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The Quiet Tenant
A pulse-pounding psychological thriller about a serial killer narrated by those closest to him: his 13-year-old daughter, his girlfriend — and the one victim he has spared
Aidan Thomas is a hard-working family man and a somewhat beloved figure in the small upstate New York town where he lives. He’s the kind of man who always lends a hand and has a good word for everyone. But Aidan has a dark secret he’s been keeping from everyone in town and those closest to him. He’s a kidnapper and serial killer. Aidan has murdered eight women and there’s a ninth he has earmarked for Rachel, imprisoned in a backyard shed, fearing for her life.
When Aidan’s wife dies, he and his thirteen-year-old daughter Cecilia are forced to move. Aidan has no choice but to bring Rachel along, introducing her to Cecilia as a “family friend” who needs a place to stay. Aidan is betting on Rachel, after five years of captivity, being too brainwashed and fearful to attempt to escape. But Rachel is a fighter and survivor, and recognizes Cecilia might just be the lifeline she has waited for all these years. As Rachel tests the boundaries of her new living situation, she begins to form a tenuous connection with Cecilia. And when Emily, a local restaurant owner, develops a crush on the handsome widower, she finds herself drawn into Rachel and Cecilia’s orbit, coming dangerously close to discovering Aidan’s secret.
Told through the perspectives of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily, The Quiet Tenant explores the psychological impact of Aidan’s crimes on the women in his life—and the bonds between those women that give them the strength to fight back. Both a searing thriller and an astute study of trauma, survival, and the dynamics of power, The Quiet Tenant is an electrifying debut thriller by a major talent.
Aidan Thomas is a hard-working family man and a somewhat beloved figure in the small upstate New York town where he lives. He’s the kind of man who always lends a hand and has a good word for everyone. But Aidan has a dark secret he’s been keeping from everyone in town and those closest to him. He’s a kidnapper and serial killer. Aidan has murdered eight women and there’s a ninth he has earmarked for Rachel, imprisoned in a backyard shed, fearing for her life.
When Aidan’s wife dies, he and his thirteen-year-old daughter Cecilia are forced to move. Aidan has no choice but to bring Rachel along, introducing her to Cecilia as a “family friend” who needs a place to stay. Aidan is betting on Rachel, after five years of captivity, being too brainwashed and fearful to attempt to escape. But Rachel is a fighter and survivor, and recognizes Cecilia might just be the lifeline she has waited for all these years. As Rachel tests the boundaries of her new living situation, she begins to form a tenuous connection with Cecilia. And when Emily, a local restaurant owner, develops a crush on the handsome widower, she finds herself drawn into Rachel and Cecilia’s orbit, coming dangerously close to discovering Aidan’s secret.
Told through the perspectives of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily, The Quiet Tenant explores the psychological impact of Aidan’s crimes on the women in his life—and the bonds between those women that give them the strength to fight back. Both a searing thriller and an astute study of trauma, survival, and the dynamics of power, The Quiet Tenant is an electrifying debut thriller by a major talent.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2023
About the author
Clémence Michallon
7 books2,371 followersClémence Michallon is the author of The Quiet Tenant, a USA Today and international bestseller and nominee for the Dashiell Hammett Prize and Our Last Resort, which was a national bestseller. Her work has been optioned for TV and translated into more than thirty languages.
She is also a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times Book Review, Time Magazine, The Independent, and more.
Clémence was born and raised near Paris, has lived in New York since 2014, and became a US citizen in 2022. She can be found on Instagram at clemencemichallon and at clemencemichallon.substack.com.
She is also a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times Book Review, Time Magazine, The Independent, and more.
Clémence was born and raised near Paris, has lived in New York since 2014, and became a US citizen in 2022. She can be found on Instagram at clemencemichallon and at clemencemichallon.substack.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 18,674 reviews
March 19, 2023
This is undeniably one of the darkest, most sinister, bone-chilling, and psychologically complex thrillers that will either leave you hating it or completely enthralled. While it may haunt your nightmares for a long time, I found myself irresistibly drawn to its unconventional structure, slow-burning progression, mind-blowing and multilayered characterizations, albeit disturbing. It stained me, haunted me, and left me utterly shattered. Even after finishing the final chapter, the detailed and heart-wrenching portrayals of the victims lingered, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. The dark atmosphere and the masterful resolution of the narrative continue to occupy my thoughts.
For readers, there's no middle ground: you can abandon this book after a few chapters due to its slow pace, challenging content, and eerie nature, or you can choose to embrace the darkness and embark on a wild and exhilarating journey. I, for one, chose the latter and relished every moment of it!
The story revolves around four key characters: Rachel, a kidnapping survivor who endured five years of captivity, presumed dead, abandoned, neglected, and forgotten. She's not the first victim of the serial killer Aiden Thomas, but she's the only one who managed to escape.
Aiden is a cunning, manipulative, and highly dangerous chameleon who disguises himself as a decent human being—a grieving man, a devoted father, and a broken-hearted widower. His 12-year-old daughter, Cecilia, remains blissfully unaware of her father's true identity, hidden behind his flawless facade. She is innocent and unsuspecting.
When circumstances compel Aiden and Cecilia to move to a new residence, he convinces Rachel to accompany them, presenting her as an old friend and a quiet tenant to his daughter. Rachel, in order to survive, must adhere to this fabricated scheme while seeking a way to establish a connection with Cecilia and help her escape.
The fourth character, Emily, is enticed by Aiden, and she often proves to be the most exasperating presence in the book, causing readers to curse at her for making foolish choices that further escalate the dangerous situations. Aiden adroitly manipulates and gaslights her, skillfully controlling her like a puppet master as Emily becomes increasingly obsessed with him with each passing chapter.
The pacing and nerve-wracking, slow-building tension will have you biting your nails, keeping you on the edge of your seat. There were moments when I genuinely wanted to put down the book, step away, and go outside because I felt as though I might have a panic attack. It's an exceptionally impactful, masterfully written thriller that penetrates your soul. Rachel's chapters, in particular, affected me more than I anticipated.
The conclusion of the story was phenomenal. It's a truly unique, thought-provoking, heart-pounding experience that sets it apart from other thrillers I've read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and eagerly anticipate exploring more of the author's works.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for sharing this brilliant book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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For readers, there's no middle ground: you can abandon this book after a few chapters due to its slow pace, challenging content, and eerie nature, or you can choose to embrace the darkness and embark on a wild and exhilarating journey. I, for one, chose the latter and relished every moment of it!
The story revolves around four key characters: Rachel, a kidnapping survivor who endured five years of captivity, presumed dead, abandoned, neglected, and forgotten. She's not the first victim of the serial killer Aiden Thomas, but she's the only one who managed to escape.
Aiden is a cunning, manipulative, and highly dangerous chameleon who disguises himself as a decent human being—a grieving man, a devoted father, and a broken-hearted widower. His 12-year-old daughter, Cecilia, remains blissfully unaware of her father's true identity, hidden behind his flawless facade. She is innocent and unsuspecting.
When circumstances compel Aiden and Cecilia to move to a new residence, he convinces Rachel to accompany them, presenting her as an old friend and a quiet tenant to his daughter. Rachel, in order to survive, must adhere to this fabricated scheme while seeking a way to establish a connection with Cecilia and help her escape.
The fourth character, Emily, is enticed by Aiden, and she often proves to be the most exasperating presence in the book, causing readers to curse at her for making foolish choices that further escalate the dangerous situations. Aiden adroitly manipulates and gaslights her, skillfully controlling her like a puppet master as Emily becomes increasingly obsessed with him with each passing chapter.
The pacing and nerve-wracking, slow-building tension will have you biting your nails, keeping you on the edge of your seat. There were moments when I genuinely wanted to put down the book, step away, and go outside because I felt as though I might have a panic attack. It's an exceptionally impactful, masterfully written thriller that penetrates your soul. Rachel's chapters, in particular, affected me more than I anticipated.
