Disappointing and frustrating—couldn't make it past halfway. I was really excited for Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave after enjoying the earlier books in the series, but this one just didn’t do it for me. The humor, which was one of my favorite things in the first books, felt forced and repetitive here, and I found myself rolling my eyes more than laughing. The plot didn’t hold my attention either—what started as a promising mystery quickly became convoluted and slow.

Our girls are back and this time they're evading prying eyes from within their home as Mrs. Haggerty (the nosey, busy-body neighbor) moves in after being released from jail where she was accused of murder when the body of man is discovered buried in her own backyard. But just as Mrs. H is no longer the target of the investigation, all eyes turn to Finlay's ex-husband Stephen and the authorities inch closer than ever to Fin's secrets. Can they keep it together, solve the crime, and turn the eyes away from them? All while trying to potty train a rebellious Zach who refuses to wear pants?

This fifth installment of everyone's favorite author-turns-hitman (but not really), feels like going home - literally. We're back in Finlay's house after the hijinx of Atlantic City, and the gang's got a lot going on. I would say that's my one criticism of this book was that things felt a little messy. Well, messier than the usual for Finlay and Vero. It felt like there was so much going on at all times. And ultimately something was lacking. The magic of the others. Don't get me wrong, this was still highly enjoyable, hilarious, bingeable, and just a good damn time. But it would definitely be the weaker of the five so far.

Nonetheless, Cosimano's writing is compulsory, and I love being in this world so much. I am a Finlay-phile through and through and cannot get enough. I'm on pins and needles to see what happens next after that cliff hanger!!

Love this series. Such a great one. Thanks to the publisher and author for the advanced copy. All opinions stated are my own.

I loved this book! I loved that the setting was mainly in South Riding. I preferred this over the past few installments.

I loved the female friendship aspect!

I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Review submitted to GoodReads as well.

Of all the things Finlay has gotten herself into in the past, this one actually seemed like it could have really happened. Greatly enjoyed the book and looking forward to how Vero is going to get out of her debacle.

Delia is growing up to be pure delight and now I want more Mrs Haggerty!

4.75 stars
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TW: Murder, Domestic abuse
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And the shenanigans continue! In this fifth installment, we pick up right where we left off...a dead body is found on Mrs. Haggerty's property and Finlay finds herself trapped in the middle when her ex-husband Steven is accused of the crime. If you haven't read any of the books, you need to read them before diving into this one, the author does give some information about past books (and characters), but to get a better picture and dynamic of these characters it's better to read them in order.

I love how chaotic Finlay and Vero are - they are such strong characters who aren't afraid to show their flaws! No matter what situation they find themselves in, they always find a way out. These books give me such anxiety, that I always wonder when Finlay's luck will run out and the world will come crashing down around her. The plot had a much simpler mystery aspect - focusing around on proving Steven is innocent all while the ex-accused Mrs. Haggerty moves in with Finlay. It was fun and loved how Nick was a bit more involved this time around.

This book ends with a cliffhanger and a "what-if" situation which could bring on a few more problems to Finlay. Although I really hope for another book in this series, it would be fun to swap the series to Vero's POV since the cliffhanger affects her in a major way!
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I want to thank St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, Elle Cosimano, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book publishes on March 4th 2025 - preorder your copy today!

This is for sure one of my favorite book series and always an automatic read for me. I cannot get enough of Finlay and Vero’s crazy antics. I could not wait to read this one and knew right away I’d love it as much as the others! This honestly was one of my favorites of the series so far. I enjoyed seeing more Mrs Haggerty and her plot, especially the end, was very entertaining. If youve enjoyed the Finlay Donovan series, this one will definitely not disappoint and if you haven’t read them definitely add to your TBR immediately! Thanks to Net Galley, the author, and Minotaur books for the ARC!

Finlay Donovan…what a fun cast of characters this series of books has!!! From the first to the latest, these books always give me a good laugh while also providing a whodunit vibe. If you love Janet Evanovich, check these out!

Elle Cosimano can do no wrong! Finlay and Vero and their gang are at it again with more crazy twists and turns. This book will keep you laughing throughout as the shenanigans unwind. You won't disappointed in Finlay Donovan #5!

Note: Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

I can’t believe I’ve already finished the fifth Finlay Donovan book—it feels like I just started the series! The fast-paced stories have made reading Elle Cosimano’s books such a fun adventure over the years. I’ll admit I forgot some plot points and had to look them up, but this book really brought things back to the cozy mystery vibe and strong female friendships that made me love the series.

