By Book Club Team 
The Inmate by Freida McFadden is a gripping psychological thriller about Brooke Sullivan, a nurse who takes a job at a men’s maximum-security prison, only to come face-to-face with her ex-boyfriend, Shane, now an inmate convicted of murder. As Brooke navigates her new job and the unsettling memories of her past, she becomes entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and dangerous truths. With shocking twists and heart-pounding suspense, this novel keeps readers guessing until the very end.
| Author | Freida McFadden |
| Publication date | June 13, 2022 |
| Goodreads Rating | 4.04 |
| Page count | 388 pages |
| Topics | Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Crime, Adult, Romance |
The Inmate Book Summary
Brooke Sullivan, a nurse with a painful past, is struggling to move on with her life after a devastating divorce. In a bid to start fresh and provide for her young son, she takes a job at Westbrook Correctional Facility, a maximum-security men’s prison. It’s a stark and intimidating environment, but Brooke is determined to make it work. However, her resolve is shaken when she discovers that Shane, her high school sweetheart and the man she once thought she would spend her life with, is an inmate at the facility.
Years earlier, Shane was convicted of murdering his young stepmother in a brutal attack. Brooke hadn’t seen him since their relationship ended abruptly, leaving her with a whirlwind of unresolved emotions. Now, faced with his piercing gaze through the bars of his prison cell, she is forced to confront the boy she loved and the man he has become.
Shane insists that he’s innocent and claims he was framed for the crime. Despite her initial reluctance, Brooke begins to question what she thought she knew about his case. Why did he never reach out to her after his arrest? Could he really have committed such a heinous act? As Brooke delves deeper into Shane’s story, she finds herself drawn into a web of secrets, lies, and half-truths that don’t add up.
At the same time, working in the prison proves to be more challenging than Brooke anticipated. The inmates are volatile, and the staff has their own set of rules and hierarchies. As Brooke juggles the demands of her job, the well-being of her son, and the troubling revelations about Shane, she begins to notice strange and dangerous patterns. Someone doesn’t want her digging into the past, and the more she uncovers, the greater the danger becomes.
As the lines between trust and betrayal blur, Brooke is forced to face shocking truths about the people around her—and herself. In a climactic series of twists and turns, the story barrels toward an ending that will leave readers questioning everything they thought they knew.
The Inmate is a masterclass in psychological suspense, combining emotional depth with a thrilling exploration of secrets, justice, and the complexities of human relationships. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps readers hooked until the final, jaw-dropping revelation.
The Inmate Book Review
The protagonist, Brooke Sullivan, is a well-drawn character with a complex past, making her relatable yet mysterious. Her emotional journey—balancing her new job in a maximum-security prison, her responsibilities as a single mom, and her tangled history with her ex-boyfriend, Shane—adds depth to the story. The backdrop of the prison is grim, tense, and perfectly atmospheric, setting the stage for a story packed with high stakes and claustrophobic tension.
One of the book’s standout features is its twists. Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s happening, McFadden throws in another curveball that makes you question everything. The pacing is excellent, with short, punchy chapters that make it nearly impossible to put the book down.
The plot is tightly constructed, though at times, the coincidences might stretch believability. But the sheer fun of the ride more than makes up for it. The ending is particularly memorable, delivering a jaw-dropping twist that leaves readers reeling.
Strengths
- Unpredictable Twists: The story is full of surprises, with a jaw-dropping ending that will leave readers stunned.
- Pacing: The short chapters and steady buildup of tension make it hard to put the book down.
- Atmosphere: The prison setting is richly described and adds a layer of intensity to the narrative.
Weaknesses
- Believability: Some plot points and coincidences may feel a bit far-fetched.
- Character Depth: While the main characters are well-developed, some secondary characters feel underutilized.
Verdict
The Inmate is an entertaining and suspenseful thriller that’s perfect for fans of dark, twisty stories like The Silent Patient or Behind Closed Doors. While not without minor flaws, it delivers a rollercoaster of emotions and a final twist that will leave readers talking.
The Inmate Characters
Here’s a breakdown of the main characters in The Inmate by Freida McFadden:
- Brooke Sullivan – Protagonist; a nurse and single mother trying to rebuild her life.
- Shane Nelson – Brooke’s ex-boyfriend; imprisoned for murdering his stepmother but claims innocence.
- Rachel – Brooke’s best friend; later revealed to have a dark secret.
- Wyatt – Brooke’s young son; her motivation for seeking a fresh start.
- Shane’s Stepmother – The murder victim; her death sparks the central mystery.
- Prison Staff – Guards and coworkers who create a tense and suspicious environment.
This concise list highlights the key characters and their
The Inmate Ending Explained [Spoilers]
The ending of The Inmate by Freida McFadden reveals that Rachel, Brooke’s best friend, is the real killer. Rachel, secretly in love with Shane, murdered his stepmother out of jealousy and framed him for the crime. Brooke discovers the truth through subtle clues Rachel let slip over the years.
Shane is eventually exonerated and released, but Brooke is left grappling with the betrayal of someone she trusted. The ending ties up the mystery while emphasizing themes of trust, betrayal, and the devastating impact of obsession, leaving readers with a mix of closure and lingering unease.
The Inmate: Who is Killer?
In The Inmate by Freida McFadden, the identity of the true killer is one of the most shocking twists in the story. Throughout the book, Shane, Brooke’s ex-boyfriend, is imprisoned for the murder of his stepmother. He claims he was framed, which sets Brooke on a dangerous path to uncover the truth.
Without giving away major spoilers, the killer’s identity is revealed in a twist that completely upends the narrative and challenges everything Brooke—and the readers—thought they knew. It’s someone unexpected, and the revelation ties together clues sprinkled throughout the story, making it a jaw-dropping moment that leaves readers reeling.