If Something Happens to Me is a mystery involving a disappearance of a teenage girl. The novel is action packed from start to finish.
All of Alex Finlay's books are fast paced, have unexpected twists and short chapters. If Something Happens to Me is no different. The thriller's multiple perspectives make it hard for the reader to put the book down.


Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending me an eARC.

A tense page turner. The plot and pacing had enough momentum to keep things interesting. The multiple POVs and timelines take a bit to get acclimated to. Overall a solid read.

This was really good! I was apprehensive at first because detective/cop novels are not my thing at all. But I was so intrigued. The multiple POVs and twists kept me interested and it was an easy read. I wanted a little more from the ending but overall really enjoyed this read. Thanks for the ARC!

Nicely twisty thriller-and no spoilers from me! Ryan has changed his name and moved, if not on, at least into the next stage of his life after his girlfriend Ali disappeared five years ago but suddenly everything's upended when her car is found- but her body isn't. And then someone approaches him in Italy where he's on a trip with his law school class mates. Poppy, the new Deputy Sheriff, is two years younger but her brother was a classmate of the two and she's concerned about getting answers. This might seem as if it's coming from two different directions but they will link up-not gonna say how (the time line was a little hazy for me but so be it). This one should not have kept me guessing but it did and then I was rooting for the characters (not the bad guy). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a page turner.

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay is a riveting and tense thriller, though it didn't take me on the emotional rollercoaster ride so deliciously typical of this author.

Ryan lives a nightmare when he's attacked and his girlfriend Ali screams and disappears. In the intervening five years, Ryan is treated with uneasy suspicion which necessitates life changes.

Along with friends, Ryan travels to Italy where he's not all that taken with travel. While there, he gets a call from his dad informing him Ali's car has been found immersed in water. But what's found inside couldn't be more surprising. Ryan wants to get his life back while seeking answers. Italy isn't the only place he goes. Meanwhile, he sees the man he knows is HIM.

The tongue-gnawing tension and pace are fantastic but the characters didn't stir me. Bits were predictable and the writing not as clever as usual. But I am here for more by this author In the future.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing novel.

I hate to say it, but this was just okay for me. The beginning started off strong but then after a while, my interest started to wander. I think it’s partly because there’s so many things going on. Different time lines, different POVs and different locations. It’s just got a little much.

The twist was fine. Honestly, by that time, I was just kind of over it.

A big thank you to @netgalley @stmartinspress @minotaurbooks for the ARC & @macmillianaudio for the ALC of this book!

Alex Finlay’s latest thriller is true to his style, short chapters, fast paced storylines & ample characters. I enjoyed the way that this books kept me on my toes & was a fairly quick read & listen!

I struggle a bit when it comes to the number of characters, similar names and/or in this instance different names for the same characters. I think that was the main reason why I rated it a 4⭐️. A personal preference of mine in books, especially thrillers, would be to have less characters because I find that a lot of my mental energy then is spent on figuring out who is who, rather than paying attention to various details of the storyline.

I appreciated how this book brought in different layers of complexity in many different ways, crossing timelines & geography too! The way Alex Finlay writes about the settings & locations in his books with such attention to detail is definitely a strength as well!

If you’re looking for a bingeable thriller to keep you guessing & on your toes, look no further!

What a ride, my mind is blown! If Something Happens to Me is an addictive, intense, fast-paced thriller that definitely didn’t lack depth or complexity. I was so invested in this story that I couldn’t put it down, I had to figure out how all the pieces fit together; I binged it, in its entirety, in one afternoon.

Like most thrillers, there were several characters and the story took place in several locations across the world. There were multiple storylines going on at the same time as well. This is the kind of book that makes you think, so much so that I had to take notes on each of the characters, their locations and the details of their story lines. This isn’t a bad thing, I really enjoyed it, especially after reading several lighthearted “easy” reads. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling it, but trust me when I say it is worth the read, just have paper and pencil ready to jot down notes. Do yourself a favor and go in blind, like I did, you won’t be disappointed!