The conclusion of the story was phenomenal. It's a truly unique, thought-provoking, heart-pounding experience that sets it apart from other thrillers I've read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and eagerly anticipate exploring more of the author's works.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for sharing this brilliant book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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November 6, 2023
4.5* This was SO good, I devoured it. My only (tiny) complaint is that the ending wasn’t as satisfying as I’d hoped but other than that, incredible.
July 21, 2023
I always regret having to write a less favourable review when it’s a debut but I just didn’t like this one. Nor did I connect with this style of writing. I was overwhelmed with the constant use of ‘you’, even though it was narrated by three different people.
“Before bed, you check the door is locked. Check and check again. You look inside closets. You check the bathroom. Check under the bed. You search and search and search for the threat following you like a shadow. You listen to the stories……”.
This has to be the most unexciting paragraph of any book I’ve read.
The blurb:
The Quiet Tenant explores the psychological impact of Aidan's crimes on the women in his life through the voices of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily - and the bonds between those women that give them the strength to fight back. Both a searing thriller and an astute study of trauma, survival, and the dynamics of power and absolute control. Sounds good if it had worked but unfortunately it didn’t, for me anyway.
The Plot
To the outside world Aidan Thomas is a hard working respectable man, a single father and the perfect neighbour, but he is also an abductor, a serial killer, and a misogynist.
For five years he has kept Rachel in his shed - really!!!! Then he has to move house and so he takes her with him and his daughter Cecelia. Eye roll again please - he then introduces his prisoner to his daughter as someone who needs a place to stay - again really 🙄
The tension was missing, the thrill absent, and the plot full of holes.
Ok I’ll stop there. I didn’t enjoy this one.
“Before bed, you check the door is locked. Check and check again. You look inside closets. You check the bathroom. Check under the bed. You search and search and search for the threat following you like a shadow. You listen to the stories……”.
This has to be the most unexciting paragraph of any book I’ve read.
The blurb:
The Quiet Tenant explores the psychological impact of Aidan's crimes on the women in his life through the voices of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily - and the bonds between those women that give them the strength to fight back. Both a searing thriller and an astute study of trauma, survival, and the dynamics of power and absolute control. Sounds good if it had worked but unfortunately it didn’t, for me anyway.
The Plot
To the outside world Aidan Thomas is a hard working respectable man, a single father and the perfect neighbour, but he is also an abductor, a serial killer, and a misogynist.
For five years he has kept Rachel in his shed - really!!!! Then he has to move house and so he takes her with him and his daughter Cecelia. Eye roll again please - he then introduces his prisoner to his daughter as someone who needs a place to stay - again really 🙄
The tension was missing, the thrill absent, and the plot full of holes.
Ok I’ll stop there. I didn’t enjoy this one.
January 1, 2024
4.5/5 - No better way to start the year than with a 4.5 rated thriller! This one follows Aidan who is a small town family man, that also happens to be a serial killer. This is narrated through the perspectives of his 13 year old daughter who has no idea what’s going on in her own house, Rachel - the girl he has kept captive for the past 5 years, and Emily - his new girlfriend. Loved the writing style of this and the ending had my heart racing!!
April 29, 2023
WOW! SIMPLY…WOW!
The premise of this book was so intriguing, leading me to instantly request a copy. Just before digging in I noticed polarizing reviews, giving me some serious concern. But lucky me! For once, I came out on the high side and absolutely LOVED with this book!
Recently widowed, Aiden is now taxed with raising his thirteen year-old daughter Cecelia after the unexpected death of his wife.
He’s a soft-spoken gentleman that will always go out of his way to help anyone. The town adores him! But like they say, if someone or something appears too good to be true….
So here’s the deal… Aiden as you might suspect is hiding deep, dark secrets! In fact, one of them is presently being held against her will upstairs right now!
Told from multiple perspectives of those around him, you’re privy to an up-close and disturbing glimpse of the monster.
The author’s writing style is very clipped. Normally this would have annoyed me, but it worked perfectly for this book, dove-tailing smoothly into the storyline adding even more tension and drama to the read. I was glued to every page, reading into the wee hours of the morning!
This book was absolutely unputdownable!
This was a debut thriller for this author. I really hope she’s busy working on her next because I’ll be the first in line!
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor.
The premise of this book was so intriguing, leading me to instantly request a copy. Just before digging in I noticed polarizing reviews, giving me some serious concern. But lucky me! For once, I came out on the high side and absolutely LOVED with this book!
Recently widowed, Aiden is now taxed with raising his thirteen year-old daughter Cecelia after the unexpected death of his wife.
He’s a soft-spoken gentleman that will always go out of his way to help anyone. The town adores him! But like they say, if someone or something appears too good to be true….
So here’s the deal… Aiden as you might suspect is hiding deep, dark secrets! In fact, one of them is presently being held against her will upstairs right now!
Told from multiple perspectives of those around him, you’re privy to an up-close and disturbing glimpse of the monster.
The author’s writing style is very clipped. Normally this would have annoyed me, but it worked perfectly for this book, dove-tailing smoothly into the storyline adding even more tension and drama to the read. I was glued to every page, reading into the wee hours of the morning!
This book was absolutely unputdownable!
This was a debut thriller for this author. I really hope she’s busy working on her next because I’ll be the first in line!
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor.
March 29, 2023
Let’s start off with the positive aspects about this book first. The cover is captivating (I loved it), I liked the title of this book, and the book description/synopsis was brilliant. I could not wait to read this book! A book about a serial killer, a trapped woman, and a daughter who has no idea what’s going on. Count me in!
However… this was not the expected thriller/suspense novel that I thought I would be reading. ‘The Quiet Tenant’ read more like a women’s filled drama, with one good looking man at the center of all the drama. There was no mystery or suspense in this book whatsoever.
We have alternating chapters throughout this story, all told in the voices of “The girl in the shed”, Emily, and Cecilia. The girl in the shed has been held captive for five years, and is transported to live in the house with our serial killer and his daughter. Now, I know I would not know what I would do if I was in her shoes, but I kept thinking she should move quicker than what she does. Cecilia is the 13 year old daughter of the serial killer, and honestly there’s not much that goes on with her. Emily- now this is where the eye-rolls came in. Emily thought she was the serial killer’s girlfriend, so she basically decided to stalk him. She was a bit creepy in my opinion. I feel she made some strange decisions as a woman (things I would never think to do). And then we have our handsome blue-eyed serial killer, Aiden.
Even after having just finished this book, I’m still left with more questions than answers. Since we had this big “character study” on Aiden and his women, I still don’t have any answers on why he killed the women that he did. I guess we are given little clues on his controlling behavior, but it was a very underwhelming conclusion.
If you are a fan of women’s fiction/drama, and not expecting a mystery/thriller (as this book is labeled), then you might enjoy this book more than I did. (2.5 stars rounded up)
Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, NetGalley, and the author for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. Publication date: June 20, 2023.
However… this was not the expected thriller/suspense novel that I thought I would be reading. ‘The Quiet Tenant’ read more like a women’s filled drama, with one good looking man at the center of all the drama. There was no mystery or suspense in this book whatsoever.
We have alternating chapters throughout this story, all told in the voices of “The girl in the shed”, Emily, and Cecilia. The girl in the shed has been held captive for five years, and is transported to live in the house with our serial killer and his daughter. Now, I know I would not know what I would do if I was in her shoes, but I kept thinking she should move quicker than what she does. Cecilia is the 13 year old daughter of the serial killer, and honestly there’s not much that goes on with her. Emily- now this is where the eye-rolls came in. Emily thought she was the serial killer’s girlfriend, so she basically decided to stalk him. She was a bit creepy in my opinion. I feel she made some strange decisions as a woman (things I would never think to do). And then we have our handsome blue-eyed serial killer, Aiden.
