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A review by mackenzierm
The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon
5.0
Aidan Thomas is a somewhat beloved figure in the small upstate New York town he lives in. He's a hard-working family man and the man everyone knows is ready to lend a helping hand. Aidan has a dark secret that he's been keeping from everyone, including those closest to him - he's a kidnapper and a serial killer, having murdered eight women with one imprisoned in his backyard shed. Aidan's wife dies forcing Aidan and his daughter Cecilia to move to a new home while also requiring Aidan to bring his captive, Rachel, along. Aidan introduces Rachel to Cecilia as a family friend needing a place to stay. Rachel begins testing her new boundaries and forms a tenuous connection with Cecilia. Emily, a local restaurant owner, develops a crush on Aidan and unknowingly finds herself coming dangerously close to Aidan's secret.
I've had my eye on THE QUIET TENANT since long before it was published, eagerly requesting an ARC which I was refused for - no hard feelings! I spotted a paperback copy of this book on the Costco novels table and couldn't help myself. It's since been burning a hole on my bookshelf as I eagerly anticipated diving in.
THE QUIET TENANT is not your typical thriller, taking a deeper dive into the characters' experiences and probing into the psyche and behaviours of a serial killer. This novel is told in the alternating perspectives of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily. I enjoyed the perspectives used here as it gave a look into the varied experiences of the women in Aidan's life. It also really highlighted how charming and charismatic Aidan could be in all facets of his life.
I found Clémence's writing style to be wholly engrossing and highly captivating - I truly couldn't get enough, with my thoughts wandering to this book even while I was forced to put it down. The sentences are short and choppy but this adds to the allure of the storytelling. The chapters are short and easily bingeable with quick phrases, a world of unknowns with small reveals, and increasing risks for all involved.
The ending of this book is phenomenal, goading me into seeing all the possibilities for failure. I read with bated breath, but was so gratified by the result. To be noted, this novel is riddled with triggers so be sure to look those up before diving in.
THE QUIET TENANT is honestly one of the best thrillers I've read in a minute! Clémence is an excellent writer and I cannot wait to see what she will write next!
I've had my eye on THE QUIET TENANT since long before it was published, eagerly requesting an ARC which I was refused for - no hard feelings! I spotted a paperback copy of this book on the Costco novels table and couldn't help myself. It's since been burning a hole on my bookshelf as I eagerly anticipated diving in.
THE QUIET TENANT is not your typical thriller, taking a deeper dive into the characters' experiences and probing into the psyche and behaviours of a serial killer. This novel is told in the alternating perspectives of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily. I enjoyed the perspectives used here as it gave a look into the varied experiences of the women in Aidan's life. It also really highlighted how charming and charismatic Aidan could be in all facets of his life.
I found Clémence's writing style to be wholly engrossing and highly captivating - I truly couldn't get enough, with my thoughts wandering to this book even while I was forced to put it down. The sentences are short and choppy but this adds to the allure of the storytelling. The chapters are short and easily bingeable with quick phrases, a world of unknowns with small reveals, and increasing risks for all involved.
The ending of this book is phenomenal, goading me into seeing all the possibilities for failure. I read with bated breath, but was so gratified by the result. To be noted, this novel is riddled with triggers so be sure to look those up before diving in.
THE QUIET TENANT is honestly one of the best thrillers I've read in a minute! Clémence is an excellent writer and I cannot wait to see what she will write next!