T.J. Newman has made a name for herself as a writer of "plane crash" thrillers.

While waiting with fingers crossed, hoping that my request for the Worst Case Scenario ARC would be granted, I ordered T.J. Newman's earlier novels from my local library and quickly devoured them. Rest assured, T.J. Newman's writing style has definitely improved with <u>Worse Case Scenario.</u>

Fast-paced action, likeable characters (with a few curmudgeons like R.J to keep things honest) and numerous - not to mention unrelenting - world ending dilemmas will keep you turning those pages. It is 3:30 a.m. as I write this review, so I can definitely attest to the fact that there was no way I could put this book down until I turned that very last page.

So much heroism in the face of impossible odds!

But apart from the unremitting tension and action, what I most applaud about this book is this very clear message: so much more has to be done to secure and safeguard all nuclear power plants. It took one plane crash in a small town next to a negligible power station to underscore how much the powers-that-be are downplaying the dangers and consequences of a potential meltdown.

Ironically, articles abound on the internet reassuring us that North America's nuclear power plants are safe - even from attacks by enemy aircraft. And yet.... T.J. Newman was able to demonstrate that this is just not so. I'm no scientist but it will be interesting to read the commentary from the scientific community as to whether the events described in this gripping novel could indeed ever happen.

I'm rating Worst Case Scenario a 3.75 out of 5, rounded up to a four, because although I was definitely totally "thrilled and gripped" by the story, some of the writing was tad too melodramatic and gung-ho for me. Fire Chief Steve Tostig was larger than life: those last few chapters jerked several heart-broken tears out of my eyes. His eleven year old son, Matt had a role to play that seemed well beyond his tender age. But, if you suspend your disbelief and hang on for the ride, you will have to conclude that T.J. Newman has successfully churned out yet another gripping disaster thriller - a movie adaptation of which will surely be coming to a theater near you in the very near future!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and TJ Newman for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Worst Case Scenario coming out August 13, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read a couple books by this author. I love his subject matter surrounding aircrafts and tragic events of survival. I was definitely surprised to receive this book. I loved this book! I thought the action started off hot and kept going. It was intense! I was definitely hooked and wanted to see what happened next. I think the characters were awesome. There was a little bit of the science stuff that I wasn’t as interested in, but overall, I loved it!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys intense survival stories!

Wow! What a ride! TJ Newman has done it again with another gripping, edge of your seat, emotional (I wasn’t expecting to get teary-eyed), buckle up buttercup kinda read.

This is the best kind of thriller.. it’s chilling, heartbreaking, great character development, edge of my seat, non stop page turning til the very end. I gasped and cried and cheered the whole way through. This is my third read by this author and each book gets better and better. I just finished and I could finally exhale!

A pilot has a heart attack.. the plane is going down.. and there’s no one to stop it. Maybe it’ll crash in an open space? No. A nuclear power plant.. the worst case scenario.

Small town America is going about their day when a loud boom has them all questioning what happened. The plane has left death and destruction in its wake before it ever even crashes.

The characters are from this small town and are all intertwined from the firefighters to the plant workers and the children of the those involved.. you fall in love with the characters and cry with them and for them and cheer them on - I was so invested and could feel the anxiety and drive to save the day along with them.

Never did I think I would love these plane crash stories but it’s not just another plane crash story!

Thank you @NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC!

And I thought her other books were intense. Worst Case Scenario takes that tension to new levels. I was on the edge of my seat, clenching my jaw, feeling legitimately anxious for much of this book. However, at some point halfway or two thirds of the way in, I started to struggle to maintain focus- I think in part <i> because of </i> that tension level. Even a brief break for some humor or humanity would have helped- not only to break the tension, but to then make its return fresher and more effective.

Still an entertaining and standout read, if not on my favorites shelf alongside Newman’s previous books.

Thank you T.J. Newman, Little, Brown and Company, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the eARC!
Buckle up and Hold on tight this was a wild ride! Not just a plane crash but a plane crashing into a nuclear powerplant 😬. Very descriptive writing which made me feel like I was in the book which I loved. There were lots of characters you grow to love and root for throughout the story. I was dying to know what happened het not wanting the story to end at the same time. This was my first read from T.J. Newman and certainly not my last!
I will be posting my review on my bookstagram account @bookofthemeg on 8/8!

After reading both Falling and Drowning, I was super-stoked to read this one. Interestingly, the premise of this one sounds the least interesting to me and I would probably not have read it if I didn't already love the previous two. Well, let's just say I would have done a huge disservice to myself had I not read this. It just may be the best one so far! Yes, it reads like a giant, summertime blockbuster and the corny dialogue goes along with that. BUT, just like the giant, summertime blockbuster, all those same feels go along with it! The action, thrills, drama, community camaraderie, heartbreak, joy, it's all there and I loved every word! I can't even imagine what disaster this author will make another great story out of next! I for one, can't wait!

Thank you to NetGalley, T.J. Newman and Little, Brown and Company for this much appreciated ARC.

I will post my review to Amazon, Facebook and other retail and social media sites upon publication day of August 13.