Even after having just finished this book, I’m still left with more questions than answers. Since we had this big “character study” on Aiden and his women, I still don’t have any answers on why he killed the women that he did. I guess we are given little clues on his controlling behavior, but it was a very underwhelming conclusion.
If you are a fan of women’s fiction/drama, and not expecting a mystery/thriller (as this book is labeled), then you might enjoy this book more than I did. (2.5 stars rounded up)
Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, NetGalley, and the author for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. Publication date: June 20, 2023.
August 24, 2023
2 disappointing stars
This was one of my most highly anticipated books this year. Unfortunately it was also one of the worst books I’ve read this year. My high expectations may have been a factor in ruining this but it came down to me not clicking with the writing.
My biggest issue was the unbelievable storyline. I didn’t buy into any part of what happened from the first to last page of this novel. Highly unrealistic. I need to feel that the stories I read could actually happen and this was not the case.
My other issue was the writing. I didn’t like the way the story was told. It felt clunky and lacked flow. I had to stop and reread sentences. Words were repeated unnecessarily. “A father” and “a daughter” were used so often and felt completely out of place. Upon finishing this book, I learned that English is not the authors first language. This explained a lot to me regarding the choppy writing and lack of flow. For this reason, I pushed my rating up to 2 stars instead of 1.5
I didn’t like the main character. I didn’t feel for her or have any investment in what was happening. I was bored and uninterested.
Unfortunately this was a huge disappointment for me and I cannot recommend this book. However, I am the outlier as most others loved it so be sure to read other reviews!
This was one of my most highly anticipated books this year. Unfortunately it was also one of the worst books I’ve read this year. My high expectations may have been a factor in ruining this but it came down to me not clicking with the writing.
My biggest issue was the unbelievable storyline. I didn’t buy into any part of what happened from the first to last page of this novel. Highly unrealistic. I need to feel that the stories I read could actually happen and this was not the case.
My other issue was the writing. I didn’t like the way the story was told. It felt clunky and lacked flow. I had to stop and reread sentences. Words were repeated unnecessarily. “A father” and “a daughter” were used so often and felt completely out of place. Upon finishing this book, I learned that English is not the authors first language. This explained a lot to me regarding the choppy writing and lack of flow. For this reason, I pushed my rating up to 2 stars instead of 1.5
I didn’t like the main character. I didn’t feel for her or have any investment in what was happening. I was bored and uninterested.
Unfortunately this was a huge disappointment for me and I cannot recommend this book. However, I am the outlier as most others loved it so be sure to read other reviews!
November 10, 2023
The Quiet Tenant surprised me by turning into a much more powerful read than I anticipated. Initially, I was stumped on how to rate it, ultimately deciding on 4-stars.
I really enjoyed the way Michallon chose to tell this story. It truly transported me into the mind of our narrators and left me with a lot to think about.
This is the kind of story that I don't want to say anything about really, as far as content goes. I only picked this one up because I saw a lot of high-rated reviews floating around from my book friends, and other reviewers I trust.
I never even read the full synopsis before I picked it up. I absolutely, 100%, definitely, totally recommend that as the way to go with this story. Go in as blind as possible.
Tense, pulse-pounding, sleep with the lights on, slower-paced, Psychological Thriller. That's all you need to know.
I was hooked into this very early and after a few disappointing reads in row, it was exactly what I needed to kick me out of an impending slump. Listening to the audio, I was completely immersed with what was going on with these characters. I definitely recommend that format.
Small trigger warning: there is some content involving a dog in Chapter 44. I skipped the majority of that chapter, just preferring not to discover what was happening there. If you are sensitive to that type of thing, just bee-bop right over it. If you pick up at Chapter 45, you'll be fine.
Overall though, I had a great time with The Quiet Tenant. I haven't read many books like this as far as the narrative choices, so it will be a stand-out for me in 2023.
This is the first novel that I have read from this author, but I am looking forward to reading more!!
I really enjoyed the way Michallon chose to tell this story. It truly transported me into the mind of our narrators and left me with a lot to think about.
This is the kind of story that I don't want to say anything about really, as far as content goes. I only picked this one up because I saw a lot of high-rated reviews floating around from my book friends, and other reviewers I trust.
I never even read the full synopsis before I picked it up. I absolutely, 100%, definitely, totally recommend that as the way to go with this story. Go in as blind as possible.
Tense, pulse-pounding, sleep with the lights on, slower-paced, Psychological Thriller. That's all you need to know.
I was hooked into this very early and after a few disappointing reads in row, it was exactly what I needed to kick me out of an impending slump. Listening to the audio, I was completely immersed with what was going on with these characters. I definitely recommend that format.
Small trigger warning: there is some content involving a dog in Chapter 44. I skipped the majority of that chapter, just preferring not to discover what was happening there. If you are sensitive to that type of thing, just bee-bop right over it. If you pick up at Chapter 45, you'll be fine.
Overall though, I had a great time with The Quiet Tenant. I haven't read many books like this as far as the narrative choices, so it will be a stand-out for me in 2023.
This is the first novel that I have read from this author, but I am looking forward to reading more!!
August 8, 2024
4.5 🌟 !!!!! This book CREEPED ME OUT! The audiobook was fantastic & definitely bumped my rating up from a 4 🌟 I wouldn’t say it was anything super profound or unique, but if you’re looking for a book that will keep you turning the page & give you the creeps along the way, check this one out!!
July 11, 2023
I have seen many mixed reviews and admit that its made me pause and think. I agree that telling a story in a second pov can be disastrous. Ontop of that, yes its very descriptive with some weird sentences. But, this book made me feel a lot of emotions. It gripped me and it made me turn pages fast to get to the end. Each to his own opinion, I really liked it.
Major trigger warnings for abuse, sexual abuse and captivity.
Major trigger warnings for abuse, sexual abuse and captivity.
September 1, 2023
What a terrific debut!
I was completely immersed in the story from the opening chapter.
The atmosphere of despair and isolation was very intense.
Although the pace was slow, I was on the edge of my seat, because I cared so much for the main character.
I thought that the writing was refreshing and unique, and I loved the multiple POV and the alternating writing style between 1st and 2nd person.
The development of the storyline was skillfully executed.
Here we have the perspective from the victim, not the abuser, as well as the perspective of the abuser’s daughter.
I believe that this book will not please everyone, and it’s understandable.
As for me, I can’t contain my enthusiasm at this moment, and I feel inapt to write anything else.
But I can say that this is the best psychological thriller that I have read this year, to date (I thought that Strange Sally Diamond, by Liz Nugent was going to be the winner).
I was completely immersed in the story from the opening chapter.
The atmosphere of despair and isolation was very intense.
Although the pace was slow, I was on the edge of my seat, because I cared so much for the main character.
I thought that the writing was refreshing and unique, and I loved the multiple POV and the alternating writing style between 1st and 2nd person.
The development of the storyline was skillfully executed.
Here we have the perspective from the victim, not the abuser, as well as the perspective of the abuser’s daughter.
I believe that this book will not please everyone, and it’s understandable.
As for me, I can’t contain my enthusiasm at this moment, and I feel inapt to write anything else.
But I can say that this is the best psychological thriller that I have read this year, to date (I thought that Strange Sally Diamond, by Liz Nugent was going to be the winner).
January 6, 2023
QUICK TAKE: It's GILMORE GIRLS, except Luke is a serial killer and Lorelai is an unsuspecting bar manager who becomes his next potential victim. I loved it. It's extremely dark and twisty, similar in tone to books like GIRL A, and I loved how the author also told the story from the point of view of the victims. Very clever, VERY dark, very good.
November 11, 2022
Dnf’ed at 17%. Reading this book was like watching paint dry. I’m disappointed because the premise seemed like it would be a winner but I couldn’t get past the writer’s robotic writing. The overly descriptive details drove me crazy and I did not like the second person perspective.
