"The Inmate" delivers exactly what Freida McFadden's fans expect: a fast-paced psychological thriller with medical settings, unreliable narrators, and jaw-dropping twists. Nurse Brooke Sullivan takes a job at a maximum-security prison, only to find herself treating Shane Nelson, the man she believes murdered her best friend a decade ago.

McFadden excels at creating an claustrophobic atmosphere within the prison walls, and her medical background adds authenticity to the healthcare details that ground the story. The pacing is relentless—chapters fly by as Brooke grapples with her desire for revenge while questioning her own memories and sanity.

The author's signature twist-heavy plotting keeps readers guessing, with revelations that recontextualize everything that came before.

However, this strength is also the book's weakness. The twists, while shocking, sometimes feel manufactured rather than organic, and character development suffers in service of plot mechanics. Brooke's motivations shift dramatically as new information emerges, making her feel less like a fully realized person and more like a vehicle for surprises.

The dialogue can be stilted, particularly during exposition-heavy scenes where characters reveal crucial backstory. The prison setting, while atmospheric, isn't explored as deeply as it could be—focusing more on the thriller elements than the institutional complexities. This book is perfect for readers who devour psychological thrillers in single sittings and prioritize plot twists over character depth. Fans of medical thrillers and stories featuring healthcare professionals in dangerous situations will find plenty to enjoy. However, readers seeking nuanced character studies, literary prose, or realistic portrayals of the prison system should look elsewhere. Those sensitive to violence, medical trauma, or themes of revenge may also want to skip this one. "The Inmate" succeeds as escapist entertainment that keeps pages turning, even if it doesn't linger long in memory once the final twist is revealed.