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Watching John
Dexter meets The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. A gripping psychological thriller about right and wrong, justice and vengeance—and what happens when the line between them disappears.
No one is perfect. Good and evil live in us all. Which acts will define us in the end?
Someone needed to stand up for the children.
John knows what it costs when no one does. He saw his sister pay the price.
And once you’ve seen the trademarks of a monster, you can’t unsee them.
John is the man that flies under the radar. He works in home security, silently watching other people’s lives unfold on screens. Their routines become his. Until he notices something: mundane family life that hides the evil lurking just beneath.
The pattern is familiar. The air is heavy with secrets. A little girl trapped in a nightmare. A man desperate to reclaim control over a world that makes him feel weak.
When the system fails yet another little girl, John steps in.
The deeper he goes, the harder it becomes to tell whether he is protecting the innocent—or becoming the very thing he hunts.
Another home security video, another man aglow in his computer light, sending nauseating messages to a child in a chatroom. It never ends.
Once you’ve seen it, vanquishing monsters isn’t a choice. It’s fate.
A psychological thriller built around a single, unsettling question: is it ever right to do wrong for the right reasons?
No one is perfect. Good and evil live in us all. Which acts will define us in the end?
Someone needed to stand up for the children.
John knows what it costs when no one does. He saw his sister pay the price.
And once you’ve seen the trademarks of a monster, you can’t unsee them.
John is the man that flies under the radar. He works in home security, silently watching other people’s lives unfold on screens. Their routines become his. Until he notices something: mundane family life that hides the evil lurking just beneath.
The pattern is familiar. The air is heavy with secrets. A little girl trapped in a nightmare. A man desperate to reclaim control over a world that makes him feel weak.
When the system fails yet another little girl, John steps in.
The deeper he goes, the harder it becomes to tell whether he is protecting the innocent—or becoming the very thing he hunts.
Another home security video, another man aglow in his computer light, sending nauseating messages to a child in a chatroom. It never ends.
Once you’ve seen it, vanquishing monsters isn’t a choice. It’s fate.
A psychological thriller built around a single, unsettling question: is it ever right to do wrong for the right reasons?
270 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2026
About the author
Christina Patterson
1 book26 followersChristina Patterson is a debut author published under the Meridian House literary imprint.
Her first novel, Watching John, launches the Watching John series, a psychological thriller built around a single unsettling question: is it ever right to do wrong for the right reasons?
In Watching John, Patterson examines consequence, responsibility, and what happens when ordinary people decide that looking away is no longer an option—forcing both the character and the reader to confront where the line between justice and wrongdoing truly lies.
Her first novel, Watching John, launches the Watching John series, a psychological thriller built around a single unsettling question: is it ever right to do wrong for the right reasons?
In Watching John, Patterson examines consequence, responsibility, and what happens when ordinary people decide that looking away is no longer an option—forcing both the character and the reader to confront where the line between justice and wrongdoing truly lies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 16, 2026
3.5 ⭐️’s! this was such a good thriller but for the sake of thriller recommendations, I would say it leans more action than thriller. think the mind f series but shorter and without romance.
this follows a man who repairs laptops for work until one day he’s working on a laptop that has a folder with child p*rn on it. he uses this to start a new job of tracking down people who do similar things or even worse.
I love an impulsive main character who makes decisions where I know I’d die within 10 minutes if I did the same 😂 I read this book in a day and it had me hooked but it’s definitely more of a heist, s.a cosby kind of thriller. I think there’s going to be a second book so I’m excited and will definitely read that!!
this follows a man who repairs laptops for work until one day he’s working on a laptop that has a folder with child p*rn on it. he uses this to start a new job of tracking down people who do similar things or even worse.
I love an impulsive main character who makes decisions where I know I’d die within 10 minutes if I did the same 😂 I read this book in a day and it had me hooked but it’s definitely more of a heist, s.a cosby kind of thriller. I think there’s going to be a second book so I’m excited and will definitely read that!!
May 12, 2026
★★★★½ — "Watching John" by Christina Patterson
Sharp, fast-paced, and impossible to put down, this is the kind of book that grabs you from the very first chapter and doesn’t let go. The pacing is relentless in the best way. Every scene feels purposeful, every reveal lands with impact, and before you know it, you’ve torn through half the story in one sitting.
