We’re Like Family Here
Landing an interview at Campbell Realty, a top-tier NYC brokerage, feels like the ultimate victory for Ashley Jacobs. After her recent struggles, this opportunity is a desperately needed lifeline. But the reality of her new role quickly shatters her excitement. Between grueling hours, tight-lipped colleagues, and a boss who accepts nothing short of flawless execution, the pressure is suffocating. In a high-stakes environment where astronomical sums are on the line, ambition turns deadly—and if Ashley doesn't watch her back, the cost of failure might be her life.
- Ashley - Real estate agent at Campbell Realty, 22
- Brian - Owner of Campbell Realty, 36
- Steph - Brian’s assistant at Campbell Realty
- Michelle - Real estate agent at Campbell Realty
- John - Michelle’s husband
- Trevor - Michelle and John’s son
- Mr. Wallace - Customer of Campbell Realty
- Wayne Caruso - Brian’s lawyer
- Grace - Former agent at Campbell Realty
- Brian hires Ashley as an agent at Campbell Realty.
- There is a promotion on the line and Brian is using that to push everyone harder than usual.
- Michelle wants the promotion but feels threatened by Brian’s favoritism toward Ashley.
- Brian fumbles a meeting with Mr. Wallace but Ashley saves it and get his business.
- A year ago, Brian fired Grace after she rejected his advances, and now he’s facing legal ramifications.
- Michelle tries to sabotage Ashley by spamming her phone in the middle of the night, attempting to poison her with something she's allergic to, and sending her phishing emails.
- Brian hires Wayne Caruso, who gets Grace to drop her lawsuit against him.
- Brian gives Ashley the promotion and begins making advances toward her.
- Michelle lures Ashley to an empty apartment to kill her, but Brian shows up, and Michelle stabs him, thinking he is Ashley.
- Brian dies.
- Police arrive at Campbell Realty looking for Brian after receiving a tip that he’s been embezzling company funds.
- Police arrest Michelle for Brian’s murder.
- It is revealed that 'Ashley' is not her real name and she stole the identity to get the job at Campbell Realty.
- ‘Ashley’s’ mother is in prison for fraud and identity theft, skills which she taught her daughter.
- ‘Ashley’ targeted Brian to take him down after overhearing Grace in public talking about what a scumbag he was.
- Mr. Wallace was an actor ‘Ashley’ hired to make her look good in front of Brian and win him over.
- ‘Ashley’ steals money from Brian and sends it to Grace.
- ‘Ashley’ assumes a new identity and targets another predatory boss.
I could not put We're Like Family Here down! Jack Dane's writing just keeps getting better, and this book is one of my favorites so far. The workplace setting brings a fresh, dark energy to the thriller genre, a welcome break from the usual domestic setups.
The story jumps between the perspectives of Ashley, Michelle, and Brian, driving sharp character development. I loved hate-reading Brian's pov. He is a textbook narcissist and a vicious misogynist, and getting inside his head made the unfolding disaster gripping.
Dane builds scenes with such detail I could feel Michelle's rage through the pages and vividly picture Brian dancing in his bathroom like he was God's gift to the world. The short chapters keep the pace tight and relentless, pulling everything toward a brilliant twist and a satisfying ending.
If you want an easy read with excellent writing and great twists this book is for you.
- Brian - Dead - Stabbed by Michelle
- Ashley - Alive - Beginning her next con targeting other predatory men
- Michelle - Alive - Arrested for Brian’s murder
- Sexual assault
- Alcohol
- Divorce
- Murder
Publisher: Back Alley Press
ISBN: 9781775820142
Publication Date: April 24, 2026
Note: Details are for the original edition. Other formats, editions, and audiobook versions may be available.
