What a journey!!! Okay, I really enjoyed this one. It was a quick and easy read. Once I got started, I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the dual storyline on this because it made it really intriguing to figure out. I pieced a lot of it together but Finlay absolutely nailed the storytelling.

Thank you to Netgalley, SMP, Minotaur and Macmillan audio for the ARCs of IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME BY ALEX FINLAY!

✨𝕊𝕌ℕ𝔻𝔸𝕐 𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂 ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎✨

📖Title: If Something Happens To Me
🖊Author: @alexfinlayauthor
Pub Date: 5/28/2024
Publisher: @minotaur_books
Genre: Thriller

Thank you so much to the tagged publisher for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review🤗


Swipe for synopsis➡️


𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
I always love Finlay’s books, so I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of his up-coming thriller, and it did not disappoint! This is a fun, fast paced, bingeworthy popcorn thriller that had me hooked with the characters, the different POVs, and the short chapters🙌🏻 I love Finlay’s writing and how he never seems to disappoint me. This one definitely gave me some Karin Slaughter vibes throughout it (and you should know I am obsessed with her books.) This book is definitely one that you pick up and cannot put down until you consume it all.


𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
✦Mob stories
✦Fun and strong characters
✦Short chapters with different POVs
✦Popcorn thrillers
✦A book that you can finish in one sitting

𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫4.5/5



❓𝚀𝙾𝚃𝙳: 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐?

What a ride!!! I love Alex Finlay, and this book did not disappoint.

This story centers around Ryan, whose life drastically changed when he was knocked out and his girlfriend was kidnapped from his car. For years people have assumed Ryan was behind his girlfriend’s disappearance. When her car is found in a lake with two dead bodies in it the story gets even stranger.

I felt like I was watching an action movie while reading this book. I was absolutely hooked from page one, and loved Ryan. If you’re looking for an action packed page turner this is the book for you!

This is a very well-crafted story, with interesting characters and lots of unexpected twists. I really enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A missing woman, her innocent (but persecuted) boyfriend & an array of mobsters make up the content of Alex Finlay’s latest “If Something Happens to Me.” This book is fast paced & an easy read. I wish it was a little more fleshed out but a decent mystery/thriller.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the opportunity to read this book. I was hooked from the beginning and eager to see how this story would play out. Unfortunately, I felt like the end dragged and I found myself a bit bored. The end picked back up and I was definitely invested in how things would be wrapped up. I wasn’t attached to any of the characters except maybe one or two, though and I can’t pinpoint why that was. However, there was a twist that made me gasp and I always love when that happens. So overall I’m giving this a 3.5 rounded up to 4.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Alex Finlay and I loved the first few chapters, but the more I read, the more I had to suspend reality. There are multiple characters to keep up with and I wanted more from each of them. This is a worthy read for a twisty journey, but it's not a book I would pick up again and again. Still, I would enjoy reading more from this author, especially if the characters are more fleshed out.

I was hoping to like this book, as I've loved some of Alex Finley's other works; however, this one just didn't do it for me. The inner thoughts of several of the characters were very similar to me (several characters all had a "not like other girls / guys" vibe to them) and felt a bit juvenile. I also think one of the big twists was pretty obvious from the start. One thing I did love was the descriptions of places in Europe, Alex did a great job of making you feel like you were traveling across Europe and immersing yourself in new places.

Overall, while I enjoyed this for what it was, I wasn't wowed by it, but I look forward to Alex's next book!

Thank you to Alex Finley, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC.

I will say I have enjoyed all the author's previous books. If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay is a gripping thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. As a 46-year-old who has read her fair share of suspense novels, I found this audio version particularly compelling. The narration is superb, bringing an added layer of tension to the story.

What sets this book apart is the twist in the middle. Without giving anything away, it's a game-changer that you truly do not see coming, reshaping everything you thought you knew about the characters and the plot. It's clever, shocking, and perfectly executed.

Finlay's writing is sharp and engaging, making it impossible to pause the story. Each character is vividly drawn, with complexities that make them feel real and relatable. This isn't just a mystery; it's a profound exploration of human resilience and the secrets we keep.

Overall, If Something Happens to Me is a must-listen or read for anyone who loves a good thriller with a memorable twist. Alex Finlay has done an outstanding job with this one, and I'm already looking forward to the next book!

If you liked The Night Shift by Alex Finlay you will enjoy If Something Happens to Me. It’s a fast paced multi character thriller that develops across different cities from Leavenworth, KS to Paris, France. Fast, fun read!

