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The Anniversary
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From the national bestselling author of Parents Weekend, comes one of the most anticipated thrillers of the year.
"Everything I want in a thriller!”―Ashley Elston
"I could not put it down!”―Angie Kim
"Nonstop twists!"—Jason Rekulak
“A master of his craft.”―Jeneva Rose
Every May 1st, a serial killer stalks a small town. Every year he comes for them . . .
On May 1, 1992, Jules Delaney and Quinn Riley hardly know each other.
Jules is high school queen bee in a small Midwestern town when she survives a brutal attack by the elusive May Day Killer—a predator who strikes every May 1st and then vanishes without a trace. Quinn, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, is arrested the same night after trying to break up a fight and nearly killing someone.
By morning, their lives are forever connected.
A year later, Jules is haunted by trauma and guilt, tormented by one Why was she spared? Quinn is newly released from juvenile detention and returns home to devastating news—the unsolved murder of his mother.
Over the next decade, their lives are revisited on a single day each May 1st.
As the years pass, secrets surface, lies unravel, and the paths of Jules and Quinn draw closer together. Two mysteries edge toward the truth—what really happened the night Jules was attacked, and who murdered Quinn’s mother? All the while, the May Day Killer is still out there.
And the clock is racing toward another anniversary.
Twisty, high-concept, and emotionally charged, The Anniversary is an addictive murder mystery and nail-biting thriller—but it’s also a tender, heartrending story about fate, innocence lost, and two people bound by a single day. With its masterful structure and propulsive tension, The Anniversary reaffirms Alex Finlay as one of the leading thriller writers today.
"Everything I want in a thriller!”―Ashley Elston
"I could not put it down!”―Angie Kim
"Nonstop twists!"—Jason Rekulak
“A master of his craft.”―Jeneva Rose
Every May 1st, a serial killer stalks a small town. Every year he comes for them . . .
On May 1, 1992, Jules Delaney and Quinn Riley hardly know each other.
Jules is high school queen bee in a small Midwestern town when she survives a brutal attack by the elusive May Day Killer—a predator who strikes every May 1st and then vanishes without a trace. Quinn, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, is arrested the same night after trying to break up a fight and nearly killing someone.
By morning, their lives are forever connected.
A year later, Jules is haunted by trauma and guilt, tormented by one Why was she spared? Quinn is newly released from juvenile detention and returns home to devastating news—the unsolved murder of his mother.
Over the next decade, their lives are revisited on a single day each May 1st.
As the years pass, secrets surface, lies unravel, and the paths of Jules and Quinn draw closer together. Two mysteries edge toward the truth—what really happened the night Jules was attacked, and who murdered Quinn’s mother? All the while, the May Day Killer is still out there.
And the clock is racing toward another anniversary.
Twisty, high-concept, and emotionally charged, The Anniversary is an addictive murder mystery and nail-biting thriller—but it’s also a tender, heartrending story about fate, innocence lost, and two people bound by a single day. With its masterful structure and propulsive tension, The Anniversary reaffirms Alex Finlay as one of the leading thriller writers today.
Audible Audio
Expected publication May 12, 2026
46749 people want to read
About the author
Alex Finlay
18 books5,520 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 947 reviews
March 28, 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:
medium blog
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!
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
February 23, 2026
A fast-paced mystery that will keep you turning those pages until the very last one.
Quinn and Jules strike up an unlikely friendship during study hall. She’s super popular, and he’s not so much. There is one thing that they can agree upon, and that is the concert that is upcoming on May 1. Jules is hoping Quinn will be there, and vice versa, even though she has a boyfriend. However, things don’t go as planned, and what happens sets off a series of events that are highlighted through the next 10 years on May 1. Why is May 1 so important? There is a killer that strikes on that date every year, and the police have no leads.
The fact that the story unfolded on the same day each year made it easy to not get bogged down in the details. You got a glimpse as to what our two MC’s were doing and how they were consistently zigzagging into each other’s paths. That is something that really worked for me. Where it became a bit of a negative was by doing a glimpse each year, you didn’t get the depth of the characters besides their role in the novel… which isn’t necessarily needed as they serve their purpose. The ending was a bit predictable, but I liked how it all tied up.
