A review by the_vegan_bookworm
When No One Is Watching, by Alyssa Cole

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This thriller was clever, well thought-out and clearly well researched. I found myself learning about the links between racism and gentrification, which was a cool thing to experience during a thriller.

Though it feels obvious throughout where the book is going, I still found myself anxiously following along to see where the story would go and what the ultimate result of the plot would be. The things that are revealed about all the characters, sometimes even just briefly, add so many additional layers to the storyline.

SpoilerAt first, I didn't like the ending and thought it was rushed and too positive after encountering such an all-powerful villain. But after some reflection, I like what it says about resilience of Black communities and about community care defeating even the most powerful structured oppression. "Too positive" or not, I feel like those are messages I want to see in the world and it makes me happy to see them reflected in this book.

My only actual complaint is that some elements of the story are never really resolved and just sort of forgotten in the end, like Sydney's fear of bed bugs and why Drea was working with the enemy (or even how long she was or what the story was there).


Fans of Get Out or The Other Black Girl would definitely like this book.
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