Book Review: The Inmate by Freida McFadden
When I first picked up The Inmate by Freida McFadden, I was brimming with excitement. After all, McFadden has seamlessly woven tales that draw on intense emotions and intricate plots, so I had high hopes that this latest release would be just as captivating. However, as I delved into it, I found myself wrestling with an array of conflicting feelings—hinting at the unique complexity of this read.
The novel centers on Brooke Sullivan, a nurse practitioner who returns to her hometown to work in a prison where her ex-boyfriend, Shane Nelson, is incarcerated for attempting to murder her a decade ago. The setup? Absolutely enticing! The tension was palpable, and I was immediately invested in Brooke’s story, eager to see how her past would clash with her present. The promise of psychological twists and turns kept me glued to these pages—it’s McFadden, after all!
However, the journey took a frustrating turn thanks to Noah, the protagonist. Her character decisions were so baffling that I felt like I was watching a slow-motion train wreck. With a mere 2.5 stars to show for it, I can’t help but echo the sentiment that, “sometimes people do exactly what you think they’re going to do, and they still manage to disappoint you.” When you’re trying to navigate your way through the complexities of a plot, a protagonist whose decisions make you want to tear your hair out can be a dealbreaker, and that was exactly the case here.
McFadden’s writing style remains a highlight, as her knack for creating an atmosphere filled with suspense is truly bone-chilling. This talent for crafting scenes that provoke tangible feelings—goosebumps included—is why I was drawn to her work in the first place. While I reveled in the plot’s twists, the character of Brooke often brought my reading high to a grinding halt. How could someone so intelligent choose to work in the same prison as the man who tried to kill her? The plot thrummed with potential, but Brooke’s decisions left me scratching my head, torn between disbelief and frustration.
Her character could have soared, but instead, it felt like an anchor weighing down an otherwise promising narrative. I found myself wanting to jump into the pages and give her a much-needed shake—if only to clarify that she shouldn’t believe every word out of Shane’s mouth. “Girl, please, let’s get real,” I repeatedly wanted to say as I read about her ever-spiraling calamities.
Despite my frustrations with Brooke, I do want to say that The Inmate is a page-turner. McFadden knows how to keep readers guessing, and the revelations at the end did offer a surprising twist that peaked my interest. The emotional undercurrents and ethical dilemmas at play are relevant and intriguing, showcasing that while the book has its hiccups, the shadows of shame, loyalty, and trust make for captivating themes.
So, who would enjoy The Inmate? If you’re a die-hard Freida McFadden fan, this book still holds worthwhile themes and nuances worthy of exploration—even with a character who might drive you up the wall. It’s perfect for readers who love psychological thrillers littered with twists and character dilemmas, as long as you’re able to overlook some of the choices that Brooke makes.
In the end, The Inmate left me in a reading slump, surprisingly doing the opposite of what I expected. Even amidst that creative disappointment, Freida’s magnetic writing style still calls for a read—just perhaps with some low expectations for the FMC. As I closed the book, I felt an odd blend of frustration and admiration, proving once again the complicated affair that is reading.
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