Laura Marshall’s The Anniversary is a tightly wound psychological thriller that explores how the past refuses to stay buried—and how guilt, secrecy, and unresolved trauma can quietly corrode even the most ordinary lives. Known for her ability to weave emotional depth into suspense-driven narratives, Marshall delivers another compelling page-turner that keeps readers guessing while probing the darker corners of human memory.
The novel centres on a seemingly happy married couple, Josh and Annabel, whose tenth wedding anniversary should be a celebration. Instead, the occasion is overshadowed by a chilling message Josh receives from an anonymous sender—one that drags him back to a night from his teenage years, a night involving his former girlfriend, Esther, who disappeared without explanation. What begins as a cryptic reminder soon escalates into a psychological reckoning, forcing Josh to confront truths he has long tried to forget.
Marshall structures the novel through alternating timelines, shifting between the present and the past with precision. This dual narrative allows readers to slowly piece together the events leading up to Esther’s disappearance while watching the pressure mount in Josh’s adult life. The tension is carefully calibrated; rather than relying on constant shocks, Marshall builds unease through suggestion, withheld information, and the gradual erosion of Josh’s sense of control.
Josh is an effectively flawed protagonist. Outwardly stable, with a successful career and a loving wife, he is inwardly tormented by guilt and fear. Marshall excels at portraying his inner conflict, making him both sympathetic and unsettling. As secrets begin to surface, readers are left questioning not only Josh’s reliability as a narrator but also the nature of truth itself—how memory can distort, justify, and conceal.
Annabel, meanwhile, provides an important counterbalance. As Josh becomes increasingly erratic, her perspective grounds the story and introduces emotional stakes beyond the central mystery. Marshall avoids relegating her to a passive role; instead, Annabel emerges as perceptive and resilient, determined to understand what is happening even as her marriage begins to fracture. Their relationship adds a layer of domestic tension that enhances the psychological drama.
One of the novel’s attractions lies in its atmosphere. Marshall creates a sense of claustrophobia that mirrors Josh’s mental state, where every message, glance, and coincidence feels loaded with threat. The pacing is deliberate but effective, rewarding patient readers with revelations that feel earned rather than contrived. When the truth finally emerges, it is both shocking and emotionally resonant, underscoring the devastating consequences of long-buried lies.
That said, some readers may find the central mystery unfolds in familiar territory, particularly for seasoned fans of psychological thrillers. A few secondary characters could have been more fully developed, and certain plot turns may feel predictable in hindsight. Nonetheless, Marshall’s sharp character work and emotional intelligence elevate the novel above genre conventions.
The Anniversary is not just a suspenseful mystery but a meditation on accountability and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. Laura Marshall once again demonstrates her talent for blending psychological insight with gripping storytelling. For readers who enjoy slow-burn thrillers with strong emotional undercurrents, The Anniversary is a satisfying and unsettling read that lingers long after the final page.
Review copy courtesy of BookXcess.