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The Anniversary
From the bestselling author of
Parents Weekend,
comes one of the most anticipated thrillers of the year.
Every Year He Comes For Them.
On one fateful night in 1992, the lives of two seventeen-year-olds are changed and intertwined forever. Quinn Riley, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, is arrested after he innocently tries to break up a fight but ends up nearly killing someone. Jules Delaney, high school royalty, survives an attack by the elusive and terrifying May Day Killer—a serial predator who strikes every May 1st in midwestern small towns.
A year later, Jules is struggling with trauma and guilt, tormented by the Why was I spared? Quinn is newly released from juvenile detention and returns home to fresh the unsolved murder of his mother.
Over the next decade, their lives are revisited on a single day each year—May 1st. As secrets unravel and the paths of Quinn and Jules collide, two mysteries edge closer to the truth. All the while, the May Day Killer is still out there—and the clock is racing toward another May 1st.
The Anniversary is an utterly compelling story of the hunt for a serial killer. But it’s also a heartfelt—and heartrending—novel about fate, innocence lost, and two souls who find that sometimes being broken is the only way for the light to get in.
Twisty, high-concept, and emotional, the novel reaffirms Finlay as one of the leading thriller writers today.
Every Year He Comes For Them.
On one fateful night in 1992, the lives of two seventeen-year-olds are changed and intertwined forever. Quinn Riley, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, is arrested after he innocently tries to break up a fight but ends up nearly killing someone. Jules Delaney, high school royalty, survives an attack by the elusive and terrifying May Day Killer—a serial predator who strikes every May 1st in midwestern small towns.
A year later, Jules is struggling with trauma and guilt, tormented by the Why was I spared? Quinn is newly released from juvenile detention and returns home to fresh the unsolved murder of his mother.
Over the next decade, their lives are revisited on a single day each year—May 1st. As secrets unravel and the paths of Quinn and Jules collide, two mysteries edge closer to the truth. All the while, the May Day Killer is still out there—and the clock is racing toward another May 1st.
The Anniversary is an utterly compelling story of the hunt for a serial killer. But it’s also a heartfelt—and heartrending—novel about fate, innocence lost, and two souls who find that sometimes being broken is the only way for the light to get in.
Twisty, high-concept, and emotional, the novel reaffirms Finlay as one of the leading thriller writers today.
336 pages, ebook
First published May 12, 2026
About the author
Alex Finlay
16 books5,832 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 2,922 reviews
May 26, 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
June 2, 2026
THIS is the Alex Finlay book I’ve been waiting for! He had me a little nervous last year with Parents’ Weekend, which didn’t quite rise to the level of his other books in my opinion, but this feels like the vintage 5-star Finlay whose 2021 debut novel Every Last Fear got me hooked on his writing.
In 1992, popular and pretty 17-year-old Jules befriends quiet and introverted classmate Quinn. Though they come from different worlds, she’s the rich girl who sees something in Quinn, whose single mom makes ends meet for he and his non-verbal brother George. They live in a small Nebraska town that isn’t known for much - except for being in the multi-state path of The May Day Killer, who strikes every year on May 1st. For a few victims, he strangely allows them to live after assaulting them, though he takes identifying “trophies” from them.
As fate would have it, The May Day Killer strikes close to home one May 1st night - a day that also happens to be Quinn’s birthday. This night changes the course of his and Jules’ lives, as the book revisits them each May 1st for the next decade. Both are dealing with tragedy and trauma as new events add to their struggle to find answers and heal. I’m leaving things vague as the blurb says a lot. Personally, I’d recommend going in blind.
Why does this book work so well?
Finlay writes those short, punchy chapters that alternate back and forth from Jules' to Quinn’s POV. This cleverly keeps the reader wanting to read more, as each character’s story gets temporarily interrupted by the other’s. I didn’t find that annoying at all - it only increased my curiosity and desire to keep going!
The addition of a ‘some will, some won’t’ scenario regarding whether the victims die kept this from being just another serial killer story where it’s one death after another. The victims who are spared don’t know why and the reader won’t either until late in the book, which again fed my curiosity.
Jules and Quinn are both messes in their own ways, but they’re relatable and likable enough that I wanted both to find their answers and heal. It was also nice to see a popular girl treat a quieter kid with kindness and respect. More of that please!
