Yikes! Many layers of mob revenge across multiple continents- almost Shakespearean in its message… Finley’s best yet.

This was a rollercoaster of a read. I love twisty surprising mysteries and this book really gave them to me. It was an engaging and absorbing read and I didn't want to put it down. That said, the format of the book was confusing to me. The book presented more than one timeline and more than one person who went by different names, and it took concentration to figure out what was what. Some of the twists had foreshadowing and several were surprising. All in all, I liked the book and I'll definitely read more by Alex Finlay.

Alex Finlay writes thrillers that read like action
Movies, and this was no exception. This book was very fast paced, and full of plot twists. I read the whole thing in a few hours, because I needed to know how it would end. There were a few aspects of the plot that were a little silly (an eight year old true crime podcaster? Really?), but overall this was a pretty enjoyable thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Three different groups seek answers surrounding the disappearance of a young woman. Mystery Thriller. A father’s love, mobsters, revenge and ruination, youth, growth and friendship, riddle me this. I liked that the writing style was straightforward and succinct. Chapters were short and fast with cliffhanger endings. The young podcaster was also such an adorable approach to the now overused trope. I wanted more of him. Unfortunately, when there are three different POVs and one always seems to be behind, when two characters in a car spend time recounting the plot the audience just read (and when the final 25% of the novel is that on a loop), when the characters felt like vehicles powering a plot that in many ways seemed like the longest Afterschool Special… you’re telling me that this novel isn’t more than its set up and simple reveals. These are not inherently bad things though. This was an engaging read but it will not be one I remember during summer vacation.

*Thank you A. Finlay and Minotaur Books for the, If Something Happens to Me ARC.

Alex Finlay is immensely talented and has quite the imagination. The yarns he weaves are all different and have yet to disappoint. A teenage couple are doing teenage couple things at a teenage Lovers Lane when they are attacked. The girl disappears; the boy survives. A crime boss’ son is relentlessly bullied and takes his own life. A Leavenworth, KS, sheriff’s deputy working her first case. Their stories intersect five years later into an explosive story you won’t be able to put down. Or guess how it ends!

Finlay is an author I will read no matter the subject matter and is one of the few I’ll read blindly. I would suggest doing the same. I find I enjoy them more when I know nothing about it. It’s rare–and quite freeing–to delve into something with no preconceived ideas and an open mind. Or as much as possible. It takes a lot of trust by the reader but is well worth it and I suggest all readers try it.

Anywho, If Something Happens to Me is a propulsive, bendy thriller that will keep you guessing till the end. I can’t recommend it enough.

Thank you to Minotaur Books via NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of If Something Happens to Me.

"If Something Happens to Me" by Alex Finlay is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Ryan Richardson, a man haunted by the disappearance of his girlfriend Ali years ago. When new evidence emerges in Ali's case, Ryan is drawn back into the mystery as a new sheriff, Deputy Poppy, tries to uncover the truth.

The novel is praised for its fast-paced plot and complex, well-developed characters that readers can't help but get invested in. Finlay skillfully weaves together multiple storylines and perspectives, creating a layered narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Overall, "If Something Happens to Me" is an engrossing and suspenseful read that cements Finlay's reputation as a master of the thriller genre. With its twists, turns, and deeply personal touches, this novel is sure to captivate readers from start to finish.

Special Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Book - St. Martin's Press for advanced copy for honest review.

Third book by Alex Finlay and it looks like he is becoming my next auto-buy author.

Life was good in Leavenworth, KC, so the couple, Alison and Ryan thought with their lives ahead of them. Then one night that all changed. Alison was gone, Ryan woke up not remembering anything. Over time as in most circumstances, the boyfriend is always to blame and Ryan got years of that. He remembers bits and pieces from that night, the night he was hit on the head and lost memory. But on a trip to Italy, he remembers something, as the guy with no pinkies waves at him. What could this mean? He chased him back to the UK but it was too late. That was Ryan's story, now Alison is the one you gotta keep up with. Why and how would someone come snatch her in the middle of the night? Where could she have gone? If she was alive, why isn't she going to get help? Well she can't. With no spoilers, this is the most action packed thriller I think I have ever read. This book fits the Mystery, Suspense, Thriller category in the first 5 chapters! I highly recommend this book, 5 stars!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Alex Finlay for an ebook in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: 4.25/5 Stars

Wow! This book really blew me away. I was hooked basically from the beginning and binged it somewhat quickly. Really great read!

