Some books entertain you. Others make you think. And every once in a while, you find one that does both.

Chile, When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole was one of those books for me!

I love a good thriller, especially one with unexpected twists, but what initially drew me to this book was the setting: Brooklyn, New York, where I was born.

And while this is a fictional thriller, the issues at the heart of the story racism, gentrification, displacement, social injustice, and the erasure of Black communities are anything but fictional.

What’s the Book About?

Sydney Green has watched her beloved Brooklyn neighborhood change before her eyes. Longtime residents are disappearing, familiar businesses are closing, and new neighbors are moving in.

But something about these changes doesn’t feel right.

As Sydney begins digging into the neighborhood’s history, she starts uncovering disturbing possibilities about what’s really happening around her.

And that’s where things get interesting!

Without giving away spoilers, I’ll just say this isn’t your typical neighborhood mystery.

More Than Just a Thriller: The Reality of Gentrification

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was how Alyssa Cole incorporated the history of racism and systemic injustice in America into a modern-day thriller.

Gentrification is often presented as neighborhood revitalization, with new businesses, renovated homes, and rising property values. But we don’t always talk enough about the people who lived in those communities long before they became desirable.

What happens to the families who can no longer afford to stay? What happens to the history, culture, and identity of those neighborhoods?

Having been born in Brooklyn, I found this aspect of the story particularly interesting.

Cole takes those very real concerns and adds a fictional, sinister twist that makes you question just how far people might go in the name of progress.

That’s what made this book more than just entertainment for me.

Let’s Talk About That Slow Burn!

Okay, chile. I’m not going to sugarcoat it.

The first 60% of this book is SLOW.

There’s a lot of character development, neighborhood history, and groundwork being laid before the real action begins.

And while I understood why the buildup was necessary, there were moments when I wanted the story to pick up the pace.

But that final 40%?

BABY! That’s where the book earns its thriller title!

The suspense kicks into high gear, the plot twists start coming, and we get some good old-fashioned get-back!

I won’t spoil anything, but I definitely enjoyed watching everything come together.

Looking back, I appreciated how the slower first half established the foundation for the chaos that followed. I just wish the pacing had been a little more balanced.

What Worked for Me (And What Didn’t)

What I loved:

• The Brooklyn setting and its personal connection to me.
• The combination of Black history, social commentary, and suspense.
• The way the story explores gentrification beyond rising property values.
• The unexpected twists and satisfying final stretch.
• A thriller that gives you something to think about after the last page.

What kept it from five stars:

The pacing. Plain and simple.

I’m all for character development and a well-built mystery, but I prefer a little more suspense sprinkled throughout rather than waiting until the final 40% for the action to really take off.

My Final Rating: ⭐ 4.25/5

Overall, When No One Is Watching was a solid, thought-provoking thriller that successfully blends historical injustice with modern-day suspense.

It’s not a fast-paced thriller from beginning to end, but if you appreciate stories with substance, social commentary, and a few jaw-dropping twists, this one is worth picking up.

This was my first Alyssa Cole book, and it certainly won’t be my last.

My question for you: Have you read When No One Is Watching? Do you enjoy slow-burn thrillers, or do you need the action to start early to keep you interested?

Let’s talk books in the comments!

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