I really enjoyed this one, and it was a very quick listen. I devoured it in less than a day, I didn’t want to put it down. It was fast paced and the short chapters made you feel like you were flying through it. The twists and turns were done extremely well, I definitely didn’t see them coming. This was my first book by this author and it won’t be the last. I gave this book 4.75⭐️‘s.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
There was so much going on in this book! My brain was literally running on overdrive, trying to see how all of these characters and their storylines intersected. Once the stories finally did connect together, my mind was blown! The plot of this book is quite deep, and there definitely is a requirement on the readers end to pay close attention to the details. However, with the short length of each chapter and the writers easy to read style, it made it really easy to follow along to the plot, and keep up with the large cast of characters.

The ending of this book was probably my favourite part of the whole thing. Without me giving the ending away, I’ve got to say that the author did an amazing job at throwing in some unexpected twists which I did not see coming at all. I was left speechless at one point! The epilogue was just as good and unexpected, and also broke me slightly.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a quick and easy crime/thriller/mystery novel, which will leave you wanting to know what happens next throughout its entirety.

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆:
- 👮‍♂️ Mobster thrillers
- ⏲️ Short and easy to read chapters
- ⏳ Dual timelines

𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑷𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈: 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo - Antonini🍷

This was a fast paced, popcorn thriller and my first book by Alex Finlay.

If Something Happens to Me has two teenage lovers, the girl goes missing and the boyfriend is thought to be the culprit with not enough evidence to prove it. There are also murders, mobsters and international chasing. This book was action packed and I couldn't wait to pick it up. I listened to it on audiobook and definitely enjoyed it this way. The chapters were short and there were 3 POV's that were easy to follow and flowed very well.

The only thing that I didn't like and why I did not give this book 5 stars was the ending did not really have that WOW factor or shocking moment that I was like -jaw on floor-. I needed a little more to give me a good twist and for the ending to not be as wrapped up as it was.

I definitely would recommend this book and I cannot wait to read more from Finlay.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan audio for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

If Something Happens to Me is full of twists and turns. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions from all over.
Ryan hasn't ever stopped believing Ali may still be alive. He is still searching for what really happened that awful night she went missing. Back in his hometown they have found new evidence of the case but what does it a mean?
We join Poppy, a recently discharged vet now sheriff's deputy, on her quest to find the answers to the town's biggest mystery..What will she find? Does her family have something to do with Ali's disappearance?
I really enjoyed the audiobook. It had me hanging on. I didn't feel like it was too easy to figure out. It does give you a lot information that eventually leads you to figuring things out. It was all in all a great thrilling read.

There was a lot going on in this book: murder, mob, kids, missing persons, and witness protection program. I listened to the book, so sometimes it was a little difficult to keep the characters straight (there are a lot of them). I had to go back and relisten, or look up who a character was a few times. I probably would have given this five stars if I had read it, rather than listened to it.
Without giving away any spoilers, I liked who she ended up with, some might not, but I thought it was great!

This book definitely starts out as a series of seemingly unconnected events and people that finally weave together for about half of the book. It wasn’t a bad story it was just like um what? Once you even get how all the pieces fit it’s still like what? I suppose the moral of the story is be nice to people because things you do even at 14 years old can come back to bite you and some people will invest way too much time and effort into revenge that it will ultimately end in their demise. And sometimes innocent people get dragged down into a sea of nonsense for absolutely no reason. Basically that’s what happened... oh right and never underestimate an accountant. The narration was good.

I really liked this one! I listened on a little 5 hour road trip and it kept me captivated and curious. It didn’t go where I expected, I found it pretty unique and interesting. I thought it was paced well too, I never felt bored or anything. This is my first book by this author, but I’d pick up another for sure.

This was a tough nut to crack. Finlay certainly knows how to map a twisted web of thrills and deceit. The full cast narration was excellent and held my attention even when I truly had no idea what was going on. Did I love it? Not especially. But I also appreciate the story telling and the narrators who brought the characters to life!

Fast paced and easy to listen to! Appreciated the narration and the mafia storyline! Really enjoyed this author highly recommend.

