The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michallon. Pub Date: June 20, 2023. Rating: 3 stars. In this electrifying gritty thriller, the reader takes a journey through the mind of a serial killer and his hostage. The reader gets a first hand look into what it is like to be a hostage to a serial killer who leads a fairly normal life, his daughter included. I found this novel to be slow moving, but engaging in the beginning. By the end of the novel, I felt the story had lost steam and dragged a bit. The descriptions were realistic, the emotions were high and the psychological setting of being a hostage was displayed well. Overall, an okay read but not my favorite. Thanks to #netgalley and #knopf for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was a rough one for me. I think it was probably very thoughtfully written, the descriptive, poetic language to describe the most simple of things like laying down on a mattress or a waitress bringing the man a drink is proof of that. I know I'm not in my gruesome thriller era right now, so perhaps this review is unfair, but after reading several others' reviews on Goodreads, I know I'm not the only one who found the editing a bit lacking. The prose is very verbose. This reads more like literary fiction with a thriller/mystery plot. It does not move fast enough for a popcorn thriller but acts more like a character study of a serial killer, his teenage daughter, and the women he keeps locked away. So anyways, I won't hold this one in my memory by any means, but I'm sure some will love it.

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.

This one is hard for me to review. It has a great premises. It was just a little to slow moving for me. I wish there was certain pov to have heard from. The ending left me with more questions. I did enjoy the author's writing style. I look forward to see with this author does in the future.

The Quiet Tenant uses multiple POVs adroitly, telling the story of "Rachel"'s abduction from the perspective of the women closest to the abductor. There are so many thrillers out there, and it's exciting to read one with a unique structure.

The Quiet Tenant is told from the points of view of multiple women in the orbit of a serial killer. The chapters switch from past to present, including adult victims, the man’s adolescent daughter, and a woman who knows him only as a normal person. Winding through it all are chapters in second-person narration that manages not to sound gimmicky, It’s an impressive display of writing skill—in the author's second language, no less—that fortunately never stands in the way of a compelling story. There’s a captive’s desperate need for survival, the suspense of what will happen, and some Megan-Abbott-esque insights into the feelings and occasional small cruelties of young women. You don't want to read about such horrifying situations and such a creep but can’t help picking up the book again to see how it all turns out.

Thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for a digital advance review copy.

The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michallon was a thrilling look at psychological and physical control that one person can have over another, and the lengths that are gone to for the perpetrator to avoid red flags in their public persona. This story is told through multiple viewpoints of the female victims. Well done, well written, and believable.

3.75/5

I ended up listening to this on audio instead of reading the physical copy and I really enjoyed it. Having the different voices for the different characters really added to the book for me.

What a wild story to be told from all of the different point of views. I feel like it added so much to the story to see how all of the different people that were involved were feeling.

I must read if you want a book that will have your head reeling and be hard to put down. Whoa! This book was a wild one.

This book feels like it could’ve been ripped out of the headlines and put to paper.

Definitely check the content warnings before you begin.

The novel’s premise—a secluded woman who discovers disturbing secrets about her seemingly ordinary neighbor—offers a compelling foundation for suspense and intrigue.

Michallon’s writing is sharp and atmospheric, effectively building tension and creating a palpable sense of dread. The exploration of the protagonist’s psychological state and the eerie, claustrophobic setting contribute to the book’s unsettling mood. The characterization is nuanced, and the psychological elements are well-crafted, drawing readers into the protagonist’s increasingly fraught world.

However, the novel’s impact is somewhat diminished by its abrupt ending. After a buildup of suspense and a deep dive into the psychological themes, the resolution feels sudden and leaves several questions unanswered. This abrupt conclusion might leave some readers unsatisfied, as it doesn't fully resolve the narrative’s complexities or provide a satisfying closure.

While The Quiet Tenant offers a tense and engaging read with strong psychological elements, the ending’s lack of resolution may detract from its overall effectiveness. Fans of psychological thrillers might appreciate the book’s atmosphere and suspense but should be prepared for a conclusion that may not meet all expectations.

The Quiet Tenant is a chilling psychological thriller that follows the life of Aidan Thomas, a widowed, seemingly upstanding member of his community who also happens to be hiding a dark secret. Behind the facade of a hardworking, charming man lies the horrifying truth: he has been holding a woman captive in his home for years. As Aidan’s life takes a turn—moving to a new house with his teenage daughter—he takes his captive with him, presenting her as a tenant to the outside world. What follows is a tense, pulse-pounding narrative that unfolds through the perspectives of the women in Aidan’s life: his captive, his daughter, and a local woman who is drawn to him.

