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The Anniversary
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
"[Narrator Brittany] Pressley gives an expressive performance of this intricate narrative...From playful podcasts to menacing tension and twists, Pressley expertly delivers each distinct facet of the novel." —Library Journal on Parents Weekend
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.
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books
"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
"[Narrator Brittany] Pressley gives an expressive performance of this intricate narrative...From playful podcasts to menacing tension and twists, Pressley expertly delivers each distinct facet of the novel." —Library Journal on Parents Weekend
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.
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books
Audible Audio
First published May 12, 2026
About the author
Alex Finlay
16 books5,726 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 2,211 reviews
May 19, 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
⭐️ 4.25 ⭐️ Every year he comes for them.
May Day is a DEATH DATE. An anniversary date you will not forget. A serial killer stalks a small Midwestern town. Two lives forever marked by his crimes...
Until one night, he ties them together. Every May 1st he pulls them together. Two teens, Jules Delaney and Quinn Riley are broken souls whose lives become intertwines forever. A boy from the wrong side of the tracks and a queen-bee, high school royalty are both ridden with guilt and trauma. On May 1st, Jules survives an attack by the May Day Killer while Quinn returns home from a juvenile detention center to an unsolved murder of his mother. We follow a story over a decade, revisiting lives of both main characters every year, on a single day each year--May 1st. The lives of these characters collide in the most unexpected ways, edging two mysteries closer to the real truth.
The formatting and plotting of this book is top notch, clever and brilliantly executed. Finlay moves the story along by laying the converging timelines with details and plot points that may or may not be relevant. You're going to be reading and thinking 'Whats the point of all this?' but pay attention because everything is literally connected...you just don't know it yet. I was extremely impressed and surprised because of how crafty this ploy was. Finlay keeps you engaged by slowly building suspense and locks you in with a tender, heartrending stories of both main characters. The 90's nostalgia and atmosphere set a perfect backdrop to this story and that ending, that twist was perfect!
It's more than a simple murder mystery. It's a compelling story of two innocent and lost souls who found each other amidst all the broken pieces.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and the author, Alex Finlay for this early eARC.
Publication date: May 12, 2026
May Day is a DEATH DATE. An anniversary date you will not forget. A serial killer stalks a small Midwestern town. Two lives forever marked by his crimes...
Until one night, he ties them together. Every May 1st he pulls them together. Two teens, Jules Delaney and Quinn Riley are broken souls whose lives become intertwines forever. A boy from the wrong side of the tracks and a queen-bee, high school royalty are both ridden with guilt and trauma. On May 1st, Jules survives an attack by the May Day Killer while Quinn returns home from a juvenile detention center to an unsolved murder of his mother. We follow a story over a decade, revisiting lives of both main characters every year, on a single day each year--May 1st. The lives of these characters collide in the most unexpected ways, edging two mysteries closer to the real truth.
The formatting and plotting of this book is top notch, clever and brilliantly executed. Finlay moves the story along by laying the converging timelines with details and plot points that may or may not be relevant. You're going to be reading and thinking 'Whats the point of all this?' but pay attention because everything is literally connected...you just don't know it yet. I was extremely impressed and surprised because of how crafty this ploy was. Finlay keeps you engaged by slowly building suspense and locks you in with a tender, heartrending stories of both main characters. The 90's nostalgia and atmosphere set a perfect backdrop to this story and that ending, that twist was perfect!
It's more than a simple murder mystery. It's a compelling story of two innocent and lost souls who found each other amidst all the broken pieces.
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
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
May 12, 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.
