Alex Finlay triumphantly returns to the literary scene with a gripping narrative that pulses with heart-throbbing intensity, action-packed sequences, and an addictive plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This unputdownable twisty thriller introduces new characters into the equation, with Poppy, a young deputy sheriff unjustly discharged from the army, emerging as a standout and compelling figure. Finlay's adept storytelling shines, and Poppy's presence adds a layer of freshness that promises exciting possibilities for Finlay's upcoming books.

Despite some disappointment with his previous work, "What Have We Done," this latest offering proves to be a resounding success. From the first page, the action-packed opening, swift character introductions, and attention-grabbing short chapters captivate the reader. It's evident that Finlay has reclaimed his magical thrilling mojo, solidifying this book as another triumph in his literary arsenal.

The narrative skillfully weaves a tapestry of characters and storylines, reminiscent of Finlay's signature twisty style seen in his previous works. Enter Ryan Richardson, burdened by accusations in the murder of his girlfriend Alison Lane five years ago. His journey unfolds during a school trip to Italy, where a mysterious note hints at a compromised identity, raising questions about the tragic night that changed his fate.

Poppy McGee, the freshly discharged deputy sheriff, becomes entangled in the discovery of a submerged vehicle in Suncatcher Lake. Linked to Alison Lane's presumed kidnapping, the vehicle holds two deceased men, and a cryptic note with the unsettling title "If Something Happens to Me" leaves readers speculating on Alison's fate.

Shane O’Leary, leader of Philadelphia’s mob families, introduces another layer of intrigue as his son Anthony navigates challenges in a new academy, unaware of the profound impact it will have on their lives.

The convergence of these characters' storylines promises a perfect puzzle, compelling readers to embark on a wild journey to unravel the mysteries.

This adrenaline-pumping, heart-pounding, and smart thriller is a true page-turner that rightfully earns its five-star rating. My sincere gratitude to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this addictive thriller in exchange for my honest opinions.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑨𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒆?

Ryan is with his girlfriend Alison in her car, and he's abruptly pulled out and assaulted, hearing Alison's scream as everything fades to black. When he regains consciousness, both Alison and her car are gone. As the case slowly goes cold, Ryan continues to exist under a cloud of suspicion. He changes his last name and enters law school, determined to go on with his life.

Five years later, he receives the call--Alison's car is found, submerged in a lake. But instead of finding her body inside, two men are found instead, both shot in the head. Alison's purse was recovered, and kept safe inside her make-up bag was an envelope in Alison's handwriting: 𝑰𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆...

These were some of the most dynamic characters I've encountered lately, and the author was so adept at bringing two seemingly unrelated story lines together. Ryan's story will take the reader on a whirlwind trip to Italy, a small village in the UK, the iconic streets of Paris, and to the explosive climax in Kansas with an inexperienced deputy working her first case who was given some disturbing advice that she was reluctant to pursue.

A fresh, original thriller that will have you turning pages throughout the night. Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the early copy. This book will publish May 28, 2024.

Alex Finlay’s best. My pulse is still racing after finishing. He has a way of jumping POVs that doesn’t get confusing and is easy to follow and he proves it with this story. I literally couldn’t put it down. I will say this one felt slightly different in the way the twists were exposed to the reader but the story itself kept me entertained and interested. A recommendation I will make without hesitation. I will be an Alex Finlay reader forever after this one (not that I wasn’t already)!

4 stars-This book starts off with a holy bananas moment! Alison and Ryan are at a lovers lane when the car door rips open. Ryan is knocked unconscious and when he wakes, Alison is gone! So of course, I’m 100% in, what happened to her? Is she alive or dead? What follows is a lot of different locations and POV’s. I’ll admit, it was not easy to keep everyone and their roles straight in my mind, but once it comes together, you get why the set up was necessary. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, this is one of those books where you go where it takes you, and if you know too much it would not be as enjoyable. I will say there are some definite vibes of the Showtime show “Your Honor”, which I loved! Overall, a fast paced enjoyable read, but the character of the Deputy Sheriff and all that goes down in her first week on the job was way too far fetched for me.

If Something Happens to Me was a thriller with a twist. Each chapter is told in a different POV. As the story continues, you see how each of those stories are ultimately tied together. Separated into 3 parts, I think my favorite section was part 2. When the connection hits at the end of part 1, it was complete perfection.

While not my favorite Alex Finlay book, it still one that I enjoyed. I look forward to what he has coming out next.