I also loved seeing Finlay’s growth, especially in her relationship. While I’ve heard there might be one more book, this one felt like a solid conclusion too. Either way, it’s been such a great ride!

I was so glad when I heard this series was getting another book and Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave did not disappoint! I loved being back will all of the characters I’ve grown to know and love and following along with their hijinks. As always, the book is funny, chaotic, and has a good mystery to follow along with. The character development of the main characters continues, and I enjoyed getting to know Mrs. H a little better, too. If you’ve enjoyed the other books in this series you definitely need to pick this one up when it comes out.

Could not put this down! What a fun mystery told in a fun, lighthearted way. You won’t be disappointed when you pick this one up!

I adore this series so much! Each book is a wonderful adventure and I an glues to the pages every time. Finlay has grown so much through the series! Very is a crack up every time. We all need a Vero in our lives to help us get through it. Also I appreciate that the issues her and Nick had through this one were realistic as far as miscommunications and no-communication. It wasn't something that was made up and just tossed into the story. I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy of this book when it becomes available. Thank you for letting me read it!

I always have so much fun with the mess that Finley and Vero get themselves into. It was hilarious them having to living with Mrs. Haggerty! Findlay’s ex-husband gets arrested for the murder of someone found across the street, and Finlay will do anything to prove he didn’t do it. But of course you know Steven has lots of secrets. If you’ve been reading this series you’ll know they just get into one thing after another. And the situations they find they find themselves in are ones you’d definitely not want to be in. With each book we get more side characters that add to the craziness. What i really liked about this one was you get to see more into Findlay and Nicks relationship. The realness that has to start coming out. That freaked cliff hanger at the end! I can not wait to get my hands on the next one to see how that ends up!
3.5⭐️

Thank you to Minotour Books and Netgalley for my Gifted copy.

4.25 stars out of 5

I thought this was a great mystery book and I loved the humor that was thrown in. I immediately was drawn into the book and could not put it down. I have not read the other books in the series but I feel it could be read as a standalone. With that said, there were some missing pieces in the book so I would recommend reading the first books in the series to get a better idea of who is who and what happened previously. I'm putting those on the top of my list to read. I really loved all the characters especially Mrs. Haggerty, she was hilarious! Overall, this book had me laughing from start to finish and I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out. Highly recommend!

In Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, Finlay's elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, is a person of interested in a crime. A dead body was found in her yard and it looks like it had been there for some time. After some investigating, Mrs. Haggerty was released from custody but has no where to go since her house is an active crime scene. She ends up staying across the street with Finlay, Vero the nanny, and Finlay's children. In a turn of events, Finlay's ex-husband was named a person of interest in the crime but Finlay thinks otherwise. She and Vero put on their detective gear to find out the true culprit but unearth something more sinister.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am a huge fan of the Finlay Donovan series as a whole. They are always entertaining, funny, and a solid mystery. However this one fell a bit flat to me. I didn’t think the crime/mystery was as interesting as past books and the ending was a little predictable. That being said, there were still a lot of funny moments and it was a quick read. I’d still recommend it for anyone who is a fan of this series and likes Finlay as a character!

Missed the Finlay x Vero dynamic duo and glad they are back at it! I'm really going to miss when this series is over, but it's truly such a fun series. I have to say, the last one was probably my least favorite of the series, but I'm glad this one was really good!

I enjoyed this book a lot, it felt more realistic than a couple of the previous ones, more likeable "villains" so to speak. I was worried at first about her potrait of her elderly neighbor, felt too stereotypical but she later redeemed herself with the character. finlay and vero, again get caught in many midadventures as they try to clear her ex husband of a murder charge. The series overall is a fun read. It can be read as a stand alone as well.

I know that these have a huge following and I haven't had a chance to read the others but this one was SO GOOD! They are def all higher on my TBR now. Quick and fun read. Felt like I was watching tv as I read. Loved it.

Guys. I love these books. If you want to take a break and read a book that will guarantee a smile on your face & make you giggle all the time, start this series. This is book 5 and just like all the other books it captivated me from the beginning. Finlay is a mom of two young children and she definitely doesn’t have it together, her life is a mess. Finlay and her kids nanny Vero are prone to getting into trouble, they always find themselves mixed up in criminal activity. In this book, Finlay sleazy ex-husband gets framed for murder and you follow Vero and Finlay trying to prove he didn’t do it. If you are looking for a book with good laughs, a little bit of crime, a romance with a hot detective or lawyer, this series is for you. The side characters are hilarious in these books and always make me laugh with how crazy they are. Absolutely STAN Elle Cosimanos writing and books. This book comes out in March so you have plenty of time to get caught up in the series 💗