The premise of this tense thriller is absolutely fascinating. I love the idea of getting to see the various facets of such a cruel, evil man through the eyes of the women surrounding him. It shows, with both subtlety and unflinching honesty, the ways in which such a person makes everyone around them a victim—even if they don't intentionally do them harm.

"The woman in the shed" is a brilliantly drawn character. Her development is so well done, and I appreciate the attention the author played to the impact of things like diet, exposure to the outside world, and other practical elements on a victim's psyche and mental acuity.

There's no glamorizing the serial killer here. Instead, Michallon empathizes the inherently frail nature of a killer's control, the feebleness of their rationale, and the fragility of their carefully constructed world.

I think the pacing lagged in a few places, and I didn't always know quite what to do with Emily as a character, but overall I thought this book was very well done and I had a hard time putting it down. Excited to see what else the author does in the future!

Reading Between the Wines book review #79/115 for 2023:
Rating: 3.5🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: The Quiet Tenant
Author: Clemence Michallon
AVAILABLE NOW!!

Sipping thoughts: The Quiet Tenant is written like no other book I've ever read. A rapist and serial killer has a victim who, for whatever reason, he didn't kill. We get to hear the story from her POV, the killer's daughter, and the new prospect for the killer. It was so interesting to hear each point of view. I enjoyed the suspense until the end. I would have rated a 4 but I just didn't like the ending. This is definitely a book worth reading.

Cheers and thank you to @NetGalley and @KnopfPantheonVintageAnchor for an advanced copy of @TheQuietTenant.

#TheQuietTenant #ClemenceMichallon #KnopfPantheonVintageAnchor #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult

The Quiet Tenant is my favorite kind of book - the ones in which I feel like I am trapped in that world and it has in fact, become my world. Such is the case with this one… I have to remind myself that the thoughts I’m having are the character in the book and not my real life. This doesn’t happen to me often, and I love that this is a debut by a native French speaker.

The Quiet Tenant is in fact a tenant of a serial killer who does basically have to be quiet all the time. She knows other women have died, so she follows his rules to stay alive.

I saw other people didn’t feel tension with it, but I did. Maybe because I listened to the audio (which is fabulous with multiple narrators) at a faster speed, and maybe that made it more urgent feeling. In any case, I had to go back to my kindle copy to get through it quicker - it was so much on my mind.

Intense is the best word to describe The Quiet Tenant, a story about Aiden, a widower father who is keeping a very big secret in his small town.

The story is told primarily from 3 alternating POVs and the less you know heading into the book, the better the ride. The beginning was a little slow but the high tension, life and death stakes, and short chapters added to the reading experience of this dark, but engaging book.

This man named a I d a n is a very complex person who is very evil at the same time. When you start reading this book you'll find out about rachel. Who is locked in a shed on this man's property. Rachel had a very strange upbringing as well. And she had a lot of difficulties in her life.. Her family ran a restaurant so she was exposed to many different people. She was hold captive for a long time and did not know what was going on It talked about a lot of his problems as well and how he was a very It will liked in the community. His wife dies and things to seem to get weirder. Eventually brings Rachel into the house and. Explains to his daughter This person will be rooming with us. She enjoys this type of freedom, but a lot of things she realized she could know escape and she was starting to plan this. There's a lot of different twists and turns in this book. And how men can be very middle of it to these women who have problems in the past. Because you can see how these women were very easily nimpulated because of the problems in the past. Rachel is a fighter and she will find a way out of this. The ending is a really happy ending. And I you'll see how she survived all these years. And you'll see how rachel survived all these years

I couldn't finish this one. I think I'm getting more sensitive to these types of victimization stories.

This was a dark sinister slow burn, that had me turning the pages quickly and staying up way to late to read!

Meet Aiden Thomas, on the outside he appears as a normal guy whose loved by everyone in the small town. He’s a recent widow who just lost his wife to cancer, he’s raising his teenage daughter Cecelia, and now has to move out of his home into a rental. He has a dark secret and he calls her “Rachel” he has kept her locked in a shed for five years, and he’s now moving her into his rental upstairs bedroom. Oh and he’s also a serial killer!
Emily is a local restaurant owner she has crush on Aiden who seems to reciprocate her feelings. But does she have any idea what she is getting into? The closer they get it soon appears Aiden gets hot and cold with her. She just sees him as a loving father and very attractive and wants a relationship.
Rachel has been held by Aiden for five years and she’s shocked he actually agrees to taker her with him to his new home, handcuffed to the upstairs bed under the guise as a renter, she’s hoping this may her her chance to finally escape. Only taken out for meals she begins to get closer his daughter who only sees her as the weird renter, she holds onto the hope she will one day see her family again.
Cecelia isn’t sure about the new renter but she soon finds her as a friend, she begins to notice some of her fathers odd behavior but puts it as him being sad about her mothers death.
Told in the POV as the three woman, Rachel, Cecelia and Emily never as Aiden which gave the book so much more! I loved it and my heart was pounding with each chapter especially with Rachel!
As the story escalates, it’s a race against time and I couldn’t get enough!

