The Quiet Tenant A novel Clemence Michallon

"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: his 13-year-old daughter, his girlfriend, and the one victim he has spared. Aidan Thomas appears to be a hard-working and beloved figure in his small upstate New York town, but he harbors a dark secret—he is a kidnapper and serial killer responsible for the deaths of eight women, with a ninth victim, Rachel, currently imprisoned in a backyard shed.

After Aidan's wife dies, he and his daughter Cecilia are forced to move, bringing Rachel along under the guise of a "family friend." Aidan believes Rachel is too brainwashed and fearful to attempt escape, but Rachel is determined to survive and forms a bond with Cecilia. Meanwhile, Emily, a local restaurant owner, becomes entangled in their lives, unaware of Aidan's true nature.

Narrated from the perspectives of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily, the novel explores the psychological impact of Aidan's crimes on the women around him and their resilience in the face of danger. As the tension mounts and secrets unravel, "The Quiet Tenant" becomes a gripping tale of survival, trauma, and the bonds that empower women to fight back against evil. With its electrifying plot and astute examination of power dynamics, this debut thriller promises to captivate readers until the very end.