May 14, 2026
4.5 stars - Okay, this is now my favorite Alex Finlay - surpassing "The Night Shift" which I also really liked and was also a serial killer with a holiday call-back theme and was also set back in the 90's with nostalgic vibes. What sets this one above it though is the two MC's - Quinn & Jules along with strong secondary characters. I did not expect this to have such a "star-crossed soulmates" vibe and I really liked the way that part was told - very, very well-done. If you like your thrillers on the dark side, I highly recommend this one, it's quite clever
May 13, 2026
Alex Finlay once again delivers a compelling story that’s emotionally intense and suspenseful. A serial killer torments midwestern towns throughout a decade causing terror every year on the first of May. What’s the significance of that dreaded date and why was Jules Delaney spared from a deadly outcome after her encounter with the serial predator? This character-driven plot is gripping and thought-provoking. I enjoyed the characters' evolution over time. I was furthermore blown away by the final twist. It was shocking and added a layer of intrigue. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my ARC.
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.
May 12, 2026
All the stars for The Anniversary 🌟
We meet Quinn and Jules thrown together in the most unexpected way. This is a mystery, sure, but the emotional investment in the lives of Quinn and Jules was SO unexpected and what separates The Anniversary from all the other thrillers.
Short chapters makes this a fast paced, binge read. Throw in a serial killer striking every year on May 1, earning the name the May Day Killer. The suspense and thrill of knowing the date of the next murder and following the lives of Jules and Quinn is exactly what a reader wants in a murder mystery.
Alex Findlay is a new author to me and rocked my boat! I can’t wait to see what’s next. I highly recommend picking up this book for an engrossing ride. Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an early copy.
We meet Quinn and Jules thrown together in the most unexpected way. This is a mystery, sure, but the emotional investment in the lives of Quinn and Jules was SO unexpected and what separates The Anniversary from all the other thrillers.
Short chapters makes this a fast paced, binge read. Throw in a serial killer striking every year on May 1, earning the name the May Day Killer. The suspense and thrill of knowing the date of the next murder and following the lives of Jules and Quinn is exactly what a reader wants in a murder mystery.
Alex Findlay is a new author to me and rocked my boat! I can’t wait to see what’s next. I highly recommend picking up this book for an engrossing ride. Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an early copy.
April 16, 2026
3 stars. he’s an auto buy author for me and i enjoy reading his books bc they’re quick, the chapters are 2-3 pages and they usually grab me right away. all that holds true for this one, but i predicted the main twist prob 20% in and was prayyyyying i was wrong but wasn’t 😩🫠
still entertaining and worth pushing through, but with how many thrillers i read i found the twist to be super obvious. maybe that’s just a me problem!!
read if you like:
- books with short chapters
- serial killer thrillers
still entertaining and worth pushing through, but with how many thrillers i read i found the twist to be super obvious. maybe that’s just a me problem!!
read if you like:
- books with short chapters
- serial killer thrillers
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
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
May 13, 2026
Happy Release Day!!!
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.
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.
May 14, 2026
4.5⭐️
ARC Review
Publication Date: 05/12/26
My first Alex Finlay novel and I had the BEST time reading it. 🥰🥰🥰.
How does a person write a review for a book that had them (1) addicted to every single word, (2) heartbroken by the both MC’s backstories, and (3) wishing for the book to never end?!?!
The way I fell in love with The Anniversary after finishing the first 8 chapters is mind blowing. I am struggling to review this book because all I want to do is word vomit and spoil every single thing about it. But, I won’t. Instead, I am just going to make this review sweet and to the point.
My Point: ADD THIS BOOK TO YOUR 2026 reading list, book challenges, book clubs, etc. etc. etc.
The Anniversary is a short chaptered and very fast paced kind of mystery. It will have you losing sleep, unable to put it down, and/or waking up early in the morning just so you can find out what is going to happen next. Is The Anniversary a perfect book? Nope!!! At least, not to me. From the very beginning, Quinn Riley had the most incredible and entertaining storyline. I fell head over heels in love with Quinn Riley rather quickly and I am not ashamed. Jules Delaney, on the other hand, annoyed me to no end. While her storyline is very heart breaking and relatable (especially for survivors of sexual assault), her character’s personality felt off putting (Reason #1 for the 4.5 star rating.) Where the chapters appeared very short (all 86 of them), sometimes they felt like they ended abruptly (Reason #2 for the 4.5 star rating.) Again, it is very hard for me to review this book right now without spoiling it. I am just so speechless and shocked by all the twists, turns, and revelations. Regardless of how I feel about Jules, she and Quinn truly have my heart!!!
