When No One Is Watching

by Alyssa Cole
When No One Is Watching cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Thriller/Suspense
Technical:
  • ID: 1580
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9780062982667
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2020-09-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

When No One Is Watching is a gripping thriller that blends the suspense of Rear Window with the social commentary of Get Out. Sydney Green, a lifelong Brooklyn resident, watches as her neighborhood transforms with gentrification, leaving her feeling disconnected and frustrated. To preserve the community's history, she starts a walking tour, where she crosses paths with Theo, a newcomer to the area. As they delve into the neighborhood's past, they uncover disturbing patterns and realize that the disappearances of their neighbors may not be as innocent as they seem. The deeper Sydney and Theo investigate, the more they question their own sanity and the motives of those around them. The line between coincidence and conspiracy blurs, and they must trust each other to survive the sinister forces at play. This intense psychological thriller explores themes of community, trust, and the dark side of urban renewal, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Reviews
Gisselle Reads · 2025-10-08
intriguing 4.20

The book is a slow burn but keeps the reader engaged with its intriguing plot. The characters and their development are particularly noteworthy.

The reviewer enjoyed the book despite its slow pace, finding the plot intriguing and engaging. They appreciated the character development and the way the story unfolded. The reviewer was particularly impressed by the book's exploration of racial divides and the consequences of gentrification, which added depth to the narrative. The suspense and the way the plot kept them guessing until the end were also highlighted as strong points.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed this book, it is a slow burn but the plot kept me engaged the entire time.

    I couldn't wait to find out how it ended.

    The book has a little bit of everything, making it a compelling read.

Bookish Brews · 2021-05-23
excellent 4.50

The setting is immersive and the writing is informative, making the story feel alive. The narrative effectively blends horror and social commentary.

The reviewer was captivated by the immersive setting, which brought the story to life. They appreciated the informative writing style, which added depth to the narrative. The blend of horror and social commentary on gentrification was particularly noteworthy, making the story both thrilling and thought-provoking. The characters and their development were also highlighted as strong points, contributing to the overall engagement.

Quick quotes

    The entire setting is so immersive that it feels alive.

    The writing was wonderful, and it was really informative in the best way.

    A wonderful blend of horror and social commentary.

Smart Bitches Trashy Books · 2020-09-02
good 4.00

The review praises the book for its unique horror elements and effective storytelling. It highlights the author's ability to create a compelling narrative without relying on gore.

The reviewer appreciated the book's unique approach to horror, which avoids gore and body horror. They found the storytelling compelling and praised the author's ability to create a thrilling narrative. The review also noted the book's exploration of gentrification and its impact on communities, adding depth to the story. The reviewer enjoyed the suspense and the way the plot unfolded, keeping them engaged throughout.

Quick quotes

    Great review! Thank you for explaining the kind of horror employed in this book.

    I like certain types of horror, but not gore or body horror.

    The book's exploration of gentrification adds depth to the story.

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