What really stuck with me is how cleverly it flips the familiar stalker trope on its head. Instead of offering a clear moral line, it pulls you into uncomfortable territory and keeps you there, forcing you to wrestle with a genuinely unsettling question: what’s worse—crossing the line the way John did, or standing by and doing nothing at all? It’s not just suspenseful; it’s morally provocative in a way that lingers long after you’ve put the book down.
Sharp, fast-paced, and impossible to put down, this is the kind of book that grabs you from the very first chapter and doesn’t let go. The pacing is relentless in the best way. Every scene feels purposeful, every reveal lands with impact, and before you know it, you’ve torn through half the story in one sitting.
What really stuck with me is how cleverly it flips the familiar stalker trope on its head. Instead of offering a clear moral line, it pulls you into uncomfortable territory and keeps you there, forcing you to wrestle with a genuinely unsettling question: what’s worse—crossing the line the way John did, or standing by and doing nothing at all? It’s not just suspenseful; it’s morally provocative in a way that lingers long after you’ve put the book down.
May 4, 2026
4.5 stars ⭐️
It begs the question: If you can do both good and evil, which one defines you in the end? Is it ever right to do wrong for the right reasons?
Watching John is the indie author Christina Patterson debut novel, and did she pack a punch.
This edge of your seat thriller follows John AKA Mitch, a man living a dangerous double life as a vigilante. Driven by a traumatic past, he takes justice into his own hands, convincing himself he’s making the world safer… one monster at a time. But as the lines blur, the question lingers: in trying to destroy evil, has he become part of it?
I genuinely couldn’t predict where this story was heading, and that constant uncertainty kept me turning the pages. It’s dark, thought-provoking, and deeply unsettling in the best way.
Beyond the suspense, this book digs into confronting realities. The disturbing ways vulnerable people, especially children, can be exploited in a world that often looks the other way. It challenges you to reflect: when systems fail, what responsibility do we carry? And is staying silent ever truly neutral?
With a Dexter-like edge, this is a bold, unforgiving read that doesn’t shy away from the darker corners of humanity, especially in the digital age.
If you like thrillers that make you think as much as they shock you, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Trigger warnings: child exploitation, child abuse, violence, murder, childhood trauma and online predation themes.
It begs the question: If you can do both good and evil, which one defines you in the end? Is it ever right to do wrong for the right reasons?
Watching John is the indie author Christina Patterson debut novel, and did she pack a punch.
This edge of your seat thriller follows John AKA Mitch, a man living a dangerous double life as a vigilante. Driven by a traumatic past, he takes justice into his own hands, convincing himself he’s making the world safer… one monster at a time. But as the lines blur, the question lingers: in trying to destroy evil, has he become part of it?
I genuinely couldn’t predict where this story was heading, and that constant uncertainty kept me turning the pages. It’s dark, thought-provoking, and deeply unsettling in the best way.
Beyond the suspense, this book digs into confronting realities. The disturbing ways vulnerable people, especially children, can be exploited in a world that often looks the other way. It challenges you to reflect: when systems fail, what responsibility do we carry? And is staying silent ever truly neutral?
With a Dexter-like edge, this is a bold, unforgiving read that doesn’t shy away from the darker corners of humanity, especially in the digital age.
If you like thrillers that make you think as much as they shock you, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Trigger warnings: child exploitation, child abuse, violence, murder, childhood trauma and online predation themes.
May 11, 2026
I was approached by this authors agent to read a free ARC of this new book which comes out on 12th May, and I was so happy to read my first ever ARC! This book is short one, with only 258 chapters meaning it is very fast-paced and easy to follow. This book follows John, who is a home security worker and watches people’s lives through surveillance and he starts to observe things that shouldn’t be happening.This book highlights some very important topics, however I would strongly advise trigger warnings to be checked; as some parts are graphic and quite difficult to read. This book was very gripping, however I wanted more of a background story on John! I would still highly recommend this as a dark, disturbing and psychological thriller.
May 6, 2026
4/5 ⭐️ | 📚 Given an Arc of this book! Finished it in one sitting. Super fast paced and makes you think. Loved!
