In "Worst Case Scenario," a terror attack occurs in the United States. A plane carrying a powerful and dangerous prisoner has been hijacked by his accomplices, and it is heading toward a major city. The stakes are dire, and the authorities have two choices: let the plane reach its target and cause catastrophic damage or shoot it down, sacrificing innocent lives on board to save many more on the ground.

The book delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the decision-makers, the passengers who are unaware of the impending doom, and the terrorists' motivations. Newman’s writing is known for its high-stakes scenarios, compelling characters, and ethical quandaries, and this book promises a complex narrative that explores humanity, fear, and survival in the face of seemingly impossible choices.

Love this author and what he puts out! The only confusing piece was the "Countdown" at the beginning of each chapter. Chapter 23 had about 12.5 hours left and then for a few chapters (I think 24-27) there was no countdown listed. And then chapter 28 it all of a sudden went down to 55 minutes left. The reader is left wondering what happened in those 12 hours?

The Worst Case Scenario, by TJ Newman. whew, this high intensity thrill ride will keep you up late turning those pages. When a commercial airliner filled with passengers crashes into a nuclear power plant in a small town in Minnesota, it becomes ground zero for a catastrophic national crisis. I don't know how she does it, but this author makes you feel like you are in this situation. It will give you both palpations and a severe case of book hangover. Well written, well researched, characters you cling to and root for and the heartbreak of loss. This book is five stars and beyond. Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this thrill ride!

What’s worse than a plane crash? A nuclear accident caused by a plane crash. Worst case scenario is a fast-paced, action packed suspense novel that follows the moments after a plane crashes into a nuclear power plant. This novel is an absolute page-turner. It is well written and well researched. T.J Newman continues to outdo herself with every new novel!

Review of Worst Case Scenario by TJ Newman

Oh my goodness. That’s really all I can say about this book. I’ve loved the previous two books, but this one took the cake for me. I literally could not stop listening to the audiobook for one second. I was so engrossed in the story. It’s literally nonstop action pack the entire time and I sobbed like a baby at the end. What more can you ask for? The writing is impeccable, the characters all held my heart. You must read this book.

Synopsis:

When a pilot suffers a heart attack at 35,000 feet, a commercial airliner filled with passengers crashes into a nuclear power plant in the small town of Waketa, Minnesota, which becomes ground zero for a catastrophic national crisis with global implications.

The International Nuclear Event Scale tracks nuclear disasters. It has seven levels. Level 7 is a Major Accident, with only two on record: Fukushima and Chernobyl. There has never been a Level 8. Until now.
 
In this heart-stopping thriller, ordinary people—power plant employees, firefighters, teachers, families, neighbors, and friends— are thrust into an extraordinary situation as they face the ultimate test of their lives. It will take the combined courage, ingenuity, and determination of a brave few to save not only their community and loved ones, but the fate of humanity at large.

Having enjoyed the author's previous work, "Falling", I was excited to dive into this new novel after receiving an ARC. The author’s note at the beginning, where she explains how the idea for this book came about, was a nice touch and set the stage for what I expected to be another gripping story.

The novel is set in a small town near a nuclear power plant, and the plot kicks off with a dramatic event: an airplane crash that sends debris scattering for miles. While the premise is intriguing, the execution had its challenges. The story unfolds with each chapter gradually introducing a large cast of characters. However, the sheer number of characters made it difficult to keep track of who was who, and I found myself struggling to connect with them.

The writing is interspersed with detailed technical descriptions that disrupt the flow at times. For readers with an interest in technical details, these sections might be more engaging, but I found myself skimming through them.

In the end, while the book had its moments of suspense, the choppy plot and overwhelming number of characters made it a bit of a slog for me. Despite this, I’m still a fan of the author and look forward to her future works.

Thank you to T.J. Newman, NetGalley, and Little, Brown and Company for an advanced eBook in exchange for my honest review.

Edge of your seat cannot describe it good enough! I loved the audio! It felt like a movie going on in your imagination.
The worst case scenario tells us what would happen if a plane crashed into a nuclear plant. It follows all of the people involved. Likely and unlikely heroes. Fantastic.

What a great book! I read this in 2 days and had anxiety throughout as the scenes played out. The author does an amazing job with making you feel like you’re right there in the middle of all the action.

TJ Newman does it again! Absolutely riveting from the first page, and it doesn’t slow down. I love how much science is in this book, even if I didn’t understand any of it. Anxiety inducing in the best way, this was not a let down.

T J Newman writes great thrillers. I thought this book was great. Loved the human interest parts of the story as well as the science. It was great.

This is the second novel I've read from this author, and it delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience that will leave you gripping the edge of your seat—especially if you have a fear of flying. The story kicks off with a heart-stopping premise: a pilot suffers a heart attack at 35,000 feet, causing a commercial airliner to crash into a nuclear power plant in the small town of Waketa, Minnesota.

What follows is a tense and terrifying national crisis that spirals into a global catastrophe. The author masterfully weaves together the chaos and human drama that ensues, painting a vivid picture of the panic, fear, and desperation that grip both the town and the world at large. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the pace is relentless, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

If you’re looking for a high-octane thriller that explores the frightening possibilities of disaster at every level—personal, national, and global—this book is a must-read. Just be prepared to hold your breath, especially if planes make you nervous!

I absolutely love TJ Newman's books. Just when you think she can't think of another disaster, she drops this book. I really enjoyed the beginning when it described her background of a flight attendant and the questions, she would ask the pilots and other crew members. This story involves a plane crash and a nuclear power plant. I mean what could be worse than a plane crashing there and just why would one be flying over. This book is fast paced and cannot wait to buy a physical copy to add to my collection. Thanks so much NetGalley!!!

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.