I thought this was a 5⭐️ read. I really liked it. The podcaster element was great and may have solved the entire thing. The twists and turns were well placed and every chapter just got better and better.
Alex Finlay wrote an entertaining read and I think this was his best work yet.
Thanks St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley.

I have really mixed emotions about this book.
Let’s start with the things I really enjoyed. Fast paced, very quick read right out of the gate. I felt like I could have realistically finished this book in a day had time permitted me to do so. Overall, the author kept me guessing for 80% of the book. While I figured out several factors of the ending, I did not figure out everything - there were tons of details that played a factor in the twists. The alternating POV’s aren’t for everyone, but I personally enjoy them for the most part.

Now, onto the nitty gritty parts of how I landed on 3 stars vs 4 or 5. For me, this writing style is not necessarily my preferred. I struggled a bit getting into it just based on the way it was written. It felt a bit choppy and repetitive the way the sentences were written. Given this is an ARC copy though there may be edits coming that resolve this. But, given there were so many I think it may just be the writing style vs my personal preference.
While I enjoyed the multiple POVs, it started to feel a bit convoluted. Given it was such a fast paced read, I also feel that prevented me from getting very connected to the characters. I felt I only saw a glimpse of a new character before we switched to a new POV and location. Towards the end this made the ending a bit confusing having to refer back and confirm who each of these new characters were and their relation to the circumstances.

Overall, the book was enjoyable and I would still recommend it as we all have varying preferences and what’s not necessarily for me may be a favorite for someone else!

Wow! What a wild ride!
4.5 stars rounded down.
I love Alex Finlay novels because they make you feel like you’re watching a movie rather than reading a book. The fast-paced action, high-speed chases, and twists and turns are enough to give you whiplash.

Did I see the some twists coming? Yeah. Did they make them any less amusing? Nope!
But the MAJOR twist?!? Oh boy did that throw me for a loop and make me jump out of my skin!! Hats off to Finlay for that one.

Having read all of Finlay’s novels, If Something Happens To Me, is his most thought-out and well-rounded one by far. Honestly, the way each character and side plot come together is just *chefs kiss*.

What I wanted more of: scenery (we’re visiting Rome & Paris for goodness sake!), action (all his others definitely had more), character depth and background stories, especially for the agents. The conclusion felt rushed and a bit of a letdown, especially since the build-up was so intense.

I want to thank NetGalley, Alex Finlay, and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for gifting me the ARC of IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME! It was such a privilege to read this before publication. And I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!

*3.5 Stars!!!

The synopsis of this novel sounded so intriguing! And no doubt, once I started reading, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The pace moved at lightning speed with its short chapters and alternating POVs. Ever-building suspense had me on the edge of me seat, especially as I neared the final chapters. I kept wondering how the seemingly separate storylines and POVs would converge. That was one of the best things about this book—waiting for the big reveal about how these diverse characters from different parts of world would finally connect. And I must say, it was very satisfying once it all came together.

However, despite enjoying the book very much, I was hoping to enjoy it more. Don’t get be wrong, I couldn’t put it down. I read until the wee hours of the morning because I had to see how things would play out. To be honest, halfway through the book I thought this could easily be 5 stars. But I wanted to come away liking it more than I did once I finished the last chapter. But why didn’t I? I’ve thought about it a lot since finishing it. I think one of the biggest reasons is because I had a hard time truly relating to the main characters. Even if they were likable, like Ryan for example, I just couldn’t find myself caring enough about them. My favorite character was definitely young police officer Poppy with her feistiness and sense of justice. However, I believe character development could have been a bit better, helping the reader connect to protagonists as well as antagonists more. And the ending in my opinion felt a bit rushed, as if something was missing. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I wanted more.

And as a side note, the bullying in the beginning that ultimately provided the impetus for everything bad that happened afterwards—I don't believe being young is an excuse for bullying. It’s why I had a very hard time relating to one character in particular. You’ll know what I’m referring to once you read the book! But do I recommend reading this book? Most definitely. You’ll fly through it and be incredibly engrossed from the opening pages through the final chapter.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC. This was a very short and quick read. I felt like things got to the point and they weren’t drawn out which I appreciated. I loved how everything tied together. While I wasn’t shocked much in some of the events, it was still a very good read!

Alex Finlay books are written to be devoured.

I figured out how the pieces of all of these POVs connected pretty early on (not to pat myself on the back) but the story was so well paced and well written that I didn't even mind the lack of surprise. Just a really great crime drama!

High school senior Ryan Richardson's life changed irrevocably when his girlfriend went missing from the car on their date without a trace. Ryan can remember little about the man who knocked him out and took Ali -- and the suspicion surrounding him and the events of that night forces him to change his name, give up his dreams of being a college basketball player, and live under a cloud of guilt and shame that he let Ali get taken.