Whether you’re a fan of Alex Finlay or not, READ THIS BOOK ASAP!!! And if you can get your hands on the audiobook companion, even better!!!
Now, if you will excuse me, I need to recover and look up Alex Finlay’s entire book catalog. He might just become a new author for me!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for granting my request for an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
ARC Review
Publication Date: 05/12/26
My first Alex Finlay novel and I had the BEST time reading it. 🥰🥰🥰.
How does a person write a review for a book that had them (1) addicted to every single word, (2) heartbroken by the both MC’s backstories, and (3) wishing for the book to never end?!?!
The way I fell in love with The Anniversary after finishing the first 8 chapters is mind blowing. I am struggling to review this book because all I want to do is word vomit and spoil every single thing about it. But, I won’t. Instead, I am just going to make this review sweet and to the point.
My Point: ADD THIS BOOK TO YOUR 2026 reading list, book challenges, book clubs, etc. etc. etc.
The Anniversary is a short chaptered and very fast paced kind of mystery. It will have you losing sleep, unable to put it down, and/or waking up early in the morning just so you can find out what is going to happen next. Is The Anniversary a perfect book? Nope!!! At least, not to me. From the very beginning, Quinn Riley had the most incredible and entertaining storyline. I fell head over heels in love with Quinn Riley rather quickly and I am not ashamed. Jules Delaney, on the other hand, annoyed me to no end. While her storyline is very heart breaking and relatable (especially for survivors of sexual assault), her character’s personality felt off putting (Reason #1 for the 4.5 star rating.) Where the chapters appeared very short (all 86 of them), sometimes they felt like they ended abruptly (Reason #2 for the 4.5 star rating.) Again, it is very hard for me to review this book right now without spoiling it. I am just so speechless and shocked by all the twists, turns, and revelations. Regardless of how I feel about Jules, she and Quinn truly have my heart!!!
Whether you’re a fan of Alex Finlay or not, READ THIS BOOK ASAP!!! And if you can get your hands on the audiobook companion, even better!!!
Now, if you will excuse me, I need to recover and look up Alex Finlay’s entire book catalog. He might just become a new author for me!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for granting my request for an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
May 12, 2026
Happy Publication Day! May 12, 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
Reposted for publication date: 5/12/26
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
Reposted for publication date: 5/12/26
May 14, 2026
the setup…
It’s May 1, 1992 in Monarch, Nebraska and seventeen year old Jules Delaney, a popular high school star is not deterred about it being the anniversary of the May Day Killer. It’s the moniker given to the predator who appears on this day annually, strikes and then disappears until the next year. Quinn Riley isn’t in her social circle but they connected in study hall and he secretly admires her. When they both attend the same concert that evening, it ends disastrously for them both…him ending up in detention for trying to break up a fight and she surviving an attack by the May Day Killer. They find their lives connecting every year on May 1 as the killer remains at large.
the heart of the story…
Jules and Quinn have this undefined bond that serendipitously reconnects them every May 1. I loved how their lives were on completely different tracks but paths crossing in very believable ways. Quinn’s mother is murdered during his year in detention and he’s on a mission. Jules’s trauma manifested itself in predictable ways and I kept rooting for these two to emerge whole while he hunted a killer and she struggled to stay clear of one.
the narration…
Ari Fliakos & Brittany Pressley were wonderful as Quinn and Jules, respectively. Their pacing was perfect and they brought the tension and suspense. So glad I got the audio.
