Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Unnerving

The Locked Door by Freida McFadden offers a gripping psychological thriller with engaging twists. Readers praise its fast-paced narrative and suspenseful plot. However, some critics note that character development feels shallow and find the ending predictable. Overall, it's a captivating read for thriller enthusiasts despite minor drawbacks.

A reader captivated by psychological thrillers with dark, suspenseful twists will enjoy The Locked Door by Freida McFadden. Fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train will appreciate the novel's tension and intriguing plot surrounding secrets and domestic suspense.

The Locked Door by Freida McFadden follows a person named Nora who faces her past when a series of events echo crimes committed by her serial killer father. Detective Grady brings Nora back into the world of investigation, compelling her to confront unsettling truths about family and identity while trying to protect her current life.

**Nora Davis**  
A general surgeon living in Mountain View, California, who struggles with her family's history and desires to break from her past. She changed her name from Nierling to Davis following her father's criminal conviction.

**Aaron Nierling**  
Nora's father, a phlebotomist, and convicted serial killer, serving multiple life sentences. Known for his charm and danger, his relationship with Nora is central to the novel's tension.

**Harper Nierling**  
Nora's sister and assistant at her medical practice, whose background and motivations unfold throughout the story. Harper is portrayed as charming yet complex, with a hidden connection to Nora.

**Brady Mitchell**  
Nora's former college boyfriend who reconnects with her as an adult. Known for his kindness and charm, he represents a potential for renewed happiness in Nora's life.

**Philip Corey**  
Nora's medical partner, known for his flashy style and outgoing personality, contrasting with Nora's frugality. He is depicted as a popular, charismatic doctor.

**Linda Nierling**  
The deceased wife of Aaron Nierling and mother of Nora and Harper. Her past and potential involvement with Aaron's crimes remain ambiguous.

**Ed Barber**  
The detective investigating Nora for the murder of two patients, known for his persistence and professional demeanor. His role is primarily functional, driving the investigation forward.

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore The Locked Door reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Book Brief The Locked Door

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Locked Door and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Locked Door Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Locked Door Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 7

The Locked Door Prologue-Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-18

The Locked Door Chapters 8-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-27

The Locked Door Chapters 19-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-37

The Locked Door Chapters 28-37 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 38-Epilogue

The Locked Door Chapter 38-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Locked Door Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Locked Door Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Locked Door Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Locked Door Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Locked Door Essay Topics

Freida McFadden

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

the-locked-door

The Locked Door

Book Brief

The Locked Door

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Locked Door?