Five years later, he is trying to chart a new course for himself as a law student attending a study abroad program with his classmates. But when Ali's car is dragged from the lake back in his hometown with two dead men in the front seat, all of the questions of that night come back with it.

With his knowledge and skills and a new deputy sheriff in town, its a race to find the answers before more people are hurt.

High action, great pace, just another solid book from this author who is an auto-buy for me! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the ARC so I didn't have to wait for the release date!

Alex Finlay has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I didn't even look at the synopsis before I started reading this book. Finlay did not disappoint! I devoured this book! There were parts where I guessed what was going to happen, yet I was still on the edge of my seat. This story is told in multiple points of view, which sometimes can be confusing. Finlay did it in a way that was very easy to follow and keep track of the characters. This hasn't even been released yet, and I can't wait for his next one!

This was my first Alex Finlay book, and it didn't disappoint. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Full of mystery, action, and suspense, I did not want to put it down.

Twists and turns at every page. Short chapters with suspend full ending wanting to make you read further. The suspense builds and builds until you can no longer stand it. Mob mixed with Witsek , travel to different countries make this book very interesting. The characters are endearing. You cheer for the new cop, the old boyfriend and even the mobster father. You wonder during the reading what all these characters have in common or how the author will make them all come together. As the suspense builds you start seeing the connections. Very good book. Highly recommend if you like to read while your heart races.

I really enjoyed this book. I’ve had my fair share of Alex Finlay let downs but I’m happy that I gave this book a chance and was gifted a copy here on netgalley. This book kept me entertained and I finished it fairly quickly. I really liked the multiple POV’s.

Finished this one in 24 hours. Totally kept me on the edge of my seat! There were alternating POVs and I absolutely loved it. The POVs were easy to keep track of. I loved the change of locations, as well. Each location played a unique role. There were key aspects of the plot that upset me, though they were vital to the story. There was one aspect of the ending that made me so sad too! I think this bordered as a 5 star read for me!

I loved this action-packed novel! From the first page you couldn't put it down.
Its seemingly 3 separate story's that collide into one with so much happening all the time.
I love short chapters, and these are packed with suspense. And the characters were great - especially Poppy!

A college kid, a new deputy, and a mob boss. What do they have in common? That is what I was asking myself as I started to read “If Something Happens to Me.”

Ryan was out many years ago with his girlfriend, Ali, when she was abducted right in front of him. He remembers nothing, except for a man with no pinkies. The story jumps between three different points of view in three different places. I wasn’t sure where it was going, but I was definitely engaged. The dialogue and action are both very fast paced. They keep your attention and keep you turning the page.

As things started to come together, it became evident to me that Alex Finlay knew what he was doing as he wove the story together. I was not left with unanswered questions. I was not familiar with the author, but I’m going to check out his other books after reading this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in excellent for my honest opinion.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ability to read an ARC of this book.

This is a rather slow burn starting with an event that occured five years ago. At that time Ryan and Ali were saying goodbye as they were about to leave Leavenworth, Kansas to head to separate colleges. They were parked in Ali’s car when suddenly they were attacked. Ryan was knocked unconscious. When he woke the next morning Ali and her car were gone. Of course, he was the suspect, but never charged in her disappearance.

Fast forward to the present day. Poppy, begins her first day as Deputy Sheriff in Leavenworth, when Ali’s car is discovered in Suncatcher Lake. Inside are two dead men and Ali’s purse. All of which are interesting. But of extreme interest is a sealed letter inside the purse titled “If something happens to me.”

Add to this current-day discovery the fact that Ryan, who was in the car with Ali five years ago, is in Italy when he is sure he spots the man who attacked them in the car. This man shares that Ali may not be dead.

I enjoyed this story which consisted of multiple POVs, interesting characters (several to keep track of), and various locals.

My Concerns
As with many books, there are a few places where you’ll need to suspend disbelief.

Final Thoughts

To be honest, I have more time to listen to books than read them, so I listened to this book with “text to speech.” Each time I do this it gives me a new appreciation for narrators. My point is that even though I listened to this story being read in a dry, monotone, the book was interesting.

It is an interesting, multilayered story that weaves together into a satisfying ending. Yes, it’s worth your time to give this a try.

“We all delude ourselves for the ones we love the most.”

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay is a gripping, fast-paced mystery that will keep you captivated and turning the page. Ryan and Ali are young and in love. One night they drive to Lovers Lane, only for Ryan to be knocked unconscious and Ali and the vehicle they were in missing. For 5 years Ryan has had to live with this terrible night, be considered a suspect, and even change his name. Enter new Deputy Sheriff Poppy, whose dad is friends with the Sheriff and whose older brother was in school with Ryan and Ali. On her first day, Ali’s car is found submerged in a lake, with two dead bodies inside. Also found in a waterproof pouch is a note in special code – labeled: “If Something Happens to Me.”

