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The Anniversary
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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
Expected publication May 12, 2026
31088 people want to read
About the author
Alex Finlay
18 books5,311 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 222 reviews
January 1, 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!
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.
Want to read
December 18, 2025A boy from the wrong side of the tracks, a high school royalty and the predator known as the “May Day Killer” that strikes every first of May in a small Midwestern town—this is a story about fates, broken souls, secrets.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and the author, Alex Finlay for this early eARC.
Publication date: May 12, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and the author, Alex Finlay for this early eARC.
Publication date: May 12, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Alex Finlay books, but this one is next level. He has now elevated the game and knocked my socks off!
The story spans over 10 years, getting a one day snapshot each year. I am in awe of how great of a job he did propelling the story forward so much, while still giving the reader just the right amount of information to fill in each one year gap.
The story follows Jules and Quinn on May 1st of each year, the anniversary of when something happened that irrevocably changed their lives.
The short chapters alternate between both Quinn and Jules, each storyline completely engaging and propulsive. At the end of each Jules chapter I was yearning for more, not wanting to resume Quinn's story. Next thing I knew I was totally engrossed in Quinn and didn't want to return to Jules. On and on this went. It was AMAZING.
At the core of this book is a love story, in many different forms. Never have I ever called a book about a serial killer beautiful. Until now.
Bravo Mr. Finlay! It was beautiful.
The story spans over 10 years, getting a one day snapshot each year. I am in awe of how great of a job he did propelling the story forward so much, while still giving the reader just the right amount of information to fill in each one year gap.
The story follows Jules and Quinn on May 1st of each year, the anniversary of when something happened that irrevocably changed their lives.
The short chapters alternate between both Quinn and Jules, each storyline completely engaging and propulsive. At the end of each Jules chapter I was yearning for more, not wanting to resume Quinn's story. Next thing I knew I was totally engrossed in Quinn and didn't want to return to Jules. On and on this went. It was AMAZING.
At the core of this book is a love story, in many different forms. Never have I ever called a book about a serial killer beautiful. Until now.
Bravo Mr. Finlay! It was beautiful.
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.
January 10, 2026
There are very few thrillers that earn a five star review and my god Alex Finlay’s The Anniversary earns it every step of the way.
Typically a good thriller is three or four stars but it’s incredibly rare to go for a full five, perfect in every way. You know that moment when you’re mid-reading and get that feeling that you’re reading a five star? I had that here and it doesn’t tend to happen in a thriller no matter how good or twisty it is. For reference, his last book, Parents Weekend, that was incredibly well received was a three star for me.
Now let’s get into why, and it was more than “just that feeling” but I don’t want to ignore that feeling either. All book readers know it and it doesn’t always happen so it’s important to sit in that joy of a perfect book, it suddenly hit me about half way through and carried over until the end. But it was so much more, and “more” is the word that continually pops up for me when thinking about this book, Finlay just does MORE than what you have to do to write this genre. The writing and prose were beautiful, accessible and also still deep enough to elicit thought and I learned new words which is always a plus for me. The plot was heavy while not being too triggering or graphic. The POV switches were strong and I was invested in both of them equally.
Thrillers as a genre tend to focus on very heavy topics of murder, sexual assault, and can very easily treat it in a glorifying way and Finlay was able to treat our characters with immense respect. There were some incredibly deep topics from war, depression, addiction, trauma, religious commentary, and the depth of all sorts of relationships. They were each handled with care and passion while still questioning their place in our society and lives. Finlay did all of this but in a thriller genre and that is so incredibly impressive to me because this book was still THRILLING.
The twists and turns were fun and not easily guessable but plausible. My last thriller the “killer” wasn’t even a character mentioned and it was aggravating the lengths authours will go to to “trick” and keep the readers guessing. I started feeling the killer was a particular person and while right. I was still gasping in shock. There were still surprises I never saw coming but weren’t out of the blue and over the top ridiculous.
I feel like I could write a thesis on what this book does right and all the ways it avoids all the big misses of the genre. But instead I truly implore you to read it. I hope you get that feeling that I got while reading, that you are currently enjoying something with so much value and so much fun all at the same time.