A woman is taken by a serial killer who moves her unexpectedly into his home with his daughter. His daughter has no idea who her father really is and neither does the poor sap from the local restaurant who fell head over heels for him.
The Quiet Tenant is available July 20, 2023.
Thank you netgalley and knopf for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
A woman is taken by a serial killer who moves her unexpectedly into his home with his daughter. His daughter has no idea who her father really is and neither does the poor sap from the local restaurant who fell head over heels for him.
The Quiet Tenant is available July 20, 2023.
Thank you netgalley and knopf for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 29, 2023
Stand back if you don't wanna get any on ya.
We have four main characters:
Aidan Thomas, the Kidnapper/Rapist/Serial Killer. This guy is attractive, fit, a former Marine, and an all-around good neighbor and family man (when he's not practicing his killskills.) In other words, he's the stereotypical fictional kidnapper/rapist/serial killer.
"The Woman in the ____" - most often, the blank is "Shed" or "Room," aka Rachel. She's the dumbest abductee in fiction, intentionally passing up opportunities to escape and then rationalizing her reasons to the reader. My thoughts: "You don't have to convince me, Rach; convince your therapist once you get out of this clusterfuck - if you live that long."
Cecilia Thomas, Aidan's daughter. I think her age is between 11 - 14. Naive and sharp in turns, she's too blinded by love for her dad to see the forest for the trees. She never asks her parental unit any probing questions as to why a stranger dwells in the guest room and never ever leaves the house.
Emily. Isn't there always an Emily? She's a 20-something restaurant owner, inherited from her dad. Her every inner monologue is exquisitely cringe: seeing Aidan for the first time; getting the nerve to talk to him; getting the nerve to flirt; getting the nerve to "accidentally" touch his hand while passing him a drink... She's an overgrown tween feeding and watering a terminal crush.
The plot, inasmuch as there was one, follows Rachel, Aidan's intended Victim No. 9, after she talks him out of murdering her and into living with him and his daughter in their newly-rented house across town. Night after night, she joins him and Cecilia for dinner downstairs before he handcuffs her again to the guest room radiator. After having his way with her, he steps out to grab a Virgin Old Fashioned (I shit you not) at Emily's bar.
A bunch of nothing happens and the stupid climax finally killed me from boredom. The end.
We have four main characters:
Aidan Thomas, the Kidnapper/Rapist/Serial Killer. This guy is attractive, fit, a former Marine, and an all-around good neighbor and family man (when he's not practicing his killskills.) In other words, he's the stereotypical fictional kidnapper/rapist/serial killer.
"The Woman in the ____" - most often, the blank is "Shed" or "Room," aka Rachel. She's the dumbest abductee in fiction, intentionally passing up opportunities to escape and then rationalizing her reasons to the reader. My thoughts: "You don't have to convince me, Rach; convince your therapist once you get out of this clusterfuck - if you live that long."
Cecilia Thomas, Aidan's daughter. I think her age is between 11 - 14. Naive and sharp in turns, she's too blinded by love for her dad to see the forest for the trees. She never asks her parental unit any probing questions as to why a stranger dwells in the guest room and never ever leaves the house.
Emily. Isn't there always an Emily? She's a 20-something restaurant owner, inherited from her dad. Her every inner monologue is exquisitely cringe: seeing Aidan for the first time; getting the nerve to talk to him; getting the nerve to flirt; getting the nerve to "accidentally" touch his hand while passing him a drink... She's an overgrown tween feeding and watering a terminal crush.
The plot, inasmuch as there was one, follows Rachel, Aidan's intended Victim No. 9, after she talks him out of murdering her and into living with him and his daughter in their newly-rented house across town. Night after night, she joins him and Cecilia for dinner downstairs before he handcuffs her again to the guest room radiator. After having his way with her, he steps out to grab a Virgin Old Fashioned (I shit you not) at Emily's bar.
A bunch of nothing happens and the stupid climax finally killed me from boredom. The end.
February 21, 2023
4-5 stars
The woman, ‘Rachel’, has been chained in a shed for five years, no one seems to be looking for her, has she been forgotten? She has stayed alive when maybe others haven’t by appeasing, agreeing and apologising. Who is her captor? He is a recent widower, Aidan Thomas, who in his town is regarded as a truly wonderful man, prepared to help anyone and everyone. He’s polite, kind and a good father to twelve year old Cecilia. Aidan has to move house and it is agreed that ‘Rachel’ will move with him, come out of the shed and become his tenant, an exceptionally quiet one so that Cece is neither aware or suspicious that she is chained much of the day and night in her room. The story is told by Rachel, Cecilia and by Emily who becomes attracted to and obsessed with Aidan.
This novel seems to have divided readers into two camps, those who didn’t finish it and those at the opposite end of the spectrum who think it’s brilliant. I’m in the latter camp! I become hooked, drawn in and immersed right from the beginning. Rachel’s perspective is disturbing, haunting and at times brutal. At the start of the book the sentences are short, sharp, suspenseful and chock full of tension conveying her desire to stay alive, her stillness and lack of fight. As time goes on this subtly changes once she is the tenant and interacting with Cece, at times the tone is almost, but not quite, relaxed as weaknesses are sought to exploit. Cecilia is a really lovely child and she helps to relieve the intensity and whilst Emily drives me mad she is absolutely integral to the outcome. What of Aidan? He’s an enigmatic chameleon that’s for sure but I imagine most psychopaths are.
The novel is extremely well written, it’s hard to put down especially when it becomes as twisty as. The danger builds, calms, builds again and the ending is good and I’m so glad it doesn’t go on and on allowing you to make your own assumptions. I guess parts of this seem unlikely but this is good fiction and when you look at what some people do then maybe it’s not beyond the realms. I’d like to congratulate Clémence Michallon for writing such a high quality debut in English which is not her first language - that’s quite a feat.
I really like this character driven novel because it’s a bit different from the usual in this genre, it’s a cracking read and a most impressive debut.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
The woman, ‘Rachel’, has been chained in a shed for five years, no one seems to be looking for her, has she been forgotten? She has stayed alive when maybe others haven’t by appeasing, agreeing and apologising. Who is her captor? He is a recent widower, Aidan Thomas, who in his town is regarded as a truly wonderful man, prepared to help anyone and everyone. He’s polite, kind and a good father to twelve year old Cecilia. Aidan has to move house and it is agreed that ‘Rachel’ will move with him, come out of the shed and become his tenant, an exceptionally quiet one so that Cece is neither aware or suspicious that she is chained much of the day and night in her room. The story is told by Rachel, Cecilia and by Emily who becomes attracted to and obsessed with Aidan.
This novel seems to have divided readers into two camps, those who didn’t finish it and those at the opposite end of the spectrum who think it’s brilliant. I’m in the latter camp! I become hooked, drawn in and immersed right from the beginning. Rachel’s perspective is disturbing, haunting and at times brutal. At the start of the book the sentences are short, sharp, suspenseful and chock full of tension conveying her desire to stay alive, her stillness and lack of fight. As time goes on this subtly changes once she is the tenant and interacting with Cece, at times the tone is almost, but not quite, relaxed as weaknesses are sought to exploit. Cecilia is a really lovely child and she helps to relieve the intensity and whilst Emily drives me mad she is absolutely integral to the outcome. What of Aidan? He’s an enigmatic chameleon that’s for sure but I imagine most psychopaths are.
The novel is extremely well written, it’s hard to put down especially when it becomes as twisty as. The danger builds, calms, builds again and the ending is good and I’m so glad it doesn’t go on and on allowing you to make your own assumptions. I guess parts of this seem unlikely but this is good fiction and when you look at what some people do then maybe it’s not beyond the realms. I’d like to congratulate Clémence Michallon for writing such a high quality debut in English which is not her first language - that’s quite a feat.
