This book takes the racism, pain, and violence of gentrification and turns it into a tense, eerie, and spectacularly adventurous story. 

The MC, Sydney, is a Black woman watching her beloved neighborhood change at shocking speed while dealing with a crushing secret. 

Her new neighbor, Theo, part of the white wave of gentrification, joins a group planning a block party and becomes Sydney’s volunteer research assistant. He’s also got secrets. 

As Sydney and Theo navigate their new friendship, visits with neighbors, unexpected run-ins, violence, and feelings for each other, they confess  secrets and make terrifying discoveries. 

Cole uses some very cool terror tropes, urban legends, generational knowledge, history, and romantic elements to examine the oppression, violence, gaslighting, racism (especially against Black women), and police violence, that endure in the US. 

Sydney is a powerful MC. Her determination and force is moving. I also enjoyed Cole’s decision to include Theo’s POV and watching a white man come to terms with his reality. 

I’ve seen some critiques that the book starts a bit slowly and that’s fair but I don’t  it took away from the story all things considered. Also saw some readers complain that the ending wrapped up to cleanly, but the joy I felt at who saved the day at how they did it was palpable. 

I can’t wait to read more Cole thrillers. 

Also, if you have the audio stay for the interview with Cole at the end.