Set in Kansas, Pennsylvania and multiple cities over Europe, with Mobsters and backstories and new identities, you will be shocked how far one family goes to get revenge and how another will do anything to keep their family safe.

Multiple storylines are woven together seamlessly for an action-packed addictive thriller. My only complaint was that I wish the ending had a little more umph – I felt like I finally made it to the top of the cliff out of breath, expecting this Wham-Bam ending and then while good, felt like I was just reading the ending instead of really being mesmerized or feeling it. (I can’t say anything without giving it away.)

And as a side note, I thought the continual tie-ins with Chipotle were hysterical (my husband is obsessed, and I’m not a huge fan). Finlay is a phenomenal writer; he takes you on a ride from page one and I will continue to read all he writes and recommend him! I give this you-can-run-but-you-can’t hide suspense novel 4.6 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for this thrilling ARC; all opinions are my own!

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. He's never been charged but that doesn’t matter to the podcasters and internet trolls. Now, he has changed his last name and entered law school, putting his past behind him. He has never forgotten though

Until, on a summer trip abroad to Italy with his law-school classmates, Ryan gets a call: Ali's car has finally been found, submerged in a lake in their 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…

If Something Happens To Me has very short chapters that are easy to fly through. The chapters are from
different characters' perspectives, including Ryan and a new, young deputy. At first its hard to see how all of these storylines are connected. Something interesting is happening in each, but they don't seem to have anything in common. Until they do.

The twist revealed halfway through is well done and everything makes sense. The storyline picks up and there is more of a sense of urgency. That's where my interest ended though. I didn't form an attachment to any characters. While I rooted for Ryan and Poppy I felt like I was being kept at arms length. There is one character that becomes very interesting and I wouldn't have minded a story completely from his perspective.

While this is a quick read and not a long book I found many unnecessary sentences and add ons to chapters and paragraphs. They did nothing to advance the plot or deepen an understanding of the character. This caused a feeling of slowness in the narrative.

The situations characters find themselves in are serious and I enjoyed following Poppy's investigation but I found the way information is revealed to certain characters to be underwhelming. The reader already knows most of it so there's no surprise there either. When everything is revealed I was left thinking "That's it?" It's kind of like hearing something after the fact and wondering why I needed to know.

Some serious situations are presented and never dealt with properly. There are obvious consequences to them but I think it might have been better to deal with them in real time. I also feel the mysterious note fell flat and wasn't incorporated in a satisfying way.

If Something Happens To Me didn't work for me but there are many things about it other readers may like.

A thriller with a message - bullying is never forgotten and it's effects are long reaching.
I enjoyed If Something Happens to Me and its mix of family ties, the mob, and children paying the price of their parent's mistakes. There are moments I had to suspend disbelief which I didn't mind as the bigger picture of the story was worth it.
Quick pacing kept it in the thriller zone while a dash of suspense made sure I was turning the pages long after lights out.

4.5 stars and most likely will be seeing this one on a streaming service some day

Thank you to Minotaur Books for access to an early e-copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an advanced copy of this book!

This is my third book by Alex Finlay and it was INCREDIBLE! This story is the ultimate page-turner, I did not see the twists coming, which, as an avid mystery reader, I deeply appreciate. The journey you will go on with Ryan, Poppy, Shane and others is such a wild ride.

If Something Happens to Me is the type of book where, you think you’ll read for an hour before bed and before you know it, it’s 1am and your still thinking (and lying to yourself), ‘just one more chapter’.

I'm convinced it's impossible for Alex Finlay to write a bad book. The way he so expertly weaves in numerous layers and complex characters and timelines to craft the perfect thriller somehow manages to surprise me every single time. The pacing of his writing is also perfect for mysteries – it's slow enough to keep you guessing and to include all the unique details and intricate character complexities, yet it's fast-paced enough to feel like you're on a thrilling roller-coaster of a ride and on the edge of your seat!

Five stars and will definitely be recommending this one to my followers upon its release.

If Alex Finaly writes it, I'll read it. I read his newest book in 24 hours and was on the edge of my seat for the last 30% trying to figure out how it was all going to come together. It took a few chapters to keep everyone straight and remember the connections, but I ended up really liking the alternating POV's and narrators each chapter, it kept the plot moving forward and gave a past and present tie in. Some of the plot was a little far fetched for me, but all in all, this was another great read. Fans of Finaly need to add If Something Happens to Me to their TBR and pick it up when it comes out in May.
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Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.