Alex Finlay is always a good idea for a thriller book. He writes from a perspective of several characters and intertwined together. There is great detail in his books and easy to read. I really like enjoyed this book.

4.5 stars!
Let me start by saying that I’m a BIG Alex Finlay fan - but that aside, “If something happens to me” bas secured a spot in my top books of 2024 already.

A twisty thriller that had me devouring this in two nights(!!) While there’s quite a few storylines at play, each of them captivated me until the very end given their unique time period and location. Twists were unexpected (to say the least) and pace was quick enough to keep my interest, but spared no detail around Ali’s disappearance, Poppy’s investigation & Ryans involvement ;)

Highly recommend for thriller/suspense/mystery lovers alike!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Recently, I finished "If Something Happens to Me" by Alex Finlay and if I were to rate it, I'd lean towards 3.5 stars (GOODREADS, WE NEED HALF-STARS FOR 2024, PLEASE!!!!). The book is entertaining and well-crafted for those who enjoy crime mystery dramas, though it's not the kind that sticks with you long after you've turned the last page. For genre enthusiasts, however, it certainly merits a read.

The plot unfolds through the perspectives of 3 characters: Ryan (boyfriend of the girl who disappeared); Poppy (small town brand new cop); and O'Leary (big time criminal). The plot itself is compelling and keeps you flipping pages, thanks to its brisk pacing and short chapters (yesssss, we love those 3-min chapters) that make for a binge-read.

The story is segmented into three parts, each set in a different location, which adds a layer of variety to the narrative. However, I found myself less engaged with Ryan's perspective (for some reason, Ryan is so annoying and I liked the criminal better?), which occasionally made the story feel uneven.

This was my first venture into Alex Finlay's work (I think?), and without any prior expectations, I found it to be a worthwhile read. I might be open to exploring more of his novels in the future.

This review comes after receiving an ARC from St Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, and reflects my honest opinion of the book. While it might not be a book I'd fervently recommend to everyone I speak with, for those interested in the genre, it's certainly a commendable addition.

I love books that feel like you're watching a quick thriller on HBO.
This book is exactly it.
The perfect level of dark, mysterious, and gripping.

There was a point when I had to read four times to understand if I got it right. The plot and the characters got a little confusing, but then I was like "ok, I think I got it, let's move on and see if I really got this right" LOL
(I did)

I enjoyed this book way more than his last one (which I DNFed)
It was quick, entertaining, and I read most of it during a layover.

✨𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀✨
• multi-POV
• cliffhanger chapters
• short chapters
• takes place in multiple countries

✨ 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 ✨
Spunky Alison Lane goes missing five years ago in small-town Kansas where nefarious happenings are revealed in shocking twists.

✨ 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 ✨
You won’t see it coming, is all I have to say about the latest Alex Finlay novel. The short chapters lend it to a very fast read. As you continue the story, you can’t help but wonder how everyone and everything is going to connect.

The author did a fab job, telling us a tale that suddenly comes together in an unexpected way. I seriously had to put my Kindle down for a second to shake my head at how surprising it was. Bravo, I love being surprised.

I would recommend this to other mystery aficionados out there, who want to be surprised by what is happening in the story.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC!!

This book is very fast-paced and intriguing. I was able to identify the twists early on, but it didn’t take anything away from the story for sure! Also great ending.

Thank you to Alex Finlay, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

4 Stars

Multiple Locations
Multiple Parts

This was my first Alex Finlay book, but it will not be my last. I could not put this down. I read the first half in one night. However, I will say, that there were so many characters, I had to write them down and how they were connected.

I liked Poppy. She was a strong character. After being discharged from the military she becomes the deputy sheriff in her small town, just in time for the case to reopen. Ryan was also a strong character. He wanted the truth and to clear his name, and he wouldn't stop until that happened.

I am usually good with figuring out the twists, but honestly, I didn't even see it coming in this one. When I tell you my mouth dropped open.

This is one I definitely recommend.