This was definitely a step up from last year’s Parents Weekend and went more the route of his earlier novels. Plenty of 90s nostalgia and good old-fashioned serial killer mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Quinn and Jules strike up an unlikely friendship during study hall. She’s super popular, and he’s not so much. There is one thing that they can agree upon, and that is the concert that is upcoming on May 1. Jules is hoping Quinn will be there, and vice versa, even though she has a boyfriend. However, things don’t go as planned, and what happens sets off a series of events that are highlighted through the next 10 years on May 1. Why is May 1 so important? There is a killer that strikes on that date every year, and the police have no leads.
The fact that the story unfolded on the same day each year made it easy to not get bogged down in the details. You got a glimpse as to what our two MC’s were doing and how they were consistently zigzagging into each other’s paths. That is something that really worked for me. Where it became a bit of a negative was by doing a glimpse each year, you didn’t get the depth of the characters besides their role in the novel… which isn’t necessarily needed as they serve their purpose. The ending was a bit predictable, but I liked how it all tied up.
This was definitely a step up from last year’s Parents Weekend and went more the route of his earlier novels. Plenty of 90s nostalgia and good old-fashioned serial killer mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
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.
March 18, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC. It was fast paced at the end, but the wrap-up didn’t fully land for me. The story was just too cliche and formulaic for me to fully enjoy.
March 14, 2026
Loved it! Then again, I usually do when it comes to a book written by Alex Finlay. Serial killer. Someone convicted of a crime they shouldn't have been. Unrequited love, but secretly requited and taking a long time to come to life. Tension. Set in a few decades back and more current. So many arcs to enjoy. Got lost in the story and kept turning the pages (on my kindle, that is) to solve the hidden mysteries. For me, it was less about who the killer was and more about who would be a victim. A twist at the end (didn't like that part). But a really immersive story and shows by Finlay is top in the genre.
February 22, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
A handful of tragic events happen in the first quarter of this book, which gave it kind of a depressing beginning, but I trust Alex Finlay’s skills as an author and knew that he knew what he was doing.
I was definitely right in making that assumption.
Once I got to about the 30% mark I couldn’t put it down.
This was different from Parent’s Weekend, more mystery than thriller, but it was so good that I finished it in one day.
It’s a book where we’re dealing with serial killers, so there will be some dark parts.
But I just had to keep reading to see what happens next, trying to solve the mystery.
Although there are only two MCs, you are introduced to A LOT of people throughout the book.
They are all pretty different, so it wasn’t really difficult to keep up with all of them.
As you get close to the end a big surprise about one of the characters is revealed, and I definitely didn’t see that one coming!
I also love any book that takes me back to the 90’s.
Sometimes it nice to read something that makes no mention of texting, social media, and where people made sure to have quarters on them to use pay phones.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for giving me an eARC to review!
Pub Date: May 12, 2026
A handful of tragic events happen in the first quarter of this book, which gave it kind of a depressing beginning, but I trust Alex Finlay’s skills as an author and knew that he knew what he was doing.
I was definitely right in making that assumption.
Once I got to about the 30% mark I couldn’t put it down.
This was different from Parent’s Weekend, more mystery than thriller, but it was so good that I finished it in one day.
It’s a book where we’re dealing with serial killers, so there will be some dark parts.
But I just had to keep reading to see what happens next, trying to solve the mystery.
Although there are only two MCs, you are introduced to A LOT of people throughout the book.
They are all pretty different, so it wasn’t really difficult to keep up with all of them.
As you get close to the end a big surprise about one of the characters is revealed, and I definitely didn’t see that one coming!
I also love any book that takes me back to the 90’s.
Sometimes it nice to read something that makes no mention of texting, social media, and where people made sure to have quarters on them to use pay phones.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for giving me an eARC to review!