the bottom line…
I really liked the structure of the story, the framing over the years, always on May 1. There were three investigations in play and I wasn’t certain if they’d even connect. It’s twisty in a way that feels natural with one jaw dropper I never imagined. I finished it in one day after being hooked from that chilling prologue. Well done!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
It’s May 1, 1992 in Monarch, Nebraska and seventeen year old Jules Delaney, a popular high school star is not deterred about it being the anniversary of the May Day Killer. It’s the moniker given to the predator who appears on this day annually, strikes and then disappears until the next year. Quinn Riley isn’t in her social circle but they connected in study hall and he secretly admires her. When they both attend the same concert that evening, it ends disastrously for them both…him ending up in detention for trying to break up a fight and she surviving an attack by the May Day Killer. They find their lives connecting every year on May 1 as the killer remains at large.
the heart of the story…
Jules and Quinn have this undefined bond that serendipitously reconnects them every May 1. I loved how their lives were on completely different tracks but paths crossing in very believable ways. Quinn’s mother is murdered during his year in detention and he’s on a mission. Jules’s trauma manifested itself in predictable ways and I kept rooting for these two to emerge whole while he hunted a killer and she struggled to stay clear of one.
the narration…
Ari Fliakos & Brittany Pressley were wonderful as Quinn and Jules, respectively. Their pacing was perfect and they brought the tension and suspense. So glad I got the audio.
the bottom line…
I really liked the structure of the story, the framing over the years, always on May 1. There were three investigations in play and I wasn’t certain if they’d even connect. It’s twisty in a way that feels natural with one jaw dropper I never imagined. I finished it in one day after being hooked from that chilling prologue. Well done!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
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.
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.
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
May 17, 2026
4.25 stars.
This is a story about a serial killer who strikes on May 1 every year but it’s also a story about friends, family, and resilience.
Told in dual POVs and across several years, starting in 1992, the story slowly builds, developing the characters and their back stories and touching on issues around trauma, addiction, and missing women. I enjoyed the 1990s references which were interwoven very well. The plot builds to an intense ending and the reveals keep coming almost until the last page.
A bit of a slow-burn that is totally worth the terrific ride.
This is my first book by this author but it definitely won’t be my last.
This is a story about a serial killer who strikes on May 1 every year but it’s also a story about friends, family, and resilience.
Told in dual POVs and across several years, starting in 1992, the story slowly builds, developing the characters and their back stories and touching on issues around trauma, addiction, and missing women. I enjoyed the 1990s references which were interwoven very well. The plot builds to an intense ending and the reveals keep coming almost until the last page.
A bit of a slow-burn that is totally worth the terrific ride.
This is my first book by this author but it definitely won’t be my last.
May 17, 2026
Story 4.5 stars. Narration 5 stars by Brittany Pressley
I just wrote a really long review and it disappeared so this will be short. I found this book to be very well written with an intricate plot and plenty of twists and turns. The characters of Jules and Quinn were so well realized and definitely not cookie cutter characters. This is about a serial killer that strikes every May 1st in a rural area of small towns. Readers won’t be disappointed in this one and I’ll definitely be looking for another good one by this author. Recommended!
I just wrote a really long review and it disappeared so this will be short. I found this book to be very well written with an intricate plot and plenty of twists and turns. The characters of Jules and Quinn were so well realized and definitely not cookie cutter characters. This is about a serial killer that strikes every May 1st in a rural area of small towns. Readers won’t be disappointed in this one and I’ll definitely be looking for another good one by this author. Recommended!
May 17, 2026
Another fantastic book by the talented Alex Finlay!
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026 and it didn't disappoint.
A great cast of characters, quite a few to keep track of right at the beginning and it took me a bit to find my groove. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and was happy I didn't figure anything out!
Annnnnd....
Every Last Fear still holds my #1 spot!! :)
Big thank you to Minotaur Books for this gifted copy.
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026 and it didn't disappoint.
A great cast of characters, quite a few to keep track of right at the beginning and it took me a bit to find my groove. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and was happy I didn't figure anything out!
Annnnnd....
