Aidan Thomas is a hardworking family man and a respected member of his community. He's the kind of man who always lends a hand and has a good word for everyone. He's also a kidnapper and serial killer who has murdered eight women. And there's a ninth, a woman he calls Rachel, imprisoned in a backyard shed where she fears for her life.
When Aidan's wife dies, he and his thirteen-year-old daughter, Cecilia, are forced to move. Aidan has no choice but to bring Rachel too, introducing her to Cecilia as a family friend who needs a place to stay. He knows that after five years of captivity, Rachel is too frightened of the consequences to attempt to escape. But Rachel is a fighter and a survivor. And when Emily, a local restaurant owner, develops a crush on the handsome widower, she finds herself drawn into Rachel and Cecilia's orbit, coming dangerously close to discovering Aidan's secret.
Some books, although they are excellently written, gripping and intriguing, are hard to read just because of the subject matter. This book is one of those.
Do be aware, it's written in second person - You are in the shed, he comes to visit you - which can make it harder to detach yourself from the story if necessary, as it's far more immediate. It's a really interesting writing tactic! I'd love to see more books try it out.
I would have liked to see more of the resolution of everything, but I always want to know more about what happens 'afterwards', so that's more of a me thing than a story thing. The ending as it is is very satisfying. I'm just greedy, I guess!
If you enjoyed Room, I'd definitely give this one a try.
The Quiet Tenant publishes on the 20th of June, 2023, in both the UK (top image) and the US (lower image). I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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