I’m a big fan of Freida McFadden, so I knew what I was getting into—and The Tenant didn’t disappoint. I expected some twists, and while I guessed a few, there were still moments that totally threw me (in the best way).

The red flags? Endless. The narration? Perfect. The pacing? Fast enough to keep you flying through chapters.

If thrillers are your thing, this one’s a must-read!!

When I got picked for this ARC, I literally screamed. Freida is my favorite thriller author, so I was so excited. But even though I was excited, I’m still giving this an honest review, as always.

Freida McFadden seriously never misses. she kills it every single time (no pun intended 😅). Every book she writes pulls me in immediately, and The Tenant is no different. It’s creepy, fast-paced, and honestly just so addicting. I flew through it.

All I’ll say is..a guy takes in a new tenant to help with bills, and things start getting weird. Like, seriously unsettling. You think you know where it’s going... and then BOOM..classic Freida twist. I gasped.

This one’s a quick, bingeable read with that perfect mix of mystery, suspense, and “what the heck is happening?!” energy. If you love short thrillers that keep you guessing, this needs to be on your TBR. 5 stars, no question. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Freida McFadden’s books, this one won’t disappoint.

Frieda McFadden’s books have almost been like comfort food for me. I turn to them when I need something good, and she almost never disappoints. Her last book, The Crash, was one of the rare disappointments for me, so I came into The Tenant looking for her to wow me and save me from her last release. 

Fortunately, The Tenant was thrilling, fun, and an easy book to power through. I enjoyed the story and found it so easy to be sucked into the world. 

Blake just lost his job, and money is tight after his recent purchase of a Manhattan brownstone.  His finance tells him they should bring a tenant in to help recoup some of their monthly cost. That brings in Whitney. 

At first, Blake and Whitney seem to get along; they even flirt a little, but then they become enemies. They are in a constant battle in the house, and in typical Frieda fashion, you are left wondering who is the crazy one. 

What held this book back for me is that I felt this one was a little obvious, but also I hated how it was revealed. The twist was just a little too convenient, and I found myself rolling my eyes at the reveal. Even though I have those negative feelings, that doesn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. As always, this is an expertly crafted thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you feel uncomfortable every turn of the page. 

The Tenant is a great thriller I would recommend to everyone, and personally, this was a great bounce back from her last release.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape select/Dreamscape Media for the ARC audiobook. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge Frieda McFadden fan, And this one did not disappoint! When Blake lost his high paying job, he and his fiance Krista decide to take on a tenant but what unfolds is not what they ever imagined. I don't want to give anytime away but the big twist had my jaw hitting the floor! I finished this one (like I do with most of her books) in less than a day. I definitely recommend this one.

#NetGalley #TheTenant

I couldn't stand the narrator. He was dry and non engaging. I couldbt get past the 2nd chapter. I'll try reading the actual book as it looked good.

Intriguing thriller that touches on subjects of revenge, privilege, betrayal and dark secrets that of course will come back to haunt you. All the characters as usual seem so real to life.

It felt like it started off a little slow for me, but the pace of course picked up as we got more into Blake’s psyche. It was refreshing to have a male POV because I feel it’s more woman dominated usually.

This is as per usual for Freida binge worthy! I really enjoyed myself overall.

Thank you for the arc audio Dreamscape and Netgalley.
Be on the lookout PUB date 05/06/25

Thank you NetGalley and Freida McFadden for the chance to listen to this ALC.

This was a really good psychological thriller. The twists and turns kept me guessing. Just when I’d think I had things figured out a new twist would come along. It was well written and had a good steady pace. I loved it!

The narrators were Will Damron and Christine Helen Lakin. They did a great job and were able to capture the feel of the story and emotions of the characters.

I loved this one! So fast paced and I didn’t not want to stop listening. I did audio for this and absolutely loved the narrators and the story. I love Frieda and her twists! This one left me staring at the end. So so good! Definitely recommend.

The unfolding of this story was kind of predictable, though I didn’t know how one of the MCs was involved but the ending gave me the answer to that question so all in all it was a good read. It was fast paced and kept me locked in. Good story with a satisfying ending.

I have so many thoughts and I do not want to reveal a single twist by talking about them. The narration was okay. I usually stop when the man does a "girl" voice but I stayed listening and I am glad I did. That is my personal pet peeve. Obviously he was good if I kept going.
I love the weird twists, the gross parts, and the end.

The newest title from Freida McFadden is a solid one, with strong narrators.

I was classically annoyed in the beginning by the repetitive nature of the main characters' thoughts--a common fault in McFadden's books--but once those died down and the story picked up more, I was cheerfully along for the ride. I partially guessed the twist as this title is a bit formulaic but still enjoyed the process of getting there and the change-up in narration. I heard once that one reason readers stick with their known authors is that sometimes predictability is a comfort and this book? Comforting (for being a suspense title) in chaos.


My thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Select for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest opinion.

