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The Anniversary
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26Every Year He Comes For Them.
On one fateful night in 1992, the lives of two seventeen-year-olds are changed and intertwined forever. Quinn Riley, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, is arrested after he innocently tries to break up a fight but ends up nearly killing someone. Jules Delaney, high school royalty, survives an attack by the elusive and terrifying May Day Killer—a serial predator who strikes every May 1st in midwestern small towns.
A year later, Jules is struggling with trauma and guilt, tormented by the Why was I spared? Quinn is newly released from juvenile detention and returns home to fresh the unsolved murder of his mother.
Over the next decade, their lives are revisited on a single day each year—May 1st. As secrets unravel and the paths of Quinn and Jules collide, two mysteries edge closer to the truth. All the while, the May Day Killer is still out there—and the clock is racing toward another May 1st.
The Anniversary is an utterly compelling story of the hunt for a serial killer. But it’s also a heartfelt—and heartrending—novel about fate, innocence lost, and two souls who find that sometimes being broken is the only way for the light to get in.
On one fateful night in 1992, the lives of two seventeen-year-olds are changed and intertwined forever. Quinn Riley, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, is arrested after he innocently tries to break up a fight but ends up nearly killing someone. Jules Delaney, high school royalty, survives an attack by the elusive and terrifying May Day Killer—a serial predator who strikes every May 1st in midwestern small towns.
A year later, Jules is struggling with trauma and guilt, tormented by the Why was I spared? Quinn is newly released from juvenile detention and returns home to fresh the unsolved murder of his mother.
Over the next decade, their lives are revisited on a single day each year—May 1st. As secrets unravel and the paths of Quinn and Jules collide, two mysteries edge closer to the truth. All the while, the May Day Killer is still out there—and the clock is racing toward another May 1st.
The Anniversary is an utterly compelling story of the hunt for a serial killer. But it’s also a heartfelt—and heartrending—novel about fate, innocence lost, and two souls who find that sometimes being broken is the only way for the light to get in.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 12, 2026
34470 people want to read
About the author
Alex Finlay
18 books5,368 followersALEX FINLAY is the bestselling author of several acclaimed novels, including the 2025 instant national bestseller, PARENTS WEEKEND. His work regularly appears on best-of-the-year lists and has been translated into twenty-six languages and sold around the world. Alex’s books have been optioned or in development for film and television, including PARENTS WEEKEND, which was recently acquired for adaptation to the screen. Alex lives in Washington, D.C.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
February 11, 2026
Alex Finlay truly is the king of unputdownable mysteries—the kind that glue you to your seat, make you flip pages nonstop, and leave you devouring the whole book in one breathless sitting. His stories build pressure so fast and so tightly that you feel like you’re hyperventilating right alongside the characters, only to be hit again and again with sharp, smart twists you never see coming.
This is another gripping novel that moves across ten years—actually, you could even say twenty if you count that perfectly placed, epilogue-like final chapter. The story revolves around two unforgettable main characters whose lives collide on the same devastating night.
Quinn Riley is a boy from the wrong side of the tracks: quiet, bookish, and deeply caring. He looks after his younger brother George, who has special needs and suffers episodes, while living with his widowed mother and her parasitic, volatile boyfriend, with whom Quinn has recently had a serious altercation. He works at a drive-through, struggles to hold his family together, and still dares to dream of college and something better.
Jules Delaney, on the other hand, comes from a completely different world. She’s the “it girl,” high school royalty, turning heads with her beauty and sizzling confidence, carrying big dreams and a future that seems wide open.
Everything changes for both of them on the night of May 1st—Quinn’s birthday, which will forever become the day Jules’s old self dies.
That night, Quinn steps in to break up a fight at a concert, a choice that spirals into nearly deadly consequences and lands him in juvie for five months. Jules also leaves that same concert early, only to be attacked by the infamous May 1st Killer. Shockingly, he lets her live—but not without a chilling warning: stay silent, or her family will pay the price.
From that moment on, their lives fracture. In the year that follows, Quinn returns to find everything he knew destroyed—his home auctioned off, his mother brutally murdered, and his brother sent to a care facility. When he later sneaks back into their abandoned house, he discovers what he believes is the murder weapon used to kill his mother, a horrifying clue that convinces him the truth is far from over and sets him on a relentless search for answers.
Meanwhile, Jules, who survives and even rises to sudden fame after becoming a sensation at a stadium game, begins pursuing a modeling career. But the past won’t let her go. An FBI agent reaches out to her, asking for help in tracking the May 1st Killer. Over the next ten years, we follow their parallel paths: Quinn hunting for his mother’s murderer, and Jules working with other survivors to uncover the identity of the man who spared them, all while knowing he could strike again at any moment.
