Told through the tense dual POVs of Georgia Cartwright, who’s been confined to a psychiatric ward after being accused of killing her adopted sister, and Amanda, who is thrust into Georgia’s world of secrets. Being called the “Crime of the Decade,” Georgia insists she didn’t kill her sister, but chronic family dysfunction, questions of adoption, privilege, and manipulation swirl around her as Amanda races to uncover the truth.

I really enjoyed the story! The structure kept me hooked. The alternating viewpoints added depth, and the short chapters created fast-paced momentum that made the book feel unputdownable. Plus, the audiobook narration is superb. I was particularly intrigued by the subplot involving Georgia’s roommate and it adds another creepy layer to the already charged atmosphere. The mystery of Georgia’s innocence and the hidden traumas of the Cartwright clan are solidly executed, though a few twists felt a little predictable, and I wish the last chapter or two had been trimmed down.

Still, the character development especially the eerie, magnetic bond forming between the Amanda and Georgia was compelling enough to bump my rating from 3.5 to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. The suspense is strong, and the pacing is fast which always lends itself to making a gripping thriller. If you’re a fan of well-crafted psychological thrillers, this is one to bookmark.

House of Glass Review | Gone Tonight Review

AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKSHOP | ★★★★

The Locked Ward comes out August 5, 2025. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copies in exchange for my review. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.