The book is about a doctor who works at a reputed hospital and is haunted by her past, whose father was a serial killer, probably also a doctor, who carried out experiments on his victims behind the so-called “Locked Door.” The idea of the locked door is intriguing in the first few chapters, but the mystery slowly wanes, as the narrative focuses less on what happened behind the door and more on present-day events that echo the dark past.

The doctor, who has rechristened herself after the events of her childhood, is considered a prime suspect when new crimes emerge. Her father is locked up in prison for life, and she has completely severed ties with him, though he continues to send her letters on a regular basis, which she discards without reading.

Amidst the chaos, she reconnects with her former boyfriend, now working as a bartender. A few chapters explore the renewed spark between them and her reluctance to define their relationship. The story also takes on a whodunnit angle, where she suspects everyone around her of being an accomplice in the crimes, while the police frequently show up at her workplace to question her.

After the first two chapters, the pacing of the story becomes engaging and keeps the reader invested. The short chapters make it easy to follow, although the frequent shifts between past and present can at times create the impression that the narrator herself might be suffering from a personality disorder. The underwhelming aspect lies in the ending, where tying threads together and unveiling the mysteries connected to her father’s modus operandi feels less satisfying. The final twist is something readers are unlikely to predict, though it will likely leave many with a “WTF” reaction.

The protagonist is neither a helpless damsel nor particularly smart. She mostly finds herself caught up in the chaos, and despite the story being told from her perspective, most of the defining moments are driven by other characters. This lack of a strong central character is unusual and at times refreshing, though it occasionally feels off.

Overall, The Locked Door offers an engaging narrative with clear writing and steady pacing. While the execution can feel formulaic and the ending divisive, it works well as a light, entertaining read—especially for travel.

Rating: 3/5