Something was missing for me. I needed more mystery. This felt a bit like watching an episode of Columbo.

I had initially declined to review this as the second person POV made it hard for me to read. However, after release, a friend read The Quiet Tenant and raved about it, so I wanted to give the book and the author a second chance. I borrowed the audiobook from the library and was pleasantly surprised at how well the second person POV lent itself to audio.

Rachel's tenacity and determination were amazing, and she's truly the backbone of the story. I'm glad I gave this a second chance.

The title character is a woman who was kidnapped and held for years in a shed by a serial killer. There are two other narrators – a woman the serial killer is dating and his teenaged daughter. The story was interesting and fast-paced and held my attention. The serial killer is the nicest guy in town and everybody loves him. He has killed multiple women over many years, honing his craft as he goes. His life is meticulously planned until the unthinkable happens, and he has to bring his captive into his house to live there with him and his young daughter, which seems preposterous. This book is more about the affected women than the serial killer. There is no attempt to delve into his psyche to understand why he does what he does. The captive, the girlfriend, the daughter - each has their own issues to deal with. What’s most chilling is that someone can be so charming and yet so deadly. There were some inconsistencies that hampered the story, such as the idea that preparing hot chocolate for a 5k race can be started after the runners take off, and it could have used a good editor. Despite the minor issues I had with the book, the ending was great and it’s given me a lot to think about. Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf Publishing Group for the chance to read an advance copy.

This was SO thrilling- I was on my seat for half the book. Don’t go into it thinking it’s a mystery, it is definitely more of a thriller. I was so anxious for our main character, I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough!

The first thing you should know about The Quiet Tenant (if you haven't already read it, that is -- I'm definitely late to this one) is that it isn't a psychological thriller. What it is, instead, is a psychological character study about a serial killer named Aidan, told through the voices of the women in his orbit: his captive Rachel, his teen daughter Cecilia, his new love interest Emily, and, in snippets, his victims.

With The Quiet Tenant, Clémence Michallon has written a thoroughly unique take on an abduction story and structured it well, with the shifting perspectives and urgent prose giving the book a propulsive quality, even when not much is actually happening in the plot. I listened to the audiobook, which is read by a full cast who immersed me in the world of the book.

The audio may have also helped to neutralize one of my major issues with the book, which is that it's overwritten, with mundane actions or events over-described in a way that often left me scratching my head. And although Michallon clearly seeks to provide justice for victims, and does so, I found some of the characterization lacking. The idea of seeing Aidan solely through the perspectives of the women closest to him is a compelling one -- but ultimately, the various versions of him are so different that he doesn't come across as one composite person, and there isn't enough backstory for him. I also wish Michallon had done more with the victims' perspectives -- or at least that she had given them names, rather than just numbers -- and with Cecilia's perspective, which wasn't utilized as effectively as it could have been. There are several plot holes and moments that strain believability just a little too much, specifically surrounding the way Emily behaves and the reason behind Aidan's having to move, which serves as the jumping-off point for the book.

Ultimately, The Quiet Tenant had a lot of promise, but it just didn't fully deliver on that promise for me.

This is a thriller but written more as a slow burn. It was a good premise and plot with a serial killer, a trapped woman, and a daughter who is seemingly clueless. I would read another book from the author.

This one didn’t live up to the hype for me! I need answers!!! Lots of answers. I also found this quite confusing most of the time. It was thrilling and suspenseful but I was ultimately let down.

"The Quiet Tenant" is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the chilling world of a serial killer through the eyes of those closest to him. Aidan Thomas appears to be a beloved figure in his small town, but beneath his facade lies a dark secret—he's a kidnapper and serial killer. Told from the perspectives of Aidan's daughter, Cecilia, his girlfriend Rachel, and local restaurant owner Emily, the novel explores the psychological impact of his crimes and the bonds formed between the women in his life.

What makes this debut novel stand out is its beautiful writing style, which immerses readers in the protagonists' minds, keeping them glued to the pages. Despite the dark subject matter, the author skillfully navigates the complexities of trauma, survival, and power dynamics, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers on edge until the very end.

While "The Quiet Tenant" is a riveting read, I couldn't help but wish for a more striking cover to match the intensity of the story within. However, this minor quibble does not detract from the overall excellence of the book.

In conclusion, "The Quiet Tenant" is an electrifying debut thriller that showcases the talent of its author. With its masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters, it's no surprise that this novel earned a well-deserved five-star rating.

This book right here. It’s so flipping creepy. There’s a woman in the shed but she’s not the first. There is a bartender, Emily, who is attracted to the man that out the woman in the shed. And the town is in love with him because he is a model citizen. Debut author and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read.

Thank you NetGalley for my copy to review. Hands down a great thriller! Told from multiple view points to include that of the victims it is like no other thriller I have ever read. The story did drag a bit in the middle but overall a fast paced thriller about a women held hostage and those around her.

This book was great. A lot of twists and turns that I did not anticipate! I liked the multi POV and the social dynamics really had me thinking!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. This book is about a serial killer/rapist/evil man, but told entirely from the point of view of the women and I loved this. The details about Aidan and his heinous crimes are told by Rachel and Emily, and there is also insight from his daughter Cecilia. I found the behavior of the women to be highly frustrating while at the same time realistic (I imagine) for those that have lived with extreme trauma. I shouted GO, just RUN, several times while reading the story as sitting comfy in my chair reading I didn't understand their traumatic bond with the evil man that is loved by everyone in town. We never do learn why he does what he does and for me this kept the focus on his victims and their individual experiences. I was left feeling very unsettled at the end of the book, as I imagine all the women in his life felt as well as they tried to pick up the pieces of a new normality and move on with their lives.