Michallon’s writing is sharp and compelling, pulling readers into the disturbing psychological maze of Aidan’s dual existence. The tension simmers steadily as Aidan’s facade cracks, and Michallon masterfully weaves together layers of suspense, deception, and dread. What makes The Quiet Tenant particularly engaging is the way Michallon allows readers to see the psychological manipulation at play, with glimpses into Aidan’s mind contrasted with the experiences of the women he ensnares.

The twists in this thriller are subtle but effective, especially when it becomes clear that Aidan’s captive has her own plans for survival. The growing realization of Aidan’s true nature by those around him, particularly his daughter and a local woman, adds to the unease and suspense. The unexpected alliances and the tension between trust and danger make for an exciting read that keeps you guessing.

While some readers might expect more dramatic revelations or a faster pace, the quiet, methodical unraveling of Aidan’s life is what gives this book its edge. The Quiet Tenant is a psychological thriller that excels in character development and psychological tension, making for a gripping and unsettling read.

If you’re looking for a thriller that thrives on atmosphere, character depth, and unsettling twists rather than outright shock, this book is well worth the read.

Thank you NetGalley, Knopf Publishing, and Clémence Michallon for the opportunity to read and review The Quiet Tenant.

Captive Woman Escapes Serial Killer

The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon is a psychological thriller that delves into the harrowing life of Rachel, a woman held captive for five years by Aidan Thomas, a seemingly charming and helpful man in his small upstate New York town. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, including those of Rachel, Aidan's thirteen-year-old daughter Cecilia, and Emily, a local restaurant owner who becomes entangled in their lives. When Aidan's wife dies, he moves with Cecilia and Rachel, disguised as a "tenant," into a new home, setting the stage for Rachel's desperate attempts to escape and expose Aidan's true nature.

Overall, The Quiet Tenant is a powerful debut that combines psychological insight with a gripping narrative, making it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.

Intense and read pretty fast. Still left with unanswered questions but overall good. Read half and listen to half through libby. There were times where I felt I was holding my breath waiting for the next page! More of a 3.5⭐️

This book was a slow burn but it was so worth it. It was a very dark and sinister read, so if that's not your thing, I would avoid this one.

I LOVE this book. The pacing and POV storytelling was perfect. One of my all time favorite reading experiences.

This novel is truly unique in the way that the story is told. The author tells the story from the point of view of three different women who are involved in the life of a serial killer: his captive, his daughter, and a potential love interest. While the POV story-telling is well done and definitely adds to the tension, the author uses first, second, and third person pov’s to effectively keep the reader in the dark about certain characters motives and actions.

A well conceived plot and a well written story that will keep you on the edge of the seat until the bitter end.

I am the odd man out on this one. I did not like it or enjoy it. I see why it was sold as a movie but I don't think I will go see it. Creepy in a not good way

This was a difficult story to finish. Not only because of the subject matter and the repeating information, but because it requires you to buy into the plot. The first few chapters had me very curious; what kind of serial killer keeps a victim? How has she survived this long? And then, the hammer drops: her captor is moving her into a house...with his own daughter. Truthfully, I did not want to keep reading past that, but I was curious to see where the character development lead. Essentially...no where? This book felt both far too long and drastically underwritten, with nothing at the end to satiate the reader.

This book wasn’t a thriller book with the twists but was more of a darker thriller. Aidan is a beloved member of the community. His wife recently passed and he is now a single father. But, Aidan has a dark secret. He has a woman imprisoned in the shed in his backyard. This is not the first time he's done something like this.

The premise of the book sounded good but there were parts of it that just weren't plausible to me. I know it's fiction so it is not a true story or even based on a true story. However, when he moved her into the house she ate meals with his daughter. She never thought to make a run for it? She had an opportunity to leave but was determined not to go without his daughter, Cecilia. Why didn't Rachel leave and get help if she really thought Cecilia, was in danger? I love books about serial killers and kidnappings. I know I'm not normal 😆

This book felt very slow moving for me. I liked the switching perspectives in each chapter but it could get a little confusing. I wanted it to have a bit more to it if that makes sense. I feel like it wasn’t as satisfying as I’d hope especially the end.

The Quiet Tenant is a thriller that really pulls you in. In a way you find yourself drawn to the killer at first, until his true nature is shown. The dramatic irony of the town's love for this man added a different aspect to this book that many other thrillers do not have. some people may also be annoyed by multiple perspective and the perspectives of a child, however, I again was drawn to this aspect of the book. Overall this book kept me on my toes and was a great thriller that I recommend to others.

This title is completely misleading. Yes, the tenant is indeed quiet, but is the quiet tenant the man who rents the property, or is it the tenant that the landlord knows nothing about - the one locked in the shed? Or later on, is it the woman keeping house for the man and his 13-year-old daughter?

This book gave me the shivers. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of serial killers who prey on women. One thing that hit me hard was how, after so much time has passed, the victim may be afraid to try to escape, even when given the chance.

I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher Knopf via Netgalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.