The Fall Will Probably Kill You!: A Love Story

by Brian McMahon

“McMahon has concocted a taut thriller with twists and turns that start from the very beginning and don’t let up. Most of all, he has created a memorable cast, none of whom is without flaws . . . . Something else he does well? He leaves us wanting more . . . . We can only hope the rest of their tale is forthcoming—and that it will be as good a read as this one.”

—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“McMahon’s language is subtle and shrewd, and he’s adept at both backroom dialogue and polished political speechcraft. . . . The characters, too, are well-etched and convincing; McMahon favors empathy and complexity over easy villainy, and in spite of their failings this cast succeeds in winning reader affection.”

—Booklife


Teddy Thompson has loved Charlotte Pennington since 2nd grade math class. When both of them end up at Georgetown, Teddy believes the fates have aligned—until Charlotte falls for his roommate, Braden Edwards. Charlotte’s father, the Senator, with one eye on Teddy and the other on the White House, devises a way to get both of them the future they’ve always imagined. Meanwhile, an investigation ensues that could implicate all of the story’s major players. Teddy will do anything to preserve his place in the hearts of the Penningtons. How far is he willing to go?

A tale of power and manipulation, of fixation and delusion, The Fall Will Probably Kill You! (a love story) twists and turns its way to a daunting precipice.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Romance, Politics

405 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Brian McMahon is the author of THE FALL WILL PROBABLY KILL YOU! (A LOVE STORY) and SEAVIEW ROAD. He received his MFA from Columbia University. He lives outside of Boston with his wife, their baby, and two dogs. You can connect with him at BrianMcMahonWrites.com or on Instagram @brianmcmahonwrites.

Reviews

[Anne Mcshane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stayed up too late finishing this, but it was worth it! Brian McMahon has written a page turner that combines a DC political thriller, a years-long love story, and some entertaining/interesting glimpses
of life at an elite university. A couple of unexpected twists should help put this book at the top of your summer reading list!

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not one for American political dramas but this one had me hooked! A thriller and a love story with a touch of murder that took twists I was not prepared for. I finished the book and am left wanting more. Everyone should pick this up and read, and without spoilers I want #justiceforfiggy.

[Sheila Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can foretell the impending conclusion in most thrillers that I read; not the case here. McMahon expertly developed some very real characters and wove them into a twisting thriller plot so believable that I felt like I was reading about the latest Washington political scorcher. No spoiler alerts here - highly recommend this book by this talented writer.

[Karen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some readers have labeled this book a mystery. I don’t think you can call a story a mystery when you know who the perpetrator is. Definitely thriller is a good description since it’s a question of will they get caught, will someone else be blamed or will the guilty participants get away with it. That’s a thriller.

I liked the story but I disliked the subject or maybe I should say the subject is disturbing since it’s right out of the headlines from the past and currently. I just have to go a little bit classic with a quote:

“Power tends to corrupt but absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Lord Acton 1887.

This applies to this story absolutely since it’s about politics.

Now there is a love story but it’s not typical of where our minds go, yes, there is a girl but, well, this is more a love of a different sort. I’ll leave it there to keep you guessing.

There is a solid, familiar cast of characters who carry the story but Teddy is the one we follow and watch his interactions with the rest of the characters. The story builds to a particular moment in time and then moves on and we wait for justice, which we think is going to actually happen but then the author throws us a twist which I did not expect. This twist moved this book from an okay read to a good one for me.

I won this ebook in a First Reads givewaway. Thank you to the author, Brian McMahon.

[Carla Black · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I don't know what all the great reviews are about. I hated this book. Found it as a waste of 5 hours of my life. If you hate politics then your gonna hate this book. It is NOT a love story either. It's a story about a boy having a crush on his friend who he will never ever get. BTW his friend is the Senator's daughter. The love story is about the Senator and his speech writer, not romantically either. Mainly because the boy Teddy keeps Senator (D-CT) Pennington's dirty secrets for him. Every speech the Senator had in the book I didn't even read they ticked me off so much. We hear enough lies from our true government and not just from a character in a book, why bother with more. Teddy is a weak character as well. He needs to grow a set, he's to timid to be his own man, to timid to go after the girl, to timid to do the Senator's dirty work. What use is he??? This book felt like a college literary attempt trying to impress a college professor, not a decent novel. I was disappointed in it. I give it a D-. Don't waste your time with this one.