Man did this book keep you on your toes and guessing. The book was well throughout and kept you hanging all at the right moments. This book was narrated from 3 different points of view. Which can get confusing because you don’t understand how they go together until the end. Ryan Richardson was living a nightmare he couldn’t get away from. In high school, Ryan had witnessed a kidnapping of his girlfriend at the time, Alison Lane, and it also left him injured and not able to help police capture the man who did it. Her car goes missing without a trace and people think Ryan is guilty. Eventually, he ends up having to change his name so he can get away from the spotlight of being the one who is said to have harmed his girlfriend, even though it was confirmed he did not.

Years later Ali’s car is found with two men inside. This ends up being a lot of questions. Poppy who is the deputy sheriff starts to look into this mystery. As she starts to do this many things unfold and leave her with so many questions needing to be answered!

I enjoyed listening to this book. The different characters voices that were played also helped line up the story better. The narrators did an excellent job using different tones of voice for the characters and delivering the book with so much emphasis that you got the picture they painted!

Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this book and give my honest opinion! Thank you, Alex Finlay, for creating a book that kept me wanting to come back and finish. Thank you, Helen Laser, John Pirhalla, and Paul Dateh for engaging listeners and for your presentation of the book!

Kept me guessing!

Publisher's summary
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 by several distinct, compelling characters whose paths intersect, detonating into a story of twist after pulse-pounding twist. The novel cements Finlay as one of the leading thriller writers today.

Thanks to netgalley & macmillan audio for the ALC of this book!

If Something Happens to Me
A Novel
By: Alex Finlay
Narrated by: Helen Laser, John Pirhalla, Paul Dateh
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Release date: 05-28-24

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, and then 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.

"If Something Happens to Me" is a compelling and well-crafted thriller that showcases Alex Finlay’s talent for creating intricate, character-driven mysteries. The novel’s blend of suspense, action, and emotional depth makes it a standout in the genre, appealing to fans of psychological thrillers and crime fiction alike. Prepare to cancel your plans and anticipate a book hangover—this exhilarating story will keep you guessing until the very end!

The narration of Helen Laser, John Pirhalla, and Paul Dateh truly added to the suspense and adrenaline push of "If Something Happens to Me". If you’re a fan of suspenseful audiobooks, this one is definitely worth adding to your reading list!

As an audiobook the narrators did an excellent job. I love an ensemble cast to help get you more into the story.

The first half of the story were a little slow for me, but I’m glad that what I assumed would happen was already mentioned halfway through and not as the big twist. I liked that the author subverted this and used it a way to push the story forward instead of making it the big reveal. (Vague, but want to avoid spoilers!)

The second half of the book moved a lot faster as things started to add up and the mystery surrounding Allison and her disappearance came together and I was able to fly through this half.

One of the harder things for me to truly get lost in this book is the amount of head jumping. For the most part the readers are granted a limited POV from the 4 main players. However, all of sudden it will go to another character and their internal thoughts making it confusing to jump from limited POV to a more all knowing one.

Overall it had a fun mystery, but somethings fell a little short for me personally. This book is for those looking for a multi POV contemporary thriller that explores lies, secrets, love, self-discovery, revenge, betrayal, and forgiveness.

This was a disappointment for me. I’ve seen many 4-5* reviews and it just wasn’t up there for me. This may be due to my listening on audio instead of reading—sometimes I feel like thrillers are better read physically. I really enjoyed the multiple narrators. However, I was still very confused as it jumped around a lot and there were a lot of characters I couldn’t keep straight.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook.

Though he was never charged with the crime of his girlfriend, Ali’s, disappearance , Ryan’s name was still associated with it. Ryan thinks his past is finally behind him as he vacations with friends in Europe several years later. But then Ali’s car is found in a lake a rookie detective is hot on the case, determined to find the truth. In Ali’s car, a note is found in her handwriting “If Somethjng Happens to me…”

Unbeknownst to Ryan, a mobster is also connected to Ali’s disappearance and what he knows might just be the key to finding out the truth about Ali. Told from multiple perspectives, this thriller has a lot going on. But the twists kept coming until the end. This was a quick one to read (and listen to). Despite the multiple perspectives, the narration was great and I was able to keep track of the different characters.

