Review: When No One Is Watching

When No One Is Watching by Joseph Hayes

Publication Date: October 2010
Publisher: Synergy Books
Format: Paperback, 320 pp
ISBN-13: 9780984387946
ISBN: 0984387943

(Received for review from Phenix & Phenix Publicity)

Synopsis (Book Blurb):

On the eve of announcing his run for Congress, a charismatic Chicago politician causes a deadly accident. Panicked, he frames his best friend, a good-hearted alcoholic, and flees the scene. As one man tires to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, the other embarks on a meteoric rise to political stardom. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, the political superstar must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret. Author Joseph Hayes combines page-turning suspense with a a poignant tale of inspiration and redemption as he ask, is "the greater good" just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?

Thoughts:

When No One is Watching is part political thriller and part moral dilemma. Author, Joseph Hayes uses his experience as a lawyer and chief ethical officer to craft a novel that asks the question, "what would you do, if you knew no one was watching?" This cautionary tale is not only about personal responsibility, but it also addresses issues including addiction and redemption.

Blair Van Howe is on his way to political stardom. But, his life is tragically altered when he decides to frame his best friend Danny for an accident that he committed. Driving home from a night of celebrating, Blair has a deadly accident, but he knows that his political career will be over if anyone finds out. He places Danny in the drivers seat and anonymously calls 911 before leaving the scene. Leaving Danny to believe he was driving and caused the accident. Blair's career sky-rockets but there are lingering effects from the accident and proof that he was the one who committed it. Will he tell the truth and clear Danny? Or will he continue to justify what he did when no one watching?

During this time of year we are often confronted with tons of political advertisements, each condemning the other candidate for decisions they have made or things they have done. I always find myself wondering which one of them is telling the truth, or are they both liars? Joseph Hayes has written a book that looks into the heart of a politician and what he was willing to do to further his career. Whether it was really for the "greater good" or just to advance his personal addenda.

This novel looks at the effects of guilt on the conscience and what personal responsibility is all about. Taking responsibility for what you do is one of the most important lessons you can learn. Hayes also delves into his own experience with an alcoholic father, to bring us the character of Danny and his addiction. Hayes has a knack for making the reader see the human flaws of his characters but still giving them a reason to want to know more about them and their struggles.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in politics and political thrillers as well as the person who enjoys reading stories about the human condition.

When No One is Watching is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!




Since obtaining his law degree from Berkeley Joseph Hayes has practiced law in Chicago, San Diego, and Houston. He currently serves as the chief ethics officer for a Fortune 1000 company. Hayes resides in The Woodlands, Texas, with his wife, Susan and their three children.