BOOK REVIEW: The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon

Explore Kelly’s review of The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon, a gripping thriller that delves into secrets, suspense, and survival. Perfect for thriller fans!

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ABOUT THE BOOKS (from Amazon):

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.

My Review of “The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon

I recently finished “The Quiet Tenant” by Clémence Michallon, a book that came highly recommended by the BookTok community as a standout read of 2023. I dove into the audiobook with high expectations, and let me say, it did not disappoint, though it certainly took me on an unsettling journey.

The novel unfolds through the eyes of three key figures in a man’s life: his teenage daughter, a woman who finds herself dangerously drawn to him, and shockingly, a woman he’s imprisoned in his shed for the last five years. Yes, you read that correctly. The story’s dark premise had me listening with a mix of fascination and horror, making for a very cringe face listening experience at times.

While I was hooked by the plot, I couldn’t help but find myself frustrated. Picture this: you’re yelling at the screen during a horror movie because the characters keep making those ‘don’t go into the basement!’ type decisions. That was me, mentally pleading with the characters to make smarter choices, like maybe just calling 911? This disconnect, this feeling of being irked by the characters’ seemingly illogical actions, nudged me towards giving “The Quiet Tenant” four stars instead of five.

Despite these moments of frustration, the book is undeniably gripping. It’s the kind of story that pulls you in, with a narrative drive so strong you’re willing to stay for the ride, even when it gets uncomfortable. And trust me, it does.

A heads-up for anyone considering this book: it comes with its fair share of triggers. It’s intense, it’s disturbing, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

Love psychological thrillers as much as me? Find more here.