Amanda didn't even know Georgia Cartwright existed. Amanda knew she had been adopted and was raised by loving parents as an only child.  Which is why she also didn't know that she and Georgia were twins. All it took was one phone call to upend Amanda's life.  Georgia, who was adopted by a different family, was raised with their biological daughter. Now, Georgia has been accused of murdering that sister and is being held in a locked psychiatric ward and she wants Amanda to help prove her innocence. Will she?

THE LOCKED WARD, by Sarah Pekkanen, is the story of two sisters separated at birth for a shocking reason.  The two women have distinct voices and while there might be familial similarities and commonalities, make no mistake, there are differences. The premise of the story presents a dilemma for Amanda.  She doesn't trust Georgia.  Could it be because she knows what she herself is capable of? Because Amanda is curious, she decides to try to unravel what is behind Georgia's cryptic words, and this is when things become complicated and dangerous.

THE LOCKED WARD is a complex tale.  The writing is flawless, and there is a sense of dread and tension that permeates the entire narrative. There is much that is fascinating about the story.  Skillfully presented are the often shocking relationships between the characters.  The well-developed characters, be it the protagonists or the secondary ones, will surprise readers.  Nothing can be taken at face value.

Expertly plotted and totally engrossing, THE LOCKED WARD is a memorable psychological thriller.  Highly recommended.