Typically a good thriller is three or four stars but it’s incredibly rare to go for a full five, perfect in every way. You know that moment when you’re mid-reading and get that feeling that you’re reading a five star? I had that here and it doesn’t tend to happen in a thriller no matter how good or twisty it is. For reference, his last book, Parents Weekend, that was incredibly well received was a three star for me.
Now let’s get into why, and it was more than “just that feeling” but I don’t want to ignore that feeling either. All book readers know it and it doesn’t always happen so it’s important to sit in that joy of a perfect book, it suddenly hit me about half way through and carried over until the end. But it was so much more, and “more” is the word that continually pops up for me when thinking about this book, Finlay just does MORE than what you have to do to write this genre. The writing and prose were beautiful, accessible and also still deep enough to elicit thought and I learned new words which is always a plus for me. The plot was heavy while not being too triggering or graphic. The POV switches were strong and I was invested in both of them equally.
Thrillers as a genre tend to focus on very heavy topics of murder, sexual assault, and can very easily treat it in a glorifying way and Finlay was able to treat our characters with immense respect. There were some incredibly deep topics from war, depression, addiction, trauma, religious commentary, and the depth of all sorts of relationships. They were each handled with care and passion while still questioning their place in our society and lives. Finlay did all of this but in a thriller genre and that is so incredibly impressive to me because this book was still THRILLING.
The twists and turns were fun and not easily guessable but plausible. My last thriller the “killer” wasn’t even a character mentioned and it was aggravating the lengths authours will go to to “trick” and keep the readers guessing. I started feeling the killer was a particular person and while right. I was still gasping in shock. There were still surprises I never saw coming but weren’t out of the blue and over the top ridiculous.
I feel like I could write a thesis on what this book does right and all the ways it avoids all the big misses of the genre. But instead I truly implore you to read it. I hope you get that feeling that I got while reading, that you are currently enjoying something with so much value and so much fun all at the same time.
December 26, 2025
Im really into Alex Finlay books later, fast paced short chapters, multiple POV, multiple suspects, a mysterious case that slowly unravels and an ending where everything fits together perfectly. If you like suspense, twists and mystery - This book was a great read.
December 19, 2025
The Anniversary by Alex Finlay is a layered thriller about trauma, fate, and the long shadows that a single night can cast over two lives as they intersect year after year.
Snapshots of May 1st across a decade tracking two seventeen-year-olds whose worlds are irrevocably altered by violence. Quinn Riley, “a boy from the wrong side of the tracks,” finds himself in juvenile detention and then back home to grapple with his mother’s unsolved murder, while Jules Delaney, once high school royalty, survives an attack by the May Day Killer but carries deep survivor guilt. The annual revisits give such a rhythmic beat to their evolving emotional landscapes and the overarching mystery of the serial predator lurking just out of reach.
What struck me most was how Finlay balances high tension with real heart, weaving themes of innocence lost and resilience into what could have been a purely procedural plot. This story is not just about uncovering a killer but about the way trauma and hope can coexist in flawed, compelling characters. The emotional weight of Jules’s lingering question about why she survived and Quinn’s relentless pursuit of truth made me feel connected to their journeys.
Snapshots of May 1st across a decade tracking two seventeen-year-olds whose worlds are irrevocably altered by violence. Quinn Riley, “a boy from the wrong side of the tracks,” finds himself in juvenile detention and then back home to grapple with his mother’s unsolved murder, while Jules Delaney, once high school royalty, survives an attack by the May Day Killer but carries deep survivor guilt. The annual revisits give such a rhythmic beat to their evolving emotional landscapes and the overarching mystery of the serial predator lurking just out of reach.
What struck me most was how Finlay balances high tension with real heart, weaving themes of innocence lost and resilience into what could have been a purely procedural plot. This story is not just about uncovering a killer but about the way trauma and hope can coexist in flawed, compelling characters. The emotional weight of Jules’s lingering question about why she survived and Quinn’s relentless pursuit of truth made me feel connected to their journeys.
January 10, 2026
Did Alex Finlay just make me tear up? Yes he did. This book was everything I was looking for. The story was so compelling and following along with Jules and Quinn’s relationship made it extra addicting. The serial killer in this story was hidden well, I did not expect what was coming. I loved the quotes from authors that are spread throughout the book. This is the most emotionally invested I’ve ever been with a Finlay book. He just absolutely nailed it!
