A tense and horrific thriller about gentrification, its insidiousness, the people it displaces, and the people/entities/forces that drive it forward. The story burns quietly at the beginning before ending in a blaze.

Alyssa Cole is such a beloved author that I'm worried that I'm going to be attacked for not liking this book. At least the bonkers ending, which I was expecting there to be one, made me give it three stars instead of two.

I've never liked Alyssa Cole's romances. The male lead always irritated me to the point where I was wondering 'what does she see in him.?' I was hoping since this was supposed to a suspense novel that I wouldn't have the same problem. Nope. The guys is a mopey loser and she uses him, by her own admittance, as an emotional punching bag. There is too much romance and it would have been such a better book if there was none.

This could have been a better book in a lot of ways: more scenes of the supporting characters, no POV of the male lead, less of the historical lessons, and more of the feel of the community as a whole. I understand what Cole was trying to do when she stopped the story to tell me the history of gentrification but if you really want me to feel the impending doom of the community I have to fall in love with it.. Just giving me bare facts makes me go 'That's sad' but have no real connection, The place has to be a living, breathing character who is dying.

But maybe Alyssa Cole's fan will love this because they like her romances and just didn't like because I'm not a fan of her romances.

This review is based on an advanced copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review.

As a big Alyssa Cole romance fan, I was super excited to read her thriller debut, and it blew me away! Amazing commentary on gentrification (specifically in NYC/Brooklyn), a compelling protagonist in Sydney, and Cole's signature sharp, engaging writing. Such a page turner, and sure to be a big hit with fans of thrillers/horror like Jordan Peele's Get Out, etc. Looking forward to seeing what Cole writes next!

Being a big fan of Alyssa Cole's romances, I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this one. But there was no need to worry as Cole knocked me off my feet. This one is part thriller, part horror, and all social commentary on the evils of gentrification. The book slowly unravels as Sydney becomes more and more distrustful and suspicious about what exactly is happening in her beloved neighborhood. The writing is excellent, balancing the humor with the horror and historical lessons on Brooklyn. This is a must read for anyJordan Peele fans!

Longer review to come!

Sydney lives in Gifford Place, a historically Black neighborhood in Brooklyn, in her mother's brownstone. But she is increasingly aware of the appearance of new, mostly white neighbors, and the parallel disappearance of Black residents whom she has known for years. Her mother is ill -- and receiving increasing numbers of strange phone calls from an agency. Meanwhile, the new white residents seem inclined to ignore the neighborhood's history -- in fact, determined to erase it. As Sydney works to develop a neighborhood tour that contradicts the white narratives, strange things happen -- but is she imagining them as a consequence of her depression? What can one woman do?

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book, despite being a big Alyssa Cole fan -- and there was a point early on at which I thought that it might have been intended as a didactic primer for white readers -- though it surprised me that Cole would write so specifically for that audience. But as I went on, I realized that while there are elements of the novel that fit that goal, it's so much ,more than that. I'm being cryptic, because this is definitely best read unspoiled -- but I'm tremendously impressed with how Cole blends key points about how gentrification happens, and how it hurts people, with twists and turns that make for a genuinely horrifying thriller. In the process, she makes a compelling argument that the effects of gentrification and so-called "urban renewal" are just as much a part of the romance genre -- and just as worthy of stories -- as more familiar tropes.

I've read many of Alyssa Cole's romance novels - which I love, but this was my first of her mystery/suspense.

This book... THIS BOOK. It had me at equal parts enraged and frightened. Enraged by what was happening to the residents of Gifford Place, and frightened because it honestly could have been ripped from the headlines. I could not put it down, and I am still in shock several hours after finishing. I haven't had this visceral a response to a book in a very long time - I need to know what happened after the Epilogue!

I can't go into my thoughts without spoilers, so just let me say this is a very timely read, and will make you think twice about everything you thought you knew. Very well done!

“People bury the parts of history they don’t like, pave it over like African cemeteries beneath Manhattan skyscrapers. Nothing stays buried in this city, though.”

The last 15% of this book had me *so* anxious. I read the last part in a single hour because I absolutely couldn’t put the book down. The scariest part about this book? So many things that happen in this book can and have happened in real life and it’s not that much of a stretch to believe that the rest of it could as well. The beginning of When No One is Watching starts off a little slow, but the more clues that Sydney and Theo put together and the more clues that the readers put together there is a great build-up of suspense. They lead to something sinister and deadly.

There is a lot of history talked about in this book, much that I didn’t know, but unlike other books it doesn’t drag down the story. Everything Sydney and Theo uncover adds to the mystery and what they’re working to uncover. I really liked Sydney and her determination to keep her mother’s home, keep her community together, even when she feels like some of the stuff might be in her head. Theo, I liked less, but he was still a great character. He became more interesting when his full past and actions were revealed, honestly.