I really like this character driven novel because it’s a bit different from the usual in this genre, it’s a cracking read and a most impressive debut.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 1, 2023
“It’s easier to go through life if people like you.”
Is The Quiet Tenant just another thriller about a kidnapped woman?
Reviewers are polarized about this book, so I needed to find out why! I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by a large cast of terrific readers. Their voices may have even lured me into the plot more so than if I was just reading the text!
Aidan is living a double life. Father to thirteen year old Cecilia and recent widow, he works as a lineman restoring power to the community.
Emily is a restaurateur and bartender who has her eye on Aidan. She looks forward to serving him Cokes at the bar and hopes to get to know him better. The town has been rallying behind him, fundraising to help with finances after the sudden death of his wife. He is attractive, quiet, and unassuming.
But Aidan has a secret. He has been holding Rachel captive in a shack for five years, where she is handcuffed and brutally raped each day. She believes she is not the first woman he has taken, and fears for the day he decides to kill her too.
When Aidan and his daughter move house, will he take Rachel with him? Or does he have his sights set on Emily?
The Quiet Tenant is compulsively readable, but lacking in believability, terror, and twists. Aidan’s character is not fully developed and there are too many plot holes. If you are looking for a frightening thriller about a kidnapping, check out Will Dean’s The Last Thing to Burn or Room by Emma Donoghue.
Overall, it’s a quick read, but definitely a PG version of a what should be an R rated thriller.
3.5/5 stars rounded down
Is The Quiet Tenant just another thriller about a kidnapped woman?
Reviewers are polarized about this book, so I needed to find out why! I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by a large cast of terrific readers. Their voices may have even lured me into the plot more so than if I was just reading the text!
Aidan is living a double life. Father to thirteen year old Cecilia and recent widow, he works as a lineman restoring power to the community.
Emily is a restaurateur and bartender who has her eye on Aidan. She looks forward to serving him Cokes at the bar and hopes to get to know him better. The town has been rallying behind him, fundraising to help with finances after the sudden death of his wife. He is attractive, quiet, and unassuming.
But Aidan has a secret. He has been holding Rachel captive in a shack for five years, where she is handcuffed and brutally raped each day. She believes she is not the first woman he has taken, and fears for the day he decides to kill her too.
When Aidan and his daughter move house, will he take Rachel with him? Or does he have his sights set on Emily?
The Quiet Tenant is compulsively readable, but lacking in believability, terror, and twists. Aidan’s character is not fully developed and there are too many plot holes. If you are looking for a frightening thriller about a kidnapping, check out Will Dean’s The Last Thing to Burn or Room by Emma Donoghue.
Overall, it’s a quick read, but definitely a PG version of a what should be an R rated thriller.
3.5/5 stars rounded down
June 28, 2023
I really need to stay away from thrillers as a rule, but especially from ones that have the words "pulse pounding" used to describe them.
Because, quite frankly, this was awful.
I'm beginning to think that publishers get excited about the elevator pitch of a novel and push the heck of it simply based on a one or two sentence blurb that does not take the entire novel into account. Because there is no pulses pounding here. Not a one.
Instead, the reader is treated to four main characters.
Rachel - the constantly titled "Woman in the house"...who, quite frankly, makes the second most ridiculous choices imaginable. She is only outgunned for ridiculousness by...
Aiden - the kidnapper who is completely unbelievable as a menace because he tends to utter the same facile threats whenever he's telling Rachel what to do, offers no real menace, and is the absolute winner for ridiculous choices. If this guy existed in the real world, he'd have been caught years ago. An utterly shockingly stupid character.
Cecilia - Aiden's 13-year-old daughter who remains criminally underdeveloped through the entire novel to keep a single plot reveal going. Bland and unrealistic.
Emily - ah, and then there's Emily, the woman torn straight out of a bodice-ripper romance novel, who's so hand-wringingly over the top in her adoration of Aiden that she fairly drips with desperation. And, for one who's desperate to get with this man of limited personality, she also does some really stupid things. Like...break into his house to snoop on two different occasions.
I love a taut thriller. I really do. But man, it's got to be built on people who are smart, who do things with intent, who have strong motivations. Like any good story, it has to be built on a well-plotted, intelligent progression of scenes and ever-increasing suspense.
This? This ain't that.
Because, quite frankly, this was awful.
I'm beginning to think that publishers get excited about the elevator pitch of a novel and push the heck of it simply based on a one or two sentence blurb that does not take the entire novel into account. Because there is no pulses pounding here. Not a one.
Instead, the reader is treated to four main characters.
Rachel - the constantly titled "Woman in the house"...who, quite frankly, makes the second most ridiculous choices imaginable. She is only outgunned for ridiculousness by...
Aiden - the kidnapper who is completely unbelievable as a menace because he tends to utter the same facile threats whenever he's telling Rachel what to do, offers no real menace, and is the absolute winner for ridiculous choices. If this guy existed in the real world, he'd have been caught years ago. An utterly shockingly stupid character.
Cecilia - Aiden's 13-year-old daughter who remains criminally underdeveloped through the entire novel to keep a single plot reveal going. Bland and unrealistic.
Emily - ah, and then there's Emily, the woman torn straight out of a bodice-ripper romance novel, who's so hand-wringingly over the top in her adoration of Aiden that she fairly drips with desperation. And, for one who's desperate to get with this man of limited personality, she also does some really stupid things. Like...break into his house to snoop on two different occasions.
I love a taut thriller. I really do. But man, it's got to be built on people who are smart, who do things with intent, who have strong motivations. Like any good story, it has to be built on a well-plotted, intelligent progression of scenes and ever-increasing suspense.
This? This ain't that.
August 16, 2023
4⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Publication date ~ June 20, 2023
Page Count ~ 304
Audio length ~ 10 hours 44 minutes
Narrators ~ Gilli Messer, Elena Rey, Valerie Rose Lohman, Amber Battaglia, Reba Buhr, Jess Nahikian, Aure Nash, Milly Sanders, Sara Sheckells, Yu-Li Alice Shen
POV ~ 1st, 2nd & 3rd
Featuring ~ debut, serial killer, dark, se*ual abuse
Quite the interesting chapter titles (I didn't realize there were so many different ones until I started typing them up and since I already put in all the work I figured I'd leave it for you to see, so read them if you want, or don't, I won't ever know): The woman in the shed ~ The woman in the shed, when she was still a girl ~ The woman in transit ~ The woman in the house ~ Number one ~ Number two ~ Number three ~ The woman-before the house, before the shed ~ Number four ~ The woman in danger ~ The Woman, a long time ago ~ The woman without a number ~ The woman on the move ~ The woman in the house, so very close to a girl ~ Number five ~ The woman in the house, always in the house ~ Number seven ~ The woman, descending ~ The woman under the house ~ Number eight ~ Number nine ~ The woman in the truck ~ The woman on the move ~ The woman, almost there ~ The woman, running ~ The woman at the police station ~ The woman with a name
The woman... chapters are all told in the 2nd person. This might be my first experience with this and I'm still thinking about if I liked it or not.
Emily owns the local restaurant and has her eyes on Aiden. We, the readers, are screaming at her NO, since we know what this evil man is capable of, but do you think she listens to us, nope.
We hear from Cecilia, Aiden's 13 year old daughter, which showed how controlling he is with her.
Overall, this was a pretty good debut. My pulse was pounding a few times just like the description said it would.
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration notes:
Holy narrators batman, however I couldn't really tell the difference between most of them except for the one that did Cecilia, so if they weren't all listed I might not have ever known.
