Ward D: A gripping psychological thriller

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I found the main character of this book to be a little annoying and I definitely prefer her books written from dual POV. This is all written from one perspective (although it does have Dual Timeline). While Ward D excels in many aspects, it falls short in its portrayal of mental health. Some readers may feel that the representation of mental health issues is stigmatizing. The negative portrayal of the illnesses represented raises concerns about perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Additionally, the overuse of the word “crazy” and the suggestion that all mentally ill individuals are inherently violent further reinforces these stereotypes. It is important for authors to approach such sensitive topics with caution and ensure that they do not contribute to the stigmatization of mental health conditions. There isn’t much that surprises me when it comes to reading books. I’m what you’d call a seasoned vet. Having said that, you have to be a pretty good author to fool me in a story line, but I have to say McFadden did an amazing job in keeping the reader guessing.

As Amy was making her rounds for the evening, she heard a noise coming from Seclusion One. It sounded like someone snarling and growling. But what was worse this person sounded like he was breaking through the door. Amy was terrified, but she knew no matter what she wasn’t going near that room.There are definitely complications with this shift that Amy is about to work. For one thing, she has some familiarity with the psych ward as her best friend Jade was committed when they were both 16 years of age. Due to Jade’s hospitalization at that time, Amy and Jade’s friendship had dissolved. Furthermore, Jade made a statement about Amy state of mind then that still bothers her. Factor this. Jade is on the ward that Amy is working, Ward D. No longer friends by any stretch of the imagination, at the very least Amy just wants to get through the night. Some readers may find the plot too far-fetched and unrealistic, especially those with experience in mental health care. Joker & Harley Quinn wannabes taking on the patients at the psychiatric Ward D in Freida McFadden’s newest (entertaining, but insensitive) psychological thriller. 🤪 Ok so I think the fun has gone on long enough, but just in case you aren't convinced that this is an absolute shit show, let me leave you with this stunning excerpt from the epilogue:

I’m not dead. Did you think I was? That I’m some corpse my husband propped up in front of the second-floor window to frighten his guests? I’m not. I’m very much alive. And I’m afraid my husband is a murderer.” That’s all you’ll get from me about the plot/storyline. Anything else could be a spoiler, and no spoilers allowed here! This is the 2nd book by this author I have tried. I just don’t understand all the hype. Her characters are extremely juvenile and I just can’t get through them. Read more

Two out of two books by McFadden and I'm seeing a pattern with her MCs in both of the books I read, the other being "The Inmate". I feel the leading ladies are a bit dense despite the one here is a med student. Amy's insensitive IMO to refer patients as "crazy", really? I understand if the bad characters say that but not from the MC. There was no jaw-dropping twist for me this time. Liars fidget. The tone of their voice or speech patterns changes. Liars offer too much information, babbling on with excessive detail to convince themselves or others of what they are saying.” p. 95 How does somebody get to the point where their brain stops functioning, like a normal brain? That their reality completely breaks from the reality that every person in the world lives in?