What neither of them realizes is that their paths are destined to intersect. The answers to both mysteries are more closely connected than they ever imagined—and the killer may be far closer, hiding in plain sight, than anyone would expect. The tension builds until it’s right at their doorstep, delivering revelations you won’t see coming until it’s almost too late.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, addictive read that’s nearly impossible to put down. I did manage to guess a few of the twists and the main perpetrator’s identity a bit earlier than expected, but that didn’t take away from the thrill of the ride. The nostalgic walk through the ’90s, the emotional weight of a decade-long mystery, and the clever way everything unravels make this an irresistible page-turner. Once you start, I guarantee you won’t be able to stop.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for sharing this addictive mystery’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This is another gripping novel that moves across ten years—actually, you could even say twenty if you count that perfectly placed, epilogue-like final chapter. The story revolves around two unforgettable main characters whose lives collide on the same devastating night.
Quinn Riley is a boy from the wrong side of the tracks: quiet, bookish, and deeply caring. He looks after his younger brother George, who has special needs and suffers episodes, while living with his widowed mother and her parasitic, volatile boyfriend, with whom Quinn has recently had a serious altercation. He works at a drive-through, struggles to hold his family together, and still dares to dream of college and something better.
Jules Delaney, on the other hand, comes from a completely different world. She’s the “it girl,” high school royalty, turning heads with her beauty and sizzling confidence, carrying big dreams and a future that seems wide open.
Everything changes for both of them on the night of May 1st—Quinn’s birthday, which will forever become the day Jules’s old self dies.
That night, Quinn steps in to break up a fight at a concert, a choice that spirals into nearly deadly consequences and lands him in juvie for five months. Jules also leaves that same concert early, only to be attacked by the infamous May 1st Killer. Shockingly, he lets her live—but not without a chilling warning: stay silent, or her family will pay the price.
From that moment on, their lives fracture. In the year that follows, Quinn returns to find everything he knew destroyed—his home auctioned off, his mother brutally murdered, and his brother sent to a care facility. When he later sneaks back into their abandoned house, he discovers what he believes is the murder weapon used to kill his mother, a horrifying clue that convinces him the truth is far from over and sets him on a relentless search for answers.
Meanwhile, Jules, who survives and even rises to sudden fame after becoming a sensation at a stadium game, begins pursuing a modeling career. But the past won’t let her go. An FBI agent reaches out to her, asking for help in tracking the May 1st Killer. Over the next ten years, we follow their parallel paths: Quinn hunting for his mother’s murderer, and Jules working with other survivors to uncover the identity of the man who spared them, all while knowing he could strike again at any moment.
What neither of them realizes is that their paths are destined to intersect. The answers to both mysteries are more closely connected than they ever imagined—and the killer may be far closer, hiding in plain sight, than anyone would expect. The tension builds until it’s right at their doorstep, delivering revelations you won’t see coming until it’s almost too late.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, addictive read that’s nearly impossible to put down. I did manage to guess a few of the twists and the main perpetrator’s identity a bit earlier than expected, but that didn’t take away from the thrill of the ride. The nostalgic walk through the ’90s, the emotional weight of a decade-long mystery, and the clever way everything unravels make this an irresistible page-turner. Once you start, I guarantee you won’t be able to stop.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for sharing this addictive mystery’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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January 5, 2026
My first book of the year turned into a 5 ⭐️ banger!
Woo hoo! I’m telling you now, this is hands down, Alex Finlay’s best novel yet! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
What started as a slow burn mystery turned into a coming-of-age banger of a thriller! I was thinking about this book even when I wasn’t reading it!
The story follows two lives who intersect in high school, Jules and Quinn. But one night, May 1st, two tragic events change everything for them. As we watch them grow up as adults, women have gone missing. Some are spared after a horrific attack. It’s always May 1st. The media dubs him the May Day Killer.
The characterization is out-of-this-world spectacular! My heart ached for Jules and Quinn. I fell in love with the people they became and just wanted justice for them both.
The justice part, you’ll have to read to find out. But trust me, Finlay laid his best work here. Know that! Everyone will be screaming about this book!
Add it to your TBR, want to read shelf and pre-order your copy! You don’t want to miss this!
All the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date - 5/26
Thanks to Minotaur Books and Alex Finlay for my gorgeous gifted copy!
Woo hoo! I’m telling you now, this is hands down, Alex Finlay’s best novel yet! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
What started as a slow burn mystery turned into a coming-of-age banger of a thriller! I was thinking about this book even when I wasn’t reading it!
The story follows two lives who intersect in high school, Jules and Quinn. But one night, May 1st, two tragic events change everything for them. As we watch them grow up as adults, women have gone missing. Some are spared after a horrific attack. It’s always May 1st. The media dubs him the May Day Killer.
The characterization is out-of-this-world spectacular! My heart ached for Jules and Quinn. I fell in love with the people they became and just wanted justice for them both.
The justice part, you’ll have to read to find out. But trust me, Finlay laid his best work here. Know that! Everyone will be screaming about this book!
Add it to your TBR, want to read shelf and pre-order your copy! You don’t want to miss this!
All the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date - 5/26
Thanks to Minotaur Books and Alex Finlay for my gorgeous gifted copy!
January 6, 2026
A serial killer called the May Day killer terrorizes the town every year. Some of his victims do survive to tell their tales.
