*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review.*

This was a book I devoured in one day. It was put together so well. The flow and pacing of the book worked so well I never really ever lost interest. I was so enthralled. Twists and twists and twists.

This is my first book by the author so I wasn't completely sure what to expect, but now I know this won't be my last by them.

I love the cryptic message plot line. I'm so intrigued when it comes to deciphering things and I love the feeling when it's finally revealed. The plot as a whole may have been a bit over-the-top and not totally realistic, but I was still eating it right up.

🔍 So fast-paced
🔍 Twisty!
🔍 Multiple POV
🔍 Cryptic message
🔍 Who can you trust?

I never really guessed what was happening, but I also wasn't shocked when it was revealed. The story built up well to the end and the ending/twists all seemed to fit well in the story.

I didn't particularly care about the characters. It's a thriller book, so that's not really the goal, but the characters just seemed a bit dull and under-developed.

Overall, this was a fun and fast read and I can't wait to dig into some other works by the author!

Real page-turner

This caught my attention right form the start. I read until I couldn't keep my eyes open, then woke up in the middle of the night and finished it. The plot is doled out slowly. You know a girl, Ali, was captured while she and her boyfriend, Ryan, were at a lover's lane type of location. Her body was never found, but the boyfriend was considered to be a suspect. Five years later a true crime podcast finds a car with two dead bodies in a nearby lake. Brand-new sheriff deputy Poppy is assigned to look into the case of the missing girl. There is also a mob boss whose bullied son committed suicide many years before the book takes place. You know who most of the good guys and bad guys are, but the suspense lies in knowing what will happen to everyone.

I wasn't crazy about who Ryan ended up with, but enjoyed Poppy's relationship.

Thanks to Minotaur Books and St Martin’s Press for the early review copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I read this last week at the beach and thought it was GREAT. This book will publish at the end of next month, and I recommend checking it out for a fun twist-filled thriller!
If Something Happens to Me is all over the place location-wise - from Leavenworth, Kansas, to Philadelphia and also Tuscany, England and Paris! The author mentions in his note at the end of the book that he has spent time in all of these locations. I love when authors explain their reasoning for details like that!
As the locations vary, the book tells the tightly-woven story of the disappearance (and aftermath) of Ryan’s high school girlfriend. Ryan was knocked out by the kidnapper, and when he woke up his girlfriend was gone. Many people assume that he was involved in the kidnapping in some way, Years later, when Ryan, now with a different last name, is in law school, training to defend others going through situations similar to his past, his girlfriend’s car is located, along with new clues to her possible location.
I really enjoyed the different characters involved in the search, and I truly was clinging to my kindle, trying to figure out the mystery myself. I did foresee two plot twists (and felt so proud of myself for predicting them), but there were plenty more that I missed. I enjoyed how succinct this book was - it’s 336 pages which felt full of action.

This is my second Alex Finlay book, and knowing that I gave 5 stars to Every Last Fear gave me high hopes for this one. Unfortunately. I thought this one was just okay. It felt like there were way too many characters, and many didn’t need to be introduced (most of the Italy crew). I wish there was a little more depth to the characters so I could feel for them rather be told how they’re feeling. There were so many parts about the mob and it would have been better (in my opinion) if they didn’t show up so often and so easily.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Overall Grade: B
Story: B
Ending: B
Characters: Many of them and some were great and some dull.
Best Aspect: Part one was awesome.
Worst Aspect: Everything after part one was dull.
Recommend: Yes. (release 5/28/24)

Wow, this would make a great movie! This was my first time reading anything by Alex Finlay and he did not disappoint. If Something Happens to Me is the story of two high school seniors one night at the local make-out spot. They rush back into the car when a rain storm rolls in and all of a sudden the doors fly open. Ryan is hit on the head and dragged out the car, Alison was taken and there are no traces left when he comes to the next morning. Next we flash 5 years later where Ryan is off in Italy on a trip with his law students friends when he gets word the car finally has turned up. Inside the makeup bag that was discovered has a note that says, "If Something Happens to Me," which really re-opens the case.  A new deputy takes on the case locally, while Ryan hunts for the answers too while abroad as he believes Alison is still alive. This story has great POV's from all the major players. There's a lot to digest in the first part, but  hang with it, part two and three it all comes together and was quite the ride. If you are into small town thrillers or books featuring different mob type groups I think you'd really enjoy it! Knocked this one out in just over 2 days. Thank you Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.  3.5 stars rounded up!