I was fortunate enough to have an epub and audio copy of the book and appreciated having both. I listened to the entire story but used the epub to reference different characters, locations and story lines. Honestly, I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much and would have been confused if I hadn’t had both formats due to the depth and complexity of the story.
The audiobook has a multicast of narrators that did an incredible job and delivered a spectacular performance from start to finish! They were able to give each character a unique, clearly distinguishable voice bringing the characters to life with impeccable tones and inflections while creating a believable narration.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio and Alex Finlay for granting me early access to If Something Happens to Me in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a good book! I was invested from start to finish and I even read it in just a few hours. I loved trying to piece the mystery together as I read the book.

This book was not for me.

I liked that this book was a quick read with short chapters, but I disliked most everything else.

- Every single plot twist was spelled out and predictable. Despite this, there were a ridiculous amount of plot holes in the story.

- There were far too many characters that held such minor plots that it was impossible to keep track of everyone.

- There were too many themes that the author was trying to work into a single book - mob story, missing person, police procedural, false accusations, on the run, revenge, etc...

- None of the characters were relatable or likeable, but they also weren't "love to hate" type of characters either.

- There were too many "action" scenes that felt unnecessary and like they were just there for the sake of including an action scene. They began to feel redundant.

Overall, it wasn't for me, but it might be for someone who is just getting into thrillers and likes or needs the extra push to get where the book is going,

A suspense filled page-turner, “If Something Happens to Me”, has twists and turns, murder, mobsters and investigations. It has love, family and the determination of a boyfriend and a new police officer. An entertaining novel, in classic Alex Finlay format.

Ryan and Ali sitting in “lovers-lane”, he’s knocked out and Ali is ripped from the car, kidnapped!
It had been 5 years, Ryan changed his name and started law school. He’s on a summer trip abroad when he gets the news, Ali’s car has been found with a note “If something happens to me…”.
Ryan then sees the man he’s had in his dreams, it is his nightmare come true. The sudden knowledge of the possibility that Ali is alive has Ryan searching every clue. While Ryan is frantic in his quest to find the girl he once loved, officers are working to solve this crime back in their hometown. Danger, yes! Tragedy, Yes! It has it all!

Finlay does an amazing job of connecting several groups of characters, taking the reader on the ride of their life. If you enjoy suspense and a true crime chase you’ll enjoy this one!

Thank you @NetGalley @minotaurbooks for this opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Another Alex Finlay thriller that I really enjoyed! Multiple POVs, lots of twists and turns (some which I saw coming, some I did not) & fast paced. The ending wasn’t what I thought it would be, but it was still enjoyable. Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press/Minoraur Books for my eARC copy of If Something Happens To Me in exchange for my honest review. Pub date is next week, May 28th! Would recommend if you’re into thrillers!

I went back and forth between reading & listening to this one so maybe that payed a part, but I felt like there was a lot of characters in this story & sometimes it got pretty confusing. Aside from that, I did enjoy the story & I liked how everything came together in the end.

Wow, this was an intense book! There’s so much going on. It’s a non stop page turner of a book! Lots of surprises along the way. You’ll definitely be staying up late to finish this one.

Alex Finlay’s If Something Happens to Me is a solid thriller that keeps readers engaged with its intriguing plot and well-paced narrative. The tense atmosphere and well-developed characters add depth, though some twists are predictable and the middle section drags a bit. Despite these flaws, the satisfying climax and clear writing make it an enjoyable read for thriller fans. Overall, it’s entertaining but doesn’t fully realize its potential.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the free ARC in exchange for my review.

I really liked this book. Totally was surprised in the middle, wasn't at all expected things to happen like they did. There was a little bouncing around and the end was kinda sad. It wrapped up nicely but wasn't the end that I expected. Wasn't really HEA which I suppose not all mysteries get but I would have liked it to work out a little better for some of the characters. I understand though why the author did what they did. There was also an unknown assailant that I didn't consider a problem that ended up being bad, which was a nice twist too.

4.5 stars. Another excellently plotted mystery/thriller by Finlay. I was sucked in from the opening chapter (not a surprise with a Finlay novel). All of the various characters are interesting, but I especially liked Poppy, the new sheriff's deputy. The epilogue did not end the way I expected, which was gratifying in its own way.