*Thanks to the author, Knopf and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Publication date ~ June 20, 2023
Page Count ~ 304
Audio length ~ 10 hours 44 minutes
Narrators ~ Gilli Messer, Elena Rey, Valerie Rose Lohman, Amber Battaglia, Reba Buhr, Jess Nahikian, Aure Nash, Milly Sanders, Sara Sheckells, Yu-Li Alice Shen
POV ~ 1st, 2nd & 3rd
Featuring ~ debut, serial killer, dark, se*ual abuse
Quite the interesting chapter titles (I didn't realize there were so many different ones until I started typing them up and since I already put in all the work I figured I'd leave it for you to see, so read them if you want, or don't, I won't ever know): The woman in the shed ~ The woman in the shed, when she was still a girl ~ The woman in transit ~ The woman in the house ~ Number one ~ Number two ~ Number three ~ The woman-before the house, before the shed ~ Number four ~ The woman in danger ~ The Woman, a long time ago ~ The woman without a number ~ The woman on the move ~ The woman in the house, so very close to a girl ~ Number five ~ The woman in the house, always in the house ~ Number seven ~ The woman, descending ~ The woman under the house ~ Number eight ~ Number nine ~ The woman in the truck ~ The woman on the move ~ The woman, almost there ~ The woman, running ~ The woman at the police station ~ The woman with a name
The woman... chapters are all told in the 2nd person. This might be my first experience with this and I'm still thinking about if I liked it or not.
Emily owns the local restaurant and has her eyes on Aiden. We, the readers, are screaming at her NO, since we know what this evil man is capable of, but do you think she listens to us, nope.
We hear from Cecilia, Aiden's 13 year old daughter, which showed how controlling he is with her.
Overall, this was a pretty good debut. My pulse was pounding a few times just like the description said it would.
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration notes:
Holy narrators batman, however I couldn't really tell the difference between most of them except for the one that did Cecilia, so if they weren't all listed I might not have ever known.
*Thanks to the author, Knopf and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
November 22, 2023
Aidan is a serial killer and this book follows his story through the perspective of his current captive “Rachel”, his girlfriend Emily and his daughter Cecilia. this is a psychological thriller but you know what else it is? BORING. I don’t like 2nd person perspectives, so all of “Rachel’s” chapters were getting on my last nerve. I don’t like none of these damn characters and this book was not thrilling. I don’t even know how this is supposed to be a thriller cause nothing happens. don’t piss me off.
June 19, 2023
"One of the most anticipated novels of 2023..." That phrase, as well as the cover of the book, sparked my attention. The horror of this pulse-pounding psychological thriller was hard to accept as you get to know a serial killer through the eyes of his 13 year old daughter, one of his victims spared, and his girlfriend.
The suspense of women being fooled by the very ones they trust will have you look around every corner as a serial killer lurks around locating and destroying his victims, except the one he decided to keep chained in a shed, while his wife and daughter are inside their home.
Aidan is known as a hard working family man doing good deeds around the community. When his wife dies of cancer, the community holds a fundraiser for him and his daughter. When he moves, he takes his victim, Rachel, with him and creates new boundaries as she lives in the house with his daughter. She has been captive for 5 years.
This story is more about the victim Rachel once a runner and independent woman. It is told through her eyes, as well as his daughter, Cecilia and new girlfriend, Emily. Rachel is in survival mode, as she is given more freedom around the house. She is beyond brainwashed as it is seared into her brain she can't leave. That he will find her.
My heart ached for her and her family. I can't even imagine the horror for her and all his victims that did not survive. The author did a great job keeping it real but nothing in detail what he did to her. The story will ring familiar with other books and the endurance of captivity.
Thank you NetGalley and Knopf Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The suspense of women being fooled by the very ones they trust will have you look around every corner as a serial killer lurks around locating and destroying his victims, except the one he decided to keep chained in a shed, while his wife and daughter are inside their home.
Aidan is known as a hard working family man doing good deeds around the community. When his wife dies of cancer, the community holds a fundraiser for him and his daughter. When he moves, he takes his victim, Rachel, with him and creates new boundaries as she lives in the house with his daughter. She has been captive for 5 years.
This story is more about the victim Rachel once a runner and independent woman. It is told through her eyes, as well as his daughter, Cecilia and new girlfriend, Emily. Rachel is in survival mode, as she is given more freedom around the house. She is beyond brainwashed as it is seared into her brain she can't leave. That he will find her.
My heart ached for her and her family. I can't even imagine the horror for her and all his victims that did not survive. The author did a great job keeping it real but nothing in detail what he did to her. The story will ring familiar with other books and the endurance of captivity.
Thank you NetGalley and Knopf Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 30, 2023
Denne fungerte ikkje heilt for meg. Bruk av ‘du’ form var nok et litterært grep for å understreke korleis leieboeren måtte viske seg sjølv ut, men for meg blei det heile merkelig.
September 3, 2026
Did you know, the average person encounters 30+ murderers in their lifetime? - that's pretty scary - I'm naturally suspicious so I like to think I'd spot one I currently suspect my dentist - no man should get that much pleasure sticking a needle in a mouth - plus, he has a man bun - psychopath, obviously
What's even more terrifying is that serial killers hide in plain sight, they have families (like my dentist), they have respectable well paid jobs (🦷 like a dentist,) and in many cases, the victims make first contact with them (the evidence is overwhelming, now arrest him!)
This novel is about one such serial killer, a man (my damn gender making us look bad again) who is a pillar of the community, loved and respected by all but has a sadistic dark side to him. Where this novel differs from most, is that it doesn't really focus on the man himself - instead it focuses on 3 females, all of whom have a different relationship with the killer (1. His Victim, 2. His daughter, 3. His potential love interest)
This novel is not your average paint by numbers Thriller, so those expecting a fast paced, twist and turns, exciting read - may be very disappointed. This is a slow burn - a statement I often use to criticise a book - but in this case, it's a very good psychological slow burn.
The whole novel is masterfully atmospheric and unsettling. I loved that the whole story was told through the eyes of the women and not through the killers eyes - it gives you the opportunity to relate to them, and you share their feeling of fear and dread.
But I also have to be honest - the novel will likely divide readers. I've mentioned it being a slow burn, but I also imagine some readers may not appreciate or enjoy the constant switching of narratives being told through first, second and third person - It takes a bit of getting used to.
The only thing that didn't really work for me was the ending - it's obviously intended to take a more realistic approach, but after reading for hours I hoped for something a bit less anticlimactic.
But this is a very well told and well written thriller. I do think it is a thriller that can be more appreciated from a female audience as it strays away from glorifying violence and the killer - focusing solely on the empowering female characters.
Obviously, being a guy, it would have been nice to see a male character with a positive role (we ain't all bad y’know - I'm a good guy, I helped an old lady put her shopping in the car, because I care . . . . . And I needed her parking space) - but it's still a very good story. And made more impressive that this was author Clemence Michallon’s debut.
For a first time female author it takes some balls (probably not the right phrase to use) to tackle a dark haunting thriller told from multiple perspectives - but Clemence nails it. Excellent debut, hopefully the beginning of something special - really impressed and an easy recommendation from me ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What's even more terrifying is that serial killers hide in plain sight, they have families (like my dentist), they have respectable well paid jobs (🦷 like a dentist,) and in many cases, the victims make first contact with them (the evidence is overwhelming, now arrest him!)
This novel is about one such serial killer, a man (my damn gender making us look bad again) who is a pillar of the community, loved and respected by all but has a sadistic dark side to him. Where this novel differs from most, is that it doesn't really focus on the man himself - instead it focuses on 3 females, all of whom have a different relationship with the killer (1. His Victim, 2. His daughter, 3. His potential love interest)
This novel is not your average paint by numbers Thriller, so those expecting a fast paced, twist and turns, exciting read - may be very disappointed. This is a slow burn - a statement I often use to criticise a book - but in this case, it's a very good psychological slow burn.