May 12, 2026
tt: @theaarontodd | ig: @aarontoddreads
📖 Aaron Reads | Book Review
Watching John x Christina Patterson
Do I Recommend? Yes, especially if you like morally complex psychological thrillers
⭐ Star Rating: 4/5
🔪 AT Intensity Rating: 2/5 knives
Quick Plot Points
☑️ A man who works in home security and watches people’s lives unfold through screens
☑️ A past trauma involving his sister
☑️ A little girl trapped in a horrifying situation
☑️ A failed justice system
☑️ Vengeance, control, obsession, and moral boundaries
One-Sentence Take
This is a dark, uncomfortable psychological thriller that asks how far someone can go for the “right” reasons before they become impossible to defend.
Review
I really enjoyed this.
Watching John is a psychological thriller built around one of my favorite kinds of uncomfortable questions: what happens when someone sees something awful, knows the system may not protect the vulnerable, and decides to take justice into their own hands?
John’s character immediately creates tension because you understand where his rage comes from, but you’re also never fully comfortable with him. He works in home security, watching other people’s lives unfold through screens, and that setup alone gives the book such a strong sense of unease.
I like that the book doesn’t treat vengeance as clean or heroic. John is reacting to real evil, but the deeper he goes, the more complicated it becomes to decide whether he is protecting people or feeding the darkest parts of himself. It’s tense, unsettling, and very readable without needing to become overly graphic.
This is definitely dark in subject matter, especially with the focus on predators, children, and failed systems, but on my scale I’d put it at a 2/5 🔪. It has disturbing themes and a constant psychological weight, but it’s not extreme or brutally graphic in the way higher-intensity thrillers can be.
Watching John is a strong, fast-moving thriller with a sharp premise and a main character who keeps you guessing.
📖 Aaron Reads | Book Review
Watching John x Christina Patterson
Do I Recommend? Yes, especially if you like morally complex psychological thrillers
⭐ Star Rating: 4/5
🔪 AT Intensity Rating: 2/5 knives
Quick Plot Points
☑️ A man who works in home security and watches people’s lives unfold through screens
☑️ A past trauma involving his sister
☑️ A little girl trapped in a horrifying situation
☑️ A failed justice system
☑️ Vengeance, control, obsession, and moral boundaries
One-Sentence Take
This is a dark, uncomfortable psychological thriller that asks how far someone can go for the “right” reasons before they become impossible to defend.
Review
I really enjoyed this.
Watching John is a psychological thriller built around one of my favorite kinds of uncomfortable questions: what happens when someone sees something awful, knows the system may not protect the vulnerable, and decides to take justice into their own hands?
John’s character immediately creates tension because you understand where his rage comes from, but you’re also never fully comfortable with him. He works in home security, watching other people’s lives unfold through screens, and that setup alone gives the book such a strong sense of unease.
I like that the book doesn’t treat vengeance as clean or heroic. John is reacting to real evil, but the deeper he goes, the more complicated it becomes to decide whether he is protecting people or feeding the darkest parts of himself. It’s tense, unsettling, and very readable without needing to become overly graphic.
This is definitely dark in subject matter, especially with the focus on predators, children, and failed systems, but on my scale I’d put it at a 2/5 🔪. It has disturbing themes and a constant psychological weight, but it’s not extreme or brutally graphic in the way higher-intensity thrillers can be.
Watching John is a strong, fast-moving thriller with a sharp premise and a main character who keeps you guessing.
May 12, 2026
Watching John was disturbing in a way that feels a little TOO real because unfortunately…some of the things happening in this book are things that are actually happening in real life every day.
This book gives me You vibes (the Netflix show/book series, both of which I loved), except instead of targeting women, John is targeting child predators and genuinely horrible people after experiencing an incredibly traumatic childhood by the hands of his sh*tty step father.
Morally, of course what he’s doing is wrong. Obviously. But at the same time…the people he’s targeting are doing things that are arguably much worse, so the entire time I found myself rooting for him while also thinking of how much he just needed a little therapy 😂
The pacing kept me hooked from beginning to end and I really appreciated that the story wasn’t just dark for shock value. It actually felt thought provoking and the author’s note at the end proved that this was intentional. I especially loved the parallels to current events and the news headlines in the last chapter because it added an extra layer of realism that made everything hit harder and FORCES the reader to sit with it for a bit…
I don’t have much as far as critiques go, but I will say I could’ve used just a LITTLE more gory detail in some of the killing scenes because a few of them felt rushed past a bit too quickly for me.
