Book Review: The Tenant by Freida McFadden
I picked up Freida McFadden’s The Tenant with a mix of excitement and trepidation. It’s been a hot minute since I read a gripping thriller that left me breathless, and I had high hopes that McFadden would deliver that electric jolt. After all, she’s known for hitting readers with plot twists that knock the wind out of us. But here I am, left feeling kind of… meh. It’s like biting into a cookie expecting gooey chocolate chip only to find it’s raisin. Still sweet, still edible, but just not what I wanted.
The Setup
The Tenant dives right into the chaos of Blake’s life. He’s lost his job, can’t scrape together rent, and his fiancée Krista feels more like a side character than a partner in crime. Enter Whitney, their new tenant, who initially appears to be the calm in Blake’s storm. The premise is classic: a mysterious newcomer in suburbia leads to creepy occurrences—bad smells, shady neighbors, and secrets lurking in the shadows. You’d think this would have me on the edge of my seat, but instead, I just felt… curious.
Characters & Themes
Blake, our protagonist, often annoyed me with his incessant whining. I couldn’t help but wish he’d pull it together a bit—after all, if you’re desperate, channel that energy! Krista was practically an NPC in this story—existing for the sake of convenience rather than adding depth. Whitney, despite her potential as an intriguing character, felt reduced to mere plot device. It’s like McFadden had a tapestry ready to weave but opted for a quick patch instead.
The sum of these parts? A familiar McFadden formula that’s been polished but not perfected. While the chapters were short and the pacing brisk, I found myself wondering if this was a thriller that truly aimed to thrill or another notch in an already overstuffed belt.
The Twist and the Epilogue
Now, let’s talk about the twist. It shocked me, but not in a thrilling way. It was more of a “wait, seriously?” moment rather than a jaw-dropping revelation. I felt like I was asked to suspend too much disbelief, straying into territory where plot took precedence over logic. The epilogue? Well, it felt like it could’ve stayed locked in McFadden’s drafts—almost like the chef had finished a meal and thrown in a sprinkle of salt just because, even though it was unnecessary.
Final Thoughts
In the end, I finished The Tenant in a couple of hours, and while it was readable, it just didn’t hit the high notes of McFadden’s previous works like The Housemaid or Inmate. I think fellow readers might find some enjoyment here if you’re looking for a quick, breezy read without too much complexity. Though it left me mildly disappointed, I can’t help but feel drawn to her next release. My self-control is non-existent!
If you’re into thrillers with unreliable narrators and slow unraveling of sanity, this might be a light snack for you—but just don’t expect a three-course meal.
So, will I be back for more? Sigh… probably. Here’s to hoping the next one strikes that sweet spot! 📚💔