A review by booksrockcal
When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

This book is a combination social commentary/mystery/thriller bordering on horror. Sydney is a Brooklyn native who loves her neighborhood and the people in it. She notices her neighbors are disappearing and their houses and businesses are being sold to upscale white buyers. While doing  research for a walking tour undertaken with a neighbor she discovers some horrific facts about what’s happening to the neighborhood and the social commentary story turns into a thriller with horror elements. This book lays bare the effects of gentrification and the powerlessness of the people of color whose neighborhoods are gentrified.