When No One is Watching

3.5/5

At the end of the day, this book offers a good primer on social issues and environmental racism. Although I don't read many thrillers, the book laid enough mystery and suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat, and the two points of view offered a good contrast between those who've lived in their homes for generations, and those who are coming in through gentrification. Given its “Rear Window meets Get Out” accolade, I'd say the book has the mystery and voyeurism of Rear Window, but it lacks the subtlety that makes Get Out work in terms of its antagonists. While the author makes it a point to showcase racism in its entirety, most scenes come across as over-the-top, and because of this, most of the antagonists come off as one-dimensional and simply designed for you to dislike them. Whereas in Get Out, you got the sense that there were racists, but it was more entertaining to see the layers peel back as the story progressed. WNOIW instead just gets the ball rolling, which is understandable, but it kinda took me out of the story at times. Other than that, as my first introduction to the author, I'd say it's a strong enough entry.