But overall, I really enjoyed this book. The ending definitely hit and now I’m lowkey hoping for a sequel because I need to know what John is about to get himself into next 👀
If you like psychological thrillers, vigilante justice stories, morally gray characters, serial killer thrillers, and stories that leave you feeling conflicted yet weirdly satisfied, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
This book gives me You vibes (the Netflix show/book series, both of which I loved), except instead of targeting women, John is targeting child predators and genuinely horrible people after experiencing an incredibly traumatic childhood by the hands of his sh*tty step father.
Morally, of course what he’s doing is wrong. Obviously. But at the same time…the people he’s targeting are doing things that are arguably much worse, so the entire time I found myself rooting for him while also thinking of how much he just needed a little therapy 😂
The pacing kept me hooked from beginning to end and I really appreciated that the story wasn’t just dark for shock value. It actually felt thought provoking and the author’s note at the end proved that this was intentional. I especially loved the parallels to current events and the news headlines in the last chapter because it added an extra layer of realism that made everything hit harder and FORCES the reader to sit with it for a bit…
I don’t have much as far as critiques go, but I will say I could’ve used just a LITTLE more gory detail in some of the killing scenes because a few of them felt rushed past a bit too quickly for me.
But overall, I really enjoyed this book. The ending definitely hit and now I’m lowkey hoping for a sequel because I need to know what John is about to get himself into next 👀
If you like psychological thrillers, vigilante justice stories, morally gray characters, serial killer thrillers, and stories that leave you feeling conflicted yet weirdly satisfied, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
May 9, 2026
★★★★
Some thrillers are built around chaos.
Watching John is built around justification.
This wasn’t the fast-paced, action-heavy type of thriller I usually gravitate toward. Instead, it’s a deeply psychological story centered on morality, justice, vengeance, and the terrifying ways people convince themselves they’re doing the right thing.
John isn’t written like a typical villain, and that’s what makes this story unsettling. The entire book constantly questions where the line between savior and monster actually exists… and whether that line disappears the moment someone decides their version of justice matters more than the law.
The recurring question throughout the story:
“Is it ever right to do wrong for the right reasons?”
really becomes the heart of the book.
This leans far more psychological than action-driven, so if you’re expecting nonstop twists and chaos, this may not be that kind of thriller. But if you enjoy morally gray suspense that forces you to sit with uncomfortable questions, I think this book does that very well.
I also appreciated that the darker subject matter was approached through conversations about justice, morality, innocence, and harm rather than for shock value alone. At times, it reminded me of Saving Noah by Lucinda Berry because of the heavy psychological themes.
For me, something was still missing emotionally in the final stretch, which is why this landed at a solid four stars instead of higher, but overall this was a thought provoking and memorable read.
Dark, reflective, morally uncomfortable, and much more psychological than action-packed.
Some thrillers are built around chaos.
Watching John is built around justification.
This wasn’t the fast-paced, action-heavy type of thriller I usually gravitate toward. Instead, it’s a deeply psychological story centered on morality, justice, vengeance, and the terrifying ways people convince themselves they’re doing the right thing.
John isn’t written like a typical villain, and that’s what makes this story unsettling. The entire book constantly questions where the line between savior and monster actually exists… and whether that line disappears the moment someone decides their version of justice matters more than the law.
The recurring question throughout the story:
“Is it ever right to do wrong for the right reasons?”
really becomes the heart of the book.
This leans far more psychological than action-driven, so if you’re expecting nonstop twists and chaos, this may not be that kind of thriller. But if you enjoy morally gray suspense that forces you to sit with uncomfortable questions, I think this book does that very well.
I also appreciated that the darker subject matter was approached through conversations about justice, morality, innocence, and harm rather than for shock value alone. At times, it reminded me of Saving Noah by Lucinda Berry because of the heavy psychological themes.
For me, something was still missing emotionally in the final stretch, which is why this landed at a solid four stars instead of higher, but overall this was a thought provoking and memorable read.
Dark, reflective, morally uncomfortable, and much more psychological than action-packed.
May 14, 2026
I recently read Watching John and thrillers genuinely always help me get out of a reading slump. I was actually feeling stuck with reading lately, so this book came at the perfect time.
What makes this even funnier is that I went into it completely blind 😭 So I knew it was a thriller but I did not even read the blurb before starting. And honestly? I think that made the experience even better.
I finished this in two sittings because I was so hooked.