Thank you to @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for a complimentary audio version of this novel.

"Whoever said if you're seeking revenge dig two graves - one for your enemy and one for yourself.- had it almost right."

If you plan to start this. book, you better clear your schedule because you will not want to put this down. This is my first book by this author and I will 100% be reading more books by him. This was an intense, nail biting, story that had plenty of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved having the three perspectives of Poppy, Ryan, and Shane. While you wonder how their stories are intertwined they eventually merge together. This was a super fun audio and I enjoyed every second of it!

Alex Finlay’s If Something Happens to Me is an absolute masterclass in suspense and emotional depth, and it captivated me from the very first page. This novel is a brilliant blend of thrilling mystery and poignant human drama that left me breathless and thoroughly satisfied.

From the outset, Finlay's storytelling prowess is evident. The plot is meticulously crafted, weaving together intricate layers of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Finlay masterfully threw in twists and turns that left me stunned and eager for more. The pacing is perfect, with every chapter ending on a note that compels you to keep reading.

The characters in If Something Happens to Me are rich and multifaceted, each with their own distinct voice and backstory. Finlay's ability to delve into their psyches and portray their complexities is nothing short of remarkable. I found myself deeply invested in their journeys, particularly the protagonist, whose resilience and determination in the face of adversity are both inspiring and heartbreaking. The relationships between characters are beautifully explored, adding layers of depth to the story that make it not just a gripping thriller but also a deeply human tale.

What sets this book apart is Finlay’s exceptional writing style. His prose is sharp, evocative, and loaded with tension, yet he never sacrifices character development for the sake of plot. The dialogue is natural and compelling, and the descriptions are vivid, painting a clear picture of the settings and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the novel.

Finlay also tackles important themes with sensitivity and insight, making the book not only a page-turner but also a thought-provoking read. The exploration of grief, trauma, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones adds an emotional weight that resonates long after the final page is turned.

If Something Happens to Me is a testament to Alex Finlay's talent as a writer and storyteller. It’s a novel that grips you with its suspense, moves you with its emotional depth, and stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. I cannot recommend it highly enough—it’s a must-read for fans of thrillers and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, deeply affecting story. Five stars, unequivocally!

Thank you, NetGalley and Alex Finlay for the ARC read.
***All thoughts and opinions are mine, and mine alone***

If Something Happens To Me
Alex Finlay
Their minds were elsewhere as they sat in the car perhaps that was why the ambush was so successful. The door was wrenched open, he was hit on the head and dragged out of the car. He could hear Ali scream. Both she and the car vanished. Ryan was never charged but people talked and speculated. He played basketball for Kent State, it was the first game of the season, the opponents began shouting “killer, killer, killer…” from the bleachers. He was harassed by true crime shows, podcasts, and others. Ryan gave up basketball, changed colleges after changing his name from Ryan Richardson to Ryan Smith in an effort to escape the cloud of suspicion that hung over his head. Ryan and some of his law school friends/classmates went to Italy. Ryan’s father called him Ali’s car had been found in a lake in Leavenworth, Kansas. There were two dead men and a message written on an envelope in Ali’s handwriting “If something happens to me” was sealed in a plastic bag. Inside the envelope is a series of numbers, a code called book cipher. The numbers refer to a book or document; they tell the page number, the line and the word but you have to know what book or document.
Deputy Poppy McFee is assigned the case; she recently joined the police force in Leavenworth, Kansas.
A paid assassin, Shane O’Leary, from Philadelphia is a part of this case, but how?
This is an interesting read. The story is told from several points of view but mostly Ryan’s. There are a lot of characters to keep up with too many for me.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a cop of this book for review.

Thank you, Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the gifted e-book and audiobook! ❤️ #gifted. My review is comprised of my honest thoughts.

Read this book if you like: Multiple POV, quick reads

This was interesting but also quite predictable. The audiobook was good. The pacing of the book was all over the place. It was a fast, enjoyable read.

This was just okay for me. I found that the story dragged on a bit. In this novel, a girl goes missing and her car is found 6 years later. There was a lot happening in this and sometimes it didn't feel like it really made any sense. Some parts weren't cohesive.