Strangers Behind Closed Doors, Catherine Adel West (Review by Elizabeth Burchfield)

Rating: 4.0/5 Stars

Strangers Behind Closed Doors tackles the disparity in news coverage based on race and the presence of corruption within police departments. In this story, multiple Black women have gone missing; however, they are treated as low priorities, failing to make local headlines, let alone nationwide news.

Within the first few pages, my heart was racing. I experienced the terrifying sensation of being watched and followed—a feeling many women know well—and that internal conflict where you tell yourself it’s “just in your head” while simultaneously clutching your keys or pepper spray. Unfortunately, the victim in the story is snatched, and I was immediately drawn in, desperate to know who did it and why.

The narrative alternates between a Black female detective and a Black female chief hotel concierge. West ironically names the hotel “Ivory” to further highlight racial stereotypes regarding certain roles in society. Throughout the high-intensity storyline, West skillfully weaves in social media, pop culture, and nods to specific Chicago neighborhoods and restaurants.

I found the middle of the book a bit choppy and difficult to follow, largely due to the “peppered-in” flashbacks and characters who didn’t contribute much to the plot. One of the narrators also suffers from trauma-induced amnesia, which felt like a “curveball” and a bit far-fetched. Additionally, I struggled to keep up with the rollercoaster of potential suspects because I was locked into one specific theory the entire time.

Fortunately, toward the end, the action ramps up at a much smoother cadence. After West developed the lead detective’s relationship with her family, I was certain she was a goner—but I was incredibly wrong. The book concludes with multiple betrayals, perhaps the greatest being the lack of concern a community and a nation show for missing people of color. West ends on a cliffhanger that leaves the door open for a sequel, and I am intrigued, especially since some of the victims may still be alive.