When No One is Watching

Trigger warnings: racism, language, kidnapping, murder, illegal imprisonment

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Sydney lives in the Brooklyn brownstone where she grew up. She continues to watch the gentrification of the neighborhood as her neighbors are convinced to sell their homes and is dealing with her mother's debt and legal issues.

Theo also lives in the neighborhood with his ex-girlfriend Kim. They bought the house to flip when they were dating, but now he is forced to live in the small attic apartment away from Kim. He is unemployed and hiding secrets of his own.

I was excited to read an Alyssa Cole novel, as I've heard so much about her. This novel is Cole's first thriller, so it's new territory for her as well. I would be interested to read some of her historicals and see how they compare.

Sydney is working on starting a tour of the area because the tour guides she sees going through skip over black history. She's been living in the neighborhood since childhood and has seen many of her old neighbors pushed out of their homes by overassertive real estate agents. Disturbing things keep happening around Sydney, and they could be related to the skyrocketing value of her property. Sydney is liberal with her cursing, so if you do not like books with strong language this book is not for you! Her fierceness and Susan Dalian's flawless narration of her character make her a delightful character to listen to.

Theo has already broken up with ex-girlfriend Kim when the book begins, but their homeownership means they're still living under the same roof. He is disgusted by her racism and "concern" for the neighborhood when black people are just going about their business. He decides to become more involved in neighborhood meetings to make amends for Kim's bad behavior. At his first meeting, he meets Sydney and offers to help her with research for her tour. Theo's attraction to Sydney is obvious, and it appears she may find him appealing as well.

A series of suspicious events keep happening in the neighborhood, spiraling out of control. Racism is rampant among the new shop owners and homeowners, shocking Theo. Sydney and Theo confide in each other and try to figure out what is going on with the shady corporations involved in the neighborhood's demise.

The beginning of the book is a slow build and the action really starts in the last quarter. There are several twists that make you begin to doubt the motives of even the people you're rooting for.

This novel is recommended for those looking for fiction reads that incorporate the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Although fictional, the plot is all too plausible and timely.

Susan Dalian and Jay Aaseng are great narrators -- Dalian perfectly captures Sydney's sass and Aaseng has great delivery for Theo's dry humor. They are both narrators I would listen to again.

Alyssa Cole is an #OwnVoices author who writes historical fiction, romance, and now thrillers. Her fangirl obsession is anime.

Publisher: Harper Audio (audiobook), William Morrow (print)

Narrators: Susan Dalian & Jay Aaseng

Running Time: 8 hours, 30 minutes

Release Date: September 1, 2020

I received an electronic audio recording of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.