Thank you to Alex Finlay and NetGalley for this arc!!
Thank you to Alex Finlay and NetGalley for this arc!!
January 13, 2026
AF got me legitimately scared that I wouldn't be getting my HEA, so I'm not gonna complain about the plot twists because I don't know about what he's capable of next time.
So, one of my favourite authors is back with another terrific reading, and he didn't disappoint.
I'm getting the hang of his MO since the first time I opened one of his novels but, predictability aside, I’m always excited for his intricate, fast-paced, reading-in-one-sitting stories waiting on my shelves.
↠ 3.8 stars
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
So, one of my favourite authors is back with another terrific reading, and he didn't disappoint.
I'm getting the hang of his MO since the first time I opened one of his novels but, predictability aside, I’m always excited for his intricate, fast-paced, reading-in-one-sitting stories waiting on my shelves.
↠ 3.8 stars
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
January 1, 2026
Alex Finlay is an auto read author for me and this one didn’t disappoint! Taking place over a decade, the May Day killer who abducts women on May 1st is still out there and the hunt for him continues.
The story is told from Quinn’s perspective as well as Jules who were acquainted in high school and whose paths continue to intersect. This was a story that will keep you on your toes never quite knowing who the killer is! A solid read from Alex Finlay!
The story is told from Quinn’s perspective as well as Jules who were acquainted in high school and whose paths continue to intersect. This was a story that will keep you on your toes never quite knowing who the killer is! A solid read from Alex Finlay!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It may only be January, but I am already saying this is going to be a favorite of 2026 for me!
December 28, 2025
*4.5 stars ✨
January 16, 2026
The Anniversary
By Alex Finlay
Release Date 05/12/2026
Alex Finlay's latest release follows Quinn Riley, a caring boy from a tough background, and Jules Delaney, a confident high school star. Their lives collide on Quinn's birthday, marking a pivotal change. Quinn's life is shattered when his mother is murdered, and his brother is sent away. He finds what he believes is the murder weapon, sparking a relentless hunt for answers. Jules, rising to fame as a model, is approached by an FBI agent to help find the May 1st Killer.
Over ten years, both chase their own truths—Quinn seeking his mother's killer, Jules uncovering the killer's identity.
Their paths intersect, revealing the killer could be closer than they think. It's a fast-paced, addictive story full of surprises.
Take me back to the 90s!!! I loved that this book started in 1992, the same year I began High School - best decade ever 👏👏
Alex Finlay's track record doesn't include a bad book.
Highly recommend you add this to your TBR.
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟ＳＴＡＲＳ
#alexfinlay #minotaurbooks #theanniversary
January 18, 2026
Alex Finlay has done it again my friends!
When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down, I mean I read through playoff football, dinner and basically all responsibilities.
Every year on May 1st, girls mysteriously vanish. Some are never found, some are found dead and some are “lucky” - spared by the May Day Killer. For those survivors, living in constant fear and grappling with survivor’s guilt could feel like the cruelest fate of all.
The Anniversary spans over a decade, focusing on the annual events of May 1st. We follow Jules and Quinn, friends from high school, both dealing with trauma from the past. Their lives are connected in more ways than one and they always seem to reconnect as the years pass.
When a group of May Day Killer survivors team up with law enforcement to determine how they could be connected, and how to make sure they aren’t targeted again, the tension escalates in a way that had me flying through the pages.
Can they figure out who’s hunting them before it’s too late? Guess you’ll have to wait until May to find out 🫣
When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down, I mean I read through playoff football, dinner and basically all responsibilities.
Every year on May 1st, girls mysteriously vanish. Some are never found, some are found dead and some are “lucky” - spared by the May Day Killer. For those survivors, living in constant fear and grappling with survivor’s guilt could feel like the cruelest fate of all.
The Anniversary spans over a decade, focusing on the annual events of May 1st. We follow Jules and Quinn, friends from high school, both dealing with trauma from the past. Their lives are connected in more ways than one and they always seem to reconnect as the years pass.
When a group of May Day Killer survivors team up with law enforcement to determine how they could be connected, and how to make sure they aren’t targeted again, the tension escalates in a way that had me flying through the pages.
