If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay

We’ve all had those moments—a sudden flash of memory, a forgotten face resurfacing in a dream. But what if the ghost from your past wasn’t just a fleeting thought, but a flesh-and-blood reality demanding answers? In Alex Finlay’s latest psychological thriller, “If Something Happens to Me,” the past doesn’t just come knocking—it kicks down the door and drags you into a breathless chase across continents.

Plot Overview: A Tapestry of Twisted Fates

Five years ago, Ryan Richardson’s world imploded when his girlfriend, Alison Lane, was abducted from their car on a rainy night at Lovers’ Lane. The only clue? A shadowy figure with missing pinky fingers. Fast forward to the present, and Ryan—now going by Ryan Smith—is a law student trying to outrun his past. But when that very same figure shows up in Italy during a school trip, Ryan’s carefully constructed new life begins to crumble.

Meanwhile, in Leavenworth, Kansas, rookie Deputy Sheriff Poppy McGee stumbles upon a cold case that’s suddenly red hot. Alison Lane’s car has been found at the bottom of Suncatcher Lake, with two unidentified bodies inside and a cryptic note that only Ryan can decode.

As Ryan races across Europe in search of answers, Poppy digs deeper into a web of small-town secrets and mob connections. Little do they know that their paths are destined to collide, unearthing truths that will shake them to their core.

Characters: A Symphony of Broken Souls

Finlay excels at creating characters that are as flawed as they are compelling:

• Ryan Richardson/Smith: A man haunted by guilt and unanswered questions, desperately clinging to hope.
• Alison Lane/Sophia Rosseau: The girl who vanished, leaving behind a trail of breadcrumbs and broken hearts.
• Poppy McGee: A tenacious young deputy with something to prove and a knack for seeing through lies.
• Michael Lane/Harper: Alison’s father, an ex-military man with secrets of his own.
• Shane O’Leary: A mobster driven by grief and an insatiable thirst for vengeance.

Each character is beautifully rendered, their motivations complex and often contradictory. You’ll find yourself empathizing with even the most morally ambiguous players in this high-stakes game.

Setting: From Tuscan Hills to Kansas Plains

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its vivid sense of place. Finlay takes us on a whirlwind tour:

• Montepulciano, Italy: Sun-drenched vineyards and ancient stone buildings hide dark secrets.
• Lackford, England: A quaint village where centuries-old churches conceal modern horrors.
• Paris, France: The City of Light becomes a backdrop for heartbreaking revelations.
• Leavenworth, Kansas: Small-town America, where everyone knows your name—and your sins.

Each location is meticulously researched and richly described, becoming a character in its own right.

Themes: The Weight of the Past and the Price of Truth

At its heart, “If Something Happens to Me” is an exploration of how our past shapes us—for better or worse. Finlay deftly weaves together several thematic threads:

Identity and Reinvention

Can we ever truly escape who we were? Ryan, Alison, and even Poppy grapple with this question as they try to reconcile their past and present selves.

The Nature of Justice

Is there a point where vengeance becomes justice? The O’Leary family’s quest for retribution raises uncomfortable questions about the limits of the law.

The Power of Secrets

From small-town gossip to international conspiracies, secrets drive the narrative forward, showing how withholding the truth can be just as destructive as telling lies.

Redemption and Second Chances

Many characters seek redemption for past mistakes, highlighting the human capacity for change and growth.

Writing Style: A Masterclass in Tension

Finlay’s prose is lean and mean, propelling the reader forward with relentless momentum. Short chapters and multiple POVs create a sense of urgency, while cleverly placed reveals keep you guessing until the very end.

The author excels at creating visceral, edge-of-your-seat moments. Take this passage, for example:

“Ryan feels a tiny tremble in his hands, no, in his whole body. He’s been waiting for this night—aching for this night—for so long. Yet somehow he’s reluctant, weirdly hesitant.”

You can practically feel Ryan’s nervous energy radiating off the page. It’s this attention to emotional detail that elevates “If Something Happens to Me” above your average thriller.

