Do Not Disturb: An addictive psychological thriller

Freida McFadden has done it again! Do Not Disturb is another addictive, twisty thriller that kept me up way too late turning pages. From the very first chapter, I was hooked — the tension builds so perfectly, and just when you think you’ve figured out what’s happening, another shocking twist comes out of nowhere. The pacing is fast, the writing is sharp, and every chapter ends in a way that makes you need to keep reading. I loved how unpredictable it was — I honestly didn’t see that ending coming at all, and it was such a satisfying payoff. McFadden has a real talent for crafting stories that are both darkly entertaining and full of surprises. If you enjoy thrillers with unreliable characters, secrets, and jaw-dropping moments, this one is a must-read. Another 5-star read from one of my favourite authors!

I didn’t enjoy this particular story as much as some of Freida’s other books. This was mainly due to one really unbelievable twist. It was, however, engaging throughout and I was keen to find out what would happen to Quinn. It was an interesting and exciting plot with Quinn running away from home after killing her husband. There were some eccentric characters in this book and it was interesting to learn more about them as the story progressed. Overall, I did enjoy this story, hence the 4 stars, but the strange twist and quick rap-up ending felt a little rushed.

Great read, really enjoyed it. Good story line. I was very pleased with the book.

Obviously heavily influenced by Psycho, this is a quick, simple and entertaining read. There's not much depth to either plot or characterisation though, and it all gets a bit silly at the end, but it is quite a fun read.

Psychological Thriller Fans rating - 76% ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Mystery / Suspense I love the easy style of McFadden’s writing and the short, punchy chapters which entice you to read ‘just one more’ until the book’s finished and it’s two o’clock in the morning. This book also cleverly plays with the readers’ expectations and twists them out of recognition. In this case, there’s a knowing nod to Hitchcock’s Psycho. There’s a creepy motel (Baxter Motel even sounds similar to Bates Motel!) and a strange woman silhouetted in the window. And so McFadden encourages you to believe you know what’s going on and how the story’s going to play out – until she pulls the rug from under your feet and you realise she’s played you all along. The story is about Quinn Alexander, who has murdered her controlling husband as the novel opens. Desperate not to be caught, she makes a run for it, but when she’s pulled over in a snowstorm with a faulty taillight, she’s forced to take refuge in a motel for the night. That’s where she meets owner, Nick and the curious lady in Room 202 who’s watching her every move. The book cleverly switches POVs between Quinn, her sister, Claudia and the motel owner’s wife, Rosalie who give a different perspective on the events that unfold. But rather than flip-flopping between characters from chapter to chapter, McFadden gives each character a substantial section of the book so you have the time and space to really understand each of them. A definite Psychological Thriller Fans recommended read.

Great read . Brilliant author. Love all her books .

typical Freida Mc Fadden book easy read, easy plot

She killed her husband in self-defense… then got stranded in a snowstorm at a creepy roadside motel with a murder history, a psychic, and a room that should never be opened. 👀 Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden is a psychological thriller filled with suspense, unreliable characters, and shocking twists. The story follows Quinn, a woman fleeing after committing a murder. She seeks shelter in a remote motel, but as the night progresses, paranoia and unexpected dangers close in on her. Quinn Alexander has just killed her husband. Desperate to escape, she heads toward the Canadian border, but a snowstorm forces her to stop at a small, eerie motel. As she checks in, Quinn quickly realizes she isn’t the only one with secrets. The motel’s isolated setting adds to the tension, and soon, she finds herself trapped in a dangerous web where trust is a luxury she can’t afford. McFadden excels at creating an engaging, fast-paced thriller with an unpredictable plot. The story is told in multiple perspectives, allowing readers to piece together the truth from different angles. The motel’s setting adds a claustrophobic, eerie vibe that enhances the suspense. The characters are well-written, though Quinn’s actions may frustrate some readers at times. Character Breakdown Quinn Alexander The main protagonist. Fleeing after killing her abusive husband in self-defense, Quinn is anxious, traumatized and constantly questioning whether anyone around her can be trusted – including herself. Derek Alexander Quinn’s wealthy, charming-on-the-outside husband who is secretly controlling and violent. His abuse – and Quinn’s fear that no one will believe her – is what pushes her to run. Nick Baxter Owner of the Baxter Motel. He comes off as a kind, slightly desperate small-business owner, but the motel’s grim history and his evasiveness make him deeply suspicious. Rosalie Baxter Nick’s depressed, physically unwell wife who watches the motel from the nearby house. Her presence, half-seen through windows, adds a gothic, haunting element and hints that she knows more than she lets on. Claudia Quinn’s sister. On the surface she’s the “worried sibling,” but she has her own agenda, resentment and secrets tied to Quinn and Derek. Her storyline brings in themes of jealousy, betrayal and twisted family loyalty. Greta An elderly psychic staying at the motel. She offers cryptic warnings, tarot-style insights and lines about fate that blur superstition with genuine danger, heightening the eerie tone. Deputy Scott Dwyer Quinn’s high-school ex and now a police officer. He’s part of the investigation into what happened with Derek and adds tension as Quinn’s past collides with her present. Themes of the Book Domestic abuse & survival Quinn’s flight after killing Derek in self-defense puts intimate partner violence at the center of the story – exploring how abuse traps victims psychologically as much as physically, and what “survival” can cost. Trust, deception & unreliable perspectives Nobody at the Baxter Motel is straightforward. Narration shifts between characters, and almost everyone lies or withholds information. The book constantly asks: who can you trust when everyone has something to hide? Family resentment & betrayal Quinn’s fractured relationship with Claudia brings in sibling rivalry, jealousy and long-buried grievances. Family is portrayed as both a source of comfort and a weapon. Fate vs. free will Through Greta’s “psychic” warnings and talk of fortunes, the book toys with the idea of destiny: are the characters doomed by their past choices, or can they break out of the pattern and choose differently? Isolation & entrapment The snowed-in motel functions almost like a locked-room setting. The storm, the empty highway, the creepy motel halls – all trap Quinn in a physical and psychological pressure cooker, mirroring how she felt trapped in her marriage. Quotes from the Book Maybe we used up all our happiness. Maybe everybody only gets so much. You don’t even realize you have everything until your whole life falls apart. Mirrors are reality. What you see right now is the truth everyone else sees. If you know your fortune, are you able to stop it? A gripping, fast-paced thriller with jaw-dropping twists. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators and tension-filled settings, Do Not Disturb is a must-read!