The Echoes of the Past
Have you ever had a moment from your past that haunts you, replaying in your mind like a skipping record? For Ryan Richardson, that moment stretches into years of anguish, suspicion, and a desperate search for the truth. Alex Finlay’s latest psychological thriller, “If Something Happens to Me,” delves deep into the ripple effects of trauma and the lengths we’ll go to uncover the truth – even when it threatens to shatter everything we thought we knew.
A Tangled Web of Mysteries
Finlay weaves a complex tapestry of interconnected storylines that span continents and years. At its core is the disappearance of Ali Lane, Ryan’s high school sweetheart, snatched from their car on a rainy night five years ago. The discovery of Ali’s submerged car – complete with two dead bodies and a cryptic note – sets off a chain reaction that pulls together an unlikely cast of characters:
Ryan Richardson: The haunted boyfriend turned law student, desperately seeking closure
Poppy McGee: A young, determined deputy sheriff with her own family secrets
Michael Harper: Ali’s father, harboring a past more complicated than anyone could imagine
Chaz Donnelly: A mobster grappling with his own moral code and family legacy
As their paths intersect and collide, Finlay keeps readers guessing at every turn. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, he throws another curveball that leaves you breathless and eager to turn the page.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions and Locales
One of the most striking aspects of “If Something Happens to Me” is its globe-trotting narrative. Finlay takes us from the quaint streets of Leavenworth, Kansas, to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, the misty English countryside, and the romantic boulevards of Paris. Each location is vividly rendered, adding depth and atmosphere to the unfolding drama.
But it’s not just the physical journey that captivates – it’s the emotional one. Finlay has a knack for creating characters that feel achingly real, with all their flaws, hopes, and fears laid bare. Ryan’s struggle with guilt and suspicion is palpable, while Poppy’s determination to prove herself in a male-dominated field resonates deeply. Even the “villains” of the piece are given nuanced portrayals that make you question your assumptions about good and evil.
Standout Moments
There are several scenes that stick with you long after you’ve finished the book:
The heart-pounding confrontation at the art gallery in Cordes-sur-Ciel
The tense meeting at the carousel museum (who knew such a whimsical setting could be so fraught with danger?)
The bittersweet reunion between Ryan and Ali in Paris, tinged with the weight of all that’s happened
Finlay has a gift for building tension to a fever pitch, then releasing it in unexpected ways. You’ll find yourself holding your breath more than once as you race through the pages.
Themes That Resonate
While “If Something Happens to Me” is undoubtedly a gripping thriller, it’s also a meditation on several deeper themes:
The Weight of the Past
Every character in the novel grapples with their history in some way. Ryan can’t move forward because he’s trapped by that fateful night. Ali (as we come to learn) is running from her own mistakes. Even Chaz Donnelly, the aging mobster, finds himself pulled back into a world he thought he’d left behind. Finlay explores how our pasts shape us, for better or worse, and the courage it takes to confront those demons.
The Nature of Identity
Who are we, really? Is it the face we show to the world, or the secrets we keep hidden? Ali’s multiple identities—from Taylor to Alison to Sophia—raise questions about the malleability of self. Ryan, too, struggles with who he is beneath the weight of suspicion. Finlay challenges us to consider how much of our identity is shaped by circumstance and the perceptions of others.
The Complexity of Family
Family bonds, both blood and chosen, play a central role in the story. We see the lengths parents will go to protect their children (sometimes with devastating consequences), the rivalries between siblings, and the found families we create in times of crisis. Finlay doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated nature of these relationships.
A Master of Misdirection
If you’ve read Finlay’s previous works like “Every Last Fear” or “The Night Shift,” you know he’s a pro at keeping readers on their toes. “If Something Happens to Me” is no exception. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Finlay pulls the rug out from under you – but in a way that feels earned, not cheap or gimmicky.
The multiple POV structure adds to this sense of unpredictability. We’re never quite sure who to trust or whose version of events is the “truth.” It’s a testament to Finlay’s skill that he can juggle so many narrative threads without ever losing the reader.
A Word on Pacing
If I had one minor quibble, it’s that the pacing in the middle section can feel a bit uneven at times. There are moments where the momentum slows as we switch between characters and timelines. However, this is a small complaint in an otherwise tightly plotted novel. The payoff in the final act more than makes up for any lulls along the way.
The Power of Redemption
At its heart, “If Something Happens to Me” is a story about second chances and the possibility of redemption. Nearly every character is seeking some form of absolution, whether it’s Ryan trying to clear his name, Ali atoning for past mistakes, or even Chaz attempting to break the cycle of violence.
Finlay doesn’t offer easy answers or neat resolutions. The path to redemption is messy, often painful, and sometimes comes at a great cost. But there’s a glimmer of hope threading through even the darkest moments of the story. It’s this balance of light and shadow that elevates the novel beyond a simple thriller into something more thought-provoking.
A Satisfying Conclusion (No Spoilers!)
I won’t give away the ending, but I will say that Finlay sticks the landing. The final revelations are both shocking and emotionally satisfying. You’ll close the book feeling like you’ve been on a journey with these characters, one that leaves you both exhilarated and a little wrung out (in the best possible way).
Finlay’s Evolving Style
For fans of Finlay’s previous work, “If Something Happens to Me” showcases an author hitting his stride. The intricate plotting and character work we’ve come to expect are on full display, but there’s a newfound confidence in the prose. Finlay’s descriptions are more vivid, his dialogue sharper, and his ability to build suspense even more finely tuned.
Comparisons and Influences
While Finlay’s voice is distinctly his own, readers might detect echoes of other masters of the genre:
The multiple timelines and unreliable narrators bring to mind Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl”
The exploration of small-town secrets has shades of Harlan Coben
The globe-trotting adventure elements are reminiscent of early Dan Brown (but with more nuanced characters)
Final Thoughts: A Must-Read Thriller
“If Something Happens to Me” is the kind of book that demands to be devoured in one sitting. It’s a perfect beach read, a rainy day companion, or a late-night page-turner (just be prepared for some lost sleep). Finlay has crafted a story that works on multiple levels – as a gripping mystery, a character study, and a meditation on the nature of truth and identity.
Who Should Read This Book?
Fans of psychological thrillers with complex plots
Readers who enjoy multiple POV narratives
Anyone who likes their mysteries with a side of emotional depth
Armchair travelers who want to be whisked away to exotic locales
Who Might Want to Skip It?
Those who prefer their thrillers more action-oriented (there’s suspense, but it’s more psychological than physical)
Readers who get frustrated by unreliable narrators or shifting timelines
Anyone looking for a light, breezy read (this one will make you think)
The Verdict
“If Something Happens to Me” cements Alex Finlay’s place as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary thriller writing. It’s a book that will keep you guessing until the very last page, but also one that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished. Finlay asks big questions about identity, family, and the nature of truth, all wrapped up in a compulsively readable package.
So, grab a copy, clear your schedule, and prepare to be swept away. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking over your shoulder the next time you’re alone in a parking lot at night. After all, you never know when the past might come back to haunt you.