Title: IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME
Author: Alex Finlay
ISBN: 9781250863799
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Pages: 336
Source: NetGalley
For the past five years, Ryan Richardson has relived that terrible night. The car door ripping open. The crushing blow to the head. The hands yanking him from the vehicle. His girlfriend Ali’s piercing scream as she is taken.
With no trace of Ali or the car, a cloud of suspicion hangs over Ryan. But with no proof and a good lawyer, he’s never charged, though that doesn’t matter to the podcasters and internet trolls. Now, Ryan has changed his last name, and entered law school. He’s put his past behind him.
Until, on a summer trip abroad to Italy with his law-school classmates, Ryan gets a call from his father: Ali’s car has finally been found, submerged in a lake in his hometown. Inside are two dead men and a cryptic note with five words written on the envelope in Ali’s handwriting: If something happens to me…
Then, halfway around the world, the unthinkable happens: Ryan sees the man who has haunted his dreams since that night.
As Ryan races from the rolling hills of Tuscany to a rural village in the UK, to the glittering streets of Paris in search of the truth, he has no idea that his salvation may lie with a young sheriff’s deputy in Kansas working her first case, and a mobster in Philadelphia who’s experienced tragedy of his own.
Official Summary
12 June 2024
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for this review copy. “If Something Happens to Me” is a fast-paced thriller that grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let go.
The story centres on Ryan Richardson, a man tormented by a horrific event five years ago: the violent abduction of his girlfriend, Ali, an incident that left him both physically injured and emotionally scarred. The novel dives deep into Ryan’s psyche, exploring the weight of suspicion and the quest for redemption.
The book begins with a strong hook, thrusting you into the aftermath of the abduction. Finlay effectively portrays Ryan’s struggle to move on, highlighting his efforts to rebuild his life by changing his name and enrolling in law school. However, the past claws its way back when Ali’s car is discovered submerged in a lake, containing two dead men and a cryptic note from Ali herself. This discovery sets off a chain reaction, propelling Ryan into a frantic search for answers.
Finlay’s writing is compelling and tight, with each chapter revealing new layers of the mystery. The plot is intricate, weaving together various threads that span different continents. From the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany to the quaint villages of the UK and the bustling streets of Paris, the novel offers a rich, atmospheric backdrop for the unfolding drama. These settings are not just mere backdrops but are integral to the plot, enhancing the sense of urgency and the stakes involved.
One of the strengths of “If Something Happens to Me” is its well-crafted characters. Ryan is a deeply flawed yet sympathetic protagonist. His pain and desperation are palpable, making his journey relatable and engaging. The secondary characters, such as the young sheriff’s deputy in Kansas and the mobster in Philadelphia, add depth and complexity to the narrative. Their own stories and motivations intersect with Ryan’s quest in unexpected ways, creating a multifaceted storyline that keeps you guessing.
The novel’s pacing is another standout feature. Finlay balances action with suspense, ensuring that there is never a dull moment. The tension escalates steadily, culminating in a series of twists that are both shocking and satisfying. The book’s conclusion ties up the central mystery while leaving enough ambiguity to ponder the moral implications of the characters’ actions.
In summary, “If Something Happens to Me” is a riveting thriller that combines a gripping plot with well-developed characters and a richly described setting. Alex Finlay has crafted a story that is both emotionally resonant and thrilling, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. The novel’s exploration of themes like trauma, justice, and redemption adds a layer of depth that elevates it beyond a standard mystery, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read.
Also By Alex Finlay
Every Last Fear
“They found the bodies on a Tuesday.”
So begins this twisty and breathtaking novel that traces the fate of the Pine family, a thriller that will both leave you on the edge of your seat and move you to tears.
After a late night of partying, NYU student Matt Pine returns to his dorm room to devastating news: nearly his entire family—his mom, his dad, his little brother and sister—have been found dead from an apparent gas leak while vacationing in Mexico. The local police claim it was an accident, but the FBI and State Department seem far less certain—and they won’t tell Matt why.
The tragedy makes headlines everywhere because this isn’t the first time the Pine family has been thrust into the media spotlight. Matt’s older brother, Danny—currently serving a life sentence for the murder of his teenage girlfriend Charlotte—was the subject of a viral true crime documentary suggesting that Danny was wrongfully convicted. Though the country has rallied behind Danny, Matt holds a secret about his brother that he’s never told anyone: the night Charlotte was killed Matt saw something that makes him believe his brother is guilty of the crime.
When Matt returns to his small hometown to bury his parents and siblings, he’s faced with a hostile community that was villainized by the documentary, a frenzied media, and memories he’d hoped to leave behind forever. Now, as the deaths in Mexico appear increasingly suspicious and connected to Danny’s case, Matt must unearth the truth behind the crime that sent his brother to prison—putting his own life in peril—and forcing him to confront his Every Last Fear.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Alex Finlay is the author of the 2021 breakout novel, EVERY LAST FEAR, the 2022 Goodreads Choice nominee for Best Mystery and Thriller, THE NIGHT SHIFT, and his latest March 2023 release, Library Reads Hall of Fame recipient, WHAT HAVE WE DONE. Alex’s novels are regularly on “best of the year” lists, have been translated into nineteen languages and are sold around the world. All of his novels have been optioned for film and television, and EVERY LAST FEAR is in development for a series on a major streaming service. Alex lives in Washington, DC and Virginia.
This book has been all over social media, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. A big thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this review copy. I absolutely loved it! As a newcomer to Alex Finlay’s work, which of his books would you recommend I add to my TBR list? Please leave your suggestions in the comments below. Until next time…. Happy Reading!