At first, it felt very abrupt how the story went from one year to the next. This story spans many years and has a few chapters for each. Eventually, you begin to see how this is important to the story. It also feels like reading true crime.
This book is full of action and doesn’t let up. There was never a slow moment and every moment mattered and was interconnected. I had a few theories about who the killer was, but they all turned out to be wrong. And then the ending had another huge surprise which I also did not expect.
There is some romance within the book, as well, which was enjoyable and I def was rooting for them.
Def worth the read!
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
At first, it felt very abrupt how the story went from one year to the next. This story spans many years and has a few chapters for each. Eventually, you begin to see how this is important to the story. It also feels like reading true crime.
This book is full of action and doesn’t let up. There was never a slow moment and every moment mattered and was interconnected. I had a few theories about who the killer was, but they all turned out to be wrong. And then the ending had another huge surprise which I also did not expect.
There is some romance within the book, as well, which was enjoyable and I def was rooting for them.
Def worth the read!
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved the characters. Excellent use of alternating pov. As far as I'm concerned, Alex Finlay never disappoints.
Want to read
December 18, 2025A boy from the wrong side of the tracks, a high school royalty and the predator known as the “May Day Killer” that strikes every first of May in a small Midwestern town—this is a story about fates, broken souls, secrets.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and the author, Alex Finlay for this early eARC.
Publication date: May 12, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and the author, Alex Finlay for this early eARC.
Publication date: May 12, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Alex Finlay books, but this one is next level. He has now elevated the game and knocked my socks off!
The story spans over 10 years, getting a one day snapshot each year. I am in awe of how great of a job he did propelling the story forward so much, while still giving the reader just the right amount of information to fill in each one year gap.
The story follows Jules and Quinn on May 1st of each year, the anniversary of when something happened that irrevocably changed their lives.
The short chapters alternate between both Quinn and Jules, each storyline completely engaging and propulsive. At the end of each Jules chapter I was yearning for more, not wanting to resume Quinn's story. Next thing I knew I was totally engrossed in Quinn and didn't want to return to Jules. On and on this went. It was AMAZING.
At the core of this book is a love story, in many different forms. Never have I ever called a book about a serial killer beautiful. Until now.
Bravo Mr. Finlay! It was beautiful.
The story spans over 10 years, getting a one day snapshot each year. I am in awe of how great of a job he did propelling the story forward so much, while still giving the reader just the right amount of information to fill in each one year gap.
The story follows Jules and Quinn on May 1st of each year, the anniversary of when something happened that irrevocably changed their lives.
The short chapters alternate between both Quinn and Jules, each storyline completely engaging and propulsive. At the end of each Jules chapter I was yearning for more, not wanting to resume Quinn's story. Next thing I knew I was totally engrossed in Quinn and didn't want to return to Jules. On and on this went. It was AMAZING.
At the core of this book is a love story, in many different forms. Never have I ever called a book about a serial killer beautiful. Until now.
Bravo Mr. Finlay! It was beautiful.
January 10, 2026
There are very few thrillers that earn a five star review and my god Alex Finlay’s The Anniversary earns it every step of the way.
Typically a good thriller is three or four stars but it’s incredibly rare to go for a full five, perfect in every way. You know that moment when you’re mid-reading and get that feeling that you’re reading a five star? I had that here and it doesn’t tend to happen in a thriller no matter how good or twisty it is. For reference, his last book, Parents Weekend, that was incredibly well received was a three star for me.
Now let’s get into why, and it was more than “just that feeling” but I don’t want to ignore that feeling either. All book readers know it and it doesn’t always happen so it’s important to sit in that joy of a perfect book, it suddenly hit me about half way through and carried over until the end. But it was so much more, and “more” is the word that continually pops up for me when thinking about this book, Finlay just does MORE than what you have to do to write this genre. The writing and prose were beautiful, accessible and also still deep enough to elicit thought and I learned new words which is always a plus for me. The plot was heavy while not being too triggering or graphic. The POV switches were strong and I was invested in both of them equally.
Thrillers as a genre tend to focus on very heavy topics of murder, sexual assault, and can very easily treat it in a glorifying way and Finlay was able to treat our characters with immense respect. There were some incredibly deep topics from war, depression, addiction, trauma, religious commentary, and the depth of all sorts of relationships. They were each handled with care and passion while still questioning their place in our society and lives. Finlay did all of this but in a thriller genre and that is so incredibly impressive to me because this book was still THRILLING.
The twists and turns were fun and not easily guessable but plausible. My last thriller the “killer” wasn’t even a character mentioned and it was aggravating the lengths authours will go to to “trick” and keep the readers guessing. I started feeling the killer was a particular person and while right. I was still gasping in shock. There were still surprises I never saw coming but weren’t out of the blue and over the top ridiculous.
I feel like I could write a thesis on what this book does right and all the ways it avoids all the big misses of the genre. But instead I truly implore you to read it. I hope you get that feeling that I got while reading, that you are currently enjoying something with so much value and so much fun all at the same time.