This is the first book of Finlay's that I've read, even though he has other books that have been published that have been popular in the bookstagram world. Given that I have heard good things about him and his previous books, I decided I would give this book a try. Part one started out strong with the prologue and the backstory with Alison and Ryan at Lover's Lane and her disappearance. It made me want to dive into the story and learn more about what happened. When the author brought in Poppy's storyline I thought "oh, great, she's going to help investigate Ali's cold case and get to the bottom of her disappearance." When O'Leary's storyline was introduced, I was intrigued with the mobster boss idea but I wanted to learn more. Ryan's storyline was the only one that I wasn't vibing with. The twist at the end of part one was one that I didn't see coming, but the twists at the end of parts two and three were a bit more predictable, without giving anything away.

I felt that towards the end of the book, especially in parts two and three with so many different storylines and so many different people to try to merge into one ending, it sort of seemed a bit chaotic and hard to follow at times, like driving down the interstate in an incredibly busy metropolitan city. I'll just stick to my traditional thrillers I think.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Alex Finlay for giving me a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have enjoyed previous books by Alex Finlay and was really excited to read this one but to be honest it fell flat for me. I felt like the writing was rushed and overall wasn't for me.

Poppy has just returned to her home town and is in her first day as a deputy sheriff when a shocking discovery is made related to a missing person case from 5 years prior. Poppy tries to unravel the case and figure out the truth behind the discovery, and the involvement of those close to her.

There are a lot of characters and I enjoyed switching plot lines often - it kept the pace of the book moving. I feel like all the characters acted much older than they were, especially Poppy. I think it would have made the book more realistic if they were a little older, especially her.

It was very fast paced and I enjoyed the short chapters and felt engaged. I enjoyed the cipher and loved things like that when I was a kid -- that part was really interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

If Something Happens to Me is a fast-paced thriller that begins with Ryan and his girlfriend, Alison, who are on Lovers' Lane one night. Ryan is knocked unconscious and when he comes to, Alison is nowhere to be found. Fast forward several years, Ryan is now in law school and on a class trip to Italy. Alison's car is found in a lake with the bodies of two unknown men and a strange note that she wrote. The chapters are short, and the plot moves along quickly. It's a fast read that keeps you guessing till the end. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of Alex Finlay's latest novel.

This was a quick and engaging read with a timely inclusion of a podcast style investigation. I enjoyed this and will continue to look for more to come from Finlay.

An intriguing book, so much so I couldn’t resist reading one more chapter. But that lead me to another pulse pounding scene. Fast paced, a newly minted deputy sheriff, a cold case of a missing girl, paybacks and a lot of bad characters. Plan on clearing your time to read this thriller of revenge and more revenge. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press Minotaur for an early copy. This review is my honest opinion.

This book raises questions about innocent till proven guilty when Ryan's questioned for the disappearance of Alison Lane. Ryan and Alison both popular in school and went to visit Lovers Lane. Immediately after they park somehow a stranger enters the car knocks out Ryan and steals Alison. The media and town suspect Ryan due to the size of him and likelihood for it to be someone else. When a convicted Serial Killer's DNA is found it seems to allow most suspicion to be passed of Ryan. Until five years later more evidence is discovered and Ryan who barely escaped the first judgement will have to undergo additional questions. This book is amazing at building character. I loved Poppy's character as I am also former military. I hate that she was mistreated and her trying to find her place really added to the story. I appreciate how Alex Finlay did not just tell a story, but he built real people. I also found myself reading it non-stop and each chapter was not too long. I was not sure where the ending was going to go but I loved it and will highly recommend this in the book clubs and for library purchasing.

Here are my main take aways:
1. Multiple POV
2. Questioning narrators
3. Innocent until proven guilty
4. Cold Case
4. Hints of misjustice especially females in military and law enforcement
5. Quick Read

This was such a quick binge-able book. I love the short chapters! I loved the POV's from multiple characters and it really did come together nicely at the end of the story. Fans of Alex Finlay will love this book and I will be recommending it to all my friends!

Thank you in advance to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC**

I really enjoyed the 3 POV's in the story. The characters were written well and I love when a story is split up into parts. After the bombshell at the end of Part 1 I expected a crazier ending but overall the story came together nicely. Its a fast paced story that you won't be able to put down.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this early release of If Something Happens to Me. I really enjoyed this thriller. It was well thought out and action packed. The twist at the end of Part One had me totally shocked. I sometimes like when the twist happens earlier in the book rather than at the end. I did expect more of a twisty ending than what it was but overall it was still really good. This book is fast paced with three different alternate points of view.

This book follows three people.. a young man who’s girlfriend got abducted in front of him five years ago, a new cop who is trying to work on the case of the abduction , and a mob boss’ family tragedy and business.

I enjoyed the different points of view and how different all of the characters were. The best aspect was that all of the characters lives intersected with one another which you eventually figure out as you read on. It was a thriller meets the television show The Sopranos. I would recommend it if you are into a twisty thriller with a dash of organized crime.

