📚: If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay
⭐️: 4/5

I could not put this book down.

Seriously. I started reading this less than 3 hours ago. I tried to put it down a hour ago to, “go to bed,” (as I told my husband), and yet, here I am.

The gist: Ryan’s girlfriend vanished five years ago. He can’t stop thinking about that night. He’s lived under a cloud of suspicion from others. Out of nowhere, he receives a call that Ali’s car has been found — right as he sees the man that’s haunted his nightmares for the past five years. What actually happened and why is it all coming back to light now?

The good: While not my favorite Alex Finlay book (that award still goes to Every Last Fear), this one just screamed, “binge read me #inonesitting!” Short chapters make this a compulsive read. Multiple narratives and POVs weave together in a true masterclass of bringing a story together. 👏🏽

The eh: The short chapters allowed this to be read quick and gripped me, but on the other side of the coin, it felt *so* rushed. Overall the reveal was fairly predictable. And I have questions about a few plot holes at the very end.

Big thanks to @stmartinspress via @netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. If Something Happens to Me is available this upcoming Tuesday 5/28!

Well that was one wild ride! I am a big fan of Finlay’s books so I was really excited to get approved for If Something Happens To Me on NetGalley and then to receive an ALC as well. I recommend going into this one as blind as possible, which is what I did, and that made this story all the more intense.

I listened to the audiobook and loved the full cast narration. When I started the book, I was a little confused with all of the characters, but once I got further in, it was easier to decipher who was who and I found it enjoyable figuring out how all of these characters would come together in this story.

I’m a sucker for short chapters, and Finlay used them to move the plot along at a rapid pace while creating suspenseful and intense scenes. I liked that the book was broken up into 3 parts and an epilogue. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Finlay would throw in a mind blowing twist that changed the course of the story. You may need to suspend all disbelief while reading this book as some things really are unbelievable, but I found it an enjoyable read that I didn’t want put down.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.

If Something Happens to Me is a complex story. Several points of view, multiple locations, different timelines. There’s a lot going on. I think I should have paid more attention and really digested the synopsis for this book because what I thought I was going to be reading about was nothing at all what I ended up reading about. That’s not a bad thing, it just made me stop and reset my thoughts on what was going to happen in the story.

There’s a lot of characters in this book. A lot of storylines happening. That’s fine, I followed along with it all well. Each chapter had a cliffhanger type ending which made me want to read the next chapter that much faster. Some of the characters that weren’t quite as fleshed out really should have been highlighted much more than they were. They were more interesting to me than some of the others, and I felt they were more important to the story but were not given the page time they deserved.

This book was an adventure, to say the least. It takes place over five years, with quite a few locations and as I started reading, I was left wondering how in the world everything was all going to come together, how on earth did this character have anything to do with that character. But slowly, Mr. Finlay wove a very intricate story that all came together in the end.

I give Mr. Finlay credit for keeping me glued to this story to find out what happened after every chapter. There’s lot of twists and turns in this one, some things led me in the wrong direction a few times, and plenty of action to keep the story progressing. An enjoyable read!

This was such a great read! Just when you think you've solved it there is a twist. Who is Allison really and why has she gone missing?
I love how Alex writes. Ryan and Ali have been a couple during their high school years. Their last night together is memorable, but not in the way Ryan had pictured. While parked on a remote make-out spot for teenagers, Ali is kidnapped and her car taken. Ryan is left with a head injury and few memories. Fast forward 5 years and Ryan, now a law school student, is reminded while on a trip to Europe of what happened. Perhaps, he thinks Ali may be alive. Meanwhile, back in their hometown, something has happened to the sheriff, and a young deputy is charged with solving the five-year -old crime. Finlay does a masterful job of weaving this tale of suspense. His characters are rich and real and the plot well done. I have read several of his previous works, this is his best to date. Don't miss this thriller!

Fast paced and absorbing mystery thriller.