[Margie Fenton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't recommend this book unless you are a friend of the author. If you made a list of everything people do not like in a novel, this book has it all. Halfway through I was wondering what inspired the author to write it, but I kept reading. While I wasn't looking for a love story, no matter how many times the author reminds you it's a love story, it is not! The book is well written, but it's not a thriller, a page-turning mystery, or charming as some have said. Be skeptical about those high star ratings.

[Ashly Shroyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept me entertained, and I enjoyed a few plot twists throughout. The book felt realistic to me with imperfect characters being human.

Thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for providing a free copy via giveaways.

[Isaac Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating, relatable, frustrating (in a good way). This was a really unique story that dropped my jaw about halfway through and had me on the edge of my seat the rest of the way. Excellent character development and scenic description. Highly recommend!

[JoAnne Gour · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give it 3.5 stars if possible. I enjoyed the book, and the style of writing. It moved along nicely, and engaged my attention. I was, however, somewhat dissatisfied with the ending. A long drawn out speech, (boring), and a disappointing, rather cynical ending for such a seemingly fun romp.

[Meredith Parets · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and BookRiot for a free copy! I enjoyed it and it felt like a cross between The Secret History and a David Baldacci novel.

[Russ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A unique literary political thriller. First, the story. Teddy loves Charlotte as they’re growing up, and he admires her father, Senator Pennington. As a college student, Teddy forms a friendship with Braden, and Charlotte and Braden develop a relationship, while Teddy still loves Charlotte. Teddy begins to work for Senator Pennington.

Where it gets odd is what introduces the thriller element: Pennington wants Braden killed. And he wants Teddy to do it. It’s never exactly spelled out why, though it seems to be that Pennington wants to use Braden’s death as an anecdote to use repeatedly in his stump speech to advocate for gun control, and to show that crime is personal to him. Perhaps he wants his own daughter to end up with Teddy. I was never quite clear on why he’d want Teddy to be the one who to hurt Braden. (Maybe as a demonstration of loyalty, but that seems odd because in everything else, Pennington seemed to be a genuinely nice guy.) Teddy and Pennington do seem to be very fond of each other—way too fond. Not in a sexual way (at least, if it is, it’s never stated) but almost in a Dracula-Renfroe or House of Cards President Underwood and chief of staff Stamper, master/toady, Big Evil/henchman kind of partnership.

As for the language, this book was written in an arresting manner. The style was more poetic and reflective than any other political thriller I’ve read. Even the more psychological political thrillers like The Manchurian Candidate are written in a much more straightforward, newsier style than this. Original and quite well done, really. I’m surprised this book didn’t sell better.

I think the author and publisher probably wondered how readers would react to the somewhat odd personal dynamics between Teddy and Pennington, but they ran with it anyway, and in that sense, I appreciated the honesty of the book and how it wasn’t necessarily written to appeal to the masses. There’s a slight Patricia Highsmith quality to the interpersonal dynamics in that you know something is off but she ran and scored with it anyway.

But like I suggested, there are some deliberately opaque or unstated elements and I can’t quite be a total cheerleader for this book. In closing, talented writing, somewhat disconcerting elements, yet I’m open to reading more from this author.

[Jason Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A masterful combination of love, politics, and suspense. Not necessarily in that order. With a story spanning many years, authors have the option of taking the reader through the events starting early on, or merely summarizing most of the past in a couple of chapters. This felt like it very easily could have been the latter, but the author's choice to take his time, and allow the reader to build up to the final events was, in hindsight, a great decision. As the story progresses, as do the relationships between each of the characters, the reader gets to truly feel the intertwining relationships, how they are strained, and how they are continue to be connected at all times. This story turns in some unexpected ways, but by the end, you realize that it follows the course that seemed inevitable from page 1.

[Kristin Knisley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ended up being a fast page-turner for me. A little slow to start, but when it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. Narrator Teddy finds himself in an interesting situation, following his lifelong unrequited love and getting involved with her political ringleader father. It brings into question people who will do anything to get ahead, so long as they feel their vision is the best for the greater good. The story gave me similar vibes to Vonnegut’s Mother Night, as the protagonist finds himself writing speeches for a secretly corrupt and powerful politician. This was interesting and fun to read.

I received a copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways, all opinions are my own.