The story constantly keeps you on edge because you genuinely cannot predict where it is going next. Every time I thought I understood John, something would shift again(Wait… should I even trust him?).
It has honestly been a while since I read a proper stalker trope thriller and this one really delivered that unsettling feeling so well. It’s dark, disturbing and very bingeable.
What I also appreciated is how the book makes you question morality, justice and how far someone can go before becoming the very thing they hate.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before going in because some themes are heavy and uncomfortable.
But overall, this was gripping, intense and exactly the kind of thriller I needed.
What makes this even funnier is that I went into it completely blind 😭 So I knew it was a thriller but I did not even read the blurb before starting. And honestly? I think that made the experience even better.
I finished this in two sittings because I was so hooked.
The story constantly keeps you on edge because you genuinely cannot predict where it is going next. Every time I thought I understood John, something would shift again(Wait… should I even trust him?).
It has honestly been a while since I read a proper stalker trope thriller and this one really delivered that unsettling feeling so well. It’s dark, disturbing and very bingeable.
What I also appreciated is how the book makes you question morality, justice and how far someone can go before becoming the very thing they hate.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before going in because some themes are heavy and uncomfortable.
But overall, this was gripping, intense and exactly the kind of thriller I needed.
May 17, 2026
As someone who spends a lot of time thinking about human behavior and motivation, I found this book completely fascinating and thought provoking. The story is well thought out, and the character development felt both clear and deeply intriguing. The main character is layered and believable in a way that makes the story deeply unsettling because you can understand how each of his choice’s unfolds. It’s psychologically compelling and impossible to put down. I kept finding myself thinking about the ethical/moral questions it raises even when I wasn’t actively reading. Highly recommend for anyone who loves psychological thrillers that go beyond surface-level suspense.
May 18, 2026
Tell me… if the system failed someone innocent, how far would you go to make things right? 👀
This book had me questioning morality, justice, and who the real villain actually is.
Dark, unsettling, and impossible to stop reading till the very end.
The kind of psychological thriller that slowly gets under your skin. 😶📖
Watching John by Christina Patterson is definitely for readers who love morally grey characters and stories that make you think long after finishing them.
This book had me questioning morality, justice, and who the real villain actually is.
Dark, unsettling, and impossible to stop reading till the very end.
The kind of psychological thriller that slowly gets under your skin. 😶📖
Watching John by Christina Patterson is definitely for readers who love morally grey characters and stories that make you think long after finishing them.
May 12, 2026
Watching John by Christina Patterson
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Watching John is a psychological thriller that doesn’t just aim to entertain it aims to unsettle. Christina Patterson crafts a story that quietly burrows into your thoughts, forcing you to confront uncomfortable questions about morality, justice, and human nature. Rather than relying on constant action, the novel builds tension through atmosphere and ethical ambiguity. From the very beginning, there’s a lingering sense that something is off, and that unease only deepens as the narrative unfolds.
👉John, the central character, is written with a complexity that makes him both fascinating and deeply troubling. His job in home security positions him as an observer of other people’s lives, but over time, that passive role begins to shift. What starts as awareness turns into involvement, and eventually, something far more dangerous. Patterson carefully develops his character so that his actions feel understandable, even when they cross clear moral boundaries. This makes the reading experience particularly intense you’re not just watching the story, you’re constantly evaluating it.
👉The novel’s strongest element is its exploration of moral grey areas. It repeatedly challenges the reader to consider whether intent can justify action. When systems designed to protect fail, is it acceptable for individuals to step in, even if it means breaking the rules? Patterson doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, she presents situations that force the reader to sit with their own discomfort, making the story feel more like a psychological inquiry than a straightforward thriller.
👉Atmospherically, the book excels in creating a sense of quiet dread. The use of surveillance as a central theme adds a layer of tension that feels both modern and disturbingly real. The idea that ordinary homes can hide extraordinary darkness is handled with subtlety, making the horror feel plausible rather than exaggerated. Patterson’s writing is controlled and deliberate, allowing the tension to build gradually without ever losing its grip.
Happy reading 😊
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Watching John is a psychological thriller that doesn’t just aim to entertain it aims to unsettle. Christina Patterson crafts a story that quietly burrows into your thoughts, forcing you to confront uncomfortable questions about morality, justice, and human nature. Rather than relying on constant action, the novel builds tension through atmosphere and ethical ambiguity. From the very beginning, there’s a lingering sense that something is off, and that unease only deepens as the narrative unfolds.
