After loving Drowning and Falling last year, I couldn’t wait to read T.J. Newman’s new book. Aptly named, Worst Case Scenario depicts what could happen if there was a nuclear disaster worse than Chernobyl and Fukushima. The writing was descriptive, and the author did a great job at conveying a sense of impending doom. As one as one problem seemed to get resolved, they were face with another problem. The action kept me engaged throughout for the most part, but at times the plot felt repetitive and there were so many technical details. I felt that this one was not quite as tense as her previous novels. I had a hard time rating this one. I kept going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars, but the ending and the ability to create a rollercoaster of emotions ultimately bumped it to a 4 star rating. This one is worth a read if you have enjoyed her previous books.

Thank you @littlebrown and @NetGalley for my ARC!

T.J. Newman’s latest novel takes off from the runway of disaster thrillers, but it’s not your typical turbulence. When a pilot has a heart attack mid-flight, a commercial airliner hurtles toward catastrophe—right into the heart of a nuclear power plant. Here’s what I liked and didn’t like:

Pros:
Unique Premise: The collision of air travel and nuclear danger adds an electrifying twist.
Cinematic Feel: The book’s ending is a blockbuster spectacle waiting for the big screen.
Community Spirit: The town’s collective effort to avert disaster is heartwarming.

Cons:
Character Overload: A sprawling cast can be confusing, especially when grappling with nuclear science.
Subplot Detour: While purposeful, one subplot distracts from the main story.

Despite these minor hiccups, Worst Case Scenario delivers suspense and originality. It’s a gripping read, but perhaps better suited for a screenplay than a novel. If you’re curious about nuclear power, buckle up and dive in - just maybe watch Chernobyl first.

I lost interest in this book halfway through it, and finished it just for the sake of it. The previous books from this author were really great but this one just too much. Super jam packed with information and way too many characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is not the plane rescue book I thought it would be given the concept of the author’s earlier works. Rather this novel followed the residents of the small community where the plane crashes into the nuclear power plant. In the beginning the pace of the book was slow and a bit boring as we got to know the multitude of characters involved in the scenario. The suspense did pick up as the story progressed but then I felt it came to a rather abrupt ending. I have read all three of this author’s novels and will say that while an enjoyable read this was my least favorite.

Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman was an intense, action packed, thriller that doesn't let up. I went through the whole gamut of feelings in this book from intense anxiety to tears at the end, she certainly knows how to rope you in. I give it a 4.5⭐"s

When a pilot suffers a heart-attack at 35,000 feet, a commercial airline filled with passengers crashes into a nuclear power plant in the small town of Waketa, Minnesota, becoming ground zero for a catastrophic national crisis with global implications. Waketa is now a higher nuclear event than Fukushima and Chernobyl, with implications beyond what we can even begin to predict. Ordinary people forced to make decisions and sacrifices for the fate of the world. This is a book that will have your heart pounding in your chest as you contemplate what you would be willing to sacrifice for the future of those you don't even know.

This book would be perfect for the big screen, better than most thrillers I have watched.

Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown, and Company for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Another fantastic aviation thriller from TJ Newman. I have read her two other books and this book was just as excellent. The pilot of a passenger plane has a heart attack during the flight and crashes into a nuclear power plant. The repercussions not only affect the small town immediately surrounding the power plant but also the world as a whole.

Wow what a ride! This is the first TJ Newman book I have read and I'm sure it won't be my last. I normally get a bit annoyed at a multiple pov story, but I think in this one, it works well to really drive home the action. This book moves really fast because there is just so much action and it is plot heavy which I love. Thank you Netgalley and Little Brown and Company for giving me the chance to read this ARC!

This had a very interesting premise and overall plot line. I enjoyed the characters and especially liked how the chapters weren’t limited to just one POV at a time - rather it blended two or three perspectives. I additionally enjoyed the short chapters, because this author’s previous work that I read I did so via audiobook and wasn’t able to gauge how long the chapters were from that. I like Newman’s writing style and I think one of her strengths, specifically in this latest book, is the emotional aspect of the characters. They seem real, very human and they make choices in life or death situations that seem very realistic and I could envision myself in most of their places. I really enjoyed this work and am very grateful to the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this ARC, even if I finished it after the publication date!

I have enjoyed TJ Newman's other books but will admit that I was skeptical about this one. I should never have doubted this authors ability to turn out a page-turner. TJ Newman is a very consistent writer, her set up is always really well thought out, her stories progress smoothly while building up the reader's anxiety. This novel is a non-stop rollercoaster of events, near misses, hopes and dashed hopes; a great, action packed read.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Genre: General Fiction (Adult)
Published: August 13, 2024

Worst Case Scenario is a standalone novel by T.J. Newman. This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Wow! This book is insanely good! This story was fast paced and had me on edge! It was so intense, and I was afraid to reach the end. But I’m so glad I did!!! WOW!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow! Big Wow! This book hooks you from the very first page. Every page is action packed with no extra words. Beyond horrific in both the premise and presentation, the book reads like a train wreck you can’t turn your eyes away from.. A must read of a thriller that brought me to tears.