Typically a good thriller is three or four stars but it’s incredibly rare to go for a full five, perfect in every way. You know that moment when you’re mid-reading and get that feeling that you’re reading a five star? I had that here and it doesn’t tend to happen in a thriller no matter how good or twisty it is. For reference, his last book, Parents Weekend, that was incredibly well received was a three star for me.
Now let’s get into why, and it was more than “just that feeling” but I don’t want to ignore that feeling either. All book readers know it and it doesn’t always happen so it’s important to sit in that joy of a perfect book, it suddenly hit me about half way through and carried over until the end. But it was so much more, and “more” is the word that continually pops up for me when thinking about this book, Finlay just does MORE than what you have to do to write this genre. The writing and prose were beautiful, accessible and also still deep enough to elicit thought and I learned new words which is always a plus for me. The plot was heavy while not being too triggering or graphic. The POV switches were strong and I was invested in both of them equally.
Thrillers as a genre tend to focus on very heavy topics of murder, sexual assault, and can very easily treat it in a glorifying way and Finlay was able to treat our characters with immense respect. There were some incredibly deep topics from war, depression, addiction, trauma, religious commentary, and the depth of all sorts of relationships. They were each handled with care and passion while still questioning their place in our society and lives. Finlay did all of this but in a thriller genre and that is so incredibly impressive to me because this book was still THRILLING.
The twists and turns were fun and not easily guessable but plausible. My last thriller the “killer” wasn’t even a character mentioned and it was aggravating the lengths authours will go to to “trick” and keep the readers guessing. I started feeling the killer was a particular person and while right. I was still gasping in shock. There were still surprises I never saw coming but weren’t out of the blue and over the top ridiculous.
I feel like I could write a thesis on what this book does right and all the ways it avoids all the big misses of the genre. But instead I truly implore you to read it. I hope you get that feeling that I got while reading, that you are currently enjoying something with so much value and so much fun all at the same time.
December 26, 2025
Im really into Alex Finlay books later, fast paced short chapters, multiple POV, multiple suspects, a mysterious case that slowly unravels and an ending where everything fits together perfectly. If you like suspense, twists and mystery - This book was a great read.
December 19, 2025
The Anniversary by Alex Finlay is a layered thriller about trauma, fate, and the long shadows that a single night can cast over two lives as they intersect year after year.
Snapshots of May 1st across a decade tracking two seventeen-year-olds whose worlds are irrevocably altered by violence. Quinn Riley, “a boy from the wrong side of the tracks,” finds himself in juvenile detention and then back home to grapple with his mother’s unsolved murder, while Jules Delaney, once high school royalty, survives an attack by the May Day Killer but carries deep survivor guilt. The annual revisits give such a rhythmic beat to their evolving emotional landscapes and the overarching mystery of the serial predator lurking just out of reach.
What struck me most was how Finlay balances high tension with real heart, weaving themes of innocence lost and resilience into what could have been a purely procedural plot. This story is not just about uncovering a killer but about the way trauma and hope can coexist in flawed, compelling characters. The emotional weight of Jules’s lingering question about why she survived and Quinn’s relentless pursuit of truth made me feel connected to their journeys.
Snapshots of May 1st across a decade tracking two seventeen-year-olds whose worlds are irrevocably altered by violence. Quinn Riley, “a boy from the wrong side of the tracks,” finds himself in juvenile detention and then back home to grapple with his mother’s unsolved murder, while Jules Delaney, once high school royalty, survives an attack by the May Day Killer but carries deep survivor guilt. The annual revisits give such a rhythmic beat to their evolving emotional landscapes and the overarching mystery of the serial predator lurking just out of reach.
What struck me most was how Finlay balances high tension with real heart, weaving themes of innocence lost and resilience into what could have been a purely procedural plot. This story is not just about uncovering a killer but about the way trauma and hope can coexist in flawed, compelling characters. The emotional weight of Jules’s lingering question about why she survived and Quinn’s relentless pursuit of truth made me feel connected to their journeys.
January 10, 2026
Did Alex Finlay just make me tear up? Yes he did. This book was everything I was looking for. The story was so compelling and following along with Jules and Quinn’s relationship made it extra addicting. The serial killer in this story was hidden well, I did not expect what was coming. I loved the quotes from authors that are spread throughout the book. This is the most emotionally invested I’ve ever been with a Finlay book. He just absolutely nailed it!
Thank you to Alex Finlay and NetGalley for this arc!!
Thank you to Alex Finlay and NetGalley for this arc!!
January 13, 2026
AF got me legitimately scared that I wouldn't be getting my HEA, so I'm not gonna complain about the plot twists because I don't know about what he's capable of next time.
So, one of my favourite authors is back with another terrific reading, and he didn't disappoint.
I'm getting the hang of his MO since the first time I opened one of his novels but, predictability aside, I’m always excited for his intricate, fast-paced, reading-in-one-sitting stories waiting on my shelves.