👉John, the central character, is written with a complexity that makes him both fascinating and deeply troubling. His job in home security positions him as an observer of other people’s lives, but over time, that passive role begins to shift. What starts as awareness turns into involvement, and eventually, something far more dangerous. Patterson carefully develops his character so that his actions feel understandable, even when they cross clear moral boundaries. This makes the reading experience particularly intense you’re not just watching the story, you’re constantly evaluating it.
👉The novel’s strongest element is its exploration of moral grey areas. It repeatedly challenges the reader to consider whether intent can justify action. When systems designed to protect fail, is it acceptable for individuals to step in, even if it means breaking the rules? Patterson doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, she presents situations that force the reader to sit with their own discomfort, making the story feel more like a psychological inquiry than a straightforward thriller.
👉Atmospherically, the book excels in creating a sense of quiet dread. The use of surveillance as a central theme adds a layer of tension that feels both modern and disturbingly real. The idea that ordinary homes can hide extraordinary darkness is handled with subtlety, making the horror feel plausible rather than exaggerated. Patterson’s writing is controlled and deliberate, allowing the tension to build gradually without ever losing its grip.
Happy reading 😊
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Wow—unbelievable for a first novel. Christina Patterson comes out swinging with a hit.
Watching John is a psychological thriller that grips you immediately and doesn’t let go. I read it in two days, and that wasn’t by accident—I genuinely couldn’t put it down. The pacing is tight, the tension keeps building, and just when you think you understand what’s happening, the story shifts and pulls you deeper.
The book has the feel of a modern-day fusion between Dexter and Mr. Robot. It plays with morality, identity, and perception in a way that’s both unsettling and addictive. The psychological depth is what stands out most—this isn’t just about plot twists, it’s about getting inside a mind that keeps you questioning what’s real and what isn’t.
Patterson’s writing is sharp and controlled, especially for a debut. There’s confidence in how the story unfolds, and it shows. The atmosphere is intense without feeling forced, and the narrative keeps a steady pressure on the reader from start to finish.
Bottom line: it’s invigorating, fast, and highly engaging. If this is her first novel, it sets a very high ceiling for what comes next.
Watching John is a psychological thriller that grips you immediately and doesn’t let go. I read it in two days, and that wasn’t by accident—I genuinely couldn’t put it down. The pacing is tight, the tension keeps building, and just when you think you understand what’s happening, the story shifts and pulls you deeper.
The book has the feel of a modern-day fusion between Dexter and Mr. Robot. It plays with morality, identity, and perception in a way that’s both unsettling and addictive. The psychological depth is what stands out most—this isn’t just about plot twists, it’s about getting inside a mind that keeps you questioning what’s real and what isn’t.
Patterson’s writing is sharp and controlled, especially for a debut. There’s confidence in how the story unfolds, and it shows. The atmosphere is intense without feeling forced, and the narrative keeps a steady pressure on the reader from start to finish.
Bottom line: it’s invigorating, fast, and highly engaging. If this is her first novel, it sets a very high ceiling for what comes next.
May 12, 2026
I read this title in its early stages and was not prepared to blast through a book in one night. I often do NOT read thrillers due to it spiking anxiety and, did Watching John do this? Yes.
The scenes building the main character’s storyline are so well paced and leave you gripping onto the next sentence. John is an adult you would walk by on the street and have no idea what he does behind closed doors, launched into a vigilante world through his career in cyber security. Horrific stories can be found deep in personal computers where people think they can hide their disturbing behavior and John takes action to rid society of these people…but with doing that, does he become as bad as the people he seeks out?
Honestly, I don’t know if I have that answer, as a reader. John is NOT necessarily likable, but then he is? He isn’t a good person (I guess) but…he avenges with the intention of good. I kept guessing the turns in this book, and the actual turns were as fulfilling as all of my guesses.
Shout out to the character, Frank. I watched him like a hawk, I love being territorial over a character in a book.
A very twisted, very fast-paced, great read for the summer!
The scenes building the main character’s storyline are so well paced and leave you gripping onto the next sentence. John is an adult you would walk by on the street and have no idea what he does behind closed doors, launched into a vigilante world through his career in cyber security. Horrific stories can be found deep in personal computers where people think they can hide their disturbing behavior and John takes action to rid society of these people…but with doing that, does he become as bad as the people he seeks out?
