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.

I normally am disappointed in endings, but this story had a good one.

this book wasnt one of my favourite thrillers, compared to other books from this author this book felt quite lackluster and despite the ending not having the shock factor that the other books do, the suspense in this book was excellent and kept me thinking about what will happen.

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.

I enjoyed the book, story captures you, l'd read it before l knew it.

This book was soooo good. I was not expecting the twist at all, and even when I thought I had sussed it out, it turned out I was wrong. Definitely one of Freida's better books. Would 100% recommend.

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!

Again, Freida McFadden delivers with more edge of your seat shockers! Each page kept me turning, guessing and I couldn't put this book down!

Do Not Disturb is classic Freida McFadden: darkly addictive, filled with jaw-dropping twists, and impossible to put down. If you’re looking for a fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep you reading late into the night, this is the one. Plot Overview (No Spoilers) The story follows Quinn Alexander, a woman on the run after committing a terrible crime. She checks into a remote motel in the middle of nowhere—hoping to disappear. But as the hours tick by, Quinn realizes she may not be alone… and that the motel has secrets of its own. Who’s watching her? And is she truly the most dangerous person there? Why It’s a 5-Star Read Freida McFadden nails suspense. The tension builds with every chapter, the atmosphere is perfectly creepy, and the pacing is lightning fast. The plot is layered with secrets and reveals that make you rethink everything you just read. Quinn is a complex, morally grey character, and you’re never quite sure whether to root for her or fear her. The motel setting adds a claustrophobic edge that makes the story even more unsettling—and the twists come hard and fast, especially in the final act. Writing Style McFadden’s writing is sharp, concise, and completely immersive. Her short chapters and cliffhanger endings make this a true one-sitting read. She knows how to plant clues and mislead readers in the most entertaining way. Final Verdict Do Not Disturb is thrilling, clever, and full of the kind of shocking moments that fans of Freida McFadden live for. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, and just when you think you’ve figured it out—you haven’t. 😍 Five stars, without hesitation. Suspense lovers: you’re in for a treat.

Kom fram trasig.

Good, easy and fast read. It’s a short book and as always, you don’t expect the end. However, the author keeps portraying foreign characters as unable to use contractions when they speak, amongst other things, but whatever. It was worth the time.

This was another great read, from Mrs. McFadden! The suspense had me going around and around. This author has soooo many good books and it makes it difficult for me, to choose which one I want to read next. PLOT: Quinn is in a terrible marriage, to an abusive man (Derek). Of course, their courtship didn’t start out that way. He came from a wealthy and powerful family and he wined and dined her. After they were married, the true Derek comes out and one day they have an altercation and she winds up killing him. She runs, but she doesn’t get very far, because of a snow blizzard. She stops at an out of the way motel, that has seen better days. This is the place in which a multitude of things happen: Infidelity, Murder, Betrayal, Secrecy, Lies and other suspenseful things. As my title says, there are six sides to the story: QUINN - Who runs away from the crime scene and is trying to leave the state. She figures that the only person that she will miss and will miss her is, her sister (Claudia) who raised her. She wants to confide in Claudia, but can’t. Claudia knows her sister and if anyone can find her…It’s Claudia. Quinn (who was a Banker) has lived a life of luxury, while married to her husband and now…She’s homeless and on the run. NICK - He is part owner of the shady motel (with his wife). His name is involved in a murder (which took place at the motel), years ago. He loves his wife (Rosie), who is wheelchair bound and he tends to her every need, while trying to manage a rundown motel and its occupants. ROSALIE - She’s Nick’s wife and she has all but given up on herself, her dreams, her health and her marriage. What else is there to do all day, but to play “I Spy”. There’s nothing else to do…Or is there?? GRETA - She actually lives at the shady motel and she’s sort of a recluse. She loves telling people’s future (Fortune Telling). She adores Nick and his wife. She knows a lot about what is going on in and around the motel. ROB - He’s Claudia (Quinn’s sister) husband. He’s a plumber and a hard working one. But, no matter how hard or long he works, he can never get ahead. His marriage to Claudia is not ideal and the cracks are showing. CLAUDIA - She’s worried about her sister and is determined to find her. She figures that, she can do a better job than the police…Because she knows her sister. Will Claudia find Quinn, before the police will??