↠ 3.8 stars
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
So, one of my favourite authors is back with another terrific reading, and he didn't disappoint.
I'm getting the hang of his MO since the first time I opened one of his novels but, predictability aside, I’m always excited for his intricate, fast-paced, reading-in-one-sitting stories waiting on my shelves.
↠ 3.8 stars
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
January 1, 2026
Alex Finlay is an auto read author for me and this one didn’t disappoint! Taking place over a decade, the May Day killer who abducts women on May 1st is still out there and the hunt for him continues.
The story is told from Quinn’s perspective as well as Jules who were acquainted in high school and whose paths continue to intersect. This was a story that will keep you on your toes never quite knowing who the killer is! A solid read from Alex Finlay!
The story is told from Quinn’s perspective as well as Jules who were acquainted in high school and whose paths continue to intersect. This was a story that will keep you on your toes never quite knowing who the killer is! A solid read from Alex Finlay!
January 30, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the gifted ARC.
I'm a longtime fan of Alex Finlay and was so excited to get the opportunity to read this one early! This was the epitome of a popcorn thriller; I binged almost all of it in one sitting. It was fast-paced, and the dual POVs were perfect for keeping the momentum going. I was completely invested in figuring out who the May Day Killer was, and while I did guess a few of the twists, the ending was still absolutely jaw-dropping.
I loved both Quinn and Jules; they were so flawed and felt so real. This story wasn’t just about solving the mystery; it was also about them. I really enjoyed the way the book explored the loss of innocence and how one moment can change everything. They both carried so much trauma, and my heart genuinely broke for them, but I loved that there was still hope woven throughout. Watching two broken people find connection and light in their own ways was just so beautiful, and not at all what I was expecting when I picked up this thriller.
I'm a longtime fan of Alex Finlay and was so excited to get the opportunity to read this one early! This was the epitome of a popcorn thriller; I binged almost all of it in one sitting. It was fast-paced, and the dual POVs were perfect for keeping the momentum going. I was completely invested in figuring out who the May Day Killer was, and while I did guess a few of the twists, the ending was still absolutely jaw-dropping.
I loved both Quinn and Jules; they were so flawed and felt so real. This story wasn’t just about solving the mystery; it was also about them. I really enjoyed the way the book explored the loss of innocence and how one moment can change everything. They both carried so much trauma, and my heart genuinely broke for them, but I loved that there was still hope woven throughout. Watching two broken people find connection and light in their own ways was just so beautiful, and not at all what I was expecting when I picked up this thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
NetGalley read: We follow Jules and Quinn and you can't help but root for them instantly as they both fly and suffer through life with different levels of luck and upbringing. Their lives run parallel for so long, until fate and the mysterious may day killer brings them together year after year and this story has you wondering "why" up till the very end.
I absolutely loved the story style, growing up with Jules and Quinn each year for a decade and following their hardships. It felt like All the colors of the dark vibes with Alex Finlays classic thriller twists. A surprisingly dark and emotional read that gave such a satisfying ending!
I absolutely loved the story style, growing up with Jules and Quinn each year for a decade and following their hardships. It felt like All the colors of the dark vibes with Alex Finlays classic thriller twists. A surprisingly dark and emotional read that gave such a satisfying ending!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It may only be January, but I am already saying this is going to be a favorite of 2026 for me!
December 28, 2025
*4.5 stars ✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I finished this book in one sitting. It was an easy, fast and satisfying read.
From the very beginning, the connection between Quinn and Jules pulled me in. On May 1st, 1992, their lives are changed forever in completely different places and circumstances, and at first it feels almost like a strange coincidence. But as the years pass, that date keeps resurfacing in both of their lives, trauma and unanswered questions.
What I really enjoyed is how the story unfolds over time. Even when Quinn and Jules are apart, their paths feel subtly tethered and when they finally come together again, it feels earned rather than convenient. The investigation into the May Day Killer is gripping, but the book isn’t just about catching a serial killer, it’s also about much deeper themes: grief, guilt, survival and how certain moments can define the rest of your life.
There’s a lot happening here, but it never felt overwhelming or messy. The pacing is tight and the mystery kept me engaged the entire way through. I was invested not only in the answers, but in Quinn and Jules themselves.
A really strong, compelling read that kept me turning pages without effort.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
From the very beginning, the connection between Quinn and Jules pulled me in. On May 1st, 1992, their lives are changed forever in completely different places and circumstances, and at first it feels almost like a strange coincidence. But as the years pass, that date keeps resurfacing in both of their lives, trauma and unanswered questions.
What I really enjoyed is how the story unfolds over time. Even when Quinn and Jules are apart, their paths feel subtly tethered and when they finally come together again, it feels earned rather than convenient. The investigation into the May Day Killer is gripping, but the book isn’t just about catching a serial killer, it’s also about much deeper themes: grief, guilt, survival and how certain moments can define the rest of your life.
There’s a lot happening here, but it never felt overwhelming or messy. The pacing is tight and the mystery kept me engaged the entire way through. I was invested not only in the answers, but in Quinn and Jules themselves.
