Author: Alex Finlay
Publisher: Ballantine
Publication Date: May 12, 2026
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The Anniversary delivers a bold narrative structure of twin storylines that unfolds exclusively on May 1st across multiple years, creating a unique rhythm that both propels and constrains the narrative in fascinating ways.
The dual storylines work in tandem effectively. Jules Delaney's arc traces her evolution from high school rape survivor to fashion model, all while carrying the psychological weight of her encounter with the May Day Killer. Quinn Riley's journey is equally compelling—returning from juvenile detention, he embarks on a years-long quest to find his mother's killer. The decision to check in with these characters only once per year creates natural narrative gaps that Finlay uses to show transformation rather than tell it.
The annual intersections between Jules and Quinn feel almost fated, their paths crossing with a frequency that tests the boundaries of believability. This is where the novel's structural ambition becomes its greatest vulnerability. The coincidences pile up, and while they serve the story's thematic interests in fate and connection, they occasionally strain credibility. The climax arrives with both the intensity and the predictability that comes from a carefully engineered plot—you can see the pieces moving into place even as the tension ratchets up.
What saves the book from feeling too calculated is Finlay's ability to ground the thriller mechanics in genuine emotional stakes. The trauma Jules carries, the grief that drives Quinn—these aren't just plot devices but real psychological weights that give the mystery hunt its urgency. And just when the ending seems to have arrived exactly where expected, Finlay delivers a final twist that makes you want to reread the book with fresh eyes.
The May Day Killer premise is chilling in its simplicity, and Finlay maintains menace throughout by keeping the threat active even as years pass. The ticking clock element works precisely because we know another anniversary is always approaching.
A big thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
No comments:
Post a Comment