When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole is a gripping mystery thriller that delves into themes of loss, community, and gentrification. The story centers around Sydney Green, a Black woman who returns to her Brooklyn neighborhood of Gifford Place after a rough divorce (is there any other kind?) to care for her ailing mother. Sydney confronts the rapid gentrification of her beloved neighborhood as she navigates her struggles, witnessing the disappearance of longtime residents and their replacement by white families and soulless apartment complexes.

Sydney’s frustration with erasing her community’s history leads her to start a walking tour to preserve the neighborhood’s African American roots. Ironically, she teams up with Theo, a new neighbor, and together, they embark on a journey to uncover unsettling truths about the changes around them. Their investigation quickly turns into paranoia and fear as they realize that the push to revitalize the community is more sinister than it appears.

The novel is grounded in the uncomfortable reality of historical facts, such as the forced displacement of communities and the erasure of cultural heritage. As they dig deeper, they encounter twists, dead bodies, and betrayals, uncovering unsettling truths about the changes around them.

When No One is Watching is a poignant commentary on the impact of gentrification on marginalized communities. It explores the loss of cultural heritage and the displacement of residents while also addressing broader themes of systemic racism and social injustice.

This book is a reminder of the importance of preserving community history and the ongoing fight against gentrification.

Highly recommend.