Pub Date: May 12, 2026
February 15, 2026
Alex Finlay has been a must read author since his debut: Every Last Fear. I loved his first two books then felt the last three slipped slightly. This book ranks up there with his best for me. I loved all aspects of it: cover, title, characters, and plot. It was a masterful page turner that built to an ending that was top notch. He writes in a less is more manner with perfect sized chapters that entices the reader to start the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2026
Trauma can and does remain with you for the rest of your life. For both Jules Delaney, attacked by the infamous May Day killer, and Quinn Riley who killed someone while intervening in a fight, this was the day their lives so changed. Forever more, this is the day that will bring back memories that are both terrifying and sad.
Quinn is sent to a juvenile center and after he is released he has to deal with the murder of his mother and the care of his disabled brother.
Jules becomes a fashion model traveling the world, but ever haunted by the question of why the May Day killer let her go.
Returning home after years away both Jules and Quinn's paths cross as they continue to wonder and search for the person who sent their lives spiraling. Details of the killer emerge and each year he steals another woman and she vanishes.
The story did get a tad convoluted but overall I found it interesting as I had a number of guesses as to who the killer was.
It was a sad telling since here were two souls who seemed to be never at rest because of the paths this serial killer placed them on.
Quinn is sent to a juvenile center and after he is released he has to deal with the murder of his mother and the care of his disabled brother.
Jules becomes a fashion model traveling the world, but ever haunted by the question of why the May Day killer let her go.
Returning home after years away both Jules and Quinn's paths cross as they continue to wonder and search for the person who sent their lives spiraling. Details of the killer emerge and each year he steals another woman and she vanishes.
The story did get a tad convoluted but overall I found it interesting as I had a number of guesses as to who the killer was.
It was a sad telling since here were two souls who seemed to be never at rest because of the paths this serial killer placed them on.
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.
April 1, 2026
THE ANNIVERSARY
By Alex Finlay
Narrated by Ari Fliakos; Brittany Pressley
A night in 1992 changes the lives of seventeen-year-olds Quinn and Jules forever, intertwining their futures in unexpected ways. A serial killer strikes every May 1st, and the story unfolds over the course of a decade, revisiting their lives on that same date each year. As time passes, secrets slowly unravel and their paths begin to converge.
I’ve read other books by Alex Finlay and have enjoyed them more than The Anniversary. This leans more toward a suspense/crime story than a fast-paced thriller. I never fully connected with the characters, and I think the structure—checking in only on May 1st each year—made it harder for them to feel fully developed.
The story started strong but quickly slowed for me, only picking back up near the end. At times, it felt more like a YA read, and some of the dialogue came across as a bit awkward.
The narrators did a solid job bringing the story to life, but it wasn’t quite enough to fully engage me. I alternated between reading and listening, which was a nice experience overall.
If you’re a die-hard Alex Finlay fan, you may enjoy this more than I did. I’d also recommend checking out other reviews, as many readers have really liked it.
I will definitely continue reading this author’s future books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC, and Goodreads for the ARC
By Alex Finlay
Narrated by Ari Fliakos; Brittany Pressley
A night in 1992 changes the lives of seventeen-year-olds Quinn and Jules forever, intertwining their futures in unexpected ways. A serial killer strikes every May 1st, and the story unfolds over the course of a decade, revisiting their lives on that same date each year. As time passes, secrets slowly unravel and their paths begin to converge.
I’ve read other books by Alex Finlay and have enjoyed them more than The Anniversary. This leans more toward a suspense/crime story than a fast-paced thriller. I never fully connected with the characters, and I think the structure—checking in only on May 1st each year—made it harder for them to feel fully developed.
The story started strong but quickly slowed for me, only picking back up near the end. At times, it felt more like a YA read, and some of the dialogue came across as a bit awkward.
The narrators did a solid job bringing the story to life, but it wasn’t quite enough to fully engage me. I alternated between reading and listening, which was a nice experience overall.
If you’re a die-hard Alex Finlay fan, you may enjoy this more than I did. I’d also recommend checking out other reviews, as many readers have really liked it.
