The Quiet Tenant

A gripping psychological suspense story about a serial murderer told by his partner, his 13-year-old daughter, and the one victim he has spared

Living in a tiny upstate New York hamlet, Aidan Thomas is a devoted family guy who puts in a lot of labor. He is the kind of guy that is always willing to help and has lovely words to say about everyone. However, Aidan has been hiding a sinister secret from everyone in the community including his closest friends. He is a serial murderer and kidnapper. After killing eight women, Aidan has designated a ninth, Rachel, to be killed. Rachel is being held captive in a garden shed and is afraid for her life.

Aidan and his thirteen-year-old daughter Cecilia are forced to relocate after the death of Aidan's wife. Aidan is forced to take Rachel with him, presenting her to Cecilia as a "family friend" in need of lodging. After being held captive for five years, Aidan is wagering that Rachel will be too terrified and indoctrinated to try to escape. However, since she is resilient and strong, Rachel realizes that Cecilia could be the lifeline she has been waiting for all these years. Rachel starts to establish a shaky bond with Cecilia as she pushes the limits of her new living arrangement. Additionally, Emily, the proprietor of a nearby restaurant, finds herself entangled in the lives of Rachel and Cecilia when she starts to have feelings for the dashing widower. This puts Emily in risk of learning Aidan's secret.

The Quiet Tenant examines the psychological effects of Aidan's actions on the people in his life, as well as the relationships that give those women the ability to fight back, from the viewpoints of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily. The Quiet Tenant is a thrilling first novel by a significant talent that is both a searing thriller and a perceptive examination of trauma, survival, and the politics of power.