Can they figure out who’s hunting them before it’s too late? Guess you’ll have to wait until May to find out 🫣
January 14, 2026
4.5/5
This book was so good. I couldn’t put it down. Told in different POV’s Jules and Quinn throughout the years. The twists and turns were excellent. I didn’t see the last one coming.
Definitely worth the read!!!!! One of the best thrillers I’ve read in a while.
This book was so good. I couldn’t put it down. Told in different POV’s Jules and Quinn throughout the years. The twists and turns were excellent. I didn’t see the last one coming.
Definitely worth the read!!!!! One of the best thrillers I’ve read in a while.
November 30, 2025
This was a solid and unputdownable mystery. I even teared up at a couple points which is something I never do with books like this. Finlay has managed to play with the reader’s emotions in the best way and lead them on a wild goose chase to find the killer. I rarely enjoy books with multiple timelines, but this book flows so smoothly I didn’t get lost once.
A serial killer that abducts and kills women only on May 1st, a victim who survived, and a boy who is determined to solve his mother’s murder. Sounds like a lot to tackle in less than 400 pages but it interconnects so perfectly that I was amazed I didn’t get sidetracked and lost.
If you want a book that is easy to follow, unputdownable, and flows together into an anxiety riddled and at times heart wrenching story, this one is for you.
A serial killer that abducts and kills women only on May 1st, a victim who survived, and a boy who is determined to solve his mother’s murder. Sounds like a lot to tackle in less than 400 pages but it interconnects so perfectly that I was amazed I didn’t get sidetracked and lost.
If you want a book that is easy to follow, unputdownable, and flows together into an anxiety riddled and at times heart wrenching story, this one is for you.
December 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve been an Alex Finlay fan since the day I read “The Night Shift” and I’m happy to say that he is still delivering top notch thrillers!
This story is told from two POVs across a ten year span—specifically, on the anniversary of a date that changed the course of our two protagonists, Jules and Quinn, forever. We follow the as they live with the trauma of their experiences and as they work to bring the perpetrators behind that trauma to justice.
There were a couple of chapters where I felt like the momentum lulled, but by the end I was very satisfied with how it all concluded. It was satisfying to both guess a key part of the plot and also be surprised by the final reveal.
Huge thanks to Minotaur Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for this honest review. “The Anniversary” releases on 5.12.26!
I’ve been an Alex Finlay fan since the day I read “The Night Shift” and I’m happy to say that he is still delivering top notch thrillers!
This story is told from two POVs across a ten year span—specifically, on the anniversary of a date that changed the course of our two protagonists, Jules and Quinn, forever. We follow the as they live with the trauma of their experiences and as they work to bring the perpetrators behind that trauma to justice.
There were a couple of chapters where I felt like the momentum lulled, but by the end I was very satisfied with how it all concluded. It was satisfying to both guess a key part of the plot and also be surprised by the final reveal.
Huge thanks to Minotaur Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for this honest review. “The Anniversary” releases on 5.12.26!
December 23, 2025
May Day, every year on May 1st he takes a girl. Two teens, Quinn and Jules’ lives are changed forever on the same day the same year. Their lives are intertwined for a decade, their paths keep crossing. Both trying to put together the pieces of their lives and solve their own mysteries.
This book had an emotional hold on me. I couldn’t put it down, I tore through the pages with my eyes filling up with tears. This was a story about redemption, missed opportunities, friendship, and love. Not to mention the 90s nostalgia that tugged at my geriatric millennial heart. This was more than a thriller, and it might be my favorite Alex Finlay book yet!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This book had an emotional hold on me. I couldn’t put it down, I tore through the pages with my eyes filling up with tears. This was a story about redemption, missed opportunities, friendship, and love. Not to mention the 90s nostalgia that tugged at my geriatric millennial heart. This was more than a thriller, and it might be my favorite Alex Finlay book yet!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
January 14, 2026
The premise of this book was engrossing, and I was very excited to get to read it ahead of release. The May Day killer strikes on May 1st each year for over 10 years. This book follows Jules and Quinn from adolescence through adulthood. We follow them as the May Day killer touches both of their lives.
