Full Rating and Review of The Anniversary by Alex Finlay

The Anniversary

Alex Finlay

Copyright 2026

322 Pages

Alright, this book had me standing up and pacing my living room like a Victorian ghost as everything unraveled. Woof. Five stars for the ending alone. Spoilers incoming, so if you’re still reading without finishing the book, that’s on you.

First of all… Uncle Pat? I mean, be honest: name one Uncle Pat in the history of Uncle Pats who isn’t a drunk, vaguely creepy dude who smells like gasoline and bad decisions. Should’ve seen that coming. But Jack? Damn it, Jack. I liked you. I rooted for you. And Mr. Finlay really said “lol watch this” and pulled the rug out from under my soul. The ending? Chef’s kiss.

And yes — following up on my preview — I am ELATED that Jules and Quinn got their happily‑ever‑after. Thank you for that emotional service. These two had character development so intense I felt like a proud parent at a middle‑school band concert. They GREW. They SUFFERED. They relived the worst night of their lives for TEN YEARS like trauma was their full‑time job. And then they healed, they helped people, and they took down murderers like the emotionally damaged superheroes they are.

As for the suspects — thank GOD it wasn’t the school counselor. If it had been, I would’ve rolled my eyes so hard they’d have detached. But Uncle Pat… listen. I really thought he was just Uncle Pat. The guy who shows up drunk to Thanksgiving, tells you he “knows a guy,” and then disappears into the woods. Turns out he’s also a full‑blown psycho killer. But his demise? 10/10. No notes.

And Jack. Oh, Jack. Is he serious? This whole time — THIS WHOLE TIME — no wonder the FBI couldn’t solve the case. He WAS the case. But did he have to insert himself into Carrie, Lucy, and Jules’ lives like some kind of walking red flag factory? Sick. I personally wish he’d been stuck in that burning building with Uncle Pat, but alas, I did not write the book.

The beginning was a little slow — we had a lot of character building to get through — but honestly, the buildup is what makes the ending slap so hard. I recommend this book, and overall I’m giving it 4 stars, mostly because the ending made me lose my mind in the best way.