Title: The Tenant
Author: Freida McFadden
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Will Damron and Christine Helen Larkin
Publisher: Dreamscape Select and Hollywood Upstairs Press
Genre: Psychological Satire
Audiobook Pub Date: May 6, 2025
My Rating: 3 6 Stars!!
Pages: 368

Blake Porter seems to have it all – happy with his job as VP of marketing. However, when he is let go he is wronged and doesn’t defend himself but takes the way he was treated.
He and his fiancée, Krista have recently put a down payment on a three-story brownstone but with Blake losing his high paying job it is now difficult to make mortgage payment. Krista suggests a tenant until he is able to get a suitable job. He is against it but realizes she is right. After interviewing several undesirable prospects, attractive, charming young Whitney who works as a waitress at a near-by Diner seems perfect.
At first Whitney seems to flirt with Blake. When she states she needs to go to the store to purchase shampoo and shower soap. Blake tells her no need she can use his. Then later one morning at breakfast Blake is having ‘Frosted Flakes” and she tells him she loves them but hasn’t had any in years; Blake immediate shares.
Well later his offers turn into a modern day “Hatfield & McCoy feud - Whitney uses all his soap, shampoo as well as finished off his “Frosted Flakes”
To me this is such Freida type humor! I went into it thinking it was atypical Psychological Thriller but definitely a satire!

However, the first part did get ridiculous plus these characters were soooo unlikeable especially Blake with his foul language – true he was a mess well actually close to being completely unhinged so I guess entitled to cuss!
I knew Freida likes to pull surprises so hung in there!
Part I - Blake’s POV
Park II - Psychopath’s POV
Part III - It all comes together

I call myself a Freida McFaddenfan - this is my nineteenth thriller- although not my favorite- I am looking forward to her next crazy ride with another bunch of psychos!

Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Select-Hollywood Upstairs Press for granting me this audiobook!
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 6, 2025.

THE TENANT is yet another pulse pounding thriller by Freida McFadden. The story started out strong, I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. It's cleverly written and full of surprises. I certainly didn't see the ending twist coming. Bravo for another amazing book! Definitely get yourself a copy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Many thanks to NetGalley and DreamScape Select for my gifted ALC.

This review will be shared to my Instagram @coffee.break.book.reviews closer to publication date on May 6th.

Things I liked:

I predicted the twist (and felt smug about it)

It was just compelling enough to finish

The setup had potential, even if it didn’t deliver

This one started out with promise but fizzled hard. I guessed the twist pretty early—not a dealbreaker, but it definitely made the last chunk of the book feel like a slow march to something I already saw coming. It just didn’t hit the way I hoped. Maybe I’ve read too many of this author’s books recently, but the formula is really starting to show.

Blake, our main character, was… rough. Not layered, not likable, just kind of there making poor choices, which made it hard to root for him. Honestly, by the end, I was kind of fine with whatever happened to him. And while I’m usually here for a messy, twisty ride, this one felt padded out. It didn’t need to be a full-length novel—most of the real action doesn’t happen until you’re already way too far in.

I finished it, mostly because I was holding out hope for one of those shocking finales, but what I got felt lazy and flat. If you’re new to this author, maybe it’ll hit different. But for me, this one just didn’t bring anything new to the table.

This was still an enjoyable listen. The voice actors, Will Damron and Christine Lakin, were great. They did a great job keeping me engaged, and bringing the characters to life.

I love a good Freida McFadden book. However, I don't like one where I guess the ending half way through. I think the moment Blake called the school, I knew. It came to me like one of Quilizabeth's visions.

If you have ever had a bad roommate you can relate to this book. How it makes you just go wtf have they done now... but then as expected you get the super twist from this Author! Def one of my favs from Freida!

Freida sure does know how to write a book that you don't want to put down. As with the rest of her books, this one is filled with likeable and unlikeable characters, plenty of twists and turns and you never know who you can trust. Really enjoyed this one! There were a couple of scenes that grossed me out a bit and I cannot even imagine what it would be like to deal with these situations.

Will Damron and Christine Helen Lakin do a great job narrating this novel.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select | Dreamscape Media for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly, I have to say that I’ve been a fan of Freida McFadden ever since she published The Housemaid on Amazon/Kindle, and her mystery/thriller novels hit regardless.

However, I do believe that now the quality of the writing has gone down and the suspense is not quite hitting it anymore.

However, The Tenant reminded me of how I felt when reading The Inmate but continues to have the same aspects of a McFadden novel that I think it is getting too tedious.

The beginning was slow but then subtly ramped up in terms of mystery. However, I’m a little tired of how all the female characters of the books are so oblivious to the point it doesn’t make sense and I believe is just to move the plot forward.

I want McFadden’s books to go beyond than the commonality, get out of the comfort zone, think outside the box because it’s getting a bit predictable.

This was my first Freida McFadden book but I've seen the name around so much I was extremely curious and had high expectations. The characters were multilayered, the writing was engaging and easy to follow, the build up was slow and laborious in the way a good thriller should be. BUT I figured out the who-done-it of it all very early, there were some motivations and smaller things I didn't quite pinpoint but as far as the mystery element I was not wowed.

THE TENANT by Freida McFadden
ALC review • pub date 05.06.25
🎧 narrated by Will Damron + Christine Lakin
Length: 8h 39min

Blake Porter is at the end of his rope when he abruptly loses his job, and then is forced to bring in a tenant to his & his fiancés house in order to be able to pay his bills. Pretty quickly, things go south when the new tenant, Whitney, begins eating all of his food, using detergent that causes him to break out in a rash, and ultimately put a strain on his engagement.

This was more of a domestic suspense - which isn’t typical of her books - so that was a nice surprise! As with all of her books, this was super bingeable and full of suspense. Fans of Want To Know A Secret will love this one.

The narrators are two of my absolute favorites and they did this story justice 👏🏻 the pure stress I felt during Blake’s POV 😅

4⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my ALC!