Every Last Fear still holds my #1 spot!! :)
Big thank you to Minotaur Books for this gifted copy.
May 4, 2026
In 1990s Nebraska, the May Day killer strikes each year, slaying some of his victims while allowing others he assaults to go free. Jules is one of “the lucky ones”… although with the residual trauma and lurking fear she’s been left with, she doesn’t feel like it. Years later, the trauma becomes fresh once again as a person she loves becomes a potential victim.
The concept for this book is a cool one. Each scene is set on May 1, over the course of a decade, so we catch up with the characters each year. The pacing is a bit unusual for a thriller, and combined with a character-driven narrative, parts of this book felt more like general fiction. However, the tension finally builds at the end, and the final twist is certainly a satisfying one.
The concept for this book is a cool one. Each scene is set on May 1, over the course of a decade, so we catch up with the characters each year. The pacing is a bit unusual for a thriller, and combined with a character-driven narrative, parts of this book felt more like general fiction. However, the tension finally builds at the end, and the final twist is certainly a satisfying one.
May 14, 2026
This is the sixth book that I have read and enjoyed by Alex Finlay. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of The Anniversary. I always look forward to the author's next thriller.
I was emotionally involved with the backgrounds, anguish, and paths of the two leading characters, Jules and Quinn, whose lives collide and connect for over a decade. They were very different when they first met at age 17 in high school. Quinn was quiet, bookish, and kindly. He was close to his younger brother George, who was non-verbal and had seizures. His widowed mother lived with a boyfriend who frequently clashed with Quinn. His birthday occurred on May 1st. His home lacked the financial and social advantages that are natural for Jules, who was beautiful, confident, outgoing, and popular among schoolmates. They are very different in hopes and ambitions, but their lives connect and collide over the years.
May 1 is a dreaded date in the small midwestern town where they live. Every year on that date, a serial killer violates young women, and lets a few survive after his attack, but threatens them and their families if they tell what happened to them. The chapters are short and gripping, focusing on Quinn and Jules from May 1, 1992, to May 1, 2001, with an afterword on May 1, 2011. Most encounters were friendly but impersonal, as they met briefly throughout the story. They were both likable and sympathetic. Never care much about romantic relationships in books, but I hoped that they would be together by the end.
On May 1, 1992, there was a concert. Jules attended with her boyfriend, and Quinn went by himself on that fateful night. Jules was walking home alone and was assaulted by the May 1st killer. He let her live with a warning, but she did not tell anyone, keeping the attack to herself. Her extroverted, bubbly personality changed, and she became withdrawn, was left in anguish and began drinking too often. She feared he would return and complete her murder. Quinn witnessed a fight, and when breaking it up, one of the boys almost accidentally died from an injury. Quinn was sent to a juvenile detention facility. When he is released, his mother has been brutally murdered, the house is in foreclosure, and his brother George has been placed in a residence for the disabled. Quinn finds a hammer that was the murder weapon used to kill his mother. He is obsessed with finding the culprit. His hopes of attending university and becoming a writer have now ended.
Jules catches the eye of a talent scout and is soon pursuing a career as a model in Europe. She disliked the rough living quarters and the predatory men, but her career soon expanded, and she was rewarded with huge sums of money. Modelling work declined over the years, and she returned home. She turned her life around by starting a foundation to help abused women, including survivors of the May 1 Killer. Jules and several other women who lived after they were attacked have been approached by the FBI to help identify the serial killer who is still preying on victims. Her sister has vanished, and she fears she has become a victim.
After a short time overseas in the army, Quinn returns with injuries and is working as a Private Detective, and is still trying to solve his mother's murder. Their separate pursuits now reunite Quinn and Jules, as their interests are more connected than anyone knows. There are plenty of twists and a satisfactory conclusion.
Recommended to anyone who enjoys an emotional and twisted mystery.
