Thanks to Little Brown and Netgalley for this advanced readers copy of Worst Case Scenario. This is my third TJ Newman book. I've read each of her thrillers. Worst Case Scenario is different - yes it involves a plane crash - but a plane crash into a nuclear power plant, and the book is focused on the effort to prevent a nuclear meltdown. The story takes place over 16 hours, and shifts between the efforts at the plant to diagnose the extent of the damage and then prevent the spent fuel pools from draining of water - causing potentially a global catastrophe - to the efforts to rescue a boy trapped on a bridge after the plane wing crashed into it. The basic premise is that with the power out to the entire town, the plant is isolated and on its own to solve the problem, with little federal help.

As a thriller this is interesting and the story keeps you going. The author makes an effort to provide depth to the characters and spends a lot of time doing into the thought processes in the face of likely death. But at times it seems this slows the story. The world is about to end, there isn't time for such introspection. And at times, I felt like too much of the focus was on the rescue efforts. While I kept thinking this, I will admit I was emotionally involved at the end. So, perhaps my criticism is misguided.

Is this the best of her books? I don't think so. But TJ Newman is a talented writer and seems to have found a niche, and I will gladly continue to read her books.

I am a big fan of TJ Newman's first two books and was very excited to get the opportunity to read an early copy of the newest, Worst Case Scenario! This book did not disappoint. It true Newman fashion this book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!

When the pilot of a commercial flight has a heart attack while the co-pilot is out of the cockpit, the absolute Worst Case Scenario unfolds. The plane crashes into a nuclear power plant starting a chain of events that will make or break the rest of humanity. This book takes you through the heartache, the stress and the heros that risk it all to save others. This book, like her others are cinematic and must be adapted to the big screen! TJ Newman has quickly become a must read author for me.

Worst Case Scenario is another nail-biting page turner by once flight attendant T.J. Newman. The difference here is I felt like she has fallen in the trap now of writing for the screen and movie goer instead of the book reader and this may be a rare case of the movie will probably be better than the book. There is no lack of action but it was just too much thrown at me all at the same time. Is that how a disaster like this would unfold - too much? Yes, of course. But it just didn't really work that well for me on the page. I found myself skimming chunks at a time trying to find the meat of the story. There was a story buried in the rubble and an underlying theme of community but I know I will enjoy the movie more than the book. While the main story here was on the ground after the plane falls from the sky, I hope Newman considers a bit more straying from the topic she has started her writing career with. If you are a very focused disaster genre reader, you will likely enjoy this one more than I did. Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Worst Case Scenario will be available on 8/13/23.

This was a great read to read. I kept seeing a group of people reading this, and I kept thinking Man, I remember a book with a plane, and I am certain it looked like this. This had me going back and looking at my reading logs, and sure enough, I read a book by this author previously and enjoyed that book. This is one of those stories that you hope never ever happens, and let me tell you, it intrigues you as a person of what does happen who makes the call to go in and shut things down, knowing it can kill you.
That is where we go in our story. It starts in the air, and our countdown begins. Can level 8 be avoided, or will the town of Waketa become the new Chernobyl? We got great characters who did the unthinkable, the unselfishness, and the ones who, even though they knew things could go wrong, the part that truly got me was when Steve and Matt were talking about fishing. That whole scene and why Steve no longer goes fishing hit closer to home than I liked. It just reminds me of my daughter and her father and how they are the best fishing buddies ever.
There was so much I felt went on, and the fact the action kept up with the story was great. I found myself wondering how I would act in a situation like that. Could I hold it together to make sure everything was good? Would I sacrifice myself to help all? Would I even go against orders and help save one person? It makes you think about what you would do. In the end, I have truly loved this author's writing style, the way she pulls you in and holds you captive. Pick this book up; you won't be disappointed.

I might be a math teacher but I’m also a huge history nerd. When I was a kid I was so fascinated by the events of Chernobyl (watch the HBO series if you haven’t). This book was right up my alley. There’s action on every page and multiple story lines to follow. I did have a difficult time keeping track of all the characters but I don’t think it affected my experience too much. This is a story of love, bravery, disaster, and community. If you love a good “end of the world” book or movie definitely check this one out. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to the Little Brown and company and Netgalley for this THRILLING eARC in BOTH audio AND standard format, I wanted to see how much the narration added to my enjoyment and as it does enhance it, my standard review remains unchanged; this author is truly a standout!

An EASY 5 stars from this reviewer; I love how this author imagines these all too possible worse case scenarios, they should be viewed as potential cautionary tales. Newman also does meticulous research, which adds scary credibility to this story.

T.J. Newman’s Worst Case Scenario is a high-octane thriller that plunges readers into a catastrophic event with relentless intensity. The novel opens with a chilling premise: a commercial airliner crashes into a nuclear power plant in the small town of Waketa, Minnesota, after the pilot suffers a heart attack mid-flight. 