A really strong, compelling read that kept me turning pages without effort.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
January 16, 2026
The Anniversary
By Alex Finlay
Release Date 05/12/2026
Alex Finlay's latest release follows Quinn Riley, a caring boy from a tough background, and Jules Delaney, a confident high school star. Their lives collide on Quinn's birthday, marking a pivotal change. Quinn's life is shattered when his mother is murdered, and his brother is sent away. He finds what he believes is the murder weapon, sparking a relentless hunt for answers. Jules, rising to fame as a model, is approached by an FBI agent to help find the May 1st Killer.
Over ten years, both chase their own truths—Quinn seeking his mother's killer, Jules uncovering the killer's identity.
Their paths intersect, revealing the killer could be closer than they think. It's a fast-paced, addictive story full of surprises.
Take me back to the 90s!!! I loved that this book started in 1992, the same year I began High School - best decade ever 👏👏
Alex Finlay's track record doesn't include a bad book.
Highly recommend you add this to your TBR.
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟ＳＴＡＲＳ
#alexfinlay #minotaurbooks #theanniversary
January 18, 2026
Alex Finlay has done it again my friends!
When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down, I mean I read through playoff football, dinner and basically all responsibilities.
Every year on May 1st, girls mysteriously vanish. Some are never found, some are found dead and some are “lucky” - spared by the May Day Killer. For those survivors, living in constant fear and grappling with survivor’s guilt could feel like the cruelest fate of all.
The Anniversary spans over a decade, focusing on the annual events of May 1st. We follow Jules and Quinn, friends from high school, both dealing with trauma from the past. Their lives are connected in more ways than one and they always seem to reconnect as the years pass.
When a group of May Day Killer survivors team up with law enforcement to determine how they could be connected, and how to make sure they aren’t targeted again, the tension escalates in a way that had me flying through the pages.
Can they figure out who’s hunting them before it’s too late? Guess you’ll have to wait until May to find out 🫣
When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down, I mean I read through playoff football, dinner and basically all responsibilities.
Every year on May 1st, girls mysteriously vanish. Some are never found, some are found dead and some are “lucky” - spared by the May Day Killer. For those survivors, living in constant fear and grappling with survivor’s guilt could feel like the cruelest fate of all.
The Anniversary spans over a decade, focusing on the annual events of May 1st. We follow Jules and Quinn, friends from high school, both dealing with trauma from the past. Their lives are connected in more ways than one and they always seem to reconnect as the years pass.
When a group of May Day Killer survivors team up with law enforcement to determine how they could be connected, and how to make sure they aren’t targeted again, the tension escalates in a way that had me flying through the pages.
Can they figure out who’s hunting them before it’s too late? Guess you’ll have to wait until May to find out 🫣
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
THIS BOOK DESERVES 10 STARS!!!
When this book releases RUN dont walk to get it immediately if you love to read mystery/thriller. I honestly feel speechless at how incredibly written this book is.
Alex Finlay has truly written a masterpiece. A book that keeps you on the edge of your seat the ENTIRE book. It just kept getting more suspenseful when I didnt think it could get any more intense.
The short chapters and back and forth perspectives make it an easy read and the fast pace of constant suspense and intense situations had me finishing this book in a day.
The plot is heavy, traumatic and heartbreaking, but through all of that Alex Finlay was still able to beautifully capture the main characters Quinn and Jules and somehow tell their story and connection without it seeming unrealistic or cheesy.
Standing O from me on this one!
Thanks for allowing me to be an advanced reader.
When this book releases RUN dont walk to get it immediately if you love to read mystery/thriller. I honestly feel speechless at how incredibly written this book is.
Alex Finlay has truly written a masterpiece. A book that keeps you on the edge of your seat the ENTIRE book. It just kept getting more suspenseful when I didnt think it could get any more intense.
The short chapters and back and forth perspectives make it an easy read and the fast pace of constant suspense and intense situations had me finishing this book in a day.
The plot is heavy, traumatic and heartbreaking, but through all of that Alex Finlay was still able to beautifully capture the main characters Quinn and Jules and somehow tell their story and connection without it seeming unrealistic or cheesy.
Standing O from me on this one!
Thanks for allowing me to be an advanced reader.
January 14, 2026
4.5/5
This book was so good. I couldn’t put it down. Told in different POV’s Jules and Quinn throughout the years. The twists and turns were excellent. I didn’t see the last one coming.
Definitely worth the read!!!!! One of the best thrillers I’ve read in a while.
This book was so good. I couldn’t put it down. Told in different POV’s Jules and Quinn throughout the years. The twists and turns were excellent. I didn’t see the last one coming.
Definitely worth the read!!!!! One of the best thrillers I’ve read in a while.