“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.”

This books requires suspension of disbelief. I had trouble with a few things but most notably: a party outside in the winter (da fu??), multiple opportunities to escape not taken, leading two distinct lives in secret for years, mmmmm I’m not buying it. Think Stockholm syndrome on steroids. This story is similar to Jaycee Dugard/Elizabeth Smart and I think provided an in depth look at how manipulative and controlling captors can be to their victims. I loved the psychological component.

However, I found the writing a little melodramatic and overwrought & was soooo disappointed in the ending. Lots of words and build up, for what?? Lots of polarizing reviews which I think is fitting. I feel conflicted but I enjoyed the journey regardless. More of a psychological study than a thriller just FYI.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of a serial killer and the one victim he decided to keep as a pet. Aidan is a well loved and respected man in town but no one knows about his predilection for killing women. He has been keeping one of them captive in his shed for 5 years. We follow her, his daughter and his new love interest / potential victim as their circumstances change. Aidan is forced to move and decides to take his captive with him, moving her into his home.

Quiet Tenant is one of those slow paced psychological thrillers that eats away at your soul as you read. There are no major twists or crazy reveals, just the slow drip of discomfort and fear as the story progresses. We get the horrors of captivity combined with a look into Stockholm Syndrome. Because the pace is slow and there are so many times where escape may have been possible, you are able to think about what you might do in a similar situation. I was kind of hoping for a bit more of a twist at the end but it does tie up all the loose ends.

This one would make a great beach read.

Thanks to Knopf for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.

I absolutely was enthralled by this story. I had trouble putting the book down when headed to bed and it was written so vividly that the main characters of the book were in my dreams. One of my favorite aspects of the writing in this book was the unnamed 2nd person narrator when writing about the captive woman in the home. It really set the story to make you think you were being held captive by the man in the story. This story had me turning the pages trying to see if the Quiet Tenant will survive her captivity.

I had such high hopes for this novel, but unfortunately it fell flat. It held lots of long and drawn out with lots of needless information that added nothing to the overall story. The ending included a half resolution. It seemed as though the author started to make everything neat and tidy, but ran out of ideas. The description of the novel says that the main character, Aidan, has a girlfriend, Emily. This is barely the case, is there the start of a potential relationship, possible, is it more like Emily is obsessed with Aidan, yes! Every now and then the POV of one of Aidan's victims is included, but this seems like a literary intermission, as it does nothing for the story. I did not feel like there is a true thriller portion of this novel, it just exists.

I want to thank Netgalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for an ARC of this book.

I loved the concept of this book, but I put it aside because I didn't love the writing style. The concept of a book told by the victims of a killer could be melodramatic, and this was.

The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon is an electrifying debut thriller that delves into the depths of human darkness and the resilience of the human spirit. With its chilling premise, complex characters, and thought-provoking exploration of trauma and survival, this novel is a gripping and unsettling read.

The story revolves around Aidan Thomas, a seemingly beloved figure in a small upstate New York town. But beneath his affable facade lies a sinister secret—he is a kidnapper and serial killer, responsible for the deaths of eight women. Rachel, the ninth victim, finds herself trapped in a backyard shed, terrified for her life. When Aidan's wife passes away, he is forced to move, taking Rachel with him and introducing her to his thirteen-year-old daughter, Cecilia, as a "family friend." Aidan believes Rachel, after years of captivity, is too broken and afraid to escape. However, Rachel's strength and determination begin to surface, and she forms a tenuous connection with Cecilia, sensing a potential lifeline. Meanwhile, Emily, a local restaurant owner, becomes entangled in their lives and unwittingly edges closer to discovering Aidan's dark secret.

The Quiet Tenant is narrated from the perspectives of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily, providing a multi-dimensional exploration of the psychological impact of Aidan's crimes on the women in his life. Each voice brings a unique perspective and adds layers of complexity to the narrative. The author deftly captures the fear, trauma, and resilience of the characters, making their experiences feel visceral and authentic.

The portrayal of Aidan as a charismatic yet deeply disturbed individual is chilling. Clémence Michallon masterfully crafts a character who, on the surface, appears to be an ordinary and beloved member of the community, while harboring unspeakable darkness within. The tension escalates as the reader becomes increasingly aware of the danger that surrounds Rachel, Cecilia, and those who unknowingly cross paths with Aidan.

The exploration of trauma, survival, and the dynamics of power is a central theme in this novel. Through the characters of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily, the author examines the impact of Aidan's crimes on their lives, illuminating the strength and resilience that can arise in the face of unimaginable horrors. The nuanced portrayal of their psychological journeys adds depth and emotional weight to the story, making it more than just a conventional thriller.