If Something Happens to Me is a fast, action-packed story. There are twists and turns at every point and some left me amazed since I didn’t see them coming. The multiple, alternating stories connect around each other to the startling conclusion. Great book!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Fast paced and every time you think you have it figured out; BOOM another twist. Alex Finlay is an excellent writer and never disappoints! There are so many pieces in this story and there are times when you are not sure how it all goes together, but the author does a fabulous job tying all the pieces together. The characters are relatable and well written throughout the entire book. This book will grab you from the very beginning and you will not put it down until the very end.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC! This was my first book by Finley but definitely won’t be my last!

The story starts with Ryan’s girlfriend being abducted!! This book had so many twists and turns. I’m really enjoyed the way it was written where you are really kept guessing until the midway guy punch realization! It was such a great story, action packed!

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy! Alex Finlay has become a must read author for me. Finlay has a knack for writing characters that are dimensional and the reader cares about. Combined with descriptive settings and plots that roll out with no chance for the reader to get bored, it’s the perfect suspense/thriller.
Finlay's latest slowly connects the worlds of a newly minted Sheriff deputy Poppy, mobster Shane O’Leary, and cleared murder suspect Ryan Richardson. The connection (and twist) were not easy to guess- my favorite kind.
Can’t wait for the next Finlay book!

Finlay has done it again with another whip-smart, mind-blowing, roller coaster ride of a thriller. A mystery filled with deception, lies, and a little bit of murder, this book is perfect for every mystery lover when it comes out in May of 2024.

A fast paced, multiple POV, brain teaser of a mystery pulled off with finesse and flawless writing will have any reader pacing their house, book in hand, as they fly through the pages to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Alison Lane, an 18 year old that vanished without a trace after being abducted in her father’s car while at Lover’s Lane with her boyfriend Ryan Richardson.

Any author who can make their readers feel a wide range of emotions including fear, anger, and heartbreak is truly someone to behold. This was truly effortlessly executed. I would read this man’s grocery list if he let me.

Ahhhh another stellar Alex Finlay book! This one involves multiple perspectives and mobsters and so so much death. I could not put this book down and read past my bedtime at least once and ignored family responsibilities in order to finish it.

It has a dash of police procedural - a hefty dose of mafia - lots of cover-up and misdirection and so much revenge and blood. Perfect for the holiday season 😜

Ryan and Alison are high school sweethearts and on their last night together Ryan is knocked out and Alison is kidnapped presumed dead. Ryan was suspected of her murder. He had to change his name and still thinks of Alison. He fears the man who took her.

Now, five years later Alison’s car is found in the lake. A new chief in town will investigate and find out the truth about what happened that night. She is disturbed to learn that this may involve her family and they covered it up. Now she isn’t sure who to trust.

This one had multiple cities and you had to keep on your toes to keep track of all the peopleand places.The stories all finally connect. This book was a different writing style than his previous books and I found it a little more confusing and less engaging than previous works.

If you're a fan of gripping and suspenseful thrillers, "If Something Happens to Me" by Alex Finlay is a must-read.

Here are a few key reasons why you should pick up this book:

1. Unforgettable Plot: The story follows Ryan Richardson, a man plagued by a past trauma and determined to uncover the truth behind his girlfriend's disappearance. This gripping quest takes unexpected turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. The intriguing premise and intricate plot make for an engaging and thrilling reading experience.

2. Pulse-Pounding Twists: Prepare to be surprised! Alex Finlay masterfully crafts twists and turns that will leave you breathless. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the story takes an unexpected direction, keeping you hooked and eagerly turning the pages.

3. Compelling Characters: From Ryan Richardson to the diverse cast of characters he encounters along his journey, the book presents deeply layered and compelling individuals. Their motivations, secrets, and intertwined stories add depth and complexity, making you emotionally invested in their fates.

4. Immersive Atmosphere: Finlay's vivid descriptions transport you to various locations, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the rural villages in the UK and glittering streets of Paris. The atmospheric settings enhance the reading experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of the story.

5. Masterful Writing: Finlay's writing style is crisp, engaging, and packed with suspense. The prose flows seamlessly, capturing the intensity of the story and heightening the overall reading experience. You'll find yourself turning pages effortlessly, driven by the need to uncover the truth.

Overall, "If Something Happens to Me" is a gripping and thrilling read that will captivate fans of the genre. With its unforgettable plot, pulse-pounding twists, compelling characters, immersive atmosphere, and masterful writing, this book is a true page-turner that should not be missed.