After a traumatic event he experienced as a teenager, Ryan Richardson had to reinvent himself and learn to exist without his girlfriend. Allison disappeared with the thugs who took her and was never seen again. Ryan lived for years under a cloud of suspicion and changed his name and went on to law school but never forgot his first love. On a trip with school classmates to Italy about 5 years later, Ryan gets a call that the car Allison was in has been discovered at the bottom of a lake. Allison’s body is not inside but a note in her handwriting leads Ryan to believe that she might still be alive. A mad hunt ensues. The situation involves a young Kansan deputy working her first job and a group of mobsters in Philadelphia.

Although quite convoluted and complex, the plot was great. Lots of characters both good and bad. I liked the writing style and the different locations. The narrative shifts in point of view and I loved listening to the audiobook while reading along in the E-book (both ARCs provided by the publisher).
Especially enjoyed the multicast performance on the audio which enhanced the entire experience. The book was fast and fun and I definitely recommend it.

This was a wild ride. I was so confused in the beginning as to what was happening but once everything comes together it was great (and twisty if you ask me!) I love how Finlay weaves seemingly different storylines into a cohesive thriller. I thought the ending was fantastic and enjoyed learning the backstories of the characters, I liked the audio as Helen Laser is one of the narrators and she always gives an excellent narration.

This was my first book from this author I enjoyed. I keep hearing great things, but they haven’t been for me. This one was right up my alley. I liked the different POVs, some of which didn’t seem to fit with the storyline but of course it all came together in the end. There were some great twists and it kept me on the edge of my seat.

I finished this book this morning. First time reading a book by this author, I’m thrilled to have read this book. It starts off with an abduction and the momentum keeps going.
Recommend this for anyone who loves a good suspense thriller.

Ryan and Ali have been a couple during their high school years. Their last night together is memorable, but not in the way Ryan had pictured. While parked on a remote make-out spot for teenagers, Ali is kidnapped and her car taken. Ryan is left with a head injury and few memories. Fast forward 5 years and Ryan, now a law school student, is reminded while on a trip to Europe of what happened. Perhaps, he thinks Ali may be alive. Meanwhile, back in their hometown, something has happened to the sheriff, and a young deputy is charged with solving the five-year -old crime. Finlay does a masterful job of weaving this tale of suspense. His characters are rich and real and the plot well done. I have read several of his previous works, this is his best to date. Don't miss this thriller! Thanks to #NetGalley#IfSomethingHappensto Me for the opportunity to read and review this book. Read my review at https://www.facebook.com/thereadingandwritingsentinel/

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay is a well-crafted, perfectly plotted entertaining entry in the mystery/thriller genre. The story takes place from multiple viewpoints and places, so you're not sure at first how they're connected. At the start, a teenage girl is taken in Kansas, leaving her boyfriend unconscious and without any clue as to what happened. It's later assumed that she was taken and killed by a local serial killer. Five years later, we meet the girl's boyfriend, who is now in law school traveling abroad. We also meet a curious deputy sheriff in the same town, who becomes involved in her case when her car is finally recovered. The last storyline is about a mobster in Philadelphia. There is a lot going on, but the short chapters and distinct characters make it easy to follow. There is a great a-ha moment when we figure out how all the characters' lives intersect. The storyline is cohesive and tightly plotted. The characters have depth and agency and I loved getting to know each character. Though, they're not always perfect, I find Finlay's characters intriguing and love that the female characters are strong and resourceful. If Something Happens to Me is an action-packed, satisfying mystery where all of the mysteries are resolved, feel organic, and are unexpected. I listened to the audiobook, which was well narrated and kept me riveted.

Thank you St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

I’ve been a fan of ALEX FINLAY’s since his debut EVERY LAST FEAR, and his latest latest thriller IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME. is another winner! I found it to be an action-packed, page-turning delight to read! Filled with multiple POVs & storylines, they all come together into a very satisfying ending! I know need to treat myself to the the author’s backlist. I also wholeheartedly recommend checking this thriller gem out.