This book was pretty good but nothing jaw dropping. I suspected the twists but I did enjoy the read. It was definitely a good time.

I was blown away by this one- Alex Finlay never disappoints! The slasher meets crime plot line had me hooked. I’m giving it 4 stars because although it checked all of my metaphorical thriller boxes, I do think the ending was kind of meh. Nothing I didn’t really expect to come out of a book of this caliber.

Includes:
-multiple POV
-an unexpected time jump
-missing person case
-many characters that have individual story lines that imbed into one
-unique crime solving efforts

I would pick this copy up in a hard copy for myself in a heartbeat when it releases!

I think at this point I can safely say it's not Alex Finlay, it's me. I loved Alex's first book, but I did not enjoy last year's release and for whatever reason I didn't enjoy this year's either. I hope that in the future I can be impressed again, but things just feel flat to me.

Ryan Richardson’s girlfriend Ali was kidnapped right before his eyes and it has haunted him for the past five years. He was able to continue to law school but hasn’t had another relationship since. While on a trip to Italy, he receives a threatening note that kicks off a quest to track down the man who took Ali. At the same time on the other side of the world, Ali’s car is discovered submerged in a lake. There are two bodies and a note from Ali inside that could be the clue to everything.

The deputy in charge of the case, Poppy, has a connection to Ali – her older brother was on the basketball team with Ryan. Like everyone else, she can’t imagine why anyone would kidnap Ali and why there are dead men in her car that should have been found years ago in the lake. As the investigation continues, it takes some strange detours that no one saw coming, even the reader.

I always enjoy this author’s books; he keeps you hooked throughout the story and smacks you with a twist when you least expect it. You might start off thinking what in the world do THESE characters have to do with THOSE characters – are there two different stories here?? But just wait because it all becomes clear. And I have to say, I don’t usually find myself sympathizing with villains but good and evil aren’t easily defined here. And why should they be – that’s life, after all, a series of blurred grey areas of right and wrong. In the end, you may be surprised where you find yourself.

If Something Happens to Me is a new favorite thriller of all time for me. You get pulled in from the first chapter and you never want to stop reading. I love the short chapters, the multiple perpesectives, the time jumps, and the twists and turns that caught me completely off guard.
I went into this book kind of blind, besides knowing that we are following a man named Ryan, who's girlfriend mysteriously disappeared without a trace years ago and everyone thinks Ryan murdered her. Ryan has made a new life for himself with a new name, but his father calls him out of the blue about how something has emerged with the case.
The way Finlay writes has you rooting for all the characters, he puts so much thought into each character and I love it.
With so many perspectives you need to have fleshed out characters or else they all seem to run together. Finlay knows how to make each character unique and stand out.
I honestly know I won't stop talking about this book for months to come. I will be recommending this book ANYTIME someone wants an edge of their seat thriller!!

Holy Guacamole! This was a banger! 🔥🔥🔥 Alex Finlay wrote one hell of a story and I loved every bit of it!

One night Ryan and Ali are sitting at Lovers Point talking about their future after high school. They’re high school sweethearts and definitely in love. Then the unthinkable happens….. someone has opened the door, knocked Ryan over the head and taken Ali. Who would do this and why?

Then five years pass. The car Ali was driving is found submerged in a local lake with two bodies found inside, but no Ali. Who are these people and what in heck happened to Ali?

There is another storyline going on as well that I would love to tell you about but then that would be saying too much. All I can tell you is that somehow these stories are connected. Boy oh boy, once that came together, this turned into a full on WILD RIDE! 😱

So much is going on and you’ve got to pay close attention to the details. Was it too much? Absolutely not! In fact, I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN! Work just became a problem 🤣

Put this on your TBR! Preorder this NOW! You will not be disappointed! A full on rollercoaster of a ride! Action and suspense will keep you gripped to this phenomenal read!!!!