I received this book from the author, the publisher Minotaur Books and Net Galley in return for an opportunity to read and review another exciting author.

The book's timeline is a little confusing as the author jumps back and forth between the POVs of the three main characters - (1) Alison Lane and Ryan Richardson were a young couple in love, parked on “Lover’s Lane” when attacked. Ryan was knocked out and left behind when Ali was abducted-taken in her car, never to be seen again; (2) Poppy McGee has just been discharged from the Military Police, and appointed Deputy Sheriff, of her hometown of Leavenworth, Kansas; and finally of a mob boss from Philadelphia, PA by the name of Shane O'Leary.

Though the plot is a bit confusing in the first part, the story comes together in the second part and resolves itself in the third part. The short chapters kept my interest and I thought this was a wild and entertaining ride.

On a scale of five, I would give this book a solid four stars and believe that this book would be a favourite of novels that are very twisty and character-driven plots.

As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.

Part 1 of this book starts out slow as you’re trying to figure out how the different point of views piece together. The plot really picks up with part 2 as you speed toward the ending. The short chapters make the second half of the book fly by. There are a few good twists that you can see coming but the plot remains entertaining. I didn’t like how unrealistic the characters’ ages were (a deputy at 22 and an art gallery owner at 23?), it made parts of the story unbelievable at times. Overall, a solid book for an easy read.

Thank you so much to Alex Finlay and Minotaur Books for my copy of If Something Happens To Me! It is about Ryan and Alison, a couple celebrating senior year by parking at a lover’s lane. Suddenly, Ali is ripped from the car, Ryan is hit over the head, and she disappears forever. There is no proof of what happened, but suspicion falls on Ryan. Five years later, he tries to put his past behind him as he starts law school. But when he gets a call that Ali’s car has been found submerged in a lake in his hometown, things get complicated. Two men are found dead inside, along with a letter with the words “If something happens to me” on the front.

Thoughts: This book had so many interesting perspectives and viewpoints. I thought it would be relatively straightforward, but the story was complicated and full of action. I read this book in a few hours, and I loved the way that Finlay wove multiple storylines together to make a heart-pounding narrative. It was absolutely a thriller, and paced to keep the reader’s interest the entire time.

I usually don’t love mob stories, but this one had enough going on outside of just the mob to keep me entertained. It wasn’t necessarily a mystery because the story was straightforward and easy to see where it was going. It was more of an action packed thriller, and almost felt like watching a movie. The plot was over the top in the best way, and it was such an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. 4-stars for this one!

Thank you NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Alex Finlay for the advanced copy of If Something Happens to Me in exchange for my honest review.

Not only do we get multiple POV chapters, but the locations are different too, and I found that to be an added bonus to this super twisty and fast-paced story. There are a number of different twists and turns in this book and when I thought I had everything figured out Finlay went ahead and threw more at me!

I've enjoyed all of Finlay's books to date and I'm happy to say this one is no different. I tore through it as I could not wait to figure out how everything was going to end.

Don't miss If Something Happens to Me, pub date May 28!

I really liked this book!
I was interested in the premise of the story. Ryan can't let go of a tragedy that happened and changed his life. The characters were very well developed and it was an easy read.
I had no idea how well the author would intersect so many great characters and how well this flowed. Many times when authors try to do this it comes off as choppy and doesn't make sense. However, Mr. Finlay does a wonderful job of making it all make sense and delivering a riveting mystery.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced copy!

Another great thriller by Alex Finlay! This has some great twists! Even though I had a feeling on a couple of them, I still really enjoyed the twists.

I wasn’t quite sure who I should root for in this book since I can completely see why everyone did what they did even though their choices weren’t the best, I still felt for them.

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Alex Finlay has done it again. I swear each book I’ve read by this author has gotten better and better each time. This one did not disappoint me. Also, this is probably my favorite book by this author to this date.