Dialogue: Snappy and Revealing

Finlay has a gift for natural-sounding dialogue that reveals character and advances the plot. In just a few lines, we get a sense of the tension, the stakes, and the delicate dance of trust between characters.

Pacing: A Rollercoaster Ride with Heart

The novel starts at a sprint and rarely lets up. Finlay expertly juggles multiple timelines and perspectives, each chapter ending on a mini-cliffhanger that compels you to keep reading. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, another twist sends you spinning in a new direction.

However, amidst the breakneck pace, Finlay finds moments for quieter character development. A touching scene between Ryan and Alison in Paris provides a much-needed breather and adds emotional depth to their relationship.

The Big Reveal: A Satisfying Convergence

Without spoiling anything, the way Finlay brings all the narrative threads together is nothing short of masterful. The final act is a perfect storm of revelations, confrontations, and bittersweet resolutions. You’ll find yourself flipping back through earlier chapters, marveling at the breadcrumbs you missed along the way.

Comparisons and Context

“If Something Happens to Me” builds on the strengths of Finlay’s previous works like “Every Last Fear” and “The Night Shift.” Fans of Harlan Coben’s missing person thrillers or Gillian Flynn’s twisty narratives will find much to love here.

The novel also feels timely, touching on themes of internet fame, the dark side of private schools, and the long-reaching consequences of teenage actions in a hyper-connected world.

Minor Criticisms: A Few Loose Threads

While “If Something Happens to Me” is undeniably gripping, a few minor quibbles keep it from perfection:

• Some secondary characters, particularly in the mob subplot, feel slightly underdeveloped.
• The coincidences required to bring all the players together stretch credulity at times.
• A few loose ends regarding the FBI corruption subplot are left dangling.

However, these are minor nitpicks in an otherwise stellar read.

Final Verdict: A Must-Read Thrill Ride

“If Something Happens to Me” is a tour de force of suspense, emotion, and razor-sharp plotting. Alex Finlay proves once again why he’s one of the most exciting voices in contemporary thrillers. This is a book that will keep you up way past your bedtime, furiously turning pages and muttering “just one more chapter” until the sun comes up.

Who Should Read This?

• Thriller junkies looking for their next fix
• Anyone who loves a good mystery with international flair
• Readers who appreciate complex characters and moral ambiguity
• Fans of dual-timeline narratives and multiple POVs

Who Might Want to Skip It?

• Those sensitive to themes of child bullying and suicide
• Readers who prefer their thrillers more procedural and less emotional
• People looking for a light, breezy read (this one will make you think!)

The Bottom Line

Alex Finlay’s “If Something Happens to Me” is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, plot twists, and unforgettable characters. It’s a story about the ghosts that haunt us, the lies we tell ourselves, and the extraordinary lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love. Clear your schedule, silence your phone, and prepare to be thoroughly entertained—and maybe a little haunted yourself.

Food for Thought: Discussion Questions

• How does the novel explore the theme of identity? Do you think it’s possible to truly reinvent yourself?
• What role does technology play in the story? How might the events have unfolded differently in a pre-internet era?
• Discuss the moral implications of Michael Lane’s actions. Were they justified?
• How does the novel address the long-term consequences of bullying?
• What do you make of the relationship between Ryan and Nora? Is it a betrayal of his love for Alison, or a necessary step in moving forward?

A Personal Note

You know that feeling when you finish a book and immediately want to call all your friends and make them read it? That’s “If Something Happens to Me” in a nutshell. It’s been a while since a thriller has kept me guessing—and caring—quite this much. Finlay has a gift for creating characters that feel like old friends (or enemies) by the time you turn the last page.

As I closed the book, I found myself pondering the nature of identity and how the choices we make, even as teenagers, can ripple out and affect countless lives. It’s a reminder that we’re all the protagonists of our own stories, but also supporting characters in countless others.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go reread this book and see what clues I missed the first time around. And maybe book a trip to Tuscany… just in case there are any mysterious figures with missing fingers lurking about.