If Something Happens to Me is twisty, weird, and not at all what I expected. While this didn't end up being what I was anticipating, I did enjoy it quite a bit. Finlay is always good for a twisty and unexpected mystery, and this is no exception.

This was a really great read! I didn’t see the ending coming and it was very well done. The characters were written well and the scenes were descriptive but not wordy. I really enjoyed the way the book came together and didn’t think it would end the way it did. Kudos on a great book!

DNFing, I keep chasing the same experience as Every Last Fear and The Night Shift and it just hasn’t happened.

Outlandish and contrived.

Thank you to NetGalley, SMP/Minotaur & Alex Finlay for a digital galley of If Something Happens to Me in exchange for an honest review.

I adore Alex Finlay's writing, so this was a no brainer. I was 100% going to read this & love it. And I did love it!

Ryan cannot forget the night that his girlfriend Ali was ripped from his car & never seen or heard from again. Of course, everyone believes the boyfriend did it, but he was cleared. However, the public doesn't feel the same. Five years later, he is in law school & has changed his name. On a trip abroad, he gets a call from his father that Ali's car was finally found submerged in a lake, but Ali's body was not found in the car. Oddly, the bodies of two males were found. Also inside is a note that says "If something happens to me....." Ryan later realizes that the note contains a cipher & he is the only person who can solve it. Then, as if the call summoned him, Ryan catches sight of the man who has haunted his nightmare. The man who took Ali. While Ryan is chasing this man across Europe, Poppy, a young deputy & Shane, a Philadelphia mobster hold other pieces to the puzzle.

Told from multiple POV, Finlay takes us on a journey all around the world to find out what exactly happened to Ali & why. And how do all of these puzzle pieces fit together into this one mystery?

This book was thoroughly entertaining. It was gripping from the first page to the last page. As you read through the three POV (Ryan, Poppy, Shane), it is not immediately known how all three stories will relate to one another, but Finlay brings it all together by the end and gives us the full picture of the mystery of Ali's disappearance.

This story was quickly paced and a highly bingeable read. This might be my new favorite by Finlay & I'm already anxiously awaiting his next book!

➸ 4 stars

“The girl disappeared off the face of the earth.”

thank you to netgalley for the arc!!

THIS WAS SO GOOD?! I literally read this in a DAY which says a lot because I’m such a slow reader but I could not put this one down!! Usually when I read thrillers I can guess the mystery before the reveal but I really had no clue in this one!

The way this book was written is so unique, told from 3 different povs in 3 different places that all tie in together in the mystery; I had no idea how one of these fit into the puzzle but the plot twist (MY JAW DROPPED) made everything make sense and tie together!! It was such a quick thriller read, the chapters were really short and each one ended in a small cliffhanger that then switches to a different pov the next chapter which added so much to the suspense and had me HOOKED! The characters were fun to read about!! I really couldn’t dislike them because even with their flaws, all did things for the people they loved. If you like a quick and faced paced thriller full of suspense and twists, this one is for you!!!

Alex Finlay does it again! This was a fast-paced thriller that I couldn't get enough of. I loved the story. It was a *little* confusing with some of the overlap and names but for the most part I really loved this book. I highly recommend people reading this one when it comes out in May 2024. Such a great storyteller!

This was a great read! Full of suspense & action while taking you all over the globe. It was so well researched (police work, France, England, so much!) and flowed wonderfully. I enjoyed Ryan & Poppy the most and hated for this book to end. Block off your next Sat & Sun then immerse yourself in some mobsters, murder & lots of madness. Wonderfully wild read!!

This book was very well written, excellent to the last page. I really enjoyed peeling all of the layers back of the story and never knowing what was going to happen. I have to admit I was a little sad when the end didn't;t happen just the way I wanted, however, I do get why it was better off not giving the reader that ending. Great book, lots of great characters and very enjoyable.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of If Something Happens to Me! This was a fast paced thriller that kept me turning the page. I do love a book with multiple points of view and short chapters! That is my simple equation for a good book! I enjoyed how it was all tied back together in the end. Most of it was predictable but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book! Another great book from Alex Finlay, but I think I still like The Night Shift better. Thank you again for the ARC! This will be a well loved book

This was a well Laid out and fun to get sucked up into thriller. this was my first Alex Finlay and certainly not my last! Readers will find themselves immersed in a world where secrets lurk behind every corner, and mysteries unfold with each turn of the page. As the story unravels with multiple Points of view, the intricate connections between the characters become clearer, leading to a climax that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Prepare to be captivated by the masterful storytelling and intricate plot twists that Finlay expertly weaves throughout the narrative. This book is a true gem for anyone seeking an engaging and thrilling reading experience that will stay with them long after the final chapter.