Honestly, I don’t know if I have that answer, as a reader. John is NOT necessarily likable, but then he is? He isn’t a good person (I guess) but…he avenges with the intention of good. I kept guessing the turns in this book, and the actual turns were as fulfilling as all of my guesses.
Shout out to the character, Frank. I watched him like a hawk, I love being territorial over a character in a book.
A very twisted, very fast-paced, great read for the summer!
May 14, 2026
Watching John by Christina Patterson explores some incredibly sensitive and morally complex subject matter, so I would definitely recommend checking trigger warnings before going into this one.
At its core, this story examines the idea of what happens when someone begins to feel like “the system” is failing and starts contemplating what justice might look like if taken into their own hands. It’s a concept that feels very relevant, and I appreciated that the author handled the heavier theme with care and consideration.
That said, while I found the premise relevant, I struggled a bit with the execution as a full-length novel. Personally, I think this concept may have worked even better in a short story or novella format. At times the narrative felt somewhat disjointed, and there were a few plot points that pulled me out of the story because they raised more questions than answers.
Overall, though, this was still a thought provoking and engaging read that tackles difficult themes in a way that encourages reflection and discussion.
Thank you to the author and publicity team for the ARC in exchange for my own review.
At its core, this story examines the idea of what happens when someone begins to feel like “the system” is failing and starts contemplating what justice might look like if taken into their own hands. It’s a concept that feels very relevant, and I appreciated that the author handled the heavier theme with care and consideration.
That said, while I found the premise relevant, I struggled a bit with the execution as a full-length novel. Personally, I think this concept may have worked even better in a short story or novella format. At times the narrative felt somewhat disjointed, and there were a few plot points that pulled me out of the story because they raised more questions than answers.
Overall, though, this was still a thought provoking and engaging read that tackles difficult themes in a way that encourages reflection and discussion.
Thank you to the author and publicity team for the ARC in exchange for my own review.
May 15, 2026
3.5⭐️
Watching John is a dark and unsettling debut psychological thriller with an important, disturbing premise. Christina Patterson takes on subject matter that is difficult to read but worth discussing, especially when it comes to the protection of children and the exposure of predators.
What stood out to me most was the concept. This felt less like a traditional thriller and more like the beginning of a villain/vigilante origin story. We are watching John move from observer to someone willing to cross a line he may never come back from, and that moral unraveling is what gives the book its strongest tension.
As the first book in a planned series, I could clearly see the foundation being laid for something bigger. I did find myself wanting a little more development in certain plot threads, especially with some of the high-stakes elements introduced early on, but the bones of the story are compelling!
A bold, dark debut with a lot of potential. I’m curious to see where John’s story goes next!
Watching John is a dark and unsettling debut psychological thriller with an important, disturbing premise. Christina Patterson takes on subject matter that is difficult to read but worth discussing, especially when it comes to the protection of children and the exposure of predators.
What stood out to me most was the concept. This felt less like a traditional thriller and more like the beginning of a villain/vigilante origin story. We are watching John move from observer to someone willing to cross a line he may never come back from, and that moral unraveling is what gives the book its strongest tension.
As the first book in a planned series, I could clearly see the foundation being laid for something bigger. I did find myself wanting a little more development in certain plot threads, especially with some of the high-stakes elements introduced early on, but the bones of the story are compelling!
A bold, dark debut with a lot of potential. I’m curious to see where John’s story goes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book genuinely creeped me out because it taps into a very real fear that most people already have in the back of their minds. The idea that someone could be watching you online, collecting information about you, or hiding behind anonymity without you ever knowing felt way too realistic at times.
What I liked most was how uncomfortable and tense the story felt without relying on constant shock value. It slowly pulls you deeper into the main character’s mindset and makes you question where the line is between justice, obsession, and becoming the very thing you hate. I kept catching myself thinking about how much of our lives exist online and how easy it is to forget how vulnerable that can make us.