I will definitely continue reading this author’s future books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC, and Goodreads for the ARC
March 30, 2026
Absolutely everything I could want in a thriller. Multiple POV, the timeline moves along every year which gives such a great authenticity and fullness to the story, and so many suspects that I didn’t know where we were headed until the last page. I adored our main characters. The concept was original and held my interest. Couldn’t put this one down. Highly recommend!
thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
February 25, 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.
March 14, 2026
The Anniversary by Alex Finley was an engaging thriller with a plot that kept me interested from start to finish. I really enjoyed the storyline and the way the book followed the perspectives of Jules and Quinn. Learning more about their stories and how everything slowly connected made the mystery unfold in a compelling way.
What made this audiobook especially enjoyable was the narration by Brittany Pressley. She did an incredible job bringing the characters and tension in the story to life. Her performance added so much emotion and personality to the dialogue that it made the listening experience even better.
Overall, this was a well-paced thriller with an interesting plot and strong characters. While there were moments where I wished a few parts had been explored a little deeper, the story was still very entertaining. Brittany Pressley’s narration truly elevated the experience and made it hard to stop listening. A solid 4-star read/listen for me.
What made this audiobook especially enjoyable was the narration by Brittany Pressley. She did an incredible job bringing the characters and tension in the story to life. Her performance added so much emotion and personality to the dialogue that it made the listening experience even better.
Overall, this was a well-paced thriller with an interesting plot and strong characters. While there were moments where I wished a few parts had been explored a little deeper, the story was still very entertaining. Brittany Pressley’s narration truly elevated the experience and made it hard to stop listening. A solid 4-star read/listen for me.
March 17, 2026
Thoughts upon immediately finishing: holy buckets of broccoli and fields of jumping frogs. I was starting to get nervous I wouldn’t like how this concluded. But I loved the ending.
I don’t have time for a full review right now, I have an appointment soon, which is why I increased the speed this morning. I wanted to make sure I finished the book before my appointment.
This book wasn’t quite what I thought it would be, but once i adjusted to that, I really got into it. You can read the blurbs provided to read about the May Day killer and other people’s wonderful reviews on this book for a summary. (And yes, as I stated in a progress update, I knew it! At least part of it. And yeah, maybe I was overly proud of myself for that for a few minutes.)
What I want to talk about is the feelings. I don’t always like when books make me feel so much and I am not sure why this is an exception to that. But it was. There was so much pain and heartbreak, trauma and loss, in the stories of Quinn and Jules. SO MUCH. How they worked through that. How they each managed to continue on and become really incredible people. How they turned their traumas into helping others. It reached a place inside of me where I felt a sense of pride for these characters. Proud of what they overcame and accomplished. Like I said, I don’t always like stories that make me feel, I am more of a let’s follow the clues and solve the mystery and stay a little detached. Because I am someone who feels too much in real life and that can carry over into books and then get mixed together and well now I am rambling. The way the author wrote these stories and the way the narrators fabulously brought this story to me, it was the right combination of whatever it is needed to make it okay for me to feel a little bit more than I like to.
My alarm just went off telling me it’s time to get ready to go. I am sure by the time I get home some of my thoughts will have left me so I may not add much more. But the above paragraphs are probably sufficient enough even though they didn’t talk much about what the book is actually about.
9/10: 4.5⭐️’s rounded up to 5⭐️’s.
Rating and thoughts posted immediately after finishing ☝️: 3/17/26
————————————-
After appt: 👇
I think I am going to leave it where it is at for now. Much too tired to think now. Other than I might have a bit of a crush on the male narrators voice. Can you have a crush on a voice?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
Expected publication date: May 12, 2026
After appt posted: about an hour later on 3/17/26
I don’t have time for a full review right now, I have an appointment soon, which is why I increased the speed this morning. I wanted to make sure I finished the book before my appointment.