One aspect that sets The Quiet Tenant apart is the astute study of the bonds between women and their ability to empower each other. Rachel's connection with Cecilia and the unexpected involvement of Emily highlight the importance of solidarity, trust, and the potential for collective strength in the face of adversity.

While The Quiet Tenant is undeniably compelling, it is important to note that the subject matter is disturbing and not for the faint of heart. The book delves into dark and uncomfortable territory, exploring the depths of human depravity. Readers should approach it with caution, considering their own comfort levels with intense and unsettling themes.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

The Quiet Tenant...was..... powerful. If i had to use one word for it, I'd go with that.

I don't find myself reaching for thrillers / mysteries or the likes very often these days. But something about this one caught my eye.
The Quiet Tenant takes place in a small town in upstate NY. We meet out MC Aidan Thomas whom is hiding a pretty.... intense secret. A secret that one would think isn't easy to hide... You see.. he's a serial killer & kidnapper. Crazy, right? Everyone who knows him considers him to be a great, hard-working family guy. Yet he's hiding his 9th victim, Rachel, in a shed..... waiting for the right moment ot end her life.
Aidan's wife dies leaving Aidan to be a single father to his teen daughter Cecilia. They have to move after her mom's death, and he to bring Rachel, the vicim, along... how does he pull this off? He thinks Rachel has given up and is too brainwashed to fight or leave. He thought wrong to say the least.

This book has some insane twists, and honestly, the storyline was so freakin' unique!
I would love to read another book by this author!

Well, this was a surprise, a very pleasant one. This is easily one of the best thrillers I have read in a long time.

I honestly did not know what to expect. I requested the book mainly because I loved the cover. Then, I started seeing it more around the bookstagram community, with good reviews, so that got me more excited, and oh boy, it didn't disappoint.

What a debut. Kept my on the edge of my seat, and I couldn't stop reading.

Fast-paced, dark, captivating, suspenseful. I just felt my heart rising the whole time, especially towards the end, the truck scene, oh my. This truly is a fascinating read, my favorite read of 2023 so far. Highly recommend.

Thank you to Knopf and Netgalley for the Advanced Free Copy in exchange for an honest review.

First, we meet Rachel. She’s locked in a shed, she knows it’s in the woods. She knows she must forget her name and do everything her captor instructs her to survive. She wants to survive because she believes she will free herself one day. She is living worse than a dog tied in the yard. She doesn’t know if it’s day or night. She’s starving for scraps. She sits with a bucket full of her excrement. This is a tough part to read, but the author wants you to understand Rachel’s iron will and determination to be free.
Next, we meet Aiden. The town loves him, what’s not to love? He’s a single dad who lost his dear wife to cancer. His 13-year-old daughter, Cecilia, is everyone’s pet. Aiden is handsome, quiet, and a loner. The bartender at the local restaurant, Emily, looks forward to his routine of stopping in and drinking soda, no alcohol.
These four characters begin a slow dance around a Maypole, but what’s being beckoned is not summer. It’s a wily play for survival with all parties slowly understanding what’s at stake.
Thank goodness it wasn’t a work night when I started this- it’s an all-nighter. You won’t put it down until the final sentence. This is an author you’ll want to keep on your radar.
Thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for an ARC in exchange for my honest
review. The publishing date was June 20, 2023.

Yes, yes, yes! I really enjoyed this story - so much so that I actually went back and re-read it before writing any form of review for it so that I could fully comprehend what I was feeling and why. Firstly, I loved that Michallon gave three women the voices to tell this harrowing tale. It felt as if she was silencing the serial killer, rather than boosting his visibility and infamy, which is an example I think a lot of true crime fanatics could stand to follow (I'm looking at you, Dahmer freaks).

Generally speaking, this book has an interesting plot, a unique perspective, and characters that felt distinct and separate from each other, but I spent so much of my time reading this book hoping for just a smidge more from each of our main characters. I agree that in this genre, suspense is what keeps the plot moving forward and what keeps your readers intrigued, but I felt like Emily, Rachel, and Cecilia could've all been fleshed out just a LITTLE more. This is the only thing that kept me from rating it an easy five stars. My rating, as it stands after two reads, hovers around a 4.5, and I am very much looking forward to reading Clemence Michallon's future works.

3.75 stars. A slow buildup to a fairly creepy, suspenseful story. Mr. ordinary, upstanding, nice guy is secretly a psychotic, kidnapping, serial killer. I wasn’t completely glued to the book and even thought about not finishing it, but I stuck with it and glad I did as the suspense kept growing. Overall, a decent read.

Good thriller about a serial killer. Though he's known as the nice guy in town, always ready to lend a helping hand, he's actually killed at least 8 women. After his wife dies of cancer, he is obliged to move to a new house with his daughter. He decides to take the woman he has kept locked up in his shed for four years with him and introduces her to his daughter as a friend. This woman sees her opportunity to flee but can she actually pull it off after so many years being held captive? Can she leave his daughter behind? Somewhat dark but keeps you turning pages.

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!