January 23, 2026
HOLY COW, guys, HOLY COW. It’s only January, but I am almost positive that Alex Finlay’s new book, The Anniversary, is going to be one of the best books I read this year. It’s May 1, 1992, and Jules and Quinn are unlikely study hall friends living in Nebraska, where a serial killer chooses a new young female victim every May Day. The book follows both Quinn and Jules across continents and across Nebraska over the next 19 years, only covering the events of each May Day as they work to find the serial killer and bring justice to the victims. It’s INSANELY good - I binged it in one day and stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it because I knew I would just keep thinking about it. Eve though I a Nebraskan by choice and not by birth, I’m still a sucker for books set here, especially when they mention places I know. Five stars isn’t enough, people.
A million thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in return for an honest review! #sponsored
A million thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in return for an honest review! #sponsored
November 30, 2025
This was a solid and unputdownable mystery. I even teared up at a couple points which is something I never do with books like this. Finlay has managed to play with the reader’s emotions in the best way and lead them on a wild goose chase to find the killer. I rarely enjoy books with multiple timelines, but this book flows so smoothly I didn’t get lost once.
A serial killer that abducts and kills women only on May 1st, a victim who survived, and a boy who is determined to solve his mother’s murder. Sounds like a lot to tackle in less than 400 pages but it interconnects so perfectly that I was amazed I didn’t get sidetracked and lost.
If you want a book that is easy to follow, unputdownable, and flows together into an anxiety riddled and at times heart wrenching story, this one is for you.
A serial killer that abducts and kills women only on May 1st, a victim who survived, and a boy who is determined to solve his mother’s murder. Sounds like a lot to tackle in less than 400 pages but it interconnects so perfectly that I was amazed I didn’t get sidetracked and lost.
If you want a book that is easy to follow, unputdownable, and flows together into an anxiety riddled and at times heart wrenching story, this one is for you.
January 18, 2026
This felt really drawn out for me. I kept waiting for the story to tighten up or surprise me, and it just never did. The structure of revisiting the same day every year had potential, but instead it gave the book a lot of filler that didn’t add much to the mystery.
I figured out both twists pretty early on, which normally wouldn’t bother me if there were better red herrings or misdirection along the way. Instead, the pacing dragged while the story circled the same moments over and over, giving the reader plenty of time to figure out what’s happening.
Quinn was the most enjoyable part of the book, but even that wasn’t enough to balance how neatly and conveniently everything eventually comes together. The resolution felt a little far fetched and too perfectly wrapped up for my taste.
This wasn’t terrible, but it felt longer than it needed to be, especially once the main threads became clear. Readers who enjoy slower, character focused thrillers may get more out of this than I did.
I figured out both twists pretty early on, which normally wouldn’t bother me if there were better red herrings or misdirection along the way. Instead, the pacing dragged while the story circled the same moments over and over, giving the reader plenty of time to figure out what’s happening.
Quinn was the most enjoyable part of the book, but even that wasn’t enough to balance how neatly and conveniently everything eventually comes together. The resolution felt a little far fetched and too perfectly wrapped up for my taste.
This wasn’t terrible, but it felt longer than it needed to be, especially once the main threads became clear. Readers who enjoy slower, character focused thrillers may get more out of this than I did.
January 22, 2026
I have read every one of this author’s books, each one different than the one before. I love the twisty unraveling way in which the story is spun. With multiple points of views and twists within twists. When I thought it was over…bam another twist out of nowhere and I loved every minute of it!
January 30, 2026
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I loved the characters so much and cannot believe how heartbreaking and emotional the story was. It was my first Alex Finlay novel and most certainly will certainly not be my last.
In 1992, Jules Delaney and Quinn Riley are what you might consider unlikely friends. Jules is the most popular girl in high school, surrounded by her friends and her boyfriend. Quinn prefers the company of books, and is constantly picked on by everyone at school except Jules. On May 1, tragedy strikes and changes the courses of their lives forever.
This novel spans 10 years, following Jules and Quinn every May 1—Quinn’s birthday and what Jules calls her Death Day. Jules is learning how to survive after escaping the notorious May Day Killer, who is still on the loose. Quinn is trying to manage life following the murder of his mother and his release from juvie. The chapters alternate POVs between Jules and Quinn. As the story goes on, their lives continue to cross paths, always connected by the devastating events that occurred in 1992.
The storytelling is excellent and the short chapters pull you right in and keep you captivated the entire time. There is so much depth to these characters and I found myself completely emotionally invested in their lives. I was in tears multiple times throughout the book, which is not a norm for thrillers. There were so many twists along the way that I did not see coming and I was definitely surprised by the ending.
I loved this book so much that I wish I could read it again for the first time. I will be recommending it to everyone I know and cannot wait to read more of Finlay’s books.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In 1992, Jules Delaney and Quinn Riley are what you might consider unlikely friends. Jules is the most popular girl in high school, surrounded by her friends and her boyfriend. Quinn prefers the company of books, and is constantly picked on by everyone at school except Jules. On May 1, tragedy strikes and changes the courses of their lives forever.
This novel spans 10 years, following Jules and Quinn every May 1—Quinn’s birthday and what Jules calls her Death Day. Jules is learning how to survive after escaping the notorious May Day Killer, who is still on the loose. Quinn is trying to manage life following the murder of his mother and his release from juvie. The chapters alternate POVs between Jules and Quinn. As the story goes on, their lives continue to cross paths, always connected by the devastating events that occurred in 1992.
