The Bookish Ashley

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Freida McFadden has built her reputation on crafting fast-paced thrillers with jaw-dropping twists, and Ward D is no exception. This psychological suspense novel plunges readers into the eerie, locked psychiatric ward alongside medical student Amy Brenner, who has secrets of her own—and whose worst fears might be coming true over the course of one unforgettable night.

The story opens with Amy reluctantly beginning her overnight shift on Ward D, a rotation she has been avoiding for reasons that become increasingly clear as the narrative unfolds. McFadden expertly builds tension as the night spirals into chaos: patients and staff disappear, paranoia escalates, and Amy’s grip on reality starts to slip. The locked-down setting amplifies the suspense, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps readers turning the pages long into the night.

One of McFadden’s strengths lies in her ability to weave multiple layers of mystery. On the surface, we’re trying to uncover what’s happening on Ward D, but just beneath that lies an equally compelling question: What is Amy hiding? The revelations about Amy’s past are unveiled at just the right moments, keeping readers guessing about her reliability and motives.

The pacing is another highlight. From the first page to the last, Ward D is relentless. The short, punchy chapters and escalating stakes make it almost impossible to put down. And, of course, McFadden delivers her signature twists that leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the story.

However, I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 for a couple of reasons. First, some of the secondary characters felt underdeveloped, which made their disappearances less impactful. I also found the final twist to be somewhat predictable, especially for seasoned thriller readers familiar with McFadden’s work. That said, even when you suspect the twist, it’s still a lot of fun to see how it plays out.

Overall, Ward D is a gripping psychological thriller that’s perfect for fans of locked-room mysteries, unreliable narrators, and spine-tingling suspense. Freida McFadden proves once again why she’s a go-to author for thrill seekers. Just don’t start this one right before bed—you might find yourself reading straight through the night.

Who Should Read This Book:

• Fans of Freida McFadden’s previous work (The Inmate, The Locked Door)

• Readers who enjoy fast-paced psychological thrillers with plenty of twists

• Anyone looking for a suspenseful, one-sitting read

Have you read Ward D? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your theories on that ending!