This is my first Alyssa Cole novel and I feel like it was a great book to start with. When No One is Watching deals with a lot of tough topics and it really stood out to me in the thriller genre. I highly recommend.

I enjoyed this one! When No One is Watching takes the concept of gentrification and gives it a sinister meaning. Residents of a predominantly Black neighborhood are being replaced by wealthy, white people. But it seems like there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

I thought the writing was so clever and witty. My only criticism was the pacing, it felt a bit slow for most of the book and then it felt like all of the plot happened towards the end.

Overall, though, it was a fun read and one that I enjoyed and would definitely recommend!

Let it be said that I'm an Alyssa Cole superfan, and her foray into thrillers is thrilling! People complain about the pacing of the novel, but I didn't mind it because I found the development of the characters so compelling, if not thrilling or tense. Sydney and Theo are genuinely complex, and their dynamic is too. For me the slow-paced beginning was not extraneous. It was the setting up of all the dominoes. It's hard to discuss plot points without getting into spoiler territory, but the book makes some great points. Knowledge of history is vital; it might literally save your life! Also, those in power aren't eager to give it up, and they are nimble. The connections from 17th c. slaveholding to today's societal ills are very strong.

The one thing that keeps this from being a five star book for me is the gun violence. It's hard to articulate, and probably very personal, but I just wish there had been another way. It kept me from feeling as satisfied as I wanted to.

I do believe this is the first time that I have read a book where the focus was on gentrification. Yes, I had to look the word up, but as soon as I did, I was able to recall news stories of how this has happened time and again in history. One source online refers to it as an "inverse of white flight".

I have read several of Alyssa Cole's romance novels, so to take on a thriller that focused on such a serious subject was of great interest to me. In this story we have dual points of view, that of Sydney and Theo, who were as different as night and day. However, they each are affected by what is going on in her Brooklyn neighborhood. Still saddened by the loss of her mother, whom she still called Mommy, and is very close to her best friend Drea. The pair have a secret that, if revealed, could ruin their lives.

The neighborhood is disappearing. Developers are making it very difficult for residents to keep their homes. Drea works for the city, so she is able to keep Sydney apprised as to the plans that are in play. Despite this advantage, however, things become quite intense and even dangerous, and more than a bit sinister at times.

Theo was a mystery, a man who came from a very dark past, and who would have no qualms to going to any extreme when it came to Sydney. As every other chapter in this story came from his point of view, there was no doubt as to how vigilant he became when a pattern of events began to form a complex mystery.

When gentrification happens, people move out - one way or another. Sometimes, developers offer a pretty penny for their homes and property, or they find another poor area to settle. However, as Sydney and Theo began to see, some of Sydney's neighbors are disappearing. Something dark and deadly is happening and they won't stop until they sort matters out.

How chilling! With Sydney being black and Theo being white, they might seem unlikely allies when it comes to working together to make matters right. Will they get too close to what is really going on, thus placing their very lives in danger? What about the secrets they both are keeping? Will that be enough to upset anything stronger that is growing between them, going past camaraderie and becoming much more?

What a remarkable book by Alyssa Cole! It was a multi-layered story with enough twists, danger and more to keep me completely drawn to what was going on in the book. Also, when an author with a proven track record at writing romance, often with couples who have interracial relationships, who delves into a new genre, I must say I have nothing but respect for her.

I admit to having to work a bit harder with this review because I read two books by Cole back to back - How to Catch a Queen and this book. When No One is Watching. The two books could not have been more different. So, I loved the challenge of composing two comprehensive reviews back to back as well, albeit months in advance for her romance in a new series, Runaway Royals. Having now read quite a few romance titles by her, I loved the change of pace with a thriller novel, and certainly hope there will be more from this genre by her.

Many thanks to William Morrow Paperbacks and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Novel about gentrification of a Brooklyn neighborhood. I love Sydney and her determination to keep her mother's home.

You guys, this book!!!! So this is a social thriller, with a little romantic subplot thrown in. I loved both Sydney and Theo, and you really get a lot of build up in the beginning about who they are, and their neighborhood. I am going to be honest and say that the pacing of the book is a little off. I feel like not much happened in the beginning, other than you are getting to know the characters, the people of the neighborhood, the neighborhood app where some side stuff is going down. Then stuff starts coming together some, and then everything happens right at the end and you are like OMG OMG! And then it is over.

Like any good thriller, the plot of the story really has you thinking about how this can and does really happen! And that is quite scary. Gentrification of a neighborhood isn’t always a good thing. This book shows you to follow the money to uncover the power. It also talks a lot about injustices that some black communities endure.

Bottom Line: Everyone needs to read this. It was hard to put down and left me thinking a lot.

**I received a copy of When No One Is Watching from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Some spelling errors but regardless I LOVED this book! Gave me major "Get Out" vibes and kept me on my toes.