The whole novel is masterfully atmospheric and unsettling. I loved that the whole story was told through the eyes of the women and not through the killers eyes - it gives you the opportunity to relate to them, and you share their feeling of fear and dread.
But I also have to be honest - the novel will likely divide readers. I've mentioned it being a slow burn, but I also imagine some readers may not appreciate or enjoy the constant switching of narratives being told through first, second and third person - It takes a bit of getting used to.
The only thing that didn't really work for me was the ending - it's obviously intended to take a more realistic approach, but after reading for hours I hoped for something a bit less anticlimactic.
But this is a very well told and well written thriller. I do think it is a thriller that can be more appreciated from a female audience as it strays away from glorifying violence and the killer - focusing solely on the empowering female characters.
Obviously, being a guy, it would have been nice to see a male character with a positive role (we ain't all bad y’know - I'm a good guy, I helped an old lady put her shopping in the car, because I care . . . . . And I needed her parking space) - but it's still a very good story. And made more impressive that this was author Clemence Michallon’s debut.
For a first time female author it takes some balls (probably not the right phrase to use) to tackle a dark haunting thriller told from multiple perspectives - but Clemence nails it. Excellent debut, hopefully the beginning of something special - really impressed and an easy recommendation from me ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
May 23, 2023
Wait until you meet Aidan Thomas, a man beloved by his town and his daughter. He is always the one to be a "Johnny on the spot" whenever the need arises. Sounds like the perfect friend, neighbor, father, but deep within Aidan, there is a stunning secret. Aidan's a rapist and a serial killer tallying up eight murders while number nine is being prepped for her demise.
Aidan definitely has two faces, one he shares with his community and one he scares with to the women he has killed. Rachel has been a prisoner of Aidan's, kept in a backyard shed and then moved into his home where he traps her, and feels due to his intimidation and fear, that Rachel will be acquiescent. Her duties include taking care of Aidan's daughter, Cecilia, and meeting his demands for fear of her life.
Aidan meets a local bar owner, Emily, who falls prey to his charms. He is planting a seed for her to be victim number 10, but can she beat him with Rachel's help?
It's a tense story one that, with the amount of missing women, is not at all hard to believe. I enjoyed this book as the author always managed to keep her audience engaged and anxious.
Thank you to Clemence Michallon, Knopf Publishing, and NetGalley for a copy of this story due out June 20, 2023.
Aidan definitely has two faces, one he shares with his community and one he scares with to the women he has killed. Rachel has been a prisoner of Aidan's, kept in a backyard shed and then moved into his home where he traps her, and feels due to his intimidation and fear, that Rachel will be acquiescent. Her duties include taking care of Aidan's daughter, Cecilia, and meeting his demands for fear of her life.
Aidan meets a local bar owner, Emily, who falls prey to his charms. He is planting a seed for her to be victim number 10, but can she beat him with Rachel's help?
It's a tense story one that, with the amount of missing women, is not at all hard to believe. I enjoyed this book as the author always managed to keep her audience engaged and anxious.
Thank you to Clemence Michallon, Knopf Publishing, and NetGalley for a copy of this story due out June 20, 2023.
April 8, 2024
Reading Vlog & Review
This one is hard to review. It felt like my rating changed with every chapter. On one hand, there are beautifully written and meaningful quotes that really stuck out to me. On the other hand, the ending flopped so aggressively that I'm questioning what was going on inside the author's head. Why have us on the edge of our seat for 95% of the book? So deeply rooted in this character and genuinely wanting her to succeed and have these beautiful reunions with the people she thinks about constantly and loves so deeply? Why do that and then end it like...that?
BUT, the rest of the book is seriously good. I don't know how to recommend this book because it's one of those experiences where you're on a high and enjoying it so much, just to be gutted at the end when you get absolutely nothing you wanted and virtually no ending at all.
I just flipped to a random tab in the beginning of this book to relay to you all. And THIS is what I mean by amazing writing and poignant prompts...
"People told you to say no. They never said how. They made it very clear that the world wouldn't stop for you and that it was your responsibility to make it slow down, but no one ever gave instructions beyond that. No one told you how to look into the eyes of the person you love and say you want to stop."
This one is hard to review. It felt like my rating changed with every chapter. On one hand, there are beautifully written and meaningful quotes that really stuck out to me. On the other hand, the ending flopped so aggressively that I'm questioning what was going on inside the author's head. Why have us on the edge of our seat for 95% of the book? So deeply rooted in this character and genuinely wanting her to succeed and have these beautiful reunions with the people she thinks about constantly and loves so deeply? Why do that and then end it like...that?
BUT, the rest of the book is seriously good. I don't know how to recommend this book because it's one of those experiences where you're on a high and enjoying it so much, just to be gutted at the end when you get absolutely nothing you wanted and virtually no ending at all.
I just flipped to a random tab in the beginning of this book to relay to you all. And THIS is what I mean by amazing writing and poignant prompts...
"People told you to say no. They never said how. They made it very clear that the world wouldn't stop for you and that it was your responsibility to make it slow down, but no one ever gave instructions beyond that. No one told you how to look into the eyes of the person you love and say you want to stop."
June 25, 2023
The Woman In the Shed...
THE QUIET TENANT
by Clemence Michallon
4 stars. He is young, strong, and well-groomed. He knows his neighbors, and he takes out his trash...
And...
He is the guy in line with you at the market. His drink of choice is cherry coke at the restaurant/bar owned by his next intended victim Emily...
His current victim...
He calls Rachel. Rachel is not her real name. Rachel has been kept five years in his shed out in back of his house...
Stalking, raping, and murder...
This has been his MO for years. His wife recently died, and now he's known to his community as an exemplary single parent...
But...
His world takes a sudden turn when he is evicted from his isolated lair by his in-laws after his wife's death...
His newest problem is...
What to do about the woman in the shed while moving house and stalking his current victim...
Unfortunately, this story does somewhat accurately reflect the actions of real serial killers. They seem so normal, and many times, there is no clue to the violence lurking behind the mask.
Another detail to note is the way that victims are not seen as real people if the perpetrator bothers to see them at all in their frenzy for instant gratification.
I removed a star because the first 50% was very slow moving, but overall, it was a thought-provoking and cautionary tale.
THE QUIET TENANT
by Clemence Michallon
4 stars. He is young, strong, and well-groomed. He knows his neighbors, and he takes out his trash...
And...
He is the guy in line with you at the market. His drink of choice is cherry coke at the restaurant/bar owned by his next intended victim Emily...
His current victim...
He calls Rachel. Rachel is not her real name. Rachel has been kept five years in his shed out in back of his house...
Stalking, raping, and murder...
This has been his MO for years. His wife recently died, and now he's known to his community as an exemplary single parent...
But...
His world takes a sudden turn when he is evicted from his isolated lair by his in-laws after his wife's death...
His newest problem is...
What to do about the woman in the shed while moving house and stalking his current victim...
Unfortunately, this story does somewhat accurately reflect the actions of real serial killers. They seem so normal, and many times, there is no clue to the violence lurking behind the mask.
Another detail to note is the way that victims are not seen as real people if the perpetrator bothers to see them at all in their frenzy for instant gratification.
I removed a star because the first 50% was very slow moving, but overall, it was a thought-provoking and cautionary tale.
May 12, 2023
Update 6/20/23: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Publishing Group for sending me an ARC of The Quiet Tenant in exchange for an honest review.
Aidan is a serial rapist and murderer. But for some reason (never made entirely clear), Aidan has held captive in his shed a woman he calls Rachel. When his wife passes away and his in-laws throw him out of their house, Aidan has to move. You’d think that would be the end of Rachel, but surprisingly not. Aidan decides to take Rachel with him, and let her begin living in his new house, even though that brings Rachel into contact with his 13-year-old daughter, Cecilia. And for the first time in five years, Rachel has a glimmer of hope that she can survive her ordeal.