The first 50% of the book was a little slow for my liking. There was a lot of "world building" where we watch Jules and Quinn live their separate lives. After that 50-60% mark, the book kicks into high gear. I couldn't put it down at that point. I was, unfortunately, able to predict the end, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Thank you St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and Alex Finlay for providing this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.
The first 50% of the book was a little slow for my liking. There was a lot of "world building" where we watch Jules and Quinn live their separate lives. After that 50-60% mark, the book kicks into high gear. I couldn't put it down at that point. I was, unfortunately, able to predict the end, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Thank you St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and Alex Finlay for providing this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.
January 4, 2026
I was really looking forward to this novel and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the dual POV along with the timing of the 90s. As a solid Gen X’er, I appreciated all the calls to movies, music, films and tv shows during the 10 year span of this book. The characters were well developed and I was definitely rooting for both of them.
Thank you to St Martins Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this release.
Thank you to St Martins Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this release.
January 18, 2026
Finley has a way to hook me from prologue! I absolutely love how he keeps things moving in short packed chapters! His character builds and constant fire of suspense is not lost in this story. And let me tell you, no questions are left when he concludes… excellent, excellent, excellent! I’d give this a 1000000/10 if I could! Chefs kiss!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book. The MFC and MMC were well done. It was easy to feel connected to them both. I really enjoyed the structure of the book being on the day each year. The chapters are a good length, it's fast paced and engaging. Absolutely worth a read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc.
this was my first Alex Finlay book and I really enjoyed the journey - it spans over many years and we join Quinn and Jules. They had me hooked from the prologue. There was a moment where I was unsure how the book would connect but had so much fun when I was able to put the peices together!
this was my first Alex Finlay book and I really enjoyed the journey - it spans over many years and we join Quinn and Jules. They had me hooked from the prologue. There was a moment where I was unsure how the book would connect but had so much fun when I was able to put the peices together!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
a fun twisty thriller that will keep you turning pages. there are some great twists and nostalgia in this book. perfect read for thriller lovers.
December 22, 2025
4.5 stars! The way I tore through this one! I started it at night thinking I’d read a few pages before bed and suddenly I was 30% in.
Alex Finlay is another must-read author for me, he always keeps me turning pages but this was his best book in recent memory. We follow two people on May 1 every year, starting with their high school study hall. There is a serial killer who strikes on May Day each year in Nebraska and this will affect everything that happens to them.
Who is the May Day killer and how is he escaping capture for so long? Why does he make the choice he does? How does this affect our two main characters and their relationships with others and each other?
I was intrigued the entire time and couldn’t put this down for a second.
Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
Alex Finlay is another must-read author for me, he always keeps me turning pages but this was his best book in recent memory. We follow two people on May 1 every year, starting with their high school study hall. There is a serial killer who strikes on May Day each year in Nebraska and this will affect everything that happens to them.
Who is the May Day killer and how is he escaping capture for so long? Why does he make the choice he does? How does this affect our two main characters and their relationships with others and each other?
I was intrigued the entire time and couldn’t put this down for a second.
Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
Want to read
August 18, 2025this book is one of my most anticipated book releases in 2026 and I can't wait to read this book !
from alex I have read last year in 2024 if something happens to me and it was amazing so I can't wait to read more books written by him
from alex I have read last year in 2024 if something happens to me and it was amazing so I can't wait to read more books written by him
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Anniversary” marks a compelling shift for Alex Finlay, trading nonstop action for a more intimate, character-driven thriller that unfolds slowly, deliberately, and with surprising emotional depth. Spanning a decade and revisiting the same date, May 1st, year after year, this story is as much a study of trauma, resilience, and fate as it is a layered mystery about violence and survival.
The story centers on two seventeen-year-olds whose lives are irrevocably altered on the same night in 1992. Quinn Riley, a quiet, bookish boy from the wrong side of the tracks, steps in to break up a fight at a concert, only to see that moment spiral into disaster. He ends up in juvenile detention, and when he returns home, his world has collapsed: his mother has been brutally murdered, his house lost, and his younger brother placed in care. Convinced there’s more to his mother’s death than the police believe, Quinn begins a long, obsessive search for the truth.