"For the past five years, Ryan Richardson has relived that terrible night. The car door ripping open. The crushing blow to the head. The hands yanking him from the vehicle. His girlfriend Ali’s piercing scream as she is taken.

With no trace of Ali or the car, a cloud of suspicion hangs over Ryan. But with no proof and a good lawyer, he’s never charged, though that doesn’t matter to the podcasters and internet trolls. Now, Ryan has changed his last name, and entered law school. He's put his past behind him.

Until, on a summer trip abroad to Italy with his law-school classmates, Ryan gets a call from his father: Ali's car has finally been found, submerged in a lake in his hometown. Inside are two dead men and a cryptic note with five words written on the envelope in Ali’s handwriting: If something happens to me…

Then, halfway around the world, the unthinkable happens: Ryan sees the man who has haunted his dreams since that night.

As Ryan races from the rolling hills of Tuscany, to a rural village in the UK, to the glittering streets of Paris in search of the truth, he has no idea that his salvation may lie with a young sheriff’s deputy in Kansas working her first case, and a mobster in Philadelphia who’s experienced tragedy of his own."

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed the twists and turns in this one and the way the connections played out. There are three parts and a major twist hits at the end of part one, but that simply pushed me to keep going and see where the story was going next.

Ryan Richardson is now a law student, but was forced to change his name and his plans after his high school girlfriend vanished and was presumed dead. The spotlight was on him until evidence was uncovered that she had become the victim of a serial killer. Years later, he still hides this part of his past from his new friends out of fear they may accuse him too.

Poppy McGee is a war vet turned small town deputy who falls into the case of a lifetime on her first day. Alison Lane’s BMW has been discovered. The girl went missing five years ago and was determined to be the victim of a serial killer. But with the man dead and two unidentified bodies in her car, is there more to Alison’s story?

Shane O’Leary runs quite the criminal organization, but always makes time for his Gina and their Anthony. After buying Anthony’s way into a prestigious academy, O’Leary’s world is rocked when his 12 year old son takes his own life, and he proceeds to rock the worlds of others when he discovers it was due to bullying that the school covered up.

Three POV’s that seem like they don’t fit in the same book, until they do…

Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC and the opportunity to provide a voluntary review of the latest by Alex Finlay.

IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME
Alex Finlay

Out next week, Alex Finlay’s new thriller has early readers split.

Let’s talk about it!

Known as Dodge to some, Ryan Richardson to others, but Ryan to most. He’s trying to extend himself beyond the shadows of his past. He wants to remember something he has no memory of and forget all the ghosts that haunt him, including most importantly, Allison.

They met in high school, made a fast connection, and seemed fated for each other. One night, Allison and Ryan are making out in the backseat of Allison’s car and the next thing Ryan knows he wakes up alone, Allison is gone, the car is gone, and there are no clues and no suspects, except for him.

The investigation into Allison’s disappearance leads nowhere. Ryan, cleared of all suspicion, tries to start his life over with a new last name, at a new school, with new friends who know nothing of that fateful night, Allison, or any implications that Ryan might be involved.

It’s years later, and another teen girl is missing. A car is found submerged in water and at first, it’s thought to be related to her case. But surprisingly what they discover is that it’s Allison’s car. And her cold case turns hot again as Poppy, new to the job, tries to solve both cases.

Are they connected and if so, how?

IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME is in its most basic form a bro thriller. We’re discussing THOT’s not thoughts and the plot revolves around high school heroes, stick shifts, and ransom letters. It lacks contemplation and cohesion, and I imagined his sentences like Tetris blocks. A little clunky and ill-fitted, not exactly in the right place.

On page, it’s a contemporary thriller set in a small town with a well-meaning detective new on the job, and a tricky case to solve. There are revolving perspectives; at first, you’re not sure how everything and everyone is related. Ultimately, it all comes together in the end, but my reading experience was more tepid than hot.

Thanks to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the advanced copies!

IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME...⭐⭐⭐

What I love about Alex Finlay is that he not only writes a thriller, but he writes an action packed thriller! This book had be completely invested in all of the stories that were slowly being weaved together until the climax turning point! There were multiple POVs and plenty of twists that kept the story going at maximum pace. If you like action, a complex storyline, and twists that you won't expect, then this book is for you!