The Quiet Tenant has an interesting conceit: the story is told by the women in Aidan’s life, but never from Aidan’s perspective. The majority of the story, as you might expect, is from Rachel’s point of view. Told in the second-person to draw you into her plight, it was compelling stuff, as you are suddenly balancing your laser-focus on not provoking Aidan with the possibility that the change in your circumstances might give you a chance at escape. The book also does a fairly convincing job of explaining the opportunities Rachel chooses not to risk. I also liked Cecilia’s perspective. Aidan is her dad, so she doesn’t really have a frame of reference for his strangeness, but she is able to sense that something is off with Rachel. And I really liked the short chapters from the perspectives of Aidan’s earlier victims.
Where I thought The Quiet Tenant was weakest was when told from the perspective of Emily, who has a crush on Aidan. While of course she doesn’t know what Aidan really is, her mooning over a serial killer just felt so out of place. It was also never really clear whether Aidan was interested in her as a future victim or a potential new wife. I’m just not sure I grasped why Emily needed to be in the story (other than to put certain plot points in motion that I’m sure could have been done without her). And, while I’m quibbling, I did not love the ending, and do not believe that Rachel would have been physically capable of doing what she did after five years in the conditions of her captivity.
Still, despite some imperfections, The Quiet Tenant is a solid thriller, based on the all-to-real violence faced by women every day. And this novel would make a great movie. Recommended.
You always thought when the moment came you’d know for sure.
Are you afraid?
Are you a coward?
Women like you are supposed to be brave. That’s what you used to hear. On the news, in magazine articles. Long profiles of girls who went missing and found their way home. Of women who worked under the tutelage of horrible men and found their way out. She was so brave. Like a consolation prize: Sorry we couldn’t save you, but now we’ll pretend to worship the ground you walk on.
…
You know what the world has to offer to people like you. The best you can hope for: Him, alive, in an orange jumpsuit. A courthouse, chains around his wrists and ankles. Newspaper headlines telling the world what he did. It’s not quite right, and you’re not sure you want any of it. But it’s the only option, and you will have to take it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Publishing Group for sending me an ARC of The Quiet Tenant in exchange for an honest review.
Aidan is a serial rapist and murderer. But for some reason (never made entirely clear), Aidan has held captive in his shed a woman he calls Rachel. When his wife passes away and his in-laws throw him out of their house, Aidan has to move. You’d think that would be the end of Rachel, but surprisingly not. Aidan decides to take Rachel with him, and let her begin living in his new house, even though that brings Rachel into contact with his 13-year-old daughter, Cecilia. And for the first time in five years, Rachel has a glimmer of hope that she can survive her ordeal.
The Quiet Tenant has an interesting conceit: the story is told by the women in Aidan’s life, but never from Aidan’s perspective. The majority of the story, as you might expect, is from Rachel’s point of view. Told in the second-person to draw you into her plight, it was compelling stuff, as you are suddenly balancing your laser-focus on not provoking Aidan with the possibility that the change in your circumstances might give you a chance at escape. The book also does a fairly convincing job of explaining the opportunities Rachel chooses not to risk. I also liked Cecilia’s perspective. Aidan is her dad, so she doesn’t really have a frame of reference for his strangeness, but she is able to sense that something is off with Rachel. And I really liked the short chapters from the perspectives of Aidan’s earlier victims.
Where I thought The Quiet Tenant was weakest was when told from the perspective of Emily, who has a crush on Aidan. While of course she doesn’t know what Aidan really is, her mooning over a serial killer just felt so out of place. It was also never really clear whether Aidan was interested in her as a future victim or a potential new wife. I’m just not sure I grasped why Emily needed to be in the story (other than to put certain plot points in motion that I’m sure could have been done without her). And, while I’m quibbling, I did not love the ending, and do not believe that Rachel would have been physically capable of doing what she did after five years in the conditions of her captivity.
Still, despite some imperfections, The Quiet Tenant is a solid thriller, based on the all-to-real violence faced by women every day. And this novel would make a great movie. Recommended.
October 5, 2024
2.5 stars
Are you ready for a rant?
I snagged a copy of The Quiet Tenant from the publisher on a whim, and this time my impulsivity did not pay off. By no means is the book awful – at the very least, it’s entertaining enough to see the reader through to the finish line – but the women in the story irritated me to no end.
Clémence Michallon takes the oft-told story of a male serial killer holding a woman captive and tells it through the eyes of three women – the victim, his love interest, and his young daughter. So we have alternating viewpoints within the narrative, with the victim’s being the most notable because it’s written in second person – a risk for sure, but it’s effective. It really puts you inside Rachel’s mind and highlights her mental state.
The main problem lies with the woman in love with the serial killer because Emily is just as unstable as he is, only in a different way. She’s crushed on him since she was a teenager, the crush now being a stalker-like obsession. Her chapters read like a flowery, overwrought, bodice-ripping romance novel, and it’s unbearable. I acknowledge this is likely purposeful on the part of Michallon, because who else would fall for a serial killer other than someone with a damaged, needy psyche, right? But it’s way too much.
Secondary to this is that Michallon’s characters make nonsensical choices for the sole purpose of extending the story. It’s like the author tosses all logic and reason out the window. I couldn’t believe some of the victim’s decisions especially, even when considering the psychological and emotional abuse she’s endured.
A real miss for me.
My sincerest appreciation to Clémence Michallon, Knopf, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
Are you ready for a rant?
I snagged a copy of The Quiet Tenant from the publisher on a whim, and this time my impulsivity did not pay off. By no means is the book awful – at the very least, it’s entertaining enough to see the reader through to the finish line – but the women in the story irritated me to no end.
Clémence Michallon takes the oft-told story of a male serial killer holding a woman captive and tells it through the eyes of three women – the victim, his love interest, and his young daughter. So we have alternating viewpoints within the narrative, with the victim’s being the most notable because it’s written in second person – a risk for sure, but it’s effective. It really puts you inside Rachel’s mind and highlights her mental state.
The main problem lies with the woman in love with the serial killer because Emily is just as unstable as he is, only in a different way. She’s crushed on him since she was a teenager, the crush now being a stalker-like obsession. Her chapters read like a flowery, overwrought, bodice-ripping romance novel, and it’s unbearable. I acknowledge this is likely purposeful on the part of Michallon, because who else would fall for a serial killer other than someone with a damaged, needy psyche, right? But it’s way too much.
Secondary to this is that Michallon’s characters make nonsensical choices for the sole purpose of extending the story. It’s like the author tosses all logic and reason out the window. I couldn’t believe some of the victim’s decisions especially, even when considering the psychological and emotional abuse she’s endured.
A real miss for me.
My sincerest appreciation to Clémence Michallon, Knopf, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
April 5, 2023
When I logged onto Goodreads this morning I noticed my Currently Reading now sits at over EIGHTY books . . . .
That is SHAMEFUL! I only read one book at a time . . . I just never review them *sad emojis forever*
The Quiet Tenant is a new take on an abduction story. The narrative is told by three women: Rachel, the captive; Cecilia, the daughter; and Emily, the local bartender while they navigate their respective lives with Aidan. The Stars here all come from this being such a fresh approach. Clèmence Michallon’s version of a serial killer story has all of the vibes Emma Donoghue presented in Room. I could not put this down.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
That is SHAMEFUL! I only read one book at a time . . . I just never review them *sad emojis forever*
The Quiet Tenant is a new take on an abduction story. The narrative is told by three women: Rachel, the captive; Cecilia, the daughter; and Emily, the local bartender while they navigate their respective lives with Aidan. The Stars here all come from this being such a fresh approach. Clèmence Michallon’s version of a serial killer story has all of the vibes Emma Donoghue presented in Room. I could not put this down.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
January 7, 2024
One of the best thrillers I've read in ages! Was absolutely hooked from start to finish
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