THANK YOU to NetGally and St. Martin's Press for this ARC!

“This is some weird Da Vinci Code shit.”

It’s so appropriate I saw that quote in the later half of If Something Happens To Me, because the whole time, I was thinking, “this reminds me of something from Dan Brown!” And I mean that in the most flattering way.

It is really so cool to read a thriller that spans continents, and visits the places that are steeped in history and lore. It adds an atmosphere that a thriller usually doesn’t enlist, almost like these countries are characters themselves, and I love it.

Really, this thriller was masterfully done, as is everything from Alex Finlay. I loved the three POVs we get. A young couple, on the cusp of their beginning, torn apart. An Irish mobster who makes people sleep with the fishes?? And an up and coming, honorably discharged, deputy sheriff in a small town. How do they all connect? With Alex Finlay’s ability to weave a layered and brilliant story, coupled with his stellar writing, it’s easy to lose yourself in this book.

If Something Happens To Me was truly unputdownable.

What I've always admired about Alex Finlay novels is his ability to build out stories on the simplicities of human nature. Erring on the darkness, he pulls you into stories not to guess whodunnit, but rather taking on a Capote-esque quality that makes you keep reading to understand the why and how over the what. I'm a big fan, and while this one took some predictable turns, it didn't feel like it mattered, I wasn't in it for the twists, but for the compelling and relatable character development.

The only POV that didn't quite work for me was Poppy's, I understand that it was a necessary engine to keep the plot moving but it felt a little one dimensional. Always a fan, would always recommend Finlay, can't wait for the next one. Thanks, Netgalley for the ARC.

I liked how all the characters were connected despite them being all over the world. I found the book to be a quick read and kept my interest with the fast paced story line. It wasn’t my favorite book but definitely a unique read.

Alex Finlay does it again. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This book was a quick read and an enjoyable thrilling plot. I really enjoyed the characters and cannot wait for his next book!

Alex Finlay is back! I was disappointed in his last book but this one is a return to form for him. It had me staying up late to finish chapters and maybe read just one more. Really fun and action packed!

When I started this I was expecting it to be a little scary but it was more mystery/action. I went in blind just knowing that I had liked the authors previous books.
Multiple POV, short chapters and fast paced. This was easy to read and it was fun trying to piece together all of the different characters!! I did predict where it was going pretty early on and I was hoping for more surprising twists along the way. Idk why but I hated Ryan 😂 I didn’t feel super invested in any of the characters. Overall still pretty entertaining!

Ryan and Alison were high schoolers in love spending their last night together in their favorite spot when a man accosted Ryan and kidnapped Alison. Ryan was the prime suspect until the case was dismissed when DNA evidence was found at a campsite of a serial killer. Ryan had to change his last name and relocate colleges to escape the ridicule of being called a killer.
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In Italy, Ryan is on a summer school trip when his father calls to inform him Alison’s car has been found. For five years Ryan has been haunted by Alison’s disappearance. Nobody believed him when he said he saw the guy who took Alison. As Ryan tours Italy with his classmates he sees the guy from his nightmares.
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In Leavenworth, Kansas lives Poppy a newly recruited deputy with the police department. On her first day Alison’s car was retrieved from a lake. The Sheriff gave Poppy this case believing as a newbie she would flounder at investigation work.
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In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania lives O’Leary a dangerous man whom everyone is afraid of except his wife Gina. He’s involved in organized crime hiring people to do his dirty work.
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A great book begins with a great concept, a great execution and a great writing voice. The concept lays the groundwork for the storyline building characters and the setting around it. In Alex Findlay’s recent book If Something Happens to Me the concept begins with Alison’s disappearance and Ryan the suspect. Finlay builds the story by creating multiple storylines connecting them after the story builds enough momentum. Here’s where it becomes tricky, finding the right reader and writer with the desired voice to communicate the story. Findlay’s writing voice didn’t speak to me on a level that had me glued to these pages. I enjoyed the breakthrough revelation. There was no way for the reader to know that is how it would play out.
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I appreciate the originality put into producing this crime thriller. The effort to create a story that doesn’t follow typical templates is recognized. Maybe listening to the audiobook will enhance the experience by making it more interesting.
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I imagine this storyline playing out better in a movie. I can picture these three different scenes being played better than I can imagine them in my mind. Since I’m a visual person requiring both my eyes and ears on the story it would be phenomenal.