This was a fast-paced thriller with a missing girl presumed dead, a notorious crime boss, and a new deputy sheriff thing to put the pieces together when new evidence comes to light.

There are three primary narrators: Rya who who is accused of murdering Alison, Poppy who is the new deputy sheriff, and Shane who is a crime boss. I really liked having multiple POVs, as it led to more suspense and secrets being slowly revealed from the various characters at play.

The plot for this one is a little over the top and hard to believe, however, it was still very gripping and will have you hooked. I kept reading to see what other twists were in store, and I was not let down.

At times I did find it to be confusing just due to the amount of characters involved in the story. I had to keep flipping back to see who was who.

Overall though this was such a fun book to read, and I loved all of the drama and twists!

I went into this book blind loving the last book from Alex Finlay. I loved "Every Last Fear." He stands to be what I believe is the next great thriller author. The plot follows Ryan Smith (nee Richardson) and his life years after his girlfriend went missing along with the vehicle she was driving, having spent years going from being known as Dodge to Killer. Even though he is not charged, everyone thinks he has something to do with Allison's disappearance. He is trudging through life when the vehicle is found with two dead males and a note from Allison saying, "If something happens to me...". He spends the better part of the remainder of the book searching for clues all the way to Tuscany and Paris from the US. Part two follows another story seemingly untied to the plot. It did bore me slightly until part three and four when it all tied together, and I was once again riveted. I was most intrigued by the child cold case solver and the plot twist involving Allison. Poppy McGee, working her own town tragedy, leads to unexpected answers to Allison, giving all the answers that Ryan has sought after. My heart was pounding, and I was enthralled for most of the book. The twist is getting me right in the guts!

The review is of my own honest opinion. Thank you to @minotaur_books @netgalley and @alexfinlayauthor for a chance to read an advanced copy of If Something Happens to Me. Get yours tomorrow, May 28th, 2024 at any in person or online retailer near you!

Wow. Just wow. I picked up a book from this author on a whim last year. One of the best decisions I ever made. If Something Happens to Me is another example of the genius of Alex Finlay.

You’re told a bunch of different stories from different point of views, and it seems impossible for them to actually connect. But when you do figure out how they connect and see all the implications that one event stemmed from, it’s amazing to see how everything is connected. It’s a true wonder that detectives can ever figure out something like this.

I enjoyed the book immensely and consumed it within six hours. It’s about a mysterious note found in a sunken car in a lake by - who else? - podcasters. And all of the facts of the case that you have just become acquainted with are turned on their head, leaving you to relook at what a lot of people considered an open-and-shut case.

I cannot recommend this enough. It’s absolutely amazing. And kind of like Pringles, you can’t just stop at one Alex Finlay book.

I loved Alex Finlay's book "The Night Shift" and gave it 5 stars, so I was utterly disappointed that this book was a DNF. A lot of people really love this book, so it could just be a me thing, but I found the storyline difficult to follow, and I kept confusing the timelines and characters. The first chapter was very interesting, and I was excited to see where the story was going, but I slowly lost interest as the book progressed. I did try to force myself to keep reading on multiple occasions, but I just had no desire to finish this one. This book was just not for me, but I will still be checking out more of Alex Finlay's books in the future because I did love The Night Shift so much! 

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an eArc in exchange for an honest review*

I would say that this ended up at a 3.5 - a big reveal happened early (about 50%) and from there I had a hard time feeling invested. The pace was great and it read really quickly, but I just didn’t care as much in the second half which left me feeling pretty MEH by the time I was done

Alex Finlay’s newest thriller is a wild ride that I couldn’t put down! He’s one of my go-to authors for thrillers and this book is no exception.

