Review | When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole

Sydney Green’s old neighborhood in Brooklyn is changing – shops are closing down, people are disappearing and houses are sold rapidly. Her research for a walking tour with her new neighbor Theo leads her to discover that something sinister may be at play. Can they trust each other enough to stop whatever it is that is coming?

People bury the parts of history they don’t like, pave it over like African cemeteries beneath Manhattan skyscrapers.

When No One Is Watching is not the usual thriller about a drunk rich white woman being suspicious of her husband and it was like a breath of fresh air! Told in Sydney and Theo’s point of view, there are also snippets of a chat forum where residents discuss issues in the neighbourhood which adds a layer of intrigue to the mystery. The book presents interesting information about the history of Brooklyn with regard to the Black residents who used to live in the area. It handles social issues like gentrification, white privilege, and police brutality in a way that reflects society right now.

I liked Sydney as a protagonist – she’s abrasive yet vulnerable, and I could relate to her thoughts. Theo starts out as an antagonist but soon proved to be a trustworthy person. I thought their relationship has a believable arc and I could see why both of them feel they could rely on each other. I liked the ominous vibe throughout where things are happening that just don’t seem right. It made me feel anxious about the characters. A scene where a Black teenager is arrested is particularly harrowing. I was invested in the mystery and I wanted to know what happens next!

Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the ending. I thought it’s a cop out (pun intended!) and pretty silly after such a smart buildup. The villains end up being pretty one-dimensional. And while I enjoyed Sydney’s voice, I didn’t believe in Theo’s. Some of his lines seem lifted from internet sayings/inspirational mugs such as “channel the confidence of a mediocre white man.” This book has some brilliant writing so the parts that don’t work stick out more clearly. That said, I was still entertained and would definitely pay to watch a movie adaptation!

When No One Is Watching is a fresh thriller with a timely subject matter that is worth a shot.

CW: racism, drug abuse, suicide, depression

About the author: Alyssa Cole

Photo by Bantersnaps via Unsplash