When No One Is Watching kept me on edge per page. This is likely one of the best suspense thrillers I've read in a long time.
Sydney is a young Black woman living in her mother's Brooklyn brownstone in a neighborhood she grew up in. Lately in the midst of gentrification, beautiful days in this neighborhood is turning ugly. Living with her own demons, she notices changes in the neighborhood. Long time neighbors are leaving their beloved homes and new neighbors move in and show who they truly are.
One neighbor, a white guy name Theo, is dealing with a girlfriend who barely notices he is there. He has issues, too, but settles them whenever he encounters...and watches his neighbor, Sydney. Things start happening and it brings the two neighbors together. does a brilliant job weaving the suspense and background of Sydney, Theo and supporting characters. I put this on the levels of Jordan Peele with throwbacks of Alfred Hitchcock and Rod Serling. I read this in two days and that's only because I had errands to do and everyday life to deal with, even in the midst of a pandemic.
I highly recommend When No One Is Watching!

Intriguing. Riveting. Chilling.

These are the words I have to describe this book.This is my first Alyssa Cole read and I was not disappointed. The story is riveting, engaging, and thought provoking. The subject matter is important and relevant in today’s world.

I went in with no expectations of trying to figure out anything. I wanted to start and see where the story took me and took me it did! One wild ride. Strange and unexplainable things were happening and nothing was making sense. The more she looked into things the more she put herself in danger.

This book had me on the edge of my seat towards the end. It really had my pulse racing. Many twists I didn’t see coming and appreciated. After I was done I kind of sat there thinking wooooow. Mind blown. It’s safe to say this author has a new fan.

The writing is excellent as well as the characters. Wonderful and engaging read from beginning to end. I will look into other works by Miss Cole. I highly recommend this book! I give this 5 stars.

Alyssa Cole is one of my very favorite romance authors. Period. When I found out she had a thriller coming out I was highly anticipating this book. This book was fantastic. It is definitely a social thriller. The slow burn is a testament to how well this author builds suspense.

I really enjoyed the well written, fleshed out characters.

The story is realistic, one you could see on any street in any town in America.

Highly recommend this book !

I only read about 50% of the book. I can't get past the cussing and the characters seem so angry. I feel some of the characters are stereotyped. I'm sure many people will enjoy this book, but it's just not for me.

A thrilling, horrifying story about how gentrification and racial microaggressions (and full on aggression) wreak havoc and violence on Black and primarily POC communities. This an especially important read for white folx, as it details the many ways in which Black folx especially face racism and harassment in their communities. I thought the inclusion of a Nextdoor-like app was well-done, really grounding the story into the present. Cole is a fantastic writer, and I found myself engrossed in the story immediately.

I thought the dual POVs were an interesting idea; however, I felt that Theo's POV was not that necessary. There were a few times where his POV contributed to revealing a "twist," but Sydney's POV chapters were the strongest and most important parts of the book in my opinion. This was a slow-burn thriller for the majority of the book, which made the climactic ending feel very rushed. I do wish that the final twist and unveiling had begun a bit earlier, instead of in the last 30 or so pages. I had a lot of questions at the end (particularly about Sydney's neighbors), which I would've liked to learn more about.

Overall, I did like this book; I am a big fan of Alyssa Cole's romance series and I am thrilled to read more of her work in new genres!

Maybe 2.5 stars? This was just okay for me. I loved the premise and the characters were interesting enough, and I appreciated Alyssa Cole’s efforts to write a diverse thriller about gentrification, but that’s where the pros end for me.

The pacing was too slow the entire time, and this just wasn’t thrilling enough to be a thriller. Also, the plot was very predictable IMO. I was able to guess what the “big plot twist” was going to be by like the 30% mark, and the villains of the story ended up being stereotypical evil white people. I just wanted more depth/complexity to their characters to make the story more interesting.

Definitely disappointed with this one, but I am interested in checking out Alyssa Cole’s other works soon.

**Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review**

“They wanted us to destroy everything, so they could come in and fix it”

Y’all know that Tituss Burgess gif where Tituss jumps back in shock? That’s me at When No One is Watching. This book was wild with some great twists. The scariest part? It’s how realistic most of this can happen with gentrification.

Can I petition for Kim to be the new Karen? Cause this Kim is trash. Every sentence was cringe worthy. There are real life Kims living in gentrified neighborhoods right this minute spewing the SAME. EXACT. HATE.

Also, Sydney Green is THAT protagonist. She’s strong, she’s determined, she’s quick witted and smarter than anyone else in the room. I am here for it. Some of her narration had me laughing, especially her Uber scene because I’ve said the same thing about a cancelled driver AND a Yankees fan..

I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the characters learned about their history and the socioeconomic part of the neighborhood.

This one is out September 1st. Thank you William Morrow & NetGalley for the gifted copy. ❤️