If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay is a very highly recommended fast-paced, action-packed, intelligent thriller. This one was un-put-downable.

Five years ago in Leavenworth, Kansas, high school sweethearts Ryan Richardson and Alison Lane were on a date when he was yanked out of the car. He was left knocked out and she and her car disappeared. Suspicions ran high that Ryan was responsible, but there was no proof, but he was harassed enough that he changed his last name. Now Ryan is in law school at Georgetown and traveling with classmates in Italy, but he still thinks of Alison and the vague recollection he has of a man he saw that night, a man with missing fingers.

Now in Leavenworth on Poppy McGee's first day as the new Deputy Sheriff a car is found submerged in a lake. It is the car Alison was driving, but she's not in it. Two dead men are. Alison's purse is in the car and an envelope is found with the words "If something happens to me..." written on it.

Shane O'Leary, a mobster in Philadelphia has a son who is being bullied in school. His wife, Gina, is frantic. O'Leary turns to his accountant who has a daughter at the same school to fix the problem. And there are a few other characters along the way.

Once you start reading If Something Happens to Me it will be hard to put down. This is a smart, creative thriller full of tension, action, suspense, and unexpected twists. The pace is fast and relentless. Every different character, storyline and setting is interesting and compelling.

The beginning of each chapter helpfully informs you of the location and characters to help keep readers on track. While reading, you will question how all the storylines fit together, but it will soon become clear and along the way there will be a few surprises. The chapters are short and the pace is lightning fast.

The characters are all unique, interesting, fully-realized individuals and you will either care about what happens to them or be concerned how they fit into the plot. There may be some suspension of disbelief required, but it is easily done so you can find out what happens next. Most importantly, this was enjoyable and a pleasure to read.Thanks to Minotaur for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/05/if-something-happens-to-me.html ( )

IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME is an intriguing, braided tale. It is told in multiple viewpoints. Ryan has changed his last name and entered law school to get away from the fateful night when he and his girlfriend Ali were attacked at the local make-out spot. She disappeared and he was questioned in her disappearance.

The second point of view is that of Poppy McGee who is in her first week as a sheriff's deputy in her hometown of Leavenworth after an honorable discharge from the Army when she was harassed by a superior officer. Her first job happens after Ali's car was discovered at the bottom of a local lake by true crime podcasters. Ali's body wasn't there but the bodies of two men, shot in the head, were.

The third point of view is that of Shane O'Leary who is a crime boss in Philadelphia who goes on a rampage when his teenage son commits suicide after bullying at his exclusive prep school. His accountant raids his accounts in a Swiss bank and goes on the run with his teenage daughter who was a part of the bullying.

As the story progresses, we learn how all three parts of the story connect. The clues are gradually revealed as the characters investigate their own parts of the mystery. This was a fast-paced and intriguing thriller. It was filled with adventure and discoveries. ( )

I tried very hard to follow this books characters but there were just so many that I found it difficult to keep track of who was who, especially with all the name changes due to characters going underground for safety reasons. I think the premise of the book was excellent but I do not think I am the right audience for this novel. I liked it but didn't love it. It was not really the thriller I was expecting but I can see how many people would enjoy this book. It has a lot going for it, just not for me I'm afraid. 3.5 stars.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for a chance to read/listen to the ARC audio version of this book. ( )

High schoolers Ryan and Ali were parked at Lover’s Lane when they were attacked, Ryan knocked unconscious, and Ali and her car went missing. Suspicion followed Ryan causing him to change colleges and even his name. Skip ahead five years, he is now visiting Tuscany with a group of students from his law school. Back in his hometown of Leavenworth, Kansas, soldier Poppy has returned home and it is her first day as deputy sheriff working under a close military buddy of her father when Ali’s car is discovered under a lake with two adult male bodies in it. A cryptic note is found in Ali’s pocketbook which was in the backseat of the car. What happened to Ali?

As Poppy tries to solve the mystery, she is seemingly stymied by her boss and has questions about not only his involvement but also her family’s. Meanwhile, Ryan races across Europe to try to determine if Ali is really still alive. When he spots the man he thinks was involved with her abduction, his and other lives are in danger.

Told in alternating timelines and POVs, this is a suspenseful, mysterious story. Fast paced and addictive, there is action, violence, and interwoven plot lines that take the reader on a thrilling adventure. Although a little over the top, this is another solid addition to Finlay’s growing body of work.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @stmartinspress @minotaur_books for the DRC. ( )

This was an awesome page turner, surprises and bombshells kept dropping, and sometimes when you least expected!
Be careful whom you work for or befriend, also whom you trust, sometimes they are wolves in sheep clothing!
We are gifted with so many twist and turns, and then an epilogue, um, not where I usually expect it, but then more surprises!
I loved that we are even surprised at then end!
Now I'm going to be looking for more by Alex Finlay, thank you!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher St. Martin's Press, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )