A review by thenovelstitch
We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin

mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin is one part thriller, one part on the nose commentary about the dangers of conspiracy theories like QAnnon and online forums like 4chan. 

Meg and her daughter Lily are reeling from the sudden death of their husband and father, Justin, after a tragic car accident. Meg's father, a once famous bassist in a punk rock band, is convinced that a group of people he calls "the wolves" have been out to get his family and they have successfully killed his son in law. Meg has always dismissed her father's beliefs as the ramblings of an old man who has smoked too much pot, until her bookstore is targeted by bloody vandalism. Meg and Lily must suddenly question who in their world is truly a friend, and who is one of the Wolves, as they race to understand why their family is the target of a decades old conspiracy theory. 

I saw this book recommended by Jordy's Book Club and he had said the twists were "unexpected". Usually I love his book rec's (please go follow him on insta!) and I was excited for this. While I enjoyed the pacing and the story, I don't necessarily agree that the twists were totally unexpected or wild. 
I guessed early on the Carl was one of them, and it felt sooooo obvious. I also had a feeling that Sara Beth was the Bronze Lord long before the epilogue, even though it wasn't made clear if she was.
I do think this would be a great movie or limited series, especially with it being so relevant. All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted a good thriller that maybe hit a little too close to home!
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