We're Like Family Here: A Psychological Thriller by Jack Dane - Book Review
Release: 24/04/2026
Format: Kindle
Publisher: Back Alley Press
Source: Amazon
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Synopsis: Your coworkers might just be the death of you…
When Ashley Jacobs gets the interview at Campbell Realty, one of NYC’s premier real estate brokerages, she’s ecstatic. This is her big break–and after what’s happened—she needs one.
But it soon becomes clear her new job isn’t going to be easy. The hours are long. Her coworkers are guarded and secretive. Her boss demands absolute perfection…or else.
With all the money that’s at stake, it’s the kind of workplace where people will kill to get ahead.
And if she isn’t careful, Ashley could lose much more than just her job…
Fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin and Daniel Hurst will devour this harrowing psychological thriller filled with twists, turns and a final chapter so shocking it’ll force you to start the whole book over again.
Goodreads
Amazon
About the Author Jack Dane: Jack Dane writes thrillers and psychological fiction that largely takes place in New York City, where he lives. When not writing, Jack enjoys going to jazz clubs, taking people-watching walks in the Park, and exploring the city by night, where he picks up ideas for his next book.
Office Drama with a Sharp Bite
Whenever Jack Dane drops something new, I clear my schedule. Having devoured most of his catalog, I tore through We're Like Family Here in a single sitting - though this one left me with slightly mixed feelings compared to his usual intensity.
What Works:
The trio of protagonists anchors the story effectively. Brian, Michelle, and Ashley each bring distinct energy to the office politics, and Dane writes their intersections with precision. Brian emerges as genuinely despicable - the sleazy boss you love to hate, whose every move feels authentically gross. Michelle generates surprising sympathy despite her own questionable choices; you understand her resentment even when her actions raise red flags. Ashley is the average newbie who Brian hires, but also brings an air of mystery with her. The workplace backdrop itself intrigues, with corporate maneuvering providing fertile ground for tension.
Moreover, the ending delivers Dane's signature punch. The twist caught me completely off guard, recontextualizing earlier interactions in ways that make the reread tempting. These moments of genuine surprise remain Dane's greatest strength as a storyteller.
What Falls Short:
The plot feels almost too straightforward by Dane's standards. Where his previous works layer multiple reveals and shifting allegiances, this one essentially offers two major twists and limited complexity between them. The pacing also drags accordingly - entire chapters focus on Ashley anticipating her job or Michelle stewing in resentment without advancing momentum. More exciting incidents or substantive subplots would have tightened the experience considerably.
Character backstory also feels thin. Michelle's family dynamics hint at depth (particularly regarding John) but Trevor remains somewhat opaque. Additional exploration here would have enriched her motivations and emotional stakes. Ultimately, the material might have functioned better as an expanded short story rather than a full novel; the length occasionally strains against the actual content available.
Verdict:
We're Like Family Here remains an enjoyable read despite its relative simplicity. Strong character work, authentic office toxicity, and that knockout ending demonstrate Dane's continued skill. It simply lacks the density and relentless momentum that define his best efforts. Existing fans will appreciate the familiar voice; newcomers might better appreciate his tighter thrillers first.
Perfect for:
Jack Dane devotees, workplace drama enthusiasts, and readers who enjoy morally compromised characters navigating professional minefields.
We're Like Family Here: A Psychological Thriller
by Jack Dane
Synopsis
"Your coworkers might just be the death of you…
When Ashley Jacobs gets the interview at Campbell Realty, one of NYC’s premier real estate brokerages, she’s ecstatic. This is her big break–and after what’s happened—she needs one.
But it soon becomes clear her new job isn’t going to be easy. The hours are long. Her coworkers are guarded and secretive. Her boss demands absolute perfection…or else.
With all the money that’s at stake, it’s the kind of workplace where people will kill to get ahead.
And if she isn’t careful, Ashley could lose much more than just her job…
Fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin and Daniel Hurst will devour this harrowing psychological thriller filled with twists, turns and a final chapter so shocking it’ll force you to start the whole book over again."
Release
24/04/2026
Format
Kindle
Publisher
Back Alley Press
Source
Amazon
About the Author
Jack Dane
Jack Dane writes thrillers and psychological fiction that largely takes place in New York City, where he lives. When not writing, Jack enjoys going to jazz clubs, taking people-watching walks in the Park, and exploring the city by night, where he picks up ideas for his next book.
My Review
Office Drama with a Sharp Bite
Whenever Jack Dane drops something new, I clear my schedule. Having devoured most of his catalog, I tore through We’re Like Family Here in a single sitting – though this one left me with slightly mixed feelings compared to his usual intensity.
What Works:
The trio of protagonists anchors the story effectively. Brian, Michelle, and Ashley each bring distinct energy to the office politics, and Dane writes their intersections with precision. Brian emerges as genuinely despicable – the sleazy boss you love to hate, whose every move feels authentically gross. Michelle generates surprising sympathy despite her own questionable choices; you understand her resentment even when her actions raise red flags. Ashley is the average newbie who Brian hires, but also brings an air of mystery with her. The workplace backdrop itself intrigues, with corporate maneuvering providing fertile ground for tension.
Moreover, the ending delivers Dane’s signature punch. The twist caught me completely off guard, recontextualizing earlier interactions in ways that make the reread tempting. These moments of genuine surprise remain Dane’s greatest strength as a storyteller.
What Falls Short:
The plot feels almost too straightforward by Dane’s standards. Where his previous works layer multiple reveals and shifting allegiances, this one essentially offers two major twists and limited complexity between them. The pacing also drags accordingly – entire chapters focus on Ashley anticipating her job or Michelle stewing in resentment without advancing momentum. More exciting incidents or substantive subplots would have tightened the experience considerably.
Character backstory also feels thin. Michelle’s family dynamics hint at depth (particularly regarding John) but Trevor remains somewhat opaque. Additional exploration here would have enriched her motivations and emotional stakes. Ultimately, the material might have functioned better as an expanded short story rather than a full novel; the length occasionally strains against the actual content available.
Verdict:
We’re Like Family Here remains an enjoyable read despite its relative simplicity. Strong character work, authentic office toxicity, and that knockout ending demonstrate Dane’s continued skill. It simply lacks the density and relentless momentum that define his best efforts. Existing fans will appreciate the familiar voice; newcomers might better appreciate his tighter thrillers first.
Perfect for:
Jack Dane devotees, workplace drama enthusiasts, and readers who enjoy morally compromised characters navigating professional minefields.
