The Anniversary
books by Alex Finlay
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... The book’s conclusion feels well-aligned with the journey that precedes it. Rather than offering an abrupt or exaggerated ending, it provides a resolution that reflects the themes and character development established earlier. This thoughtful closure enhances overall satisfaction. The writing style supports sustained attention by maintaining a clear and logical flow. Readers can follow the progression of events easily, enhancing immersion. This readability is a key strength of the book.