The must read popcorn thriller of the summer!! TJ Newman has done it again and written a fast-paced, unputdownable disaster thrill ride involving a terrible plane crash, a nuclear power plant on the verge of meltdown and several life or death rescue situations that keep you flipping the pages until the very satisfying ending! Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of Midnight in Chernobyl. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Do you want a book that is explosive, riveting and heart-stopping? This is it! It had me in its clutches and I was all in. It’s another plane and most of it takes place where it goes down. It had shocking scenarios and heartfelt moments. I loved the way the author wrote it and I chose to listen to this as an audiobook and the narrator, Joe Morton did an excellent job. He really delivered the believability and I got goosebumps and was tearful few times. I highly recommend this.
Thanks Hachette Audio via NetGalley.

While I really enjoyed both Falling and Drowning, Worst Case Scenario fell a bit flat for me.

This story opened up with a bang and I was instantly sucked in. The story starts off as a race against time, which reminded me a lot of the show 24. However, after about the 60% mark, the plot just felt like it was dragging out versus the heart pounding race against time, and I found myself just wanting everything to be resolved.

This is my first read from T. J. Newman, but it certainly won’t be my last! I was completely pulled in right from the prologue. The action was non-stop as the cast of characters struggled to understand what was happening and how to prevent further catastrophe. I finished this book incredibly quickly because I had a hard time putting it down - I had to know what would happen to the characters and their families. By the end, I was sobbing.

It’s rare for a thriller to be so action-heavy, but still create loveable characters that I can become emotionally invested in. Newman did a great job of focusing on the crisis and urgent responses, while simultaneously highlighting the family and community bonds. I also really appreciated the themes of sacrifice that ran throughout this book! The narrator on the audio was great, and I appreciated the interpretation of the sound effects and announcements from automated voices.

If you are looking for a fast-paced, action-packed thriller with strong emotional beats, you should absolutely pick this one up!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this THRILLING eARC in Audiobook format.

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.

T.J. Newman’s Worst Case Scenario is a high-octane thriller that plunges listeners 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 realistic portrayal of the crisis and the potential cost of human lives.

Joe Morton’s narration is nothing short of spectacular. His voice captures the anxiety, fear, and determination of the characters, making the listening experience immersive and unforgettable. 

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 listeners on the edge of their seats is commendable.

Worst Case Scenario is a riveting audiobook which showcases T.J. Newman’s talent for crafting intense, emotionally resonant thrillers. Joe Morton’s exceptional narration elevates the experience, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned thriller enthusiast or new to Newman’s work, this audiobook is sure to leave a lasting impression.

NOTHING BUT Pros from this reviewer, including;

Gripping and fast-paced narrative.

Well-developed characters.

Exceptional narration by Joe Morton.

Realistic and detailed portrayal of a nuclear disaster.

Really felt disappointed that this latest story by T.J. Newman isn’t nearly as wonderful as her previous two novels. The story goes off with a bang but I get lost in the weeds with the technical aspects and find it hard to follow who I’m supposed to care about.

I will say that the audiobook narrated by Joe Morton ( known from TV’s Scandal) was perfect! It also had a theatrical aspect with the adjustments for radio or phone conversations with sound effects. I could honestly listen to him narrate the phone book.

TJ Newman is a true master of her craft! I have read all three books and each time I find that she has grown, developed and somehow gotten even better and I have LOVED all three books - all three have easily been favorites of the year and 5 star reads.

This was unbelievable! We had more time off of the plane then one it - I liked this element, it felt like life imitating art with her development from a Flight Attendant to a novelist. We had a true disaster scenario, not one of terrorism, but one of true freak accident proportions. The characters were so full of depth, grit, intelligence and heart. The way Newman can take an airplane thriller and make you close that final page thinking of the book as more a story of humanity and the human spirit than an airplane epic...what a gift she has!

If you enjoyed her previous two, you'll love this. If you've never read one, start here, it is fantastic. I can't wait for her next book and so look forward to seeing Falling and Drowning on the big screen.

I also LOVE her story of never giving up. 41 rejections would be enough to make anyone say "enough"! I am so glad she kept trying and found a believer in her work. What an incredible story of perseverance and grit...just like Joss!

Thank you so much to the publisher for an early copy for review.

Audio Review: the audio was really well done, extra sounds and great narration, I would recommend if you decide to pick this one up.

Story Review: Unfortunately this did not work for me. I love disaster stories and I just did not connect with this one. The characters felt bland and I really expected to feel more fearful or worried about them given the gravity of this disaster. That's the other thing, we don't really see many effects of the disaster at least in the first half of the book so it wasn't enough for me to really enjoy it or feel pulled in. Given the synopsis I thought I would feel on edge and anxious for the characters and the town but I just did not.

This very well may be a personal preference but I just didn't connect with it like I hoped to.

Wow. Just WOW. “Worst Case Scenario” is guaranteed to elevate your heart rate for however long you’re reading and listening. You’ll need time to literally decompress after finishing. Wow, again.

We already know that TJ Newman’s airplane thrillers “Falling” and “Drowning” are set to become films, and this one, once the rights are sold, will be the best. It’s almost as if Newman decided to bring back 70s disaster stories single-handedly.

I actually read this on a long flight — but rather than worrying about the plane crashing, the author makes short shrift of the plane as it crashes with 295 souls aboard in the prologue. The action takes place at the nuclear facility where the crash occurred, in the small neighboring Minnesota town of Waketa, and on a Mississippi River bridge. There’s the plant manager Ethan, plant fire chief Steve, and a NEST (Nuclear Emergency Support Team) rep at the nuclear facility; a reverend, teachers, and other townsfolk are at a community center; and local firefighters are trying to save a 5 year old boy from a dangling minivan that’s been crushed by the fully fueled and burning wing just over the Mississippi. All of the characters have hero potential (even the one initially jerky character redeems himself).

And it really is a worst case scenario — every time the characters think the danger might be over, a worse plot line appears. Newman deftly ends a lot of chapters with cliffhangers. As I said, a perfect disaster film story that will keep you gasping “Oh no! Now what?”

Now, add the incredible Emmy-winning actor, Joe Morton, as the narrator of the audiobook, reminding us that a mankind extinction-level disaster still might occur every time it looks like we are making some progress. Morton is the perfect voice. There are special audio effects as well in this audiobook that enhance the listener’s experience. Listening to the audiobook (even after reading the novel) invoked a superb involvement in the twisty plot.

This will be one of your most memorable experiences this year whether you read it or listen (highly recommended)! 5 stars!


Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Joss, the NEST first responder, has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO You do get a feel for the surrounding Minnesota woods.

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company/Hachette Audio and NetGalley for an advanced reader and audio copies!