Another amazing book by T.J. Newman! I am so blown away by how suspenseful and entertaining her three books have been. I read Falling a couple of summers ago and LOVED it and quickly picked up Drowning when it came out last year (also LOVED). I absolutely devoured Worst Case Scenario.

T.J. is a former flight attendant and has tons of insight on how drama can unfold on airplanes. In this one, a plane crashes into a nuclear power plant and chaos ensues. The story starts out with a (literal) bang and I could not put it down. It was SO bingeable and fun to read. I was on the edge of my seat the whole story.

Bravo, TJ Newman! Go get this one next Tuesday, 8/13/24!

I want to thank Little Brown and Company, Macmillan Audio, T.J. Newman, and NetGalley for providing the e-ALC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The novel "The Worst Case Scenario," by T.J. Newman, is exceptionally immersive, immediately capturing the reader's attention. The narrative's immediate dive into the story's core is sustained by a countdown format in each chapter, building anticipation toward "Zero Hour." Although not verified, the incorporation of various intriguing facts reflects the author's extensive research across diverse subjects. Drawing from her significant experience as a flight attendant, Newman's writing style avoids superfluous details, delivering an action-packed narrative that maintains taut tension, making it tangible and keeping the reader engaged and riveted.

The alternating focus between two rescue missions intensifies the suspense and adrenaline in the story, evoking emotional resonance, particularly with one of the missions. The book portrays a harrowing situation counterbalanced by depictions of unity and assistance for the greater good, offering a poignant and pertinent reading experience. The portrayal of diverse and poignant relationships, notably a father-son relationship, contributes to the narrative's depth and emotional impact.

The unexpected emotional depth in a thrilling narrative, combined with overarching themes of love and unity, renders T.J. Newman's work compelling and emotional, ranking it among my favourite reads for 2024. Moreover, I had a highly enjoyable experience with the audio format during my recent vacation. Joe Morton's narration was exceptional, imparting realism, suspense, and palpable engagement with the narrative, ensuring my sustained interest from start to finish. I found the author's note at the beginning of the audiobook to be quite engaging. The note provided valuable insight into the author's inspiration and journey to becoming an author.

Ugh, don’t know why i bother anymore.

I’ve read Falling after hearing rave reviews. The characters spoke so unrealistically I could barely stand it.

I decided to read Drowning to give it a second chance and skimmed through the end once the characters started talking. NO ONE TALKS LIKE THIS.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and said let’s just do it.

Once again, the most Michael Bay of Lifetime movies, this time another plane, but instead one crashes into a nuclear power plant near the Mississippi River. Chaos ensues, Liam Neeson, Nicholas Cage, and an actress who can’t really act all star in it. Insert really cheesy music to tie it altogether, along with people salutng the American flag with planes over ahead creating chemtrails to really enforce it.
"But the van now dangled out over the water in the middle of the bridge, its rear wheels still spinning, U2’s “Beautiful Day” blaring out of the van’s speakers." But of course U2 would be playing, it's exactly what a summer blockbuster on Lifetime would script.

Again, no one talks like this:
“We run the day like we run every day. Making it work because there is no other choice.”

Sorry T.J. Newman, while your books start off well, I can't stomach it once the people starting talking.
However, not gonna lie, I will watch the actual movies set to come out, cause you know, action and cheese on a Friday night.

This book is the stuff of nightmares. I may not sleep for a week. As scary as the premise of this book was, I could not and would not put it down. I expected nothing less from T. J. Newman. This book gave me an adrenaline high like I have never experienced before as I felt I was fighting alongside these characters to save the world. There are some low/sad points in the story as well.

I was so gripped by this story, that I just kept reading until the wee hours of the night. I would strongly suggest that you do not read this one if you are about to board an airplane. The cast of characters and their actions are proof that not all heroes wear capes or even uniforms. I was invested in this book and finishing it in one sitting. I was flipping pages so fast on my Kindle that I thought my it might ignite. This one is another one for the record books.

Thank you to Little Brown and Company and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I loved this new book from T.J. Newman! Similar to her first two books, this one is action packed!

What I loved…

Suspenseful
Fast paced
Action packed
Emotionally invested
Family drama
Small town
Community banding together

It’s very rare for me to cry when I read a book, and it’s almost unheard of for me to cry over a thriller, but this book delivered!! I could not put it down. There are a lot of characters, but I was emotionally invested in each of them.

5⭐️ for me!! You do not want to miss this book! The release date is Aug 13. (It would make a great movie!)

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the advance readers copy. All opinions are my own.

This is the third book I’ve read by T.J. Newman and I must give her props - No one, literally no one, writes more compelling, gripping, and intense first chapters than she does. Falling, Drowning, and, now, WORST CASE SCENARIO grabbed me from the first line and raised my heart rate until the final page. She’s gifted at building tension and sustaining it throughout the entire book.

