The Watch
by Emily Smith

Has Kaya entered a safe haven from catastrophe, or somewhere much darker?

Kaya has no memory of her life before she arrived in Attica a decade ago with her adopted brother, Wes. They were seeking shelter in the small community of survivors from something far sinister outside its walls. But Attica is a prison of its own, where life is tightly controlled through oppressive rules and rituals.

When Wes starts acting strangely and then dies, Kaya wonders if he’d remembered something significant from his past. She herself is curious about who the familiar yet mysterious man is that appears in her dreams, stirring her memories. As Kaya’s questions about Attica and her own past grow, she discovers that nothing—and no one—is as it seems. But will uncovering the truth about Attica—and herself—set her free . . . or destroy her?

A gripping, spine-chilling, and thought-provoking speculative thriller with a mind-blowing twist, perfect for fans of Blake Crouch and A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw.

Reviews

“A fierce, vulnerable, and flawed protagonist who ranks amongst the most memorable in modern-day thrillers. This is a story that will stay with me for some time”

Carter Wilson, USA Today bestselling author of Mister Tender's Girl, on You Always Come Back

“Strong character-driven novel from a writer with a deliciously strong, unique voice. One of the most satisfying reads I've had in a good while”

Alex Marwood, award-winning author of The Killer Next Door, on You Always Come Back

“Stunning and accomplished . . . the serial killer story we’d all love to write”

Sam Holland, author of The Echo Man, on You Always Cone Back

“Tense, absorbing, heartbreaking, and absolutely unputdownable”

Karen Dionne, USA Today and international bestselling author of The Marsh King's Daughter and The Wicked Sister, on You Always Come Back

Emily Smith

Emily Smith is a New Jersey native, who pursued her BFA in Dramatic Writing at NYU and her MFA in Creative Writing at American University. She is the author of psychological thriller YOU ALWAYS COME BACK.In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, writing novels, gardening, reading, and caring for her rambunctious four pets who moonlight as her writing assistants. Follow her on Instagram @emilysmithwrites to stay connected.

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Editions

The Watch by Emily Smith is available in the following formats

Hardback97814483199305th May 2026144 X 222mm240$29.99
Hardback97814483199305th May 2026144 X 222mm240£21.99
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