diff --git a/pkgs/cronet_http/example/lib/main.dart b/pkgs/cronet_http/example/lib/main.dart
index ca3a5b036f..61f11a7b01 100644
--- a/pkgs/cronet_http/example/lib/main.dart
+++ b/pkgs/cronet_http/example/lib/main.dart
@@ -75,13 +75,12 @@ class _HomePageState extends State<HomePage> {
     }
 
     final books = await _findMatchingBooks(query);
-    if (query == _lastQuery) {
-      // Avoid the situation where a slow-running query finishes late and
-      // replaces newer search results.
-      setState(() {
-        _books = books;
-      });
-    }
+    // Avoid the situation where a slow-running query finishes late and
+    // replaces newer search results.
+    if (query != _lastQuery) return;
+    setState(() {
+      _books = books;
+    });
   }
 
   @override