👀 M Y S T E R I O U S M O N D A Y 👀 featuring “If Something Happens to Me” by Alex Finlay!

BOOK REVIEW: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤/5

Five years ago, what was supposed to be a romantic night with his girlfriend, turned into Ryan’s worst nightmare. Ryan watched his girlfriend Ali get ripped from the car they were in and never saw her again! Although never charged, Ryan was the prime suspect in Ali’s disappearance. His life was never the same again not knowing if Ali was still out there somewhere … or dead 😵

Now in present times, Ryan has changed his name and is trying to move on and excel in law school. That is until he finds out that Ali’s car has been found in the lake in his hometown with two dead men inside and a very cryptic note made out to Ryan that is labelled with “If something happens to me”. WHO are these men and WHERE is Ali?? And most importantly, WILL Ryan be able to crack the code of the cryptic note??

THIS BOOK 🤯!!! I immediately became completely invested after the first chapter! The SURPRISING twists and SHOCKING turn of events had me spiralling in every direction! The multiple POVs and action packed game of cat and mouse allowed me to easily finish this book in one sitting! BRAVO 🙌

Thank you kindly to @alexfinlayauthor @minotaur_books @stmartinspress @netgalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! This 5 STAR stunner releases on May 28, 2024 … run, don’t walk to pick it up!

I have read other Alex Finlay books and have really enjoyed them. The same goes for If Something Happens to Me. The story quickly grabs you from the POV of three different characters. As the characters and the story develops they all start to make sense on how they connect. The character development was really good and made you want to know more about each story, The chapters are short and so easy to just keep turning through them. I ended up finishing this book in just one day because I had to keep knowing what was going to happen. It was a very well done thriller.
I would recommend this one for quick page turning thriller lovers.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The author has crafted another great story. You’ll find it all with excellent characters and a plot that starts quickly and then builds to a climax with twists and turns that lead you ever closer while maintaining the right amount of doubt.

This is a solid win. Each different perspective gets you individually invested and he doesn’t go for any cheap tricks with it.

It was a fun one, I read it all in one sitting. I didn’t feel the thriller urge to get through it to find out or be less creeped out but I genuinely wanted to know what was next. I cared about the characters and wanted it to work out. While the ending wasn’t my favorite it was earned and I can’t complain. Highly recommend this one, thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Five years ago, Ryan Richardson and Alison Lane were saying goodbye when they were attacked. Ryan was knocked out and left outside with no recollection of what happened, Alison disappeared. Now, Ryan goes by a new name and Alison has still never been found. As a new officer looks into the case and new evidence comes to light, there's plenty of questions about what really happened that night five years ago.

"We all delude ourselves for the ones we love the most."

Alex Finlay writes incredible thrillers. Period. I barely need to say anything more. The writing is just fantastic.

If Something Happens to Me was an incredibly fast-paced, multi POV, multi timeline story. Overall, the story was really intriguing and exciting. I loved a lot of the twists and turns. I could predict some of them early on, but the last little twist definitely threw me and I loved that! I want to be kept on my toes when reading a thriller and this delivered.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Alex Finlay for an e-ARC of If Something Happens to Me in exchange for an honest review.

A suspense novel about Ryan, who is haunted by the disappearance of his girlfriend Alison. At the time of her kidnapping, Ryan was the main suspect, it's always the boyfriend. Due to a blow to the head when Alison was taken, he doesn't remember much, except blurry blips of a couple of discerning features the kidnapper has. Without much evidence against him, Ryan is released.

5 years later and with the past put behind him, Ryan is on a school trip to Italy. During the trip he's told that Alison's car was recovered, but she's not one of the bodies found inside. The past resurfaces in more ways than one when Ryan sees the person who took Ali. In search of the truth, Ryan goes on a mission across Europe. Where is Alison? And who took her?

Told from several perspectives, lives collide and the truth of what happens to Alison unravels.

