Member Reviews

I loved the quick chapters and triple pov, though I was a little confused at times. There were some great twists and everything wrapped up great in the end!

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I enjoyed the multiple narration style of this one. The different actors helped me know when we switched POV if I missed it at the beginning of the chapter. As for the story, I struggled to get into this one. The story was slow and there were a few plot twists that I enjoyed. But the ending was too neat and easy, not thrilling at all. I enjoyed the premise, but I think it could have been plotted quicker.

Thank you @netgalley and @macmillian.audio for this ALC and ARC!

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I’m an Alex Finlay follower, and love reading any new titles that come out. This one felt more action-packed and criminal to me than the usual. I give it 3.5 stars. Enjoyed the twists, but slightly predictable.

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This books started off very interesting and then I felt like it fell flat and I wasn’t as eager to keep going, I was hoping to be more “thrilled” but I found this rather bland. The characters names, and nicknames, started to make it hard to keep track of who was who, also making it harder to get big into the storyline,

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Ryan was the victim of a crime with his then girlfriend, Ali, and now he is dealing with podcasters and trolls who now believe he is the person who committed this unsolved crime. Now, years later, after changing his last name, his past starts catching up to him… Like right up to him. Someone has found his girlfriend's car in the bottom of a lake with two dead bodies inside along with a note in Ali’s handwriting.

This book starts with one of those scenes that just sucks you in and doesn’t let you go. In addition to Ryan, we are also introduced to Poppy, a young veteran who has taken a job as a deputy sheriff in her hometown in Kansas, and Shane, a mob boss. There is also the mystery behind the note in the car left by Ali, as it was written in code, and I loved how Ryan was used to figure it out. I did find some things predictable, but I was also left with my jaw dropped a few times. Although I feel like this was a fast-paced book, I did not feel as if anything was rushed or skipped over. This was my first book by Alex Finlay and I’ll definitely check out his backlist now.

I love multicast audiobooks and what’s even better is we get three perspectives and they all come with their own issues. Helen Laser, John Pirhalla, and Paul Dateh all did a wonderful job and are all very distinguishable with their voices.

A big thank you to Macmillan Audio and the author for an advanced copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You love fast-paced psychological thrillers that offer multiple POV’s and aren’t overly predictable.

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**5-Star Audiobook Review for *If Something Happens to Me* by Alex Finlay**

*If Something Happens to Me* by Alex Finlay is an electrifying thriller that immediately grabs your attention and keeps you hooked until the very last word. The audiobook version is an absolute gem, thanks to its impeccable narration and spine-tingling story.

The plot follows a gripping sequence of events that unravels a web of mystery, danger, and heart-pounding twists. It begins with the sudden disappearance of a loved one and the protagonist's relentless search for the truth. As the tension escalates, Finlay masterfully weaves together suspense and intrigue that left me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what would happen next.

The audiobook is narrated brilliantly, with voice actors who bring each character to life in a way that makes you feel fully immersed in the story. Their pacing and tone perfectly match the emotional weight and suspenseful moments of the book, making it an incredibly engaging listening experience. The way they switch between characters adds layers to the narrative, making the already captivating story even more compelling.

Finlay’s writing is sharp, clever, and filled with unexpected turns that will leave you questioning every detail. It’s one of those books where every chapter makes you want to keep going, unable to stop. Whether you're listening while commuting or relaxing at home, you’ll find yourself hooked on the story from the first moment.

*If Something Happens to Me* is an exceptional thriller that’s impossible to put down. Alex Finlay has crafted a book that perfectly balances mystery, suspense, and emotion, and the audiobook version does justice to the gripping tale. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for an audiobook that will keep them on the edge of their seat from start to finish!

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I'm always looking for Alex Finlay's titles, they are an auto read for me. This one was a bit more unbelievable and forgettable but the narration was great!

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Fast paced, but not my favorite from Alex Finlay. I listened to this one on audio, and I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read this one instead. The audio version had me losing my focus and feeling lost. The chapters were short and snappy with tension and action. Overall I found it to be forgettable, but I will still read more from this author in the future, because I think Alex Finlay is a very talented writer.

Thanks to publisher for my copy.

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This is my second Alex Finlay book, and it's easy to say I am a huge fan! I loved this audiobook, and I could not stop listening to it! I recommend Finlay to all of our patrons who come in looking for suspense and thrillers. Can't wait to read more!

Thank you to the author and the publisher for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

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Alex Finlay's If Something Happens to Me is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. A master of twists and intricate storytelling, Finlay delivers a deeply compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together suspense, mystery, and emotional tension.

The story begins with Ryan Richardson, whose life has been haunted by a terrible night five years ago. He was the last person to see his girlfriend, Ali, before she disappeared without a trace. The mystery surrounding her abduction—along with Ryan's role as the prime suspect—has cast a shadow over his life. Though he's never been charged, the public's judgment has followed him, forcing him to change his identity and leave his past behind. Now, as a law student trying to move forward, Ryan believes the past is finally behind him… until a fateful call from his father shatters that illusion.

Ali’s car has been found in a lake, with two dead men inside and a cryptic note that seems to suggest something ominous: "If something happens to me..." Ali’s haunting words lead Ryan on a relentless quest for answers, taking him from Italy to the UK and Paris as he follows a trail of secrets, lies, and unexpected allies. Along the way, Ryan encounters a young sheriff’s deputy working her first case in Kansas and a mobster in Philadelphia, both of whom play pivotal roles in unlocking the mystery that’s eluded him for years.

