I listened to the audiobook while also reading the digital arc of this novel. Once again, TJ Newman has delivered an incredibly intense, nail-biting thriller with exceptional ease. The level of tension that she can invoke in a reader is just amazing. While I loved 'Falling' and 'Drowning', this one is surely my favorite. I swear I was holding my breath the entire time, and finished it in two sittings. I would highly recomme nd the audiobook, as the CB radio broadcasts were a nice addition, as well as a terrific narrator.

Well, as predicted T.J. Newman once again threw me into the middle of an aviation nightmare with hopes that I could hang on for dear life, praying that strength in humanity would prevail in preventing an even bigger catastrophic disaster.

In this novel, a large passenger plane meets its unexpected and unfortunate demise with a crash into a small Minnesota nuclear power plant. What transpires from there is not only a fast-paced suspense filled journey into a potential nuclear meltdown, but more importantly a discovery of what someone can find within themselves when faced with an impossible decision.

The level of research and detail that went into to the portrayal of the highly regulated industry of nuclear power was in and of itself incredible, but that was not the most amazing thing about this book. While you followed along with the thrilling and anxiety ridden portions of the story, the author also masterfully crafted relationships and character traits that drew you in and actually made you care about the people involved. These characters felt like anyone you would meet in any local midwestern town, and being from the Midwest myself, I really appreciated the portrayal of the people, their values and their willingness to stick up for others at all costs.

The audiobook format was great as well. Joe Morton was the perfect narrator with the best calm but commanding voice for the story. The interjections of walkie talkie type announcements throughout just amplified the ambiance of the situation even more. Great production value.

I expected this book to be great and it was indeed phenomenal. Highly recommend.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

TJ Newman is back and better than ever (in my opinion) with the third "installment" of her series of air travel gone badly awry. I've read the previous two books, and this was far and away the best of the three. It is obvious that she's grown as both a writer and reader throughout the writing and publication of her first two works, and those lessons shine throughout in "Worst Case Scenario." I felt like I was on the edge of my seat for 340 pages and enjoyed every second. There really was no lull and you cannot help but root for the best and worth of these characters she has created. I would love to see her branch out into something else in the future. Four solid stars.

When I saw T.J. Newman had yet another airplane disaster book coming out, I was admittedly a bit skeptical. Just how many scares in the air can one take?!

Within the first chapter it became clear that the plane was most certainly going down and was the catalyst for THE WORST CASE SCENARIO. This high-octane thriller is heavy on plot as a small town is tasked with saving the future of mankind from a nuclear meltdown.

T.J. Newman zooms into a personal disaster while also zooming out on the broader catastrophe of a plane crashing into a nuclear power plant. Sensitive readers should take care with the first portion of the book as depictions of the tragedy are gory and matter of fact. As the story progressed I became more emotionally invested in the characters and the grittiness eased up. While DROWNING remains my favorite book from Newman this was a wild ride that held my attention from beginning to end.

RATING: 4/5
PUB DATE: August 13, 2024

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An absolutely fabulous thriller. I was on the edge of my seat. I didn't think this author could top Drowning, and then she did with this one. Newman's books read like a summer blockbuster. Loved it!

A disaster procedural that is impossible to put down -- so clear the calendar because you will want to read this in a single sitting.

The pilot of a large commercial aircraft has a medical emergency and dies instantly while at the controls in the cockpit. Unfortunately, the first officer is in the lavatory and can't get back in time to save the nearly 300 people on board. The plane nosedives into a nuclear power plant in the small town of Waketa, Minnesota. Soon this town will become the epicenter of a crisis on par with an extinction event.

I think this is the author's best work yet and I was glued to my chair until I turned the last page. I have always enjoyed a disaster novel because it gives the opportunity for such great character development and this one shines in that department. The courage and determination of the plant management, engineers, and scientists are on full display as are the heroics of the local fire department and all of the National Guardsmen called in to do whatever they can. The community rallies and provides for its own at the local church. Fires rage out of control, there's no power, the cooling pool level is falling, the gas is building up, and the pump room is flooded. Doom is imminent.

Now, I know next to nothing about nuclear power plants and how they function, but the author's research makes it understandable. Complex technology is broken down into bits that explain the dangers and hazards. But in this book, it's the characters that really inhabit the narrative and the drama. The lengths that some went through were inspiring and yes, I shed a few tears. I don't want to imagine this scenario further but I'm glad I read this.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while following along with the e-book ARC (both provided by the publisher) and that really enhanced the experience. The production was great, even down to having the voices come out garbled over the radios. Sound effects really can make an audiobook more amazing. My only complaint about Joe Morton's narration was that he often mispronounces the word nuclear as nucular. But his inflection and expressiveness were very well done.

Enjoy! Now this is a movie I would love to see.

I rate books based on how they make me feel, on how wrapped up I get into the story, by how angry I get at being interrupted when I'm reading. This was a 5-star read from the first sentence. I could not read this fast enough, I felt almost breathless at points and was so mad when being a wife/mother/adult interrupted my reading. It's not necessarily "literature" - you're not going to find a bunch of poetic prose (although I DID highlight a few particularly beautiful sentences about time and grief and death). But hot damn, this is a THRILLER.