The storytelling is excellent and the short chapters pull you right in and keep you captivated the entire time. There is so much depth to these characters and I found myself completely emotionally invested in their lives. I was in tears multiple times throughout the book, which is not a norm for thrillers. There were so many twists along the way that I did not see coming and I was definitely surprised by the ending.
I loved this book so much that I wish I could read it again for the first time. I will be recommending it to everyone I know and cannot wait to read more of Finlay’s books.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book.
Let me stay by saying, if you’re looking for a lighthearted read, this is not it. This book should come with some trigger warnings (rape/assault), a box of tissues, and maybe some chocolate to counteract the sadness.
However - I loved it.
In the depths of the Great Plains, a serial killer strikes every year on May 1. At the same time, Quinn (quintessential 90s quiet, sensitive guy) and Jules (cheerleader with a soul) are finishing high school and thrust quickly into adulthood by traumatic events.
The story brilliantly weaves through the years, with characters crossing and uncrossing paths as one tragedy after another strikes them. Underneath it all, the May Day killer is still at large, capturing women every year like clockwork. The author drops little clues here and there of who the killer might be, while also including tidbits of 90s pop culture that will delight anyone who lived through the era.
While this is an intensely melancholy story, there is far more to it than the search for a serial killer. Beneath the tragedy is an endless quest for joy and companionship in what can be an absolutely ruthless life.
Let me stay by saying, if you’re looking for a lighthearted read, this is not it. This book should come with some trigger warnings (rape/assault), a box of tissues, and maybe some chocolate to counteract the sadness.
However - I loved it.
In the depths of the Great Plains, a serial killer strikes every year on May 1. At the same time, Quinn (quintessential 90s quiet, sensitive guy) and Jules (cheerleader with a soul) are finishing high school and thrust quickly into adulthood by traumatic events.
The story brilliantly weaves through the years, with characters crossing and uncrossing paths as one tragedy after another strikes them. Underneath it all, the May Day killer is still at large, capturing women every year like clockwork. The author drops little clues here and there of who the killer might be, while also including tidbits of 90s pop culture that will delight anyone who lived through the era.
While this is an intensely melancholy story, there is far more to it than the search for a serial killer. Beneath the tragedy is an endless quest for joy and companionship in what can be an absolutely ruthless life.
February 3, 2026
The Anniversary by Alex Finlay takes place in a small midwestern town where a serial killer known as the May Day Killer strikes every year on May 1st. Our story follows Jules Delaney and Quinn Riley starting as teenagers in 1992. The story is told only through May 1sts, jumping from year to year all the way up until 2011. The storytelling seemed abrupt and like every year, we were being told things that happened over the year instead of being shown. There were such huge life changes and events that we didn’t see over the years that were just dropped in one line. It made it hard to be connected to the characters and story or to see any growth in them. It felt more like a gimmick than an effective way to tell a story. The story also felt very surface level because of this and I didn’t feel invested at all. The first 200ish pages felt very much like a rough draft or outline of a story. I was disappointed because I really have enjoyed Alex Finlay’s work in the past, but this fell so flat for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review. The Anniversary is available May 12th, 2026.
Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review. The Anniversary is available May 12th, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
May 1st. The day everyone in the Midwest has come to hate. It’s the day a notorious serial killer hunts his prey!
Let’s go back to 1992, when the paths of two high school kids cross for the first time.
Jules: A victim of the anniversary killer, her life was spared, but why?
Quinn: Has the unfortunate coincidence of his birthday falling on May 1st.
As the years tick by and the anniversary approaches, we peer into the lives of these two characters, as they move forward and paths cross. With the fear of the killer never far behind.
This was a fast and engaging thriller. I enjoyed both characters equally and the figure-eight pattern of their lives took that kept them coming back into each other.
The nostalgia of the 90’s was a nice backdrop as well.
I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read by this author and this one is right up there as one of his top!🙌
✍️ Alex Finlay
📄336 pages
🗓️ Anticipated release date: May 12, 2026
📈 4/5🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Thriller, suspense
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press / Minotaur Books
Let’s go back to 1992, when the paths of two high school kids cross for the first time.
Jules: A victim of the anniversary killer, her life was spared, but why?
Quinn: Has the unfortunate coincidence of his birthday falling on May 1st.
As the years tick by and the anniversary approaches, we peer into the lives of these two characters, as they move forward and paths cross. With the fear of the killer never far behind.
This was a fast and engaging thriller. I enjoyed both characters equally and the figure-eight pattern of their lives took that kept them coming back into each other.
The nostalgia of the 90’s was a nice backdrop as well.
I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read by this author and this one is right up there as one of his top!🙌
✍️ Alex Finlay
📄336 pages
🗓️ Anticipated release date: May 12, 2026
📈 4/5🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Thriller, suspense
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press / Minotaur Books
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