This was my first book by this author and I’m really excited to read the rest of them! This book comes out May 28th so be sure to add it to your TBR!!

Lots of twists and turns.

3 POVs that were necessary to the plot. I was actually interested in all 3 and it was fun trying to connect the 3 characters to the central plot.

I will say that I did not predict the big reveal, BUT I did have a feeling about the second.

The ending was very gratifying and made sense.

This is the fourth book I have read by Alex Finlay, who shows a promising future in the mystery field. I found two earlier books well-constructed and highly entertaining (4 to 5-star ratings).
His previous book was disappointing (2 Stars), but he seems to be back on track with this newest book. I thought it was clever, overly complicated, and slow in parts. The chapters are short to keep the plot moving along. It focuses on three well-developed characters but also their friends, families, workmates, and enemies, many of whom play vital roles in solving the mystery. So many names! I was anxious to learn the outcome but found it challenging to maintain interest.

Ryan was a popular high school basketball player in Kansas. One evening, he was parked in 'Lovers Lane' with his girlfriend Ali. A man pulled him out of the car and knocked him unconscious. When he came back from being unconscious, he remembered very little except for Ali's shrill screams. He thinks he remembered a distinguishing feature on the man's hands. Both Ali and the car she was driving were missing. Ryan fears Ali to be dead, but the community believes him to be guilty of a horrible crime. He was not charged due to a lack of evidence and his parents obtaining a good lawyer for him. Ryan's life has become unbearable due to mentions on crime podcasts and the hostility of crowds. He changes his last name and enrolls in law school, where his classmates and friends are unaware of his background.

Five years after the tragedy, he is on a class trip to Italy; he is still shattered by the loss of Ali, whom he regards as the love of his life and believes dead. He is dating a new girlfriend but cannot forget what happened. A phone call from home informs him that Ali's car has been discovered submerged in a lake. The bodies of two unknown men are in the car. The only trace of Ali is her water-logged purse. Inside is an envelope with her handwriting preserved in plastic. It says, "If Anything Happens to Me," and contains a coded message. The cypher is in the form of numbers; to decipher it, one needs to know which book is used in writing the code. Ryan believes the message was meant for him.

Shockingly, he catches a glimpse of the man who dragged him out of the car on that fatal night. The man says something to Ryan to make him suspect Ali is still alive. He pursues the man to England for further information but finds him murdered and then moves on to France to attempt to decipher the code. Next, he returns to Kansas.

Poppy is a new sheriff's deputy in Kansas. She was military-trained but was dismissed unfairly. She is investigating the men's identity in the submerged car and interviewing Ali and Ryan's friends and acquaintances, including a member of her family. She is diligent, intelligent, and determined to solve the mystery surrounding the case.

What possible connection does this case have with mobsters in Philadelphia? We are introduced to leading gangster Shawn O'Leary, a fellow gangster and their families. How does their story converge with the case in Kansas?

The story contains violence, abduction, killings, school bullying, suicide, torture by mobsters, obsession, and revenge with mind-boggling twists and turns. It all comes together at the end, with plenty of shocks and surprises along the way. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (Minotaur Books) for this much-appreciated ARC. The expected date of publication is May 28.

Wow! I give this five stars. All the characters are well written, and have a soft side, even the bad guys (well, except one). There are twists and turns, several story lines that at the beginning you wonder how they will all get tied together, and it all comes together in such a cool way. There are a few plot supports that are a bit unrealistic, but my desire to keep reading and the speed in which I read the book outweighs those feelings. The fun, well written characters, the story line, the tension and the tension and excitement makes it a winner for me! The variety of settings were all well done, and though confusing at the beginning I enjoyed all the different towns and settings. I would love it if Poppy McGee becomes a character series, and Ryan Smith et al a spin-off lawyer series.

This is my first Alex Finlay book, I will now be seeking his back titles out. This book ranks up there with some of my other favorite thriller authors. I do think there is a factor of "right book at the right time" for me, but this is a great vacation/summer beach read. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the early copy of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

Five years ago Ryan Richardson was hit on the head and his girlfriend was grabbed out of her car and never seen again. Ryan's life was turned upside down with the suspicion he was responsible. During a summer trip in Italy with his law school friends, he finds out Ali's car was found with two dead men inside.

Ryan and a local sheriff deputy work to unravel the mystery.

Enjoyable mystery.

This was a fantastic read with lots of twists and turns! An unsolved disappearance is brought back into the spotlight when a missing girl’s car is found in a lake. The story follows several characters (including the boyfriend, the new deputy, and an organized crime boss half a country away) as threads are pulled to unravel the mystery of what happened to Alison Lane.

This book really kept me turning the pages (well, swiping the kindle screen) and up late. It was fast paced and really well told.