I LOVED this. I've enjoyed this author's previous works, and plane crashes always fascinate me. But the nuclear aspect? Incredible. I loved the characters and the scenarios had me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend.

Worst Case Scenario ☢️

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Genre: Thriller
Pub Date: August 13, 2024

Flight attendant turned writer, TJ Newman is back to give us new fears to have nightmares over. In her latest novel she explores what would happen if an airplane crashed into a nuclear power plant.

I went into this one blind, I saw Newman had a new book and immediately requested it on Netgalley after really enjoying her previous two novels. I was surprised that this one didn’t involve as much about the actual events and disasters on the airplane itself, but its effect on land. While it didn’t have the same claustrophobic setting as her previous works, she still delivered on the intensity and fast paced plot. I am officially glad I live no where near a nuclear power plant.

At first I had a hard time connecting with so many characters and so many stories, but thankfully I was able to catch on and really root for these people. I did struggle a bit with a lot of the technical and scientific jargon of nuclear power, and found those parts were a little too dense for me. While this wasn’t my favorite of Newman’s, I still did enjoy the ride and was very satisfied with the climatic yet heartfelt ending. Don’t worry, if you’re anything like me you’ll finish this book with plenty of new fears to think over 🫣

If anyone reads any thriller recommendation from me this summer, I hope it is Worst Case Scenario!

Townspeople in a small town will have to make choices that will rock their world. They have less than 24 hours to react to a plane crashing into the nuclear power plant. The worst danger in history at a category 8 catastrophe. Some won't survive, some will. It all depends on them and the ticking time bomb that is fast going off in their brains. Get your running shoes on, because this definitely is the worst case scenario anyone could have imagined.

THIS BOOK!!! I couldn't put it down and I, myself, found my heart racing and the ticking time clock going off each chapter as I needed to discover what happened to everyone. Worst Case Scenario is non-stop action that had me googling about nuclear power plants afterwards and had me thinking about where impact zones may be. Readers, run... don't walk and pick up this heart-stopping novel when it hits bookstores soon!

Once again, TJ Newman has crafted a fast-paced near-disaster thriller. Offering a glimpse into nuclear energy and nuclear plants--including the safety measures required to keep them running and running safely at that--this story takes readers down the path of What If? What if that nuclear plant's safe fuctioning is threatened by an out-of-the-blue and unrelated accident? What if the people in the plant and in nearby communities have no way of knowing what happened, how bad it is, how to fix it, and if help is on the way? What if what did cause it, also caused tremendous chaos and other threats to safety and life? Now put all those answers together, mix in a very short timeline (of course!) to save humankind as we know it, let us get to know a few of the main players and feel for them (though I would have liked to see these characters developed a bit more), and add some unexpected twists and turns along the way. Oh, and be sure to include a hero or two as well. That is what Worst Case Scenario does in this fun, edge-of-your-seat read..

Pub Date: 8/13/2024

Phew. This book had me panicking from the first page and crying til the last. What a rollercoaster.

The story follows the terrifying events immediately unfolding after an airplane crashes into and around a nuclear power plant in Minnesota. Newman does a great job at giving butterfly effect details on how it affects everyone near and far without losing focus on the tighter scope of the story.

Newman’s book holds multiple POVs, and I cared for each character more deeply than I usually would with other multi-POV books. That speaks to her ability to humanize her characters, and make them seem real, individual, and not treated as plot devices.

The story itself if terrifyingly real, which each chapter bringing about yet another problem, ever evolving into deeper levels of chaos as the pages turned. The book is called Worst Case Scenario, after all. I read this in a day and it’s my fav book of Newman’s to date. I absolutely recommend picking this one up when it releases!

OK--first, a terrifying premise that I had yet to add to my "simmering worries" list and now will. Thanks, TJ Newman! :)

This is a little like an episode of Chicago Fire or Rescue 911---enjoyable but surface level, with predictable ups and downs (even the surprise twists aren't unexpected). I'm sure this will be commerically successful even if it's not a literary masterpiece.

T.J. Newman knocks it out the park again. "Worst Case Scenario" is the definition of a fast paced edge of your seat thriller. I really loved the character development and how this story was intense and not always the happy ending you expect. I literally couldn't put this book down.

"WARNING: YOU WILL NOT GET ANYTHING DONE UNTIL YOU FINISH THIS BOOK" should be a required blurb on the cover of every upcoming T. J. Newman book. Worst Case Scenario is like her first two books in the sense you won't be able to put it down once you start. It's that gripping right from the start. It's easy to see why Hollywood is attracted to her. Every reader knows all three of her books would make great movies (or a sensational streaming series). Irwin Allen might have been the original "Master of Disaster" but Newman has proven herself a worthy successor to the title. Worst Case Scenario once again showcases Newman's knack for giving us characters we can relate to in situations we hope we never experience. It's an episodic narrative of the highest order. It's a thriller coupled with poignancy. Newman takes "What If..." to a whole new level with her plane crashes into a nuclear power plant tale. It's an incident that threatens not only a small town in Minnesota, but the entire world. I honestly don't know how Newman can possibly top this one in terms of plot. But, I'm looking forward to seeing what she cooks up next. Thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Thrilling Ride with Some Room for Improvement: "Worst Case Scenario" Delivers Excitement

Worst Case Scenario is a novel that offers a pulse-pounding journey through a high-stakes plot, and while it doesn't hit every mark perfectly, it’s still an engaging read for fans of suspenseful thrillers.