My only minor issue, and it’s surprisingly a tiny one, is that I didn’t think the final reveals were all that difficult to figure out, though Finlay did a stellar job of throwing out misdirections that kept me questioning my guesses constantly.
This was an immersion read with my Kindle and the ALC narrated expertly by Ari Fliakos and Brittany Pressley. I highly recommend this excellent mystery thriller in either or both formats!
★★★★ ½ (rounded up)
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books, NetGalley and author Alex Finlay for the DRC and Macmillan Audio for the ALC to honestly review. This is out now.
In 1992, popular and pretty 17-year-old Jules befriends quiet and introverted classmate Quinn. Though they come from different worlds, she’s the rich girl who sees something in Quinn, whose single mom makes ends meet for he and his non-verbal brother George. They live in a small Nebraska town that isn’t known for much - except for being in the multi-state path of The May Day Killer, who strikes every year on May 1st. For a few victims, he strangely allows them to live after assaulting them, though he takes identifying “trophies” from them.
As fate would have it, The May Day Killer strikes close to home one May 1st night - a day that also happens to be Quinn’s birthday. This night changes the course of his and Jules’ lives, as the book revisits them each May 1st for the next decade. Both are dealing with tragedy and trauma as new events add to their struggle to find answers and heal. I’m leaving things vague as the blurb says a lot. Personally, I’d recommend going in blind.
Why does this book work so well?
Finlay writes those short, punchy chapters that alternate back and forth from Jules' to Quinn’s POV. This cleverly keeps the reader wanting to read more, as each character’s story gets temporarily interrupted by the other’s. I didn’t find that annoying at all - it only increased my curiosity and desire to keep going!
The addition of a ‘some will, some won’t’ scenario regarding whether the victims die kept this from being just another serial killer story where it’s one death after another. The victims who are spared don’t know why and the reader won’t either until late in the book, which again fed my curiosity.
Jules and Quinn are both messes in their own ways, but they’re relatable and likable enough that I wanted both to find their answers and heal. It was also nice to see a popular girl treat a quieter kid with kindness and respect. More of that please!
My only minor issue, and it’s surprisingly a tiny one, is that I didn’t think the final reveals were all that difficult to figure out, though Finlay did a stellar job of throwing out misdirections that kept me questioning my guesses constantly.
This was an immersion read with my Kindle and the ALC narrated expertly by Ari Fliakos and Brittany Pressley. I highly recommend this excellent mystery thriller in either or both formats!
★★★★ ½ (rounded up)
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books, NetGalley and author Alex Finlay for the DRC and Macmillan Audio for the ALC to honestly review. This is out now.
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
May 31, 2026
That was gooooood! 🙌🏻
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.
June 3, 2026
What an amazingly layered and character-driven thriller. Finlay keeps the pacing tight while spanning an entire decade, showing the impact of a string of murders and corresponding growth of the characters for a taut and emotionally satisfying read. Incredibly well done!
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
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
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.
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.
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
May 26, 2026
4.5 stars.
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 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 23, 2026
This is potentially one of my top 10 thriller books ever. I loved it, it was such a great concept and had me gripped from the start. The format reminded a little bit of “The people we meet on vacation” but thriller edition. I was completely hooked and loved the story timeline jumps whilst keeping a main theme. I can’t recommend this enough. It was so good and I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.
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 18, 2026
4 Stars
Interesting characters and plot. Every few years on May 1st someone is murdered.
Jules and Quinn are survivors. They lead different lives as they try to search for who could/ would have done this.
A bit predictable but a good story. Love AFs writing
Interesting characters and plot. Every few years on May 1st someone is murdered.
Jules and Quinn are survivors. They lead different lives as they try to search for who could/ would have done this.
A bit predictable but a good story. Love AFs writing
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.)
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 29, 2026
Gotta say, this was a solid 4 ⭐ thriller for me. I loved how often it left me completely dumbfounded. When you read a lot of thrillers, you usually start to predict where the plot is headed, but this one genuinely kept me guessing for most of the book. Which I absolutely loved. The only reason it wasn’t a 5-star read for me was the awkward transitions between the years, but otherwise I had a great time with it.
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!
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 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
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 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.
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