Reviews with content warning for Injury/Injury detail - Worst Case Scenario

Finished reading: August 3rd 2024

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Hachette Audio in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

I'm a big fan of T.J. Newman's thrillers, so I couldn't resist requesting an audio ARC when I saw it pop up on Netgalley. I was over the moon to be actually approved, and I've been excited to start listening to it ever since. I tend like my thrillers on the fast and engaging side, and this is exactly the type of thriller T.J. Newman always seems to offer. Worst Case Scenario is no exception to that rule and offers us an exhilarating race against the clock, where more is at stake than ever before. WHAT a read!

I love how the author always incorporates a plane theme in her books. Plane crashes and disasters on board are maybe not something you want to read about when you are about to board a plane yourself, but they do make for excellent thriller material! Worst Case Scenario takes this theme to the next level, and focuses not only on a plane crash (which is bad enough on its own), but also what can happen if the plane crashes into the worst possible location: a nuclear power plant. Spoiler: a possible global nuclear disaster, that's what! This time around the plane crash plays only a minor role in the plot, and the main focus is on the aftermath.

It's true that I don't exactly listen to a lot of audiobooks; not because I don't enjoy them, but because it takes me twice as long to get through a story this way. Sometimes it's worth it though, and I'm definitely glad I got to experience Worst Case Scenario in this format. The narrator Joe Morton has a voice that is easy to listen to and he is able to portray the different POVs in a way that made it easy to understand which character was in the spotlight. I particularly liked the special effects whenever he narrated a megaphone/radio conversation or announcement; it added an authentic feel to the situation.

Worst Case Scenario uses a multiple POV structure, and there are quite a lot of characters in play. Initially it was a bit daunting especially on audio, but as soon as I decided to just sit back and let the story wash over me it became easier. With everything that is happening after the plane crash, it becomes quite easy to start keeping the different key characters in play apart, and it is very easy to start rooting for them along the way. This book isn't all disaster, emergency and survival, as there is also some focus on the background of the characters and their own struggles along the way.

What I particularly loved about this story was how it showed how a town came together to help each other after the crash, working together to get it done. The same goes for the people at the power plant itself of course, and then we have the situation on the bridge with the firefighters. This story showed humanity in a crisis, and how hope can be found when everything seems lost... And difficult sacrifices that have to be made along the way. Without doubt a powerful message!

If you like your thrillers on the dark, twisted and exhilarating side, you will definitely enjoy this race against the clock to stop a nuclear disaster. Worst Case Scenario is yet another successful thriller and has only reconfirmed my love for T.J. Newman's writing.

Content Warnings