The book's premise is undeniably intriguing, setting the stage for a series of tense and dramatic situations. The author excels at crafting scenarios that keep readers on the edge of their seats, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. The pacing is brisk, and there are moments of genuine suspense that make for a gripping read.

The character development, while occasionally lacking in depth, does provide a solid foundation for the narrative. The protagonists are relatable and driven, and their journey through the high-stress situations is portrayed with enough nuance to maintain reader interest. However, all the characters could benefit from more development to fully engage with their roles in the story.

The writing style is straightforward and accessible, which suits the fast-paced nature of the plot. The dialogue is functional, though at times it can feel a bit on-the-nose. Still, the story's momentum helps to keep these moments from detracting too much from the overall experience.

One of the strengths of Worst Case Scenario is its ability to maintain tension and keep readers guessing. The plot is filled with high stakes and dramatic developments that are sure to satisfy fans of the genre. However, the resolution might feel a bit rushed or predictable to some, leaving a slight sense of missed opportunity for a more nuanced conclusion.

This was a fast-paced adrenaline ride! The stakes are incredibly high and I was never sure what was going to happen next. Be prepared for a dark and gritty read but it’s absolutely top notch!

This is my third book from this author and dare I say it’s my favorite ◡̈

I was kind of disappointed in Newman's latest. It hits the ground running, that's for sure, but it's almost too much. There were so many characters and so much going on that it became hard to care about anyone because we didn't get to know them or spend enough time with them; they felt like archetypes more than people.

This is essentially a disaster B-movie in book form, which means it moves quickly (most of the time) but doesn't have a whole lot going for it in terms of depth or characterization. And not for nothing, we know they're going to avert the complete nuclear meltdown that would make the entire US unlivable, so despite how huge the central conflict is, it doesn't ever feel all that pressing because it's clearly not going to happen.

I think Newman just went too far out of her comfort zone on this one, but I'll happily and excitedly read what she does next.

In her third thriller, former flight attendant TJ Newman delivers a heart-stopping tale of catastrophe and heroism in "Worst Case Scenario." When a commercial airliner crashes into a nuclear power plant in Waketa, Minnesota, the stage is set for a potential global disaster of unprecedented proportions.

Newman's strength lies in her ability to create a palpable sense of urgency. The narrative skillfully juxtaposes three focal points: the engineers and firefighters battling to prevent a worldwide catastrophe, a small team of firefighters attempting to rescue a boy trapped in a van, and the president and his advisors helplessly observing from a bunker. This triple perspective adds depth to the story and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

While the characters may lack some depth, the relentless pacing more than makes up for it. The novel is hard to put down, with an emotional ending that packs a punch. Newman's exploration of the value of individual life amidst potential mass destruction is particularly poignant, as exemplified by the President's reflection on the paradox of saving millions versus saving one child.

"Worst Case Scenario" reads like a headline ripped from tomorrow's news, making it all the more thrilling and terrifying. Newman's background lends authenticity to the aviation aspects of the story, while her imagination takes flight in exploring the ramifications of a nuclear disaster. Fans of disaster novels and those who enjoy exploring ethical dilemmas in high-stakes situations will find plenty to appreciate in "Worst Case Scenario."

A big thank you to the publishers, Little, Brown and Company, and to NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

WORST CASE SCENARIO is T.J. Newman's next novel coming August 13th, & is as fantastic and thrilling as I hoped! A true Thriller!

I immediately started reading the digital format when I received it from @novelsuspects and could barely set it down. When I saw that @hachetteaudio was offering the audio through @netgalley I was so excited to hear this cinematic story! It is a very propulsive read with the eyes, but paired with Joe Morton's narration, it came alive in an even more intense way. This may be too much for squeamish readers in places, but I loved it.

The premise is that a plane accidentally crashes into a nuclear power plant. What ensues is the quick, and often selfless decisions that must be made.

I really, really enjoyed this story. It is an action-packed novel that, not unlike another nuclear disaster book, plays out a terrifying scenario. This one gives a peek at some of the specific people who would be in the mix and made me feel the impact in regards to the individuals. This is a plot heavy story with less character development, but there is enough to make me care deeply for them as the story unfolds.

What I ended up loving about this novel, beyond the research that is done quite well (I had to do a safety class about radiation poisoning once), was the hope/faith in humanity. In a year where certain people will be exploiting differences in all of us, this book made me feel like there are so many more things that unite us. It also makes me sad that it takes tragedies to make us come together, but let's not focus on that. Instead, let's choose to be like Mr. Rodgers and look for the helpers and find ways to be those helpers. This book feels inspiring in that way.