This novel begins with a young teenage couple, Alison and Ryan, out late at night on Lovers’ Lane in Leavenworth, Kansas. In a sudden devastating moment, Alison is abducted and Ryan knocked out cold by her attacker. Five years later, Ryan is studying law and on a trip in Italy under a different last name, with Alison’s disappearance still unsolved. There in Italy, he’s contacted by someone who knows his past and comes face-to-face with the man who he saw grab Alison before she disappeared.

Poppy McGee is a new sheriff’s deputy in Leavenworth, when Alison’s car is finally found at the bottom of a lake five years later. But instead of finding Alison in the car, the bodies of two unidentified men are discovered. She begins a search to uncover clues of her own as to what happened that day.

In Philadelphia, a mobster and his wife try to comfort and help their teenage son adapt to life in a new school, desperately hoping that he makes friends and willing to do whatever they can to ensure his happiness.

Finlay weaves each of these character’s storylines together into a fast paced thriller that explores relationships between friends and family, betrayals and secrets, and the lengths that parents will go for their children.

There are a lot of different characters and multiple settings throughout the book, including some in the UK and Europe. Finlay does a great job alternating through the different storylines and settings to keep the reader engaged throughout the novel. There were some twists that I had an inkling may happen, and others that took me completely by surprise. Overall, I highly recommend adding this to your summer thriller TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this eARC, in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

How in the F does Alex Finlay always do this!? He makes me question everything: what happened, how are these people connected, he/she did WHAT!? And then the stories end up coming full circle, each person contributing to the overall mystery. It's just seriously great!

This takes place all over, from Italy, France and England to Philly and Leavenworth, KS. At first there seem to be a lot of characters to keep straight but when it all comes together my jaw was on the floor. It was hard to choose who to believe and who to root for. There was a point when I really thought everyone had something to hide and there was no one to trust. That last big betrayal did me in, I needed nothing more than for Poppy to solve this.

The short chapters will keep readers turning pages in a rush and the multi POV gives this story great chance to get to know all the main players. Loved it.

Unpopular Opinion Alert-Outlier City

If Something Happens to Me has been getting raving reviews around the clock. I have to admit this made me a little nervous because I always tend to dislike the books that are very hyped. Well... my instincts were correct.

Where do I start with this one? Finley....TOO much.... just ALL over the place.

There is a mob type feel to this book.... and come ON..... why so much that didn't need to be put in here. I hate when authors add all these "significant" events to add more to the plot. It isn't cute.

Also... I feel like at the halfway point... there is a twist and was hoping that this would have elevated the story. My god... it just got even worse.

I sadly was pretty bored in the last half.. and I ended up skimming the last probably 25 percent of the book. Finley had us here and I felt like we had the same plot but ended up in far tornado land. Again... added unnecessary details to the story.

The ending... event that MORE to the plot that wasn't ever needed. COME ON.

Ugh.. this was really hard for me to write but I was not a fan of this book at all.

Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur for my arc in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date: 5/28/24
Published to GR/IG: 5/28/24

2/5 stars

What would you do if the person you were dating vanished right in front of you, never to be seen or heard from again?

This is the fourth book I’ve read by Alex Finlay, and his storytelling ability always pulls me in from the very beginning. I found it incredibly challenging to put this book down when life continued to get in the way of my reading, but I still managed to finish it in less than 48 hours because I was too hooked to stay away for too long.

It’s been five years since Ryan’s girlfriend, Ali, was kidnapped right in front of him. She has never been spotted since that night, and Ryan was even accused of killing her by the town he grew up in.

There is so much loss embedded in this story—from lifestyles to love to actual lives. Reinvention is at its heart, but it also makes it incredibly challenging to determine who you can trust—and if who they say they are is actually who they truly are.

With multiple perspectives, I think I’d have a tough time following this one in audio, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as a physical read! I will say that I guessed the twist early on, but I was still captivated by Alex’s storytelling abilities til the very end.

Read if you like:
- Multiple perspectives that intersect
- Missing persons
- Foreign settings
- Multiple twists
- Suspenseful thriller