[Hari Brandl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a signed-by-the-author giveaway for which I am thankful.
But it is mediocre at best . Not reallllly a love story, but more a story of a political campaign that started out clean but descended into dirty doings and deceit, with a love relationship between the daughter of a vice-presidential candidate and his squeeky-clean campaign worker/speech writer tacked on.
There is a seminal lack of integrity half-way through when the candidate sneakily asks the speech writer to do the dirty deed, and suddenly the worker is all "Sure, I've idolized toy all my life but will now stoop to crime to help you get elected, no problemo!"
Equivocal ending.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I expected it to be but that does not mean that I didn’t enjoy it. It is termed a political thriller but if you are looking for lots of heart stopping action it is not here. Rather, I think of it as a political mystery and isn’t mystery what politics is full of? I was especially impressed by the speech writings of Teddy. It was very easy to picture a handsome, poised man speaking Teddy’s words from a podium. The book did make me feel scared at times - how much of the story could (and maybe is) real?

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this love story/mystery. The characters and dialog are so real - and beautifully written - it makes you wonder if they could be real. The author's way of putting words and phrases together is crisp and unique - and he does a great job of setting scenes and moods without overdoing it. The twists and turns are unexpected - as is the ending - and leaves you wondering what might happen next...

I hope we get to find out.

[Derek Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a political thriller, filled with suspense and of course a love affair thrown in. Teddy Thompson has loved Charlotte Pennington since grade school. Teddy interns with Charlotte's father, Senator Conrad Pennington. Conrad runs for Vice President. We have it all-intrigue, twists, turns, loyalty, love, romance, and murder. This is an excellent book that I found hard to put down. Thank you for the opportunity of receiving this book. I have already passed it on.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book in a GoodReades giveaway and this is my honest review. I'm glad they don't require you finish reading all the books.

I didn't care for it. Just shy of a third done and I don't care for the characters, I don't care about the characters, I don't care about the story. So I'm stopping. This book has politics as an undercurrent. My reality now has too much political undercurrent for me to want to add more. If the tooic intrigues you, go for it. For me, it wasn't my cuppa.

[Lorraine · Rating 1 out of 5]

A Goodreads Giveaway!
This started off Ok, but then became bogged down and confusing, an awful lot I skimmed through, then towards the end I actually thought the author would come through. However the ending was abysmal! He then keeps saying it was a love story after all! REALLY!!!
What a waste, am not sure what the author was trying to achieve, but I definitely will NOT be wasting my time reading another book from this author!!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

McMahon has created another great story in TFWPKY - he has created wonderfully complex characters in an extremely topical and relevant story for today. I love his style of writing and dialogue - he is definitely one of America's up and coming writers - highly recommend - will definitely be our next book club read!

[Happyscribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a smart romance - I loved it as not only did it deliver a solid, intriguing build around the political story, but there was a long burning love story in the background. Nicely bone! And I read it literally in one sitting.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing itself is quite interesting, the story sadly did not provide what I look for in a book, a story being told. I am honestly not sure what the writer was hoping to accomplish through the writing of this book. 3 star read.


My thanks and appreciation to the sponsors of the books Goodreads giveaway for the opportunity to obtain and read this book.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not one to read too many political books but gravitate more towards thrillers. This book turned out to be a good combination of the two. I did get frustrated with Teddy's "infatuation/love" for Charlotte. A good take on power, deceptions and manipulation. Worth the read. 3.5 rating
I received this book from Goodreads Giveaways.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.

I don't think I've ever read a thriller quite like this one before. It should be on everyone's TBR.

The twists it took were pleasantly unexpected. I enjoyed the writing style and was able to follow the story easily. I'll be thinking of Teddy Thompson's story for a long time.

[Kayla Lister · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was speed reading at the ending speech in hopes the book had a shocking twist at the end. The one “twist” it did have was lacking for me in shock value. This book was not quite the usual genre I dive into, so I’m going to label that as the main reason I didn’t love it. If you like Washington and politics, this might be better suited to you.

[Valerie Macias · Rating 2 out of 5]

Won this book through Goodreads and hated it. Two stars because I’ve certainly read worse. Those, however, I dnf them and wish I had done the same to this one. Not much of a love story. More of a political thriller and that’s being generous. I love thrillers, but this one wasn’t very exciting. A boring story overall.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads but is got buried since I am also in three book groups. Like another reviewer \I am somewhere between 3 and 4. I enjoyed most of the story. I could have done with less of the soccer roommates behaving and talking inappropriately since I don't think that was needed for the story. The ending wasn't quite satisfying but it fit the characters.

[Ralph A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo! I am big fan of this book. Banged it out in like a day and a half. It held my interest throughout the entire thing. I wasn't sure this book was going to be for me. But a few pages in and my mind was changed. I highly recommend!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book for our monthly virtual book club and it was a hit! Great read and appealed to all different levels of readers. Will definitely keep on my bookshelf and recommend to others.

[Brian McMahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe next time I'll earn the 5...