I listened to the audio book version, which is read by a full cast of characters. This gave each victim a voice for the reader to connect with. It made them all real, with unique voices and stories and not just stats on the page. If you are interested in this book I do recommend the audio version.

Thank you NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

★★★★★/5

~🅴🆅🅴🆁🆈🅾🅽🅴 🅷🅰🆂 🆂🅴🅲🆁🅴🆃🆂.~

Favorite Quote: "...𝕿𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖆𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖊𝖓𝖉 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖉𝖆𝖞, 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖔𝖓𝖑𝖞 𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖔𝖓 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖈𝖆𝖓 𝖙𝖗𝖚𝖑𝖞 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖙 𝖔𝖓 𝖎𝖘 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖘𝖊𝖑𝖋."

Favorite Character: Cecilia

Pros: Several different POVs, quick read, ending not rushed, plot twist unravels throughout the book to keep you on the edge of your seat, comical but still thrilling!

Cons: Chapters are not numbered, the discovered items were never mentioned at the end with everything else, some POVs come out of nowhere and hard to understand, never the serial killer's POV

Baby this is a thriller! I was pulled in immediately and on the edge of my seat or bed lol as the story tells us (through several POVs) about Adrian the serial killer/kidnapper and his "normal" daily routines. I did predict the plot twist, but the author seems to do that on purpose to keep you going because the overall mystery of how still remains and you have to find out how it ends. You have to find out when the quiet tenant becomes no longer quiet! The only times I put the book down was when the characters pissed me off being foolish. I understand some men have an amazing, mysterious, deft swag that intrigues the heck outta ya, but come on ladies!! Wake up! 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁 & 𝗺𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿! 😅 I have never lived in a small town, however it just seems like the most interesting places to visit. 😅 I would recommend this to all my thriller lovers and Netflix for a limited series!

Thank you @netgalley for my copy!

Get ready to dive into the story of Aidan Thomas, the guy everyone in town thinks hangs the moon. He's the hero in every scenario, the ideal neighbor, and a father that makes you wish he were yours. But, plot twist: beneath that charming exterior lies a chilling reality. Aidan harbors a dark secret that could win him the villain of the year award—he's a rapist and a serial killer with a body count that's about to hit the high notes.

Aidan is a master of disguise, playing the doting community member by day and turning into a nightmare for the women he targets by night. The plot thickens when we meet Rachel, Aidan's latest captive. Originally stashed away in a shed like some forgotten lawn equipment, she's now living under Aidan's roof, acting as a makeshift nanny to his daughter Cecilia, and walking on eggshells to avoid becoming his next victim.

Enter Emily, the local bar owner with a heart of gold and the unfortunate next target of Aidan's twisted affections. He's got his sights set on making her victim number 10, but with Rachel's insider knowledge, there might just be a glimmer of hope.

This book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, wrapping up a frighteningly plausible tale of deception and danger with a pace that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's a gripping read that serves up suspense by the bucketload, keeping you hooked and hoping against hope that Emily can turn the tables on Aidan. A story that's as engaging as it is alarming, proving once again that the scariest monsters are the ones hiding in plain sight.

"The Quiet Tenant" by Clémence Michallon is a riveting exploration of a man living a double life, skillfully crafted to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative skillfully weaves a web of suspense, leaving you curious and holding your breath from beginning to end. Michallon's ability to maintain tension throughout the book creates an immersive experience that captivates the reader's attention. A compelling read for those who enjoy a gripping psychological thriller.

Thank you Netgalley & Knopf for an eARC of The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michallon. 4.5 stars!

I alternated this one with eBook and Audiobook, and I have to say I couldn't stop reading until I reached the conclusion of this one. Dark, twisted and addictive, "what's next?!" was always in my mind.

This book follows Aidan - A fammily man who's a beloved small-town figure. However, he's also a kidnapper & serial killer. Yikes. He's killed 8 women and there's a 9th imprisoned in his shed.

When he and his daughter are forced to move, he must bring the 9th woman, Rachel, with him. The tale becomes even more twisted when she lives in the home with them, him describing her as a family friend in need of shelter. After 5 years of being held captive, Aidan thinks Rachel has been too brainwashed to escape (and terrified).

I love the alternating POVs of this story - Rachel (the captive), Celicilia (Aidan's daughter), and Emily (You'll soon find out who she is). TWs galore in this one - Murder. Trauma. survival, power dynamics, I'll be recommending this to all thriller book lovers who want to read something that's not for the faint of heart!

4.5/5

“You run because you only know how to destroy yourself in healthy ways .” (This quote really spoke to me.)

This book was a slow burn, but kept me engaged from start to finish. I’m not the type of reader who typically enjoys a slow burn, but the pacing on this was very deliberate and suited the story well.

There were numerous characters, but the author did a really good job of differentiating one from the other, which made it easy for me to keep up.

For the captive, that we are with the majority of the book, the author did a really good job of putting the reader in her mindset and making you feel on edge. You never know what was a test by the captor and what was a mistake. You never knew when the right time was to capitalize on a mistake and try to escape, for fear that it was not actually a mistake, but a test.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michallon in exchange for my honest review and opinion. The description of this book made me want to read it and to get my hands on an early copy literally made my day! This was one heck of a book - there were times I wanted to love it and times I hated it. Overall, it was a good read and the ending took my breath away.

Are you looking for your next psychological thriller? Look no further as this is one you can't miss! The Quiet Tenant is not an easy book to put down, I wanted to know more and finished the book in 1 day

Given how much I enjoyed this book I will be reading anything that Clémence Michallon puts out!

OMG so good. This was twisted and disturbed but in the right way. I was going crazy trying to figure out what was happening in this book but in a good way.