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 death: 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.
THE QUIET TENANT
Clemence Michallon
Dear God,
If I have to come back again I do not want to be Rachel in my next life.
“Rachel” we’ll call her, is the woman in the shed. Rachel has been held captive by Aiden and will continue to be until he is done with her.
Until one day Aidens wife dies forcing Aiden and his daughter, Cecilia to move. Aiden decides to bring Rachel along, moving her into the house and calling her a family friend who needs help.
Now moved into the house, Rachel is experiencing a whole new horror. Because now she has to make peace with her freedom and watch it walk out of the door every morning.
I loved this book and especially liked the audiobook. It is extraordinarily effective in what it is trying to accomplish.
The horror of the situation is introduced early. Then there is a layering of terror over and over again. It feels like living out a kill scene on a loop. And you’re the victim.
The changes in perspective are captivating.
Rachel’s perspective brings forth terror and anxiety. Emily and Cecilia serve to instill that fear in you and are proof of what’s on the line and what’s at stake.
THE QUIET TENANT is out now! I highly recommend based on the uniqueness alone.
THE QUIET TENANT…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, Anchor, Knopf, and Penguin Random House Audio, for the advanced copies and the opportunity to proved feedback!
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