The premise of WORST CASE SCENARIO is simple, yet chilling. What would happen if a jetliner crashed into a nuclear power plant? The audio version of this book is stellar and, in my opinion, the best way to experience the heart pounding ride Ms. Newman has written. Joe Morton’s narration is nothing short of brilliant and the production quality made me feel like I was experiencing the action in real life and real time. I started this book alternating between the digital and audio versions, but quickly realized that I was cheating myself out of the multi-sensory experience afforded by the exceptional narration. I went back to the ebook to make sure I picked up on any details I missed because my heart was pounding so loudly in my ears.

On the surface, this is a story of disaster and survival, but there’s much more depth to discover. It’s a tale of community and sacrifice and tremendous bravery. Don’t skip this book - it will have your heart racing and expanding simultaneously. Ms. Newman’s writing is addictive and a pure adrenaline rush. Highly recommended for those who love action packed, fast paced thrill rides. Buckle up.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Little, Brown and Company for the eALC and eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

T.J. Newman has written another riveting thriller that creates emotion on every page. This captivating story will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can.

The premise of “Worst Case Scenario” is chilling: a pilot suffers a heart attack at 35,000 feet, causing a commercial airliner to crash into a nuclear power plant in Waketa, Minnesota. The result is a catastrophic national crisis with global implications, an unprecedented Level 8 event on the International Nuclear Event Scale.

In the introduction, the author reveals that she asked pilots about their greatest fear, and one responded with the scenario of crashing into a nuclear power plant. This horrendous thought becomes the basis for a compelling story that explores the impact on the small town of Waketa and the U.S. at large.

The characters are well-developed and feel real, with backstories that enrich the narrative. Multiple intertwined stories depict the event’s impact—rescue operations, crash site interventions, and national-level decisions, to name a few. The personal courage and sacrifice displayed by individuals were both impactful and memorable, breaking my heart several times. This book is truly a rollercoaster of emotions and one that will stay with me for quite some time.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Wow…what an emotional and tense ride.

T.J. Newman certainly knows how to create drama and action while making you feel all the things. The scenarios she creates have never crossed my mind while traveling but now makes me want to research all the things.

I loved the characters in Worst Case Scenario. They all are facing hard and impossible seeming tasks and the way they handle them is remarkable. I only hope that if I face a terrible situation I can act the same (let’s be real though…I’m gonna run in the opposite direction).

I liked how each chapter starts with time remaining. It sets up the atmosphere. As the time ran down it help make the situation more tense.

Also, make sure to grab tissues when picking up this book because there’s a lot of emotional scenes too.

I was fortunate enough to get the audio from Hachette Audio. Joe Morton was an amazing narrator. 💯 would recommend listening to Worst Case Scenario.

Thanks to Little, Brown, and Company, Hachette Audio, and Netgalley for giving me a copy of Worst Case Scenario in exchange of an honest review.

Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Worst Case Scenario is a claustrophobia inducing, suspenseful and absolutely thrilling. I cannot believe what I just read, that was just such a horrific idea, and I flew through this one so fast. I just couldn’t put it down.
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Simply put, a plane crashes causing damage to a nuclear power plant. Talk about scary. Talk about a new fear unlocked, I was panicking the entire time… This is my second by T. J. Newman and a second 5 star read for me.
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The story jumps between different groups affected by the crash, but all are connected. The characters are unforgettable and together they tell such a heart wrenching, heroic story of coming together to save the nation. I found myself loving every single one of them.
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I know that this one will stick with me for quite a while. It’s a very haunting read. I also think it’s a very informative read.
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I listened to this one via audiobook while also reading along with my ebook. Joe Morton is such a phenomenal narrator; he creates the perfect amount of tension with his narration. He managed to really bring this one to life for me. I do wish they would have had a female narrator for some of the female parts, but overall this audio was phenomenal and I loved every second of it.
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Worst Case Scenario will release next week on 8/13. To all my thriller fans - this is one you are going to need. This book is phenomenal. Huge thank you to NetGalley, T. J. Newman and Hachette Audio and Little, Brown and Company for the ALC and eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is basically about what if circumstances that were no one's fault caused a commercial plane to hit a nuclear power plant. According to T.J Newman he was told that there are measures to prevent this from happening but like T.J said that's what they want you too believe and I watch a lot of NCIS to know that this could happen. Anyway on to my review..

An absolute fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. I was a mess while reading because as I kept reading It got more dramatic and tense but I couldn't put it down.

I loved Falling and Drowning so I knew I had to ask for this arc and I'm so glad I got approved. Such a good book.

WOW!!!! This book was a cover to cover on the edge of your seat book. T.J. Newman has done it again. What would happen if an airplane hit a nuclear power plant and the fate of the world relied on a few people to save it. It was action packed, heartbreaking, thought provoking and makes you think about what you would do in that situation. 4.5 ⭐️ from me

10/10!!!!! This was so incredible!! It was gripping, thrilling, and heartbreaking. My heart was pounding because it was so immersive. The ending ripped my heart out and had me in tears. Just incredible. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I was actually upset today that I had to work and stop reading. T.J. Newman is fully a go to author for the action thriller. The book never let up and I was hooked from the first sentence. Congratulations to the author on their continued success. Will absolutely recommend. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy. I will be buying this upon release to add to the home library.