If Something Happens to Me

In this tale that’s told from three vantage points—those of law student Ryan (narrated by Paul Dateh), deputy sheriff Poppy (narrated by Helen Laser), and crime boss Shane O’Leary (narrated by John Pirhalla)—Finlay develops histories, adds twists and turns, and weaves everything into a humdinger of a climax. Five years ago, Ryan was attacked; his girlfriend, Ali, and her car disappeared; and, although cleared of suspicion in Ali’s presumed death, he can’t shake the stigma of guilt. Dateh deftly captures Paul’s anger, earnestness, and determination after he spots and pursues his attacker when visiting Italy. Meanwhile, Poppy, the rookie deputy in her Kansas hometown, is assigned Ali’s cold case when new evidence surfaces. Laser embodies not only Poppy’s spunky spirit but also the questing thoughts she has regarding the case. And in Philadelphia, Shane O’Leary seeks revenge on the teens whose bullying he believes drove his son to suicide. Shane’s rage is deeper for one girl and her father (his accountant) after they skip town with some of his money. Pirhalla balances O’Leary’s growling darkness with his gentleness for his wife and does the same for the criminal’s brutal associate and his grandson.