Customer Reviews

The Anniversary

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's been five years since the execution of Stephen Gage, a psychopath who killed more than a hundred women.

Three women involved the Gage case have taken the five years to move on: the true-crime writer who scored an instant bestseller with Gage's story has started a new book, Gage's ex-girlfriend has started a new life for herself, and his attorney Callie Thayer has changed her name put away any guilt of defending the monster.

While these three women have moved on, someone has not and on the anniversary of Gage's execution special messages will be sent warning of the up-coming chaos.

Someone has decided to continue the murders started by Gage, and they won't stop until each woman pays the ultimate price.

Callie Thayer must fight for her life, and in the process unmask a killer hell-bent on finishing what Stephen Gage started.

`The Anniversary' is a twisting, shocking, and totally entertaining thriller. From page one the reader is catapulted on a roller coaster ride of suspense filled with masterful plot twists, and well drawn characters. Amy Gutman has taken a great plot and filled it with thrills and chills. Smooth writing and razor-sharp suspense will keep readers turning the pages.

Nick Gonnella

Steven Gage is a handsome man who has a way with the ladies. Unfortunately, he is also a psychopath who kills over one hundred women before he is arrested and ultimately executed. Gage leaves behind broken families and vulnerable survivors who must find a way to put the past behind them and get on with their lives. In Amy Gutman's new thriller, "The Anniversary," three of the women who had crossed the killer's path receive threatening notes on the anniversary of the execution.

Gutman's heroines are striking characters. One is a high-powered lawyer who worked on Gage's last appeal and lost. The failed appeal upset her greatly and almost ruined her career. Another woman was Steven Gage's girlfriend for years and it was her testimony that convicted Gage. She feels guilty for not seeing the signs of her boyfriend's criminal activities and putting a stop to his killing spree.

Amy Gutman has written a tense and suspenseful novel with plenty of red herrings to keep the reader off balance. Although it is slightly weakened by some unrealistic touches, "The Anniversary" is still a frightening and thoroughly engrossing thriller that will keep you guessing until the end.

The Anniversary is Hollywood movie material. I strongly recommend it to people who love mystery novels and to those who are new to the genre. This novel manages to live on a variety of levels. There are plots, subplots and a number of complex themes. On its most basic level, the Anniversary is about 3 women who all had a connection to a serial killer. The narrative begins when each receive a letter from him on the 5 anniversary of his execution. Don't want to say more.

I was in Border's looking for a good "whodunit" mystery and stumbled upon this book. I began reading it and couldn't stop. This is a good book. I liked how the author flashed back to provide more depth to the current story. The author's writing style reminds me of Mary Higgins Clark and Wendy Corsi Staub. I can't wait to read her first book "Equivocal Death".

On the fifth anniversary of the trial and execution of infamous serial killer Steven Gage, three women separately involved in the Gasey case - Callie Thayer, Melanie White, and Diane Massey - each receive an ominous missive that they haven't been forgotten. But almost as quickly as the women can digest the full meaning of the message, the threats leap from the printed page and into reality. Determined to no longer be a passive victim, Callie Thayer commences the battle of her life to expose the personified evil force responsible for so much terror and violence. Nothing prepares her for the entangling web of guilt, suspicion and untruths she will ultimately uncover.

Talented author, Amy Gutman, weaves this gripping psychological courtroom thriller with stunning skill and white-knuckle suspense. Riveting, intense and most definitely addictive, I was feverishly impelled to finish The Anniversary in one sitting...and on the edge of my seat the entire time!

Amy Gutman's impressive first novel, EQUIVOCAL DEATH was a slick polished legal thriller which could have been the start of a series. However, with this second book, it is apparent that she would rather pursue the title of "queen of suspense fiction". THE ANNIVERSARY actually is a strong bid for the title.
Three women are haunted by their past relationship with an executed serial killer, Steven Gage. Gage is reported to have murdered over one hundred women so his trial and subsequent execution made worldwide news. Now, on the fifth anniversary of Gage's execution, the three women receive a note saying "Happy anniversary, I haven't forgotten you." Who is sending the note and what does it mean? Callie Thayer, one of the women, fears the possible danger the note represents, not only to her but to her eleven year old daughter. Her fears prove correct as her life is in imminent danger.
In the years since her first novel, Amy Gutman has polished her writing style impressively. She hits this novel with all cylinders running. The plot is compelling, well paced and has plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep any reader at the edge of their seat. Characters are so strongly portrayed that it is remarkable this is only her second opus. Length is a bit excessive but the book has so many positive traits that this can be overlooked. A strong recommendation.

Three woman, linked only by a man from their past, receive the same mysterious note, "Happy Anniversary. I haven't forgotten about you." The connection, a killer of more than a hundred victims, was executed five years ago. Thus begins a tale that will grab your attention and hold you captive through to the surprising conclusion. Gutman uses authentic dialogue and well-rounded believable characters to move readers through this best-seller quality narrative.
Beverly J Scott author of Righteous Revenge and Ruth Fever

The Anniversary will keep you turning pages well into the night, so schedule yourself accordingly before you pick it up. I enjoyed the author's first novel quite a bit, and this time she proves even more masterful. The threads of the plot are deftly woven, the suspense is finely paced and the characters resonate without lapses. If you seek psychological suspense and enjoy reading about women, this one's for you.

I really enjoyed reading The Anniversary! Written by Amy Gutman, (author of Equivocal Death) the story introduces you to Callie, a 36 year old woman with a wicked past. Because of her past she has been put into the witness protection program. For many years she was the girlfriend and lover of the notorious serial killer Steven Gage. As soon as she thinks she has escaped her past she gets an anniversary note on the fifth year after Stevens's death. Clues unfold and her nightmare comes true. Someone is after her and someone knows who she is. The Anniversary is a page turner from start to finish. A very good read.

With the news full of serial killers and worse, this is the stuff that scares us all. Driving the plot is that other thing that scares us -- seeing others as they really are -- and letting them see our real selves. Best of all, it's good read! Grab a bowl of popcorn and curl up with The Anniversary.