Alex Finlay

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.… (meer)

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.… (meer)

An exciting and fast-paced mystery thriller that went in a direction I wasn't anticipating.

Twenty-five years ago, Ben, Jenna, Nico, and Donnie, survived their time as orphans in the horrible Savior House. After several other teens suddenly vanished from the home with no explanation, they made a grave decision and then escaped to go their separate ways. The kids put their abusive pasts behind them and went on to different lives, some more successful than others.

They come back together now because someone is trying to kill them after all these years. Who wants them dead, and why now. No spoilers.

This was action-packed and very entertaining. The narrative shifts in time from then to now and between the main characters in alternating points of view. As I listened to the audiobook while following along in the e-book, the story came alive with the various voices. A fine multicast performance that really enhanced the book. Each character has a strong persona and the details of their lives were interesting -- one an aging rock star, another a reality television show producer, a housewife with a surprising kick butt past, and the other a judge. The twins as described will give you a few chills. In other words, lots of the unusual. The novel has some good twists and is surprisingly also sentimental and heartrending as well.

Thank you to the publisher for the e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. I'd also highly suggest listening to the audiobook as well.… (meer)

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.… (meer)