What I liked most was how uncomfortable and tense the story felt without relying on constant shock value. It slowly pulls you deeper into the main character’s mindset and makes you question where the line is between justice, obsession, and becoming the very thing you hate. I kept catching myself thinking about how much of our lives exist online and how easy it is to forget how vulnerable that can make us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I literally ate this book up! It had me questioning so much although there’s some topics in the book that were a little tough to read(check triggers!) John the MMC experienced some traumatic events growing up that led him to seek justice for those who cant, he took matters into his own hands, he did what he believed was right, making sure the children got justice. This book will immediately grasp you in from the beginning, its intense, had me at the edge of my seat the whole way through, so glad to have received this book as an ARC , it’s definitely a must read especially with everything going on in today’s present day. Cannot wait for book two with the way it ended I need answers!! 🫣
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing first novel debut! Wow. Jaw on the floor!! I was really lucky to get E-Arc book and digged into it almost immediately (had to finish other arc I was reading)) but I flew through pages. Intense, gripping, what is really good and what is really bad questions popping in the head! It is not even about the plot that is definitely twisty, but it is also about the mind, what is inside this mind! The ending was fantastic! I definitely did not predict that one)).
Review of advance copy received from Author
Watching John - 3.5⭐️ (rounded up)
Thank you for this arc!
help I didn’t know I will breeze through this in less than 5 hours. We follow a MMC who had a traumatic past and takes matter in his own hands for justice in a flawed system. Under 300 pages, this is an adrenaline-packed thriller read. It deals with tropes like identity and moral dilemma kinda situations. And definitely something you can binge in one sitting.
Keep a lookout for this thriller this May 12! 🫶🏽
Thank you for this arc!
help I didn’t know I will breeze through this in less than 5 hours. We follow a MMC who had a traumatic past and takes matter in his own hands for justice in a flawed system. Under 300 pages, this is an adrenaline-packed thriller read. It deals with tropes like identity and moral dilemma kinda situations. And definitely something you can binge in one sitting.
Keep a lookout for this thriller this May 12! 🫶🏽
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a dark and thought-provoking psychological thriller that really made me think about the line between right and wrong.
I loved how the story challenges you to question whether staying silent is just as wrong as taking action. It’s unsettling, intense, and definitely not a light read.
If you enjoy morally gray characters and psychological thrillers that make you think, this one is worth picking up.
And that ending left me wanting to know what happens next.
I loved how the story challenges you to question whether staying silent is just as wrong as taking action. It’s unsettling, intense, and definitely not a light read.
If you enjoy morally gray characters and psychological thrillers that make you think, this one is worth picking up.
And that ending left me wanting to know what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky to receive an ARC copy of this! It was a gripping thriller that was quick to page turn through! I loved the conflict of “whats truly good” and the morally grey characters.
The ending was done perfectly (no spoilers so can’t explain) but the way the book wrapped up at the end will have you eagerly awaiting book 2!
The ending was done perfectly (no spoilers so can’t explain) but the way the book wrapped up at the end will have you eagerly awaiting book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Intriguing read about vigilante justice that some will say heroic! This one drew me in from the start as I was very curious as things would unfold, especially considering the MMC in this character will have you rooting form him and questioning his behaviors at the same time! Great read and I will definitely be continuing to Book 2, the ending peaked my interest even more.
May 19, 2026
A friend texted me out of nowhere and said drop everything and read this book. I thought she was being dramatic. She was not. Watching John is the kind of read that makes you cancel your plans. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished and I have a lot of feelings about John that I’m not sure I’m comfortable with. Absolutely worth it.
May 13, 2026
‘Watching John’ was an ARC from the author’s team. Honestly, this book made me question everything I thought I believed about justice and morality. Is it ever right to do wrong? I’m still thinking about it days later.
May 13, 2026
This book is NUTS (in a good way)! John is a computer nerd with a need to take down "monsters" which he does fairly easily as he's wily and savvy enough to fool most people. But everyone makes mistakes and John is on the verge of making one. Read and enjoy (but maybe keep the lights on)!
May 25, 2026
I really enjoyed it! Definitely could see this as a movie or Netflix show. I’ve never read a book with this story line before! Only thing is I wish we got more in depth detail on the main character and more action with each victim.
May 12, 2026
Gave this to my husband who never reads fiction. He finished it in three days and immediately asked when book two comes out. Says everything.
May 12, 2026
Slow burn in the best way. Takes its time building John's world and then pulls the rug out from under you completely. The ending set up book two perfectly.
May 12, 2026
Incredible book!! What a page turner!! Love the writing style of the author, super easy to read, engaging, and truly makes you think. Definitely recommend.
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