It took me awhile to shake off everything that happens in When No One Is Watching. This is the type of thriller that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
Because even though Alyssa Cole’s novel is a work of fiction, it’s all too easy to see how fiction is spun out of facts.
I picked up When No One Is Watching expecting something akin to a domestic suspense. Nevermind that I read the back cover description and sorta-kinda-shoulda known what I was getting myself into. My eyes pass over hundreds of books descriptions each year, so by the time I actually get around to reading the books, I’ve pretty much forgotten why I picked them up in the first place.
Which is why I wasn’t expecting what unfolded in When No One Is Watching. It’s incredibly heart-pounding, dramatic, and full of suspense; it makes you nervous about what lurks around every corner and behind every door. The story is unsettling and disturbing in the way that a good thriller should be, thought it really leaves you wondering “How fucking awful can humans really be to each other?”
Who here has watched the movie Get Out? That’s pretty much what you’re in for. When No One Is Watching was one of the first books to lead the charge of diverse books in the publishing industry, putting an eye-opening social justice slant on a literary theme we’ve seen before.
Cole’s writing and dual point of view narrative is witty and sharp, drawing you into the story. The author does a fantastic job of introducing the characters, getting you invested in their stories, and making you dread the unavoidable truth about what’s happening at Gifford Place in seemingly benign Brooklyn, NY.
The second half of When No One Is Watching takes it all a step further, as page after page bombards you surprise after surprise, compounding an already disturbing possibility into a terrifying reality. If you’re a decent human being, you’ll be as horrified as I am by the secrets main character Sydney uncovers in her world.
When No One Is Watching makes you think — it makes you shake your head in dismay and, most importantly, it makes you aware. Aware of what has been, what is still going on today, and what may occur if things don’t change.
Read it. Please.
Be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Super Simple Lemonade.
Wow, this sounds super powerful and creepy!! Have you read Lock Every Door, by Riley Sager? They sound a little similar, in terms of people ‘disappearing’ and, as you say, how awful humans can be to each other. Lock Every Door did turn my stomach a little, so I don’t know if I’m brave enough to give this one a go!
Hi Nicola! Yes, I did read Lock Every Door. That was such a great book, though — again — disturbing to read about how awful people can be to one another. Ugh! This is why I can’t watch true crime shows, lol. I think When No One Is Watching is “easier” to take than Lock Every Door in terms of the gross-out factor. The “big reveal” in LED made me nauseous. Ugh. When No One Is Watching is upsetting, but not in the same way.
I really liked it too. Very disturbing. A hyper disturbing twist on gentrification and gentrification was already disturbing enough in reality. It’s been a long while since I read it but remember enjoying the action packed end.
Lauren, I think seeing you post about it is what encouraged me to pick this book up! Thanks for the rec. 🙂
Oh, this sounds so good! Thanks for the review.
Glad you liked it, Stacy! I hope you get a chance to read this one.
So very eager that Alyssa Cole has now added suspense to her gear bag of historical, trendy, and sci-fi romances!
Hi, Catherine! I didn’t know that Cole wrote in so many genres! I love historical fiction, so I’ll have to look for some of her books. Thanks for the heads up!
I have to say this book goes off the rails. I was wondering if what was really happening was all just a crazy dream, but it was all very real. I was a little put off by how far Cole went, but then I realized she had to go in this way to get her message across.
Hi David. Apologies for the late reply to your comment! I agree that, toward the end, it seems a little impossible to believe. But then again…I can totally see something like that happening since so often truth is stranger than fiction. Whether it’s possible or not, the message was definitely received! It made a huge impact on me.
Happy new year!