Finlay excels at creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. The multi-layered plot is filled with surprises, and just when you think you’ve figured out where the story is headed, a new twist upends everything. The shifting perspectives—Ryan, the deputy, and other key characters—keeps the narrative fresh and dynamic, with each character bringing their own motivations, flaws, and complexities to the table.

The pacing is relentless, with each chapter adding new layers to the mystery, making it impossible to put the book down. What stands out most, however, is the emotional depth woven into the thriller. Ryan’s internal struggles, the weight of his past, and the need for redemption are explored with sensitivity, making him a deeply relatable and sympathetic protagonist.

If Something Happens to Me is a testament to Finlay’s skill as a storyteller. The twists are sharp, the stakes are high, and the emotional stakes are real. As Ryan’s journey for answers unfolds, the story becomes not just a race for survival but an exploration of guilt, redemption, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love.

In short, If Something Happens to Me is a standout thriller that cements Alex Finlay as a master of the genre. With its heart-pounding twists, well-drawn characters, and taut suspense, it’s a must-read for fans of intense, character-driven mysteries.

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*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This was a pretty good book that was hard to put down, unsure if i would read again but id recommend

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Mysterious and interesting - great, engaging characters and the reveal was well-done. I thought it got off to a bit of a slow start (after the initial opening surprise), but picked up speed about halfway through. I was definitely invested in finding out what happened the whole time.

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For the past five years, Ryan Richardson has relived that terrible night. The car door ripping open. The crushing blow to the head. The hands yanking him from the vehicle. His girlfriend Ali’s piercing scream as she is taken.

With no trace of Ali or the car, a cloud of suspicion hangs over Ryan. But with no proof and a good lawyer, he’s never charged, though that doesn’t matter to the podcasters and internet trolls. Now, Ryan has changed his last name, and entered law school. He's put his past behind him.

Until, on a summer trip abroad to Italy with his law-school classmates, Ryan gets a call from his father: Ali's car has finally been found, submerged in a lake in his hometown. Inside are two dead men and a cryptic note with five words written on the envelope in Ali’s handwriting: If something happens to me…

Then, halfway around the world, the unthinkable happens: Ryan sees the man who has haunted his dreams since that night.

As Ryan races from the rolling hills of Tuscany, to a rural village in the UK, to the glittering streets of Paris in search of the truth, he has no idea that his salvation may lie with a young sheriff’s deputy in Kansas working her first case, and a mobster in Philadelphia who’s experienced tragedy of his own.

In classic Alex Finlay form, If Something Happens to Me is told from several distinct, compelling characters whose paths intersect, detonating into a story of twist after pulse-pounding twist. The story cements Finlay as one of the leading thriller writers today.

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I’m an Alex Finlay follower, and love reading any new titles that come out. This one felt more action-packed and criminal to me than the usual. I give it 3.5 stars. Enjoyed the twists, but slightly predictable.

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Alex Finlay's If Something Happens to Me is a gripping thriller that follows Ryan Richardson, who, five years after his girlfriend Ali's mysterious disappearance, is thrust back into the investigation when her car is discovered submerged in a lake with two bodies inside. As Ryan races across Europe to uncover the truth, he encounters unexpected allies and dangerous adversaries, all while confronting his own past. Finlay masterfully intertwines multiple perspectives, creating a suspenseful narrative filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you're into fast-paced mysteries with complex characters, this one is definitely worth a read.

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A clever, quick thriller. This one is told from multiple perspectives across thousands of miles. It has the boyfriend who everyone thinks did it, mobster family man, and small town detective. I'm not much for mobster stories, but having it as one of the perspectives was fun. The twists weren't obvious, and the author did a good job making the characters likable enough to care what happened to them.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! I purchased for my library and shared with a monthly group as my favorite thriller for the month. I will look for more from the author.

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My favorite by Alex Finlay!

Five years ago, Ryan and his girlfriend Ali were at Lover's Lane when he was yanked out of the car and knocked unconscious. What happened to Ali?

Ryan wasn't charged with her disappearance but that doesn't stop people from calling him a killer. Ryan moved away with a new identity.

Poppy McGee, a rookie deputy sheriff gets her first puzzling case. Ali's car has been discovered in Suncatcher Lake with two dead men inside along with her cryptic note.

Oooh the mystery! Finlay did a terrific job weaving the characters and plot together. I couldn't put this book down wondering what happened to Ali, and how these characters are linked. A lot is going on here but in a good way. From Leavenworth to Philadelphia, to Italy, the UK, and France, readers follow Ryan, Poppy, and other supporting casts. Have fun trying to figure this one out!

I'm grateful for an ebook and audio copy of <I> If Something Happens to Me </i>. Helen Laser, John Pirhalla, and Paul Dateh are fantastic narrators and you can't go wrong with either format.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the DRC and ALC.

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Expect lots of twists and turns in this thriller that travels the world as the mystery unfolds. A nice audiobook to get lost in.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for early access to the book in exchange for an honest review.

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I just couldn't get into this book. Several different locations, made it slightly confusing. Just not my style.

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Another fun and twisty thriller by Alex Finlay that was the perfect book to kickoff poolside reading this week. It was fast paced, with short chapters and multiple POVs, and the audio was great!

*many thanks to Minotaur Books, Macmillan audio, and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

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