This book wasn’t quite what I thought it would be, but once i adjusted to that, I really got into it. You can read the blurbs provided to read about the May Day killer and other people’s wonderful reviews on this book for a summary. (And yes, as I stated in a progress update, I knew it! At least part of it. And yeah, maybe I was overly proud of myself for that for a few minutes.)
What I want to talk about is the feelings. I don’t always like when books make me feel so much and I am not sure why this is an exception to that. But it was. There was so much pain and heartbreak, trauma and loss, in the stories of Quinn and Jules. SO MUCH. How they worked through that. How they each managed to continue on and become really incredible people. How they turned their traumas into helping others. It reached a place inside of me where I felt a sense of pride for these characters. Proud of what they overcame and accomplished. Like I said, I don’t always like stories that make me feel, I am more of a let’s follow the clues and solve the mystery and stay a little detached. Because I am someone who feels too much in real life and that can carry over into books and then get mixed together and well now I am rambling. The way the author wrote these stories and the way the narrators fabulously brought this story to me, it was the right combination of whatever it is needed to make it okay for me to feel a little bit more than I like to.
My alarm just went off telling me it’s time to get ready to go. I am sure by the time I get home some of my thoughts will have left me so I may not add much more. But the above paragraphs are probably sufficient enough even though they didn’t talk much about what the book is actually about.
9/10: 4.5⭐️’s rounded up to 5⭐️’s.
Rating and thoughts posted immediately after finishing ☝️: 3/17/26
————————————-
After appt: 👇
I think I am going to leave it where it is at for now. Much too tired to think now. Other than I might have a bit of a crush on the male narrators voice. Can you have a crush on a voice?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
Expected publication date: May 12, 2026
After appt posted: about an hour later on 3/17/26
March 30, 2026
I’ve read [almost] everything this man has written and I can confidently say this is his best book yet. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would because wow, just wow.
This book is so fast paced and I loved the short chapters - I was HOOKED. The format of this book was great - the dual POV was done so well and I enjoyed how it jumped a year at a time but still gave us enough information to not feel like we were missing anything. The end was action packed and I loved how it all came together: one reveal was obvious but the final *twist* definitely got me! I will absolutely be recommending this one!
This book is so fast paced and I loved the short chapters - I was HOOKED. The format of this book was great - the dual POV was done so well and I enjoyed how it jumped a year at a time but still gave us enough information to not feel like we were missing anything. The end was action packed and I loved how it all came together: one reveal was obvious but the final *twist* definitely got me! I will absolutely be recommending this one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This books leans more towards mystery than thriller im my opinion. That being said, I really enjoyed this story. I loved Jules and Quinn and how their characters grew and developed throughout the book. I also really enjoyed how many times their paths almost crossed throughout their lives, as well as how everything comes together and all the questions are answered in the end. Overall, this is a great book that will keep you guessing throughout, and there is at least one twist you will not see coming!
This books leans more towards mystery than thriller im my opinion. That being said, I really enjoyed this story. I loved Jules and Quinn and how their characters grew and developed throughout the book. I also really enjoyed how many times their paths almost crossed throughout their lives, as well as how everything comes together and all the questions are answered in the end. Overall, this is a great book that will keep you guessing throughout, and there is at least one twist you will not see coming!
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!
Another five-star read from Alex Finlay! This one has that same addictive writing style that completely hooks me once I start, I forget about the real world until I’ve finished. At the same time, it brings a very different vibe compared to his previous books.
This felt much more like a character-driven thriller, and it absolutely worked for me. Following each May 1st through both perspectives, and seeing how this single murder shaped their lives over time was incredibly compelling and kept me fully invested.
As always, the plot twist and big reveal did not disappoint. I genuinely gasped.
What really stood out, though, was the emotional depth. This was more than just a thriller, it had a weight to it that lingered long after I turned the final page.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Another five-star read from Alex Finlay! This one has that same addictive writing style that completely hooks me once I start, I forget about the real world until I’ve finished. At the same time, it brings a very different vibe compared to his previous books.
This felt much more like a character-driven thriller, and it absolutely worked for me. Following each May 1st through both perspectives, and seeing how this single murder shaped their lives over time was incredibly compelling and kept me fully invested.