I was emotionally involved with the backgrounds, anguish, and paths of the two leading characters, Jules and Quinn, whose lives collide and connect for over a decade. They were very different when they first met at age 17 in high school. Quinn was quiet, bookish, and kindly. He was close to his younger brother George, who was non-verbal and had seizures. His widowed mother lived with a boyfriend who frequently clashed with Quinn. His birthday occurred on May 1st. His home lacked the financial and social advantages that are natural for Jules, who was beautiful, confident, outgoing, and popular among schoolmates. They are very different in hopes and ambitions, but their lives connect and collide over the years.
May 1 is a dreaded date in the small midwestern town where they live. Every year on that date, a serial killer violates young women, and lets a few survive after his attack, but threatens them and their families if they tell what happened to them. The chapters are short and gripping, focusing on Quinn and Jules from May 1, 1992, to May 1, 2001, with an afterword on May 1, 2011. Most encounters were friendly but impersonal, as they met briefly throughout the story. They were both likable and sympathetic. Never care much about romantic relationships in books, but I hoped that they would be together by the end.
On May 1, 1992, there was a concert. Jules attended with her boyfriend, and Quinn went by himself on that fateful night. Jules was walking home alone and was assaulted by the May 1st killer. He let her live with a warning, but she did not tell anyone, keeping the attack to herself. Her extroverted, bubbly personality changed, and she became withdrawn, was left in anguish and began drinking too often. She feared he would return and complete her murder. Quinn witnessed a fight, and when breaking it up, one of the boys almost accidentally died from an injury. Quinn was sent to a juvenile detention facility. When he is released, his mother has been brutally murdered, the house is in foreclosure, and his brother George has been placed in a residence for the disabled. Quinn finds a hammer that was the murder weapon used to kill his mother. He is obsessed with finding the culprit. His hopes of attending university and becoming a writer have now ended.
Jules catches the eye of a talent scout and is soon pursuing a career as a model in Europe. She disliked the rough living quarters and the predatory men, but her career soon expanded, and she was rewarded with huge sums of money. Modelling work declined over the years, and she returned home. She turned her life around by starting a foundation to help abused women, including survivors of the May 1 Killer. Jules and several other women who lived after they were attacked have been approached by the FBI to help identify the serial killer who is still preying on victims. Her sister has vanished, and she fears she has become a victim.
After a short time overseas in the army, Quinn returns with injuries and is working as a Private Detective, and is still trying to solve his mother's murder. Their separate pursuits now reunite Quinn and Jules, as their interests are more connected than anyone knows. There are plenty of twists and a satisfactory conclusion.
Recommended to anyone who enjoys an emotional and twisted mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
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.
April 21, 2026
The Anniversary by Alex Finlay is easily his strongest work to date, and that’s saying something if you’ve followed his thrillers. From the opening pages, the structure alone hooks you: we check in on Quinn Riley and Jules Delaney on the same day each year—May 1st—watching their lives fracture, shift, and slowly spiral toward something far more connected than they could ever imagine. It’s a simple concept on paper, but in execution it’s incredibly effective, giving the story this fractured, almost cinematic rhythm that makes it impossible to put down.
What really elevates this book is the pacing and structure combo. The chapters are razor short, constantly pulling you forward with just enough detail to make you say “one more chapter” until suddenly you’ve read half the book. Finlay balances the dual mysteries—the fallout of a near fatal teenage incident and the chilling presence of the May Day Killer—with precision. It’s twisty without feeling chaotic, emotional without losing its thriller edge, and smartly layered so every yearly snapshot adds weight to what came before.
There’s also something unexpectedly poignant about it. Watching these characters over a decade, always on the same date, creates this quiet sense of fate and inevitability that lingers beneath the suspense. Quinn and Jules are both shaped by trauma in very different ways, and the way their paths gradually tighten toward each other feels earned and gripping. Add in the serial killer thread that never quite lets you relax, and you’ve got a book that’s both bingeable and surprisingly emotional. This is a perfect summer thriller, it’s dark, addictive, and absolutely unputdownable, don’t miss it.
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