The Tenant

Full review

Freida McFadden wastes no time establishing stakes in The Tenant. Each chapter is short, direct, and designed to nudge you toward the next reveal, which makes this thriller perfect for weekend binge reading. The financial anxiety of the central couple anchors the plot, so even everyday errands feel precarious. That grounded realism intensifies the suspense because you sense how one wrong move could topple their fragile plans, a relatable tension for readers who also enjoy the high-stakes puzzles in The Da Vinci Code.

The novel’s biggest strength is its voice. McFadden writes in a conversational, slyly humorous tone that invites readers to play detective right alongside the narrator. Mundane details turn into possible red flags, and the book never relies on cheap jump scares. Instead, it keeps the tension simmering by letting quiet observations accumulate until you are second-guessing everything in the apartment. That approach rewards careful readers who enjoy picking apart motives and alibis.

New York City adds speed and claustrophobia at once. The couple’s cramped apartment, noisy neighbors, and relentless commute explain why secrets feel safe even when they are inches away. McFadden uses that urban pressure cooker to keep characters on edge, which makes the final twists feel earned rather than arbitrary. You may not find literary flourishes or deep character studies here, but you will find a polished psychological thriller that understands exactly how to keep you hooked.