
3⭐
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, dual timeline ~ present & 26 years ago, serial killer dad
I liked this one well enough. The past timeline was nice to get to know Nora and how it played out with her father, but I am never a fan when there is childhood bullying. I actually did not see the big twist coming, so that was nice. But, I gotta say I really thought .
The Housemaid still coming in as my fav of Freida's.
Narrated by Shaina Summerville for 8 hours and 15 minutes. I was not a fan. She had a shrill like tone, but I was able to bump her up to 3x so it didn't have to listen to her for too long. I'd recommend a print or e-copy if you can.
*short Libby loan review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, dual timeline ~ present & 26 years ago, serial killer dad
I liked this one well enough. The past timeline was nice to get to know Nora and how it played out with her father, but I am never a fan when there is childhood bullying. I actually did not see the big twist coming, so that was nice. But, I gotta say I really thought .
The Housemaid still coming in as my fav of Freida's.
Narrated by Shaina Summerville for 8 hours and 15 minutes. I was not a fan. She had a shrill like tone, but I was able to bump her up to 3x so it didn't have to listen to her for too long. I'd recommend a print or e-copy if you can.
*short Libby loan review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
May 27, 2023
i simply do not understand how this has an average rating for 4.17 stars on this goddamn app. did we read the same thing??
i read this because i wanted something quick and easy and it surely was those things but it was not good! i read The Housemaid last year and i enjoyed it, it wasn’t anything groundbreaking and it wasn’t very unique, but it got the job done. this didn’t even get the job done. the writing was lazy and choppy. the main character, Nora, annoyed me SO MUCH. oh my god. i understand having a serial killer as a father is certainly traumatizing but her only concern as an adult is “i can’t get into relationships” like girl i get it will affect your relationships BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW IT AFFECTS OTHER THINGS??? LIKE GIRL YOU ARE 30 GO PAY YOUR MORTGAGE. she was also just unbelievably unlikeable. i’m not anti-unlikeable character but she wasn’t even interesting. she had no personality except being wholly unlikeable. she was also so stupid.
also nothing about this plot made sense. absolutely nothing. normally i can suspend some level of disbelief but that was not possible at all for this book. there was not a single thing that was realistic about this book. the “twist” was the dumbest laziest “twist” i have ever read in my life. people say “woah i NEVER saw that coming” LIKE YEAH BECAUSE THE AUTHOR DIDN’T HINT AT IT ONE SINGLE TIME??? a good twist should have you being like “i should have seen that coming but i didn’t” because a GOOD author will leave subtle clues and foreshadowing, not enough to reveal anything but enough to make readers irritated for not predicting the twist. this was just lazy and absolutely not well-thought out.
i also fucking hated this audiobook. so sorry to the narrator but oh my god. it was so unbearably annoying. i hated her voice, i hated her little quirks and the weird random enunciations. i was basically listening to it on 2x speed because i wanted it to be over faster. also the narrator was SUCH A SLOW TALKER OH MY GOD. i’m sorry i am just ranting. i didn’t even read the epilogue because i just wanted it to be over.
this book was generally very not good!!! not a fan! i don’t wanna read another book by this author but i might!
i read this because i wanted something quick and easy and it surely was those things but it was not good! i read The Housemaid last year and i enjoyed it, it wasn’t anything groundbreaking and it wasn’t very unique, but it got the job done. this didn’t even get the job done. the writing was lazy and choppy. the main character, Nora, annoyed me SO MUCH. oh my god. i understand having a serial killer as a father is certainly traumatizing but her only concern as an adult is “i can’t get into relationships” like girl i get it will affect your relationships BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW IT AFFECTS OTHER THINGS??? LIKE GIRL YOU ARE 30 GO PAY YOUR MORTGAGE. she was also just unbelievably unlikeable. i’m not anti-unlikeable character but she wasn’t even interesting. she had no personality except being wholly unlikeable. she was also so stupid.
also nothing about this plot made sense. absolutely nothing. normally i can suspend some level of disbelief but that was not possible at all for this book. there was not a single thing that was realistic about this book. the “twist” was the dumbest laziest “twist” i have ever read in my life. people say “woah i NEVER saw that coming” LIKE YEAH BECAUSE THE AUTHOR DIDN’T HINT AT IT ONE SINGLE TIME??? a good twist should have you being like “i should have seen that coming but i didn’t” because a GOOD author will leave subtle clues and foreshadowing, not enough to reveal anything but enough to make readers irritated for not predicting the twist. this was just lazy and absolutely not well-thought out.
i also fucking hated this audiobook. so sorry to the narrator but oh my god. it was so unbearably annoying. i hated her voice, i hated her little quirks and the weird random enunciations. i was basically listening to it on 2x speed because i wanted it to be over faster. also the narrator was SUCH A SLOW TALKER OH MY GOD. i’m sorry i am just ranting. i didn’t even read the epilogue because i just wanted it to be over.
this book was generally very not good!!! not a fan! i don’t wanna read another book by this author but i might!
March 1, 2024
2.5/5
- I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would and it might have been because I just finished The Teacher by this author which I loved. I feel like this book was fairly predictable in a lot of ways and the main character made a lot of silly decisions. I had a hard time empathizing with her because she made the worst choices.
- The thrilling aspect of this book didn’t hit like the others, but it was still really fast read. I always find myself finishing books by this author in 24 hours. There’s just something about her books that keep me wanting more!
- I will definitely read more from this author and own so many books of hers because her writing is so easy to read. This is my 4th or 5th book of hers that I’ve read and I still can’t get enough, even though this one wasn’t my favorite.
- I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would and it might have been because I just finished The Teacher by this author which I loved. I feel like this book was fairly predictable in a lot of ways and the main character made a lot of silly decisions. I had a hard time empathizing with her because she made the worst choices.
- The thrilling aspect of this book didn’t hit like the others, but it was still really fast read. I always find myself finishing books by this author in 24 hours. There’s just something about her books that keep me wanting more!
- I will definitely read more from this author and own so many books of hers because her writing is so easy to read. This is my 4th or 5th book of hers that I’ve read and I still can’t get enough, even though this one wasn’t my favorite.
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