Book Review The Locked Door

Introduction & Context

In the last few years, I’ve seen a lot of talk about Freida McFadden. She isn’t just a writer; she’s also a doctor who adds creepy, medical details to her thrillers. Her book The Locked Door is a perfect example of that mix—dark, clever, and psychologically intense. The mention of Hollywood Upstairs made me laugh—it’s a clever nod to Dr. Nick from The Simpsons, which suits her twisted humor perfectly.

I started this one as an audiobook, but I didn’t love the narration. Shaina Summerville’s voice sounded angry for almost every emotion. After a few chapters, I switched to Kindle, which made it much more enjoyable.

The story grabbed me right away. Imagine being the daughter of a serial killer, now working as a surgeon, only to be blamed for new murders that copy your father’s crimes. That setup alone kept me turning pages. I kept asking myself: is it a copycat—or something even darker?

Plot Review of The Locked Door

The Locked Door is the third Freida McFadden book I’ve read, and it shows what she does best—fast thrillers with strong female leads written in first person. Like The Housemaid and The Housemaid’s Secret, it comes with a wicked twist and plenty of tension.

The story starts with Nora Davis, who as a child learned her father was a murderer. He kidnapped and killed women with dark hair and blue eyes, cutting their hands as part of his ritual. Now grown up, Nora is a surgeon. Her quiet life shatters when the police tell her someone is copying her father’s crimes—and she’s the main suspect.

The story races ahead at a quick pace. McFadden’s writing is sharp and clear, perfect for readers who like fast, simple storytelling. Still, some twists feel sudden instead of carefully built. The reveal works, but it doesn’t land as powerfully as it could. Even so, there’s never a dull moment—each chapter ends in a way that makes you keep going.

Some parts do drag a bit. Nora’s constant worry about her father feels repetitive, and a few inner thoughts could have been shorter. Yet, McFadden’s mix of suspense and clarity keeps readers hooked. It’s easy to see why her books are so popular—they’re gripping without being complicated.

Reviewer’s Challenge

Reviewing thrillers is never easy, especially when a story like The Locked Door comes along. It’s fast, focused, and cleverly written. I’ve read a lot of thrillers, but this one stood out for being both exciting and simple.

Lately, I’ve been craving lighter reads that don’t demand too much thought. This book hit that sweet spot—it was fun, fast, and still gave me a satisfying story. The pacing was tight, and I finished it in one sitting.

What I loved most was how real the characters felt. The relationships didn’t feel fake or forced. I also liked that McFadden avoided unnecessary violence or torture scenes. Everything that happened served the story.

There were no useless side plots or scenes that dragged. Every page pushed the story forward, making it a strong recommendation for anyone who loves clean, clever thrillers.

Premise & Structure of The Locked Door

What makes thrillers like this stand out is how much they hide. Sometimes, the less you know, the better. In The Locked Door, Nora Davis—once the daughter of a serial killer—grows up to be a surgeon. But when new murders start matching her father’s crimes, she becomes the main suspect.

The story jumps between past and present. We see Nora at age twelve, discovering her father’s crimes, and then as an adult dealing with new ones. This back-and-forth storytelling keeps you on edge.

There’s action, tension, and a lot of guessing. Every time you think you’ve figured it out, something changes. Even small details, like the cat that survives (a rare thing in thrillers), add charm and surprise.

The ending comes quickly. I wanted one more big clue or emotional payoff, but it still ties things up well enough. The writing is straightforward—more like popcorn than fine dining—but that’s part of its charm. It’s perfect for readers who want intensity without heaviness.

If you enjoy stories about hidden secrets and haunted pasts, this one pairs nicely with The Residence. Both books show how memories, guilt, and loneliness can turn safe spaces into something eerie.

Characters

In The Housemaid, I found Millie to be one of McFadden’s best characters—flawed but alive. In The Locked Door, Nora Davis doesn’t have that same spark. She spends much of the book worrying and reacting instead of acting.

Still, Nora has her moments. She’s curious, sometimes funny, and more self-aware than most thriller leads. Her inner monologue adds small touches of warmth and honesty.

Among the side characters, Philip, her coworker, stood out the most. Even Nora’s father—though we see him through flashbacks—feels unsettling yet fascinating. They balance out Nora’s anxious personality and make the story more dynamic.

While Nora might not be McFadden’s strongest heroine, she’s relatable. Her fear of being linked to her father’s crimes gives the book emotional weight beyond just suspense.

Strengths of The Locked Door

The Locked Door shows why Freida McFadden is so loved by thriller fans. The pacing is quick, the writing is sharp, and the story grabs you right away. I breezed through it in a few hours but never felt bored.

The best part is how natural the story feels. The relationships don’t seem fake or predictable. The suspense builds smoothly, and even though her father is already in prison, the danger feels close.

The book avoids unnecessary violence and long filler chapters. Every scene has a purpose. It’s scary, emotional, and easy to read all at once. That balance is hard to achieve, and McFadden nails it.

If you want something thrilling but not too dark or confusing, this one hits the mark perfectly.

Weaknesses of the Book

My main complaint is the ending. It wraps up fast and feels slightly rushed. I wanted one more clue or twist that made me gasp. Instead, it ends neatly but without the “wow” moment.

The writing is clean but sometimes too simple. Because McFadden publishes several books a year, some of them read like quick, easy popcorn stories rather than deep emotional journeys. You’ll enjoy it, but it may not linger with you the way The Housemaid does.

Still, those small flaws don’t ruin the experience. The Locked Door does exactly what it sets out to do—keep you entertained and turning pages.

Final Rating & Verdict

The Locked Door didn’t surprise me as much as The Housemaid, but it still delivers a solid, fast-paced read. The setup is fantastic, the tension stays high, and the ending—though quick—feels satisfying enough.

If you liked The Inmate or Never Lie, you’ll enjoy this one too. It fits right into McFadden’s style of emotional, twisty thrillers that are easy to read and hard to put down.

Overall, I’d call it a smart, gripping page-turner and a great choice for anyone looking for a quick escape into suspense. I’m already planning to read more of McFadden’s books soon.