Newman, a former flight attendant turned bestselling author, masterfully weaves a narrative that is both gripping and emotionally charged. Her background in aviation shines through in the meticulous details and frighteningly realistic portrayal of the crisis and the potential cost of human lives. 

A standout aspect of Worst Case Scenario is its exploration of human resilience and ingenuity in the face of unimaginable adversity. Newman skillfully balances the fast-paced action with poignant moments of human connection and sacrifice.

Newman’s ability to maintain suspense and keep readers on the edge of our seats is commendable.

Worst Case Scenario is a riveting book which showcases T.J. Newman’s talent for crafting intense, emotionally resonant thrillers. Whether you’re a seasoned thriller enthusiast or new to Newman’s work, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

NOTHING BUT Pros from this reviewer, including;

Gripping and fast-paced narrative.

Well-developed characters.

Realistic and detailed portrayal of a nuclear disaster.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. T.J. Newman has become a favorite author. I read almost this entire book in a single sitting (on the edge of my seat the entire time). It's action-packed and ridiculously propulsive. I won't be surprised if this book gets turned into a movie like her first two.

This was hard to read unfortunately. I love the other books but this one was hard to stay engaged with. I just felt bore unfortunately.

Thank you @netgalley and @littlebrown for providing me this e-ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.7

✨A pilot has a heart attack at 35,000 feet and crashes a plane into a nuclear power plant in Waketa, Minnesota. This disaster is rated as a Level 8, worse than Fukushima and Chernobyl.

❓How would such a catastrophic event impact the small town of Waketa?
❓How would firefighters respond first in this situation?
❓How deadly can a nuclear radiation be?

✨This story is a deeply emotional journey, with every character portrayed beautifully. Each character supports the others in overcoming the crisis. A plane crash can isolate an entire town, especially with a nuclear plant involved, where radiation makes help almost impossible. From start to finish, the story made me laugh and cry, moving me to tears.

✨I learned a lot about nuclear plants from this book, including how potassium iodide helps to protect their thyroid and that radiation can’t be transferred from one person to another once ingested. The book beautifully depicts loss, grief, strength, and the saving of lives. I’m excited to explore more works by this author.

T.J Newman is back with another flight gone wrong thriller, but this time it follows one of the most unthinkable scenarios: a plane crashes into a nuclear power plant. Now the community must come together, with many life or death rescue situations, to save the town and what could be a global disaster.

I was on the edge of my seat during this entire book, switching between my physical copy and the audiobook. The audio production was gripping with special sound effects for plane announcements, countdowns and phone/ walkie talkie calls. This transported me right to the scene and made the fast paced story come to life. Overall a highly emotional and gripping thriller with a fabulous cast of characters that show us the best of humanity.

Thank you Hachette audio and Little Brown for the early copies!

Such a fun and wild ride. It was made even crazier to me because I live where the book takes place! This author rights super fun and suspenseful books, and they are always a fun experience to read. I gifted a copy to my dad as he loved this author!

Wow! TJ Newman continues to write books that keep you on the edge of your seat. The event in this story happens in the first few pages and the aftermath is what happens in the rest of the book. The details, the characters, the drama--all top notch. This will be one of my top books of 2024, hands down. Thanks for the advance copy.

Wow! What an exciting, emotional book!

As with Newman's other books, the thrills start on the first page and do not let up until the end. A pilot has a heart attack mid-flight and sets forth a chain of events that seems unimaginable. Parts of the plane hit a nuclear power plant in Minnesota and the events that follow will test all involved.

It's best to just let this book unfold rather than spell out a huge synopsis. You know what you're getting with a TJ Newman novel--these are rapidly paced thrillers that combine the best of humanity with the worst of situations.

I listened to this as an audiobook and did not want to stop listening until I reached the end. I was anxious with anticipation, and I also laughed and cried at many things that happened. If you're looking for a breath-holding, tense, action-packed novel, then move this to the top of your list immediately.

I need a moment to compose myself after finishing this book. It's been quite some time since a story has moved me to tears. T.J. Newman delivers an action-packed emotional rollercoaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you're familiar with Newman's previous work, you won't be disappointed!

A pilot has a heart attack and crashes a commercial airliner into a nuclear power plant in Waketa, Minnesota, causing a national crisis. The disaster is rated as a Level 8 on the International Nuclear Event Scale, surpassing previous major accidents like Fukushima and Chernobyl. Ordinary people in the town must come together to save their community and possibly humanity as a whole.

The characters in this book are silent heroes who face tough decisions and keep you grounded as the story spins out of control. It's a reminder of the importance of togetherness, bravery, and sacrifice in the face of adversity.