On that same night, Jules Delaney who is high school royalty with beauty, confidence, and a future that seems limitless survives an attack by the elusive May 1st Killer, a serial predator who strikes every year on the same date. Though she lives, she’s left with deep psychological scars, survivor’s guilt, and PTSD that manifests in alcoholism and a desperate desire to forget. When the FBI later approaches her to help identify the killer, Jules is forced to confront the very past she’s tried to outrun.
Finlay structures the story through snapshots of May 1st across ten years, alternating between Quinn and Jules. At first, their investigations seem entirely separate with Quinn hunting for his mother’s killer and Jules grappling with the serial attacker who spared her life, but an undeniable gravitational pull keeps drawing them together. Their chance encounters over the years hint that the answers they seek may be deeply intertwined. Watching their lives evolve in parallel adds a powerful emotional rhythm to the story, making their growth, losses, and small victories feel earned and deeply human.
What truly sets “The Anniversary” apart is its balance of suspense and heart. The first half leans more toward mystery and character exploration, while the final act tightens into a true thriller as all the threads converge. The twists are smart, layered, and often devastating; not just because they’re surprising, but because of what they mean for the characters. There’s always more beneath the surface than you expect.
By the time the story reaches its climax and its beautifully placed, epilogue-like conclusion, “The Anniversary” delivers something rare in the thriller genre: genuine closure. It’s tense and gripping, yes, but also warm, reflective, and ultimately hopeful.
Overall, “The Anniversary” is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant thriller that proves Alex Finlay doesn’t need relentless action to keep readers hooked. With its unique structure, deeply flawed and sympathetic characters, and multilayered mystery, this is a standout book about how one night can shape an entire lifetime and how healing, connection, and truth can still emerge years later.
“The Anniversary” marks a compelling shift for Alex Finlay, trading nonstop action for a more intimate, character-driven thriller that unfolds slowly, deliberately, and with surprising emotional depth. Spanning a decade and revisiting the same date, May 1st, year after year, this story is as much a study of trauma, resilience, and fate as it is a layered mystery about violence and survival.
The story centers on two seventeen-year-olds whose lives are irrevocably altered on the same night in 1992. Quinn Riley, a quiet, bookish boy from the wrong side of the tracks, steps in to break up a fight at a concert, only to see that moment spiral into disaster. He ends up in juvenile detention, and when he returns home, his world has collapsed: his mother has been brutally murdered, his house lost, and his younger brother placed in care. Convinced there’s more to his mother’s death than the police believe, Quinn begins a long, obsessive search for the truth.
On that same night, Jules Delaney who is high school royalty with beauty, confidence, and a future that seems limitless survives an attack by the elusive May 1st Killer, a serial predator who strikes every year on the same date. Though she lives, she’s left with deep psychological scars, survivor’s guilt, and PTSD that manifests in alcoholism and a desperate desire to forget. When the FBI later approaches her to help identify the killer, Jules is forced to confront the very past she’s tried to outrun.
Finlay structures the story through snapshots of May 1st across ten years, alternating between Quinn and Jules. At first, their investigations seem entirely separate with Quinn hunting for his mother’s killer and Jules grappling with the serial attacker who spared her life, but an undeniable gravitational pull keeps drawing them together. Their chance encounters over the years hint that the answers they seek may be deeply intertwined. Watching their lives evolve in parallel adds a powerful emotional rhythm to the story, making their growth, losses, and small victories feel earned and deeply human.
What truly sets “The Anniversary” apart is its balance of suspense and heart. The first half leans more toward mystery and character exploration, while the final act tightens into a true thriller as all the threads converge. The twists are smart, layered, and often devastating; not just because they’re surprising, but because of what they mean for the characters. There’s always more beneath the surface than you expect.
By the time the story reaches its climax and its beautifully placed, epilogue-like conclusion, “The Anniversary” delivers something rare in the thriller genre: genuine closure. It’s tense and gripping, yes, but also warm, reflective, and ultimately hopeful.
Overall, “The Anniversary” is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant thriller that proves Alex Finlay doesn’t need relentless action to keep readers hooked. With its unique structure, deeply flawed and sympathetic characters, and multilayered mystery, this is a standout book about how one night can shape an entire lifetime and how healing, connection, and truth can still emerge years later.
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