*Review* Another killer book by Alex Finlay that I devoured. I typically don't read novels involving crime families, but this one really hooked me after I got all the characters sorted out. If Something Happens To Me is fast paced, adrenaline pumping, and unputdownable. It was fun to put together all the clues and see how my predictions worked out. It's a wild ride through many interesting locations and situations and shows an intense look into what a family will do for those they love. I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you @NetGalley and @stmartinspress for the ARC. If Something Happens To Me is set to be released May 28, 2024.

I’ve come to really look forward to new Alex Finlay books and If Something Happens to Me did not disappoint.

The synopsis of the story makes it seem like the story is really focused on Ryan, the boy whose girlfriend disappeared. While his story is definitely an important part of the book, there are several other storylines and perspectives, as well. There’s Shane and Chaz, the mobsters. Michael, the Accountant, and his daughter. Poppy, the new Sheriff’s Deputy, and her father and brother. While all their stories eventually connect, I liked the individual character development, as well. The short chapters and multiple POVs made me fly through the pages.

Were parts of the plot often improbable? Yes. Did I guess basically each and every twist from a mile away? Yes. Did either of these things hinder my enjoyment of the book? Not at all! This was a very fun, fast paced read with characters I cared about. After trying several books in a row without becoming invested in any of them, once I picked this up, I never wanted to set it down. I definitely recommend it and will be looking forward to Finlay’s next book.

Trigger Warnings in this book: Suicide, Murder

Okay okay i need to put spoilers but first no spoilers.

This book kept my attention from the start. I had so many questions! Why was Alison taken? Did Ryan really see a man or is he lying? Can Poppy help solve the case? Is Fincher really not trustworthy? Did Poppy’s brother and dad have something to do with Alison’s disappearance? Who is Shane O’Leary and why is his story relevant to the book? All of these were answered and I really enjoyed the plot and twists. I didnt figure everything out, which I like when a book makes me guess like that. It was an easy read and the mystery was pretty good.

Ok to the fun part, the spoilers!

Ryan did not have anything to do with Alison’s disappearance. He really saw the pinky man. I just wish he and Alison couldve had a better ending together. I didnt really care about his relationship with Nora. I wanted to see Alison and Ryan discuss and then go their separate ways, not just have Alison’s thoughts about finding herself. I want closure for this.
Poppy is great. I liked her character a lot. She’s young so shes easily trusting. Even though Ken told her not to talk to Fincher, she did and unfortunately that led to Michael’s death.
At first, I was so confused why Shane O’Leary had a story. Then we find out right before part 2 that Michael Harper was his accountant and was almost killed and so they changed their names. Michael’s daughter, Taylor, becomes Alison Lane. Those first few Shane stories were flashbacks! Im glad Finlay didnt put timestamps. What Taylor and her friends did to Shane’s son was diabolical and horrible. I hate bullies. I dont think Alison is necessarily a good person. Yeah she was a kid, but most kids do not bully to that extent. I feel for Shane and Gina, but killing all of them won’t bring their son back. Luckily Michael sacrificed himself to end this all. I had a feeling Fincher was a bad FBI agent since Ken said not to trust her. Poppy shouldve done some background checks on Fincher before they started talking.
The ending with Chaz was his comeuppance. It all came full circle.

Overall, a good thriller.

I was able to read this copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A tour de force of intrigue and misdirection! Bullets fly and blood splatters when a man who will stop at nothing to protect his family comes up against another man of the same caliber. Poppy, a new investigator, finds herself at the center of the fight. When her own family is implicated in the case, she becomes determined to solve the riddle of what actually happened to Ali on this fateful night she disappeared. The author did an incredible job of involving so many characters across multiple countries, and linking crimes into a complex web of deception and revenge. You will question what is justice vs what is heated revenge. This is a book you don’t want to put down once started!

This is an exciting, fast-paced novel which will draw you in right from the beginning.
The story begins with the disappearance of a young woman. You soon realize there are 3 stories with their own set of characters. As the stories evolve, you figure out how they all fit together and what has happened to Ali, the girl who disappeared.
This is a fast-paced, exciting read, until the very end.
If you enjoy puzzles and trying to figure out how the stories fit together, then you'll love this twisty and suspenseful this book!
This was my first Alex Finay novel, but it will not be my last.