I unfortunately did not connect with this story so after about 25% i decided to put it down. There was a slight disconnect between the writing, the characters and the plot and for that it just did not work for me.

This is my favorite of Finlay’s novels so far. I wish I would have read this one sooner because some likable characters were introduced in this book that make an appearance in a later novel. It was fun reading about things that were alluded to in the later book.

This novel has a lot of really good red herrings. Even though the reader is led down the wrong path multiple times, all of the paths do end up connecting in complex, twisted ways. This was a quick read with enough action and suspense that I kept wanting “just one more chapter”.

Thank you to #NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for honest feedback. -4 stars

The perfect vacay read. Short chapters, fast paced and engrossing. As a 80s/90s kid, I love the nostalgic elements in this novel.

Putting me in with the nostalgic setting and cemented it with being an Alex Finlay novel. I love a good thriller or horror novel that takes place anytime early '00s and before. Automatic sell for me. This one delivered. Finlay has yet to disappoint me.

This book gave me vibes of Stranger Things but replace the monsters of the upside down with a psycho killer monster.

This was a very well-written police mystery that shifted between perspectives including those not on the police force, making it a very well-rounded story. I was kept on the edge of my seat as we raced to find the truth of what happened in two separate, yet connected, events that resulted in multiple deaths and only one survivor.

Thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my advanced reader copy.

Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mystery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ½, rounded up

Unfortunately I was unable to download this book before the archive date, so I'm not able to leave a review. I look forward to reading and reviewing books by this author in the future.

This book was a great way to kick off my reading year. The pacing was perfect, and the twists were surprising but believable

The Night Shift by Alex Finlay is a gripping thriller that weaves past and present crimes together with relentless suspense. The story follows the investigation into a brutal attack at an ice cream shop that mirrors a similar massacre at a Blockbuster Video from 15 years prior. The novel's multiple points of view—including an FBI agent, a survivor, and a public defender—add layers to the mystery, keeping readers on edge as secrets unravel. Finlay’s pacing is tight, and his characters are well-drawn, with compelling backstories that enhance the plot. Though some twists may feel familiar to seasoned thriller readers, the engaging writing and well-executed reveals make this a standout page-turner.

What to listen to while reading...
Night Shift by Lucy Daucus
Hurt by Johnny Cash
Writer in the Dark by Lorde
Back to the Old House by The Smiths
Trauma by MF
Family Line by Conan Gray

Plenty of twists and turn here and a satisfying conclusion. My only issue was the style of the narration changes from chapter to chapter. I generally like this in a book but it felt more chaotic here. Otherwise a solid suspense book with several surprises.

This was my first Alex Finlay book and it won’t be the last! This book was engaging from the beginning and full of twists (only some I saw coming). Once I started I couldn’t stop until I knew what was going on. I just wish we had spent more time in 1999 - as a ‘90s kid I’m here for the nostalgia.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

Two murder scenes, 15 years apart, yet the same. Both attacks leave three young women dead and one survivor. When we meet the first survivor, it's obvious she is a "survivor" in name only. As she steps outside her memories of the attack to help the second survivor, she'll work with the FBI and local police to stop the killing.

If you've not read any Alex Finlay, you are missing out on some of the best "thriller" mysteries.

Another great book by this Author! Cliffhangers, short chapters, easy to read! I could picture every scene this was well written.

I loved this book. I love Alex Finlay's writing. I loved the premise and execution. I was hooked from page one and was constantly on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this one!

4.5 rounded up !

I haven't read a thriller in MONTHS, and this was such an easy read to get me back into it. The audio for this was great, with multiple narrators for the multiple pov.

I loved the concept of this. The nostalgia of blockbuster. The dual timeline. Multiple povs that weave together seamlessly. Two murders years apart that they're trying to solve and see if they're connected.

This book had me guessing for a bit, but I did end up guessing who the killer may be, just not in the ways that are revealed, which I really liked. The reason I didn't give it a 5 star is because I wasn't completely shocked, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the execution and felt there were no plot holes. This was such an easy binge !

This book is so captivating and intriguing—it’s a fiction story that really pulls you in. Alex Finlay absolutely nailed it with this one. If you’re into that ’90s vibe and crime stories, this book is a must-read. Highly recommend diving into it!

This probably has to be my favourite Alex Finlay book. There were so many twists, I couldn't keep up. I loved that the story was told from multiple POV. The book was layered and complex. I loved that all the twists were interwoven. Great thriller!

I usually really enjoy Finlay’s work. This one…nope. Couldn’t get into it, thought the storyline was weak. I really tried with this one.

This was a pretty decent thriller. I love the throw back to the 90s, I can picture exciting so clearly.

This moved at a great pace and kept me interested. Definitely will be reading more Alex Finlay books!

I wanted to enjoy this one. I thought the story was ok but didn't keep my attention enough. I would give 3 stars

I heard some not so great things about the authors first book, but I wanted to give this one a try because the plot/setting sounded like it would make for a fun thriller! And while I did have a good time, it was not the five star read I hoped it would be, but nonetheless it was an entertaining thriller. Both timelines kept my interest, though I definitely wanted more 1999! I would probably try the author again.