As always, the plot twist and big reveal did not disappoint. I genuinely gasped.
What really stood out, though, was the emotional depth. This was more than just a thriller, it had a weight to it that lingered long after I turned the final page.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
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.
February 17, 2026
Received free ARC in exchange for review.
WOW! I’ve enjoyed Alex Finlay’s books in the past and this book did not disappoint! Came so close to finishing it in a single day, it kept me up late and reading through every second of my work breaks.
This book was a dual POV and I thoroughly enjoyed both the MFC and MMC. They were flawed, relatable and easy to root for. The dual POV and yearly timeline jumps kept the pace fast and reader engaged. Though I did see one of the twists/unsubs coming, the last twist was a well thought out surprise.
I couldn’t have enjoyed this book more than I did. Thank you for the chance to read and review early!
WOW! I’ve enjoyed Alex Finlay’s books in the past and this book did not disappoint! Came so close to finishing it in a single day, it kept me up late and reading through every second of my work breaks.
This book was a dual POV and I thoroughly enjoyed both the MFC and MMC. They were flawed, relatable and easy to root for. The dual POV and yearly timeline jumps kept the pace fast and reader engaged. Though I did see one of the twists/unsubs coming, the last twist was a well thought out surprise.
I couldn’t have enjoyed this book more than I did. Thank you for the chance to read and review early!
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 🫣
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!!
March 7, 2026
That’s much better! I was a bit nervous going in after my last Alex Finley read didn’t quite resonate with me, but this one? Score!
I had the eARC sitting on my shelf for a while and kept hesitating to start it, but when the ALC became available I knew it was time. I ended up devouring it in essentially one sitting. At 1x speed it’s only about 7.5 hours long, and listening at my usual faster pace made it feel incredibly zippy.
I did an immersion read for about 75% of it, which ended up being a great way to experience the story. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs and seeing the different life paths the main characters took. There were several plot lines unfolding at once, but they intersected nicely and never felt confusing or forced.
I also loved the 1990s nostalgia woven throughout the book. It genuinely transported me back to that time period. The cultural references and details felt natural and scene-appropriate rather than like an info dump, which helped build the atmosphere and make everything feel authentic.
The audiobook narration was performed by Ari Fliakos and Brittany Pressley. I’m already a huge Pressley fan, and this performance is another great example of why—she consistently delivers. Fliakos, on the other hand, was new to me, but wow! His voice has that same silky, immersive quality that Teddy Hamilton brings to thrillers, and it immediately pulled me in. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of his work.
Overall, this was a solid, engaging thriller filled with twists, intersecting storylines, and compelling characters. I’d absolutely recommend experiencing it in any format—but the audiobook is especially excellent.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC and eARC from Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
I had the eARC sitting on my shelf for a while and kept hesitating to start it, but when the ALC became available I knew it was time. I ended up devouring it in essentially one sitting. At 1x speed it’s only about 7.5 hours long, and listening at my usual faster pace made it feel incredibly zippy.
I did an immersion read for about 75% of it, which ended up being a great way to experience the story. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs and seeing the different life paths the main characters took. There were several plot lines unfolding at once, but they intersected nicely and never felt confusing or forced.
I also loved the 1990s nostalgia woven throughout the book. It genuinely transported me back to that time period. The cultural references and details felt natural and scene-appropriate rather than like an info dump, which helped build the atmosphere and make everything feel authentic.
The audiobook narration was performed by Ari Fliakos and Brittany Pressley. I’m already a huge Pressley fan, and this performance is another great example of why—she consistently delivers. Fliakos, on the other hand, was new to me, but wow! His voice has that same silky, immersive quality that Teddy Hamilton brings to thrillers, and it immediately pulled me in. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of his work.
Overall, this was a solid, engaging thriller filled with twists, intersecting storylines, and compelling characters. I’d absolutely recommend experiencing it in any format—but the audiobook is especially excellent.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC and eARC from Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
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!
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.
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