This was my first book from this author and I was blown away! This story had me on the edge of my seat with adrenaline and anticipation. I also cried a few times. The characters felt so real and likable. I cared about every single one of them.

If you love disaster movies then you will love this book. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Wow! What a ride! TJ Newman has done it again with another gripping, edge of your seat and very emotional must-read. Newman created characters that the reader really connects with and cares about and like the author’s previous book DROWNING I was an emotional wreck right up to the last few chapters.

I both read and listened to the audiobook version of Worst Case Scenario, making the experience all the more immersive. Definitely recommend!

For those who love thrillers: read Worst Case Scenario! Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley! After starting it, I just knew I needed a physical copy for a future reread.

Oh man. When I got this approved for eARC 4 days before takeoff, I thought to myself: “am I deranged or just plain sadistic id I read this 37,000 feet in the air? Turns out both, but it was just perfect timing and I couldn’t resist.

First off FU TJ!! (Respectfully) for page 83, and 121, and like 6 other occasions where I was sobbing in economy class on the plane yesterday. The first airplane thriller adventures in Falling and Drowning were edge of your seat wild. But yesterday I went through an entire pack of Spider-Man branded tissues on my flight back from Tampa reading Worst Case Scenario. It was a full flight, and yes people were staring. Worst Case Scenario is emotionally heart wrenching. Without giving too much away, the third masterpiece from TJN begins as a commercial airline with 295 souls aboard nosedives in to a nuclear power plant when the pilot unsuspectingly suffers a heart attack. The crew struggles to counterattack the damage done to help save them in time.
Meanwhile below the unsuspecting tiny town of Waketa, Minnesota, bands together to save - well the world, from a catastrophic potentially endgame for human kind, the likes of which makes Chernobyl look like a nuclear paper cut. In the midst of the chaos, we meet a little boy named Connor whom for one team of firefighters becomes just as important to save when his family’s minivan meets the wrong end of one of airplane wings. The multiple point of view chapters introduce multiple other families, the President and his team, the power plant workers, and follows them through the calamity that ensues. Tj Newman as an author, has this uncanny talent of taking your worst fears and illustrating them in black and white in the most intricately traumatizing way. I cannot wait to see what she writes next to keep me up at night.

5 ⭐️ (Duh!)

The author, a former flight attendant, has delivered another heart-stopping thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat!

The pilot suffers a heart attack, while the co-pilot is trapped in the lavatory. The plane crashes, causing the inevitable death and mayhem. But the worst possible scenario? A nuclear power plant is hit by the debris. It’s damaged and they have 16 hours until a catastrophe with global implications.

Each chapter is a countdown to disaster

What sets this book apart from other disaster novels are the human stories. We get to know not only the major players in the race against the clock to save the planet from disaster, we get the backstories of all involved.

When the worst-case scenario happens, the result is the best of humanity steps up. This is the story not just of disaster but a story of everyday heroes which showcases the best of humanity. The bravery and the sacrifices made are touching and emotional.

The CB radio transmissions added an element of authenticity to the narrative and kept me on the edge of my seat. The tension was palpable and I flew through this one in little more than one day.

I don’t know how each book keeps getting more suspenseful, but you won’t be able to put it down. Unbelievably scary, inspiring, and wholly readable. Outstanding!

I had such a hard time putting this book down! I've read all three books by this author, and this one is my favorite! There was non-stop action from the very first page, and I loved reading about all the brave and heroic actions taken by these characters. There were so many heart-wrenching moments, but those pulled me even deeper into the story. I could easily see this one being made into a movie!

This one comes out in one week, so make sure to grab a copy!

Thank you, @netgalley and @littlebrown, for the #gifted e-arc of this book!

Newman's books are so action packed that I feel like I'm watching an action movie when reading. This one did not disappoint. I loved the characters and were rooting for them all along. I like how there is not a "bad guy" or villain in human form. They were racing against the clock to save the world. I learned a lot about nuclear power plants and am now a bit worried that this might happen in real life. :) Looking forward to the next blockbuster from this favorite author! And why aren't all of her books movies yet?!

Yep, it was another edge of your seat (or couch or bed 😜) thriller that I devoured in one day!

I could not put it down so make sure you have time dedicated to read it because you won’t want to stop. 🛑

This just released last week and I think it’s my favorite of hers so far. While each story has you feeling all kinds of emotions, this one will pull on your heartstrings.

The devastation of a plane crash, especially in a small town with a nuclear power plant at the center of a community, will see how people have the resolve to cope and handle situations they never could have imagined.

Totally a 5⭐️read for me. Add it to your tbr immediately!

Thank you @littlebrown and @netgalley for this ARC
#tjnewman

Another hit out of the park (Is that the metaphor? I’m not a sports person.)
When I first heard the synopsis (passenger plane crashes into nuclear power plant), I assumed I knew the way this story would go.
But I was wrong. With lots of twists and turns and not-quite endings, this book was un-put-down-able and had my body tense the entire time. Just enough information about nuclear power and power plants to keep me understanding the story but not enough to be boring or overload the brain.
Great characters. If I was someone who cried at the end of books (and let’s be honest, I usually am), I would have cried when the best character makes the ultimate sacrifice.
Overall-great book to add to the collection.