This book was a WILD ride. I had no clue what was going or what to believe. Even when I pieced some facts together, I was still shocked by the twists. I could go into a more detailed synopsis but I think it is better to go in blind. There is so much craziness in this read and it was SO good.

What I enjoyed:
- fast pacing, this book had me staying up till 4 am to finish it. I could not put it down
- Dual POVS between three characters. I enjoyed trying to piece together everyone's story and how it all fit together
- The twists! I was shocked by a few things even after I figured out other things
- The writing is excellent as always. I was engaged in the story the whole time reading this.

As always Alex Finlay is an autobuy author for me. I enjoy their books and I am never disappointed. I cannot wait to read more in the future by this author! 4 stars out of 5. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Another fast paced thriller by Alex Finlay! When a girl is abducted and her boyfriend is with her, everyone blames him for murdering her. He is never convicted because a serial killer was found with her DNA, but he has never believed it.

Alex Finlay's 2024 release, If Something Happens to Me, was an early NetGalley present that I devoured on Saturday afternoon this weekend. I've enjoyed his previous books and needed a thriller to liven up my day. The book takes place in a few locations (UK, Kansas, France, Philadelphia, et al) and revolves around a groups of people who are somewhat connected but it's not entirely clear from the beginning. A mob family integrating into society. A soon-to-be lawyer who was once accused of killing his girlfriend. A new sheriff back from a military stint. And group of high school students who have since moved on with the lives after a tragedy. Point of View and timing are everything in this book, and it took me a little while to realize what was happening. When it becomes clear, it's a suspense ride not only because of all the connections that reveal themselves but in how the individual side stories begin to weave together in a superb ending. Easily 4.5 stars, just shy of me giving out that 5-star this time. But total recommendation.

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay
Pub date: May 28, 2024
LOVED

Ryan Richardson has lived with the knowledge that his high school girlfriend Ali was abducted while she was with him. He’s lived with the accusations and finger-pointing for five years even though he was never charged with her disappearance. Now, Ryan’s in law school and on a summer trip in Italy with his college friends. He’s changed his name, given up his promising basketball career but has finally found a little peace. Then Ali’s car is found in a lake in his home town. Ali’s body isn’t found but inside are two men and a note in Ali’s handwriting that managed to survive the water damage: If something happens to me …

And this is just the beginning, this entire book is one hell of a story that is layered with deceit, lies and secrets but ultimately, revenge at its very heart. How far will someone go to avenge a loved one and how far will someone go to protect a loved one?

The characters are fantastic in this book and I mean all of them! There are different narratives from some outstanding characters throughout the book and each one adds immensely to the story.

I’m going to stop my review here because I feel like I’ve already said to much. Go into this one as blind as possible, you won’t regret it.

Gripping, thrilling, tense and suspenseful!

My thanks to @StMartinsPress for this gifted DRC.

Just wow! Another fantastic Alex Finlay novel! This was deceptively dark and packed with tension. Wonderful characters that jumped off the page and kept me flipping pages long past my bedtime. Well written and expertly delivered
Don’t miss this gem.
Thank you NetGalley, Alex Finlay and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

If the title alone doesn’t pique your interest, you will be hooked after the first few pages. After we are told how Ali disappears the book seems to be telling three different and unrelated stories. Until, that is, that Alex Finlay does what he does best. He brings all three stories crashing together with the speed of a racetrack and the thrills of a rollercoaster ride.

✨This was a layered and bingeworthy thriller with multiple points of view, various locations, timeline shifts and short chapters that kept me turning the pages. Even with all that going on, everything flowed very nicely, and I was completely hooked from beginning to end.

✨I had so much fun with the misdirection and whiplash twists and turns.

🌿Read if you like:
✨Police procedurals
✨Mobsters
✨Puzzles and ciphers
✨Multiple locations and points of view
✨Shifting timelines

I definitely recommend this action-packed roller-coaster ride.

⚠️CW/TW: suicide, bullying

My thanks to @minotaur_books and @NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book before its publication date.