I highly recommend adding this book to your reading list. Just be prepared for a gripping and emotional journey that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. Let's hope this story serves as a cautionary tale rather than a guidebook for what could happen in the real world.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Hachette Audio | Little, Brown & Company for digital ARC. I am forever grateful, because this book will be talked about for a long time. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company for the advance review copy!

This thrilling story is fast-paced and exactly what I expected. It may not be the best written thriller to ever exist, but it's entertaining and may have unlocked a new fear... It's a book you can easily binge in a single sitting (if your heart can handle the ride!). If you're looking for a tense thriller that reads like a heart-pounding disaster movie, this is it!

3.5 rounded up!

this is out august 13, thank you netgalley and little, brown and company for this arc in exchange for a review!

if there’s one thing about tj newman’s books, it’s that the entire time im reading them i feel like im watching a movie in my head. there’s just something about the way she writes that i can so clearly see everything play out and i feel like im there.

this book follows a tragic crash with devastating consequences of a commercial plane into a nuclear power plant near a small town community. as with drowning and falling, i did in fact tear up many times throughout this book.

while extremely heart-pounding and thrilling, there are so many emotional aspects of this book and i loved seeing the connections between families and friends while they race the clock to potentially save half of the united states.

i will say you definitely have to suspend your belief while reading this book and kind of just go with whatever happens and not think too much about the logistics 😅 there were also lots of quotes i found to be a bit cringe at times and over the top

all in all, i really enjoyed this and am glad that it didn’t make me as scared of flying as drowning and falling did 🤣

my review will be posted on instagram on pub day!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
✈️ sci-fi thriller
✈️ short, action-packed chapters
✈️ countdown to “the event”
✈️ heart-pounding rescue missions
✈️ beautiful relationships between characters

TJ Newman sure knows how to suck you into a story right from the very first page! It starts with the heart of the action immediately and there’s literally no way you can’t be hooked immediately. I flew right through this book because I didn’t want to put it down!
I love the format of this book, with each chapter counting down to “Zero Hour” (the time when the major event takes place), and anticipation building with each chapter and every time we get closer to the “event”. Will they stop it in time????
There are so many random facts thrown in this book, and while I haven’t personally fact-checked them, I feel like the author did a ton of research about many different topics to be able to include these things.
I really appreciate Newman’s writing style; there is no fluff or unnecessary detail… it is action packed and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time you are reading.
The book kept switching back-and-forth between 2 rescue missions, which really made for an adrenaline packed story! I have a 4 year old boy myself so one of these rescue missions really resonated with me. I shed a few tears more than once while reading this ❤️
This was such an intense, horrible situation book but the way everyone came together to help out for the greater good was really beautiful. This was exactly the kind of book I needed to read with the way the world is right now.
I really loved all of these characters and there were so many relationships that were beautiful to see: but one father/son relationship in particular was really enjoyable to see. Heart-breaking, but so beautiful at the same time.
I did not expect to shed so many tears while reading a sci-fi thriller (which is not usually my reading style), but I guess that’s why TJ Newman’s book are so loved ❤️ Heart-pounding, edge of your seat adrenaline read with also so much love and goodness between the characters…. This was very truly a whirlwind of emotions and it was one of my favourite reads in such a long time 🩷🩷🩷

What a fantastic book from TJ Newman, AGAIN! This was edge of my seat exciting. I felt for the characters and the whole town as they battle the worst case possible. A jet plane that crashes into a nuclear powerplant. The characters, the situation, had me cheering, laughing and crying. Sometimes on the same page. Newman is a master at creating a riveting story. She manages to keep the story flowing quickly and yet weaves in just enough backstory to keep you invested in her characters. TJ Newman is solidly an auto buy author for me.

Wow. T.J. Newman is such a talented author. This is a fast-paced thriller that starts off with a plane crashing into a nuclear power plant.

Newman has a gift of being able to write a story that will educate you, keep you on the edge of your seat, and make you cry. I could not put this book down. It was thrilling and terrifying. It was raw and heartbreaking.

I cannot say enough good things about the writing. There were no plot holes, or undeveloped characters. The story was deep and gripping from start to finish. The characters were… wow. I found myself cheering them on while reading. They were real. I would want all of them by my side if tragedy were to hit.

Newman is 3/3 for her books so far and I hope she continues writing more. I was so excited to get an ARC copy of this amazing thriller. I was anxiously waiting release day so the fact I got to read early was so exciting!!!

This is definitely a heartbreaking book, but if you love thrillers, this is the book for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

This novel is without a doubt the most intense and suspenseful book I’ve ever read - just incredible!! My heart was pounding while feeling the emotions of hundreds of people affected by the tragedy as well as the devastating aftermath. An extremely powerful and well-written book…highly recommend. That being said, it evokes all of the emotions and is not for the faint of heart. The in-depth research and descriptions are phenomenal.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.