The Quiet Tenant, the debut novel from author Clémence Michallon, just hit store shelves yesterday (you can pick up a copy HERE) – and today Deadline has broken the news that Blumhouse Television has acquired the adaptation rights to the story with the intention of turning it into either a limited series or a streaming feature.
Published by Knopf in the U.S. and Abacus in the U.K., The Quiet Tenant has been described as an “expertly paced psychological thriller”. It’s the story of a serial killer, narrated by those closest to him: his 13-year old daughter, his girlfriend and the captive victim he has earmarked for death. In the book. Aidan Thomas is a hard-working family man and a somewhat beloved figure in the small upstate town where he lives. He’s the kind of man who always lends a hand and has a good word for everyone. But Aidan has a dark secret he’s been keeping from everyone in town and those closest to him. He’s a kidnapper and serial killer. Aidan has murdered eight women and there’s a ninth he has earmarked for death: Rachel, imprisoned in a backyard shed, fearing 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 along, introducing her to Cecilia as a “family friend” who needs a place to stay. Aidan is betting on Rachel, after five years of captivity, being too brainwashed and fearful to attempt to escape. But Rachel is a fighter and survivor, and recognizes Cecilia might just be the lifeline she has waited for all these years. As Rachel tests the boundaries of her new living situation, she begins to form a tenuous connection with Cecilia. 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.
Michallon will be an executive producer on the adaptation. Speaking with Deadline, she said she knew from the beginning that the story in her book wouldn’t ever be told from the killer’s perspective. “I’m a reporter by trade, so I took writing an authentic serial killer novel as a great responsibility. Since the serial killer here victimizes women, there was something important in the centering of female voices.”
Blumhouse founder Jason Blum said, “I read Clémence’s novel in one sitting and was riveted. The story has all the elements of a great screen adaptation.“
Michallon added: “Jason Blum is one of the most dynamic producers working today. With an enviable slate of motion picture and television credits, and every one of them has viewers tethered to the screen. His vision for bringing The Quiet Tenant to viewers is incredibly strong. I am thrilled he has taken an interest in my work and to be collaborating with him on this project.“
Does The Quiet Tenant sound interesting to you, and are you glad that Blumhouse has picked up the adaptation rights? Let us know by leaving a comment below.