This was my first Alex Findlay and it had me hooked from page one. While the story was a bit over the top, it had a fast pace and flowed nicely. Keeping me engaged. I also liked the multiple POV's and connecting how they all fit together. That said I did figure out where the book was going by the end of part 1. Though that is probably a by product of being a big thriller reader and most books following a fairly predictable path. It does have some good twists and turns if you're willing to apply some suspension of belief.

I do recommend going in blind. I requested the book based on others with similar tastes loving the author without really looking at the premise and it gave it that something extra for me. There was good tension and build up and I found it to be a fast easy read. Will definitely be looking into his back list.

Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur books for my advanced copy in return for an honest review

ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!! Alex Finlay can do no wrong. His books are ridiculously twisty and such quick reads. Do NOT sleep on this book when it comes out!

Ryan and Alison are young and in love. They’re on a date in the park when she’s taken, but Ryan can’t remember what happened other than a man taking Alison. Ryan is a prime suspect, but isn’t arrested. Years later he’s in Italy studying abroad, when his dad calls to say Alison’s car was found…with two dead men and a note “if something happens to me”. Ryan is in Italy when he sees someone familiar…the same man who took Alison. A crazy manhunt follows.

Polly is a sheriff’s deputy interested in Alison’s case when the car is found. She’s determined to know what happened to Alison and who these two men are. She is sent down a rabbit hole to discover the truth.

Oh my god. This story had me hooked! Twists and turns throughout. Mobsters, FBI, cops, and more. Multiple POVs and interesting dynamic characters. Thanks Alex Finlay, Net Galley, and Minotaur Books for the ARC! Pub date 5/28/24

Fast paced, several good twists that I didn't see coming. The first half of the book is better, and I really did not like one part of the ending/epilogue, but overall a great read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me an advance reader copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

How have readers still not discovered Alex Finlay?? Every one of his books has me singing his praises even more! If Something Happens to Me is my favorite of his yet!!! The characters, the setting & the pace should help cement this novel's place on everyone's Summer Reads list this year!! Can't wait to meet Finlay on his book tour for this to learn more about his craft! Excellent selection for 99% of your readers this summer!

Description
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.

In classic Alex Finlay form, If Something Happens to Me is told by several distinct, compelling characters whose paths intersect, detonating into a story of twist after pulse-pounding twist. The novel cements Finlay as one of the leading thriller writers today.

It’s been five years since Ryan’s girlfriend was abducted and everyone has thought that he murdered her. But when a vehicle is found in a lake near their hometown, questions arise about what actually happened that night. Poppy is ex-military and has recently started working for the law department in town. She soon finds herself being drawn into the mystery of that night as well, and with every new answer, more questions arise.

This book is fast paced with short chapters and multiple POVs, making it difficult to put down. The characters were also well written and easy to root for, even as some of their secrets were being revealed. I really liked Poppy as a protagonist and appreciated her portrayal. I did want a bit more development from her and all the characters though – they were decent overall, but a bit more depth would have really elevated this for me.

I really wasn’t expecting this book to take the direction it did. I didn’t necessarily prefer the direction it took and it felt a little cheesy, like in a blockbuster <spoiler>mafia</spoiler> film sort of way. However, if you enjoy that genre, you’ll probably love this one. I still did quite like this read, I just didn’t love it.

If you enjoy slow burn thrillers with multiple POVs that slowly come together in a fascinating way, then you’ll probably love this one. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

My goodness. First time reading this Author and will not be the last. Run....don't walk....to get this amazing book!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing this digital copy in exchange for a review.

This book had me on a ride. I loved how a few different stories converged throughout the book. At first I was confused how these vastly different story lines would connect, but it all came together in the end. I was a little disappointed with, what felt like, an abrupt ending. There was a lot of build up for it to be over so fast. Over all I did enjoy the story and will read more from this author

Alex Finlay did it again!! This was my second Alex Finlay book and I was so invested in Ali and Ryan’s story. The way Alex builds a plot and develops characters really captivates me. It’s almost difficult for to describe what it’s like reading his books.

The multiple POVs added to the fast paced story and built up to every twist you come across.

I was able to read along the eARC while listening to the audiobook and both were easy to follow and switch back and forth from. The multiple narrators did a fantastic job making the story come to life.

Thanks so much NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur books for the eARC!

Five years after his girlfriend disappeared, Ryan gets a phone call about a discovery on the case. Then, after spotting the distinct-looking man he remembers from the night of the crime, Ryan sets off to try and find out what really happened that night.

While I admit this author has been a bit hit and miss for me, I really liked this one. It reminded me of the style of his first book with the spy-ish type action, which I don't normally love, but the plot and storyline were so good that I didn't care. The action was non-stop and I was surprised several times when I realized what was going on. The characters were all likeable and I enjoyed the multiple perspectives. The Night Shift is still my favorite by him, but this one is a close second!