A huge MASSIVE THANKS to Minotaur Books, NetGalley and Alex Finlay for this opportunity! All opinions are my own.
Release date May 28, 2024
5 shining ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I couldn’t wait to pick this up after getting approved for an arc. And boy was I not disappointed. There was twist after twist in this book. I figured out one but some of the others I was shocked. I can’t even tell you what this is about because it would be hard without spoiling it. But just know this is a fast and great read.

This book was a page-turner and an easy read. There were a lot of twists and turns along the way, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. The different POVs of the accountant, the mobster, the deputy sheriff, and Ryan added a lot of layers to the book and it was interesting to see how their lives were intersected with each other. There's a LOT that is going on in each chapter, and it comes together in the end really well. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If Something Happens to Me
Alex Finlay
Pub: 5/28/24
4.5☆

Ok, I loved this one! It was fun, fast, and a total bingefest.

If Something Happens to Me was exactly the type of thriller/mystery I crave. It was a twisty and addicting story that completely sucked me and kept me totally guessing (and second guessing) to the very end. There’s multiple POV’s and a lot going on with this quick moving plot but Finlay skills weaves everything together while keeping you on the edge of your seat. The writing, the characters, the pacing… it was all so freakin good. I could not put it down, and devoured it in a few hours.

What I loved;
✨ Twisty Thriller
✨ Addicting Who-Dun-It Mystery
✨ Heart Pounding Suspense
✨ Multiple POV’s

What a fun and wild ride! Absolutely would recommend. A huge thank you to Minotaur Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

If Something Happens to Me is a fast-paced thriller with a slightly more than first half that's filled with misdirection. The story is told primarily from three perspectives. Ryan Richardson, a law student remaking his life after he was the suspect in his high school girlfriend Allison's disappearance, Poppy McGee, a sheriff deputy in Ryan's home town of Leavenworth, Kansas, who only a few days into her new job is roped into the follow-up of finding Allison's car submerged in a local lake. The third POV is Shane O'Leary, a mobster in Philadelphia, whose connection to the other storylines finally becomes clear later in the book. Finlay writes a story that's compelling, feels like it could be real, and mostly stays away from creating storylines that are hard to believe. Ryan gets enough clues to believe that Ali isn't dead, a victim of the Missouri River Killer, as presumed for so many years, which means that if she is, her life could once again be in danger. He and Poppy begin their own separate, then joined race to try and find her, and shut the door on the events that led to her disappearance in the first place. This was a fun and quick read. There weren't necessarily a lot of moments that I couldn't see coming, but I still enjoyed the story. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If something happens to me by Alex Finley

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book! This book was a slow burn for me. Trying to figure out what characters were connected and why all the different key players in this was a little much.

A girl that is presumed dead, a big bad crime boss, and of course a law enforcement officer. The three different POVs were a little crazy but over all it was a good book.

The ending was intense and the book kept me intrigued till the end.

Finished this mystery/action ARC in 3 days, so it kept my attention, but did I really love it? Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

The book is architected in short chapters that switch POV every time between 3 main locations and people: Poppy, a deputy sheriff in Kansas; Ryan a law student traveling in Europe with his student cohort; and a mobster in Philly. I personally would have preferred a little longer time with each character set to establish a deeper relationship with them.

The novel is centered around a crime established in the very beginning of the book: Ryan's true-love girlfriend was accosted from her car at a "lovers point" in a park in KS when with Ryan. Ryan wasn't prosecuted, so who did it and why? What happened to the girlfriend? It takes a good long while to figure out the connections between these people, and there are quite a few characters in each mini-story to keep track of.

While the story came together well, and moved at a good pace, I felt there were so many characters that the reader couldn't really get invested in any of them too deeply. I would have maybe preferred a more classic single narrator storyline with probably Poppy the lead, or even Ryan. Poppy seemed like a really interesting character to me! There were some key plot elements that seemed pretty unbelievable and didn't really pass the smell test for me. I won't give away which ones because every reader deserves to be surprised!

I don't really want to summarize the book as other reviewers have because I think it gives away too many of the reveals that Alex Finlay layers into the book. I know I'm in the minority for this book, but I rate it 3.5 stars.