I was pleasantly surprised by this one, actually.
Yes, Finlay and Vero found themselves in crazy predicaments, but it didn't feel slapstick to me.
Cosimano introduced some elements in the last book that allowed this one to feel fresh with new topics to cover. It had more depth than the other books had while remaining overall lighthearted.

Nick and Finlay got me in my feels big time, and you can tell a sixth book will definitely be coming. I’m here for this second wind.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!

In this next installment of the Finlay Donovan series, Finlay and Vero find themselves once again stuck. This time with their nosey neighbor Mrs Haggerty. When a body is found in the back yard of Mrs Haggerty’s house, she she needs their help. Initially a suspect, she is quickly ruled out but now she has nowhere to go. So she decides she is going to stay with Finlay and Vero. But when her ex Steven gets implicated in the murder she knows she must clear his name, even if getting involved in another murder investigation is the last thing she wants to do.

Can I just say how much I LOVE this series?! This cast of characters are hands down my favorite cozy mystery. These books make me laugh and I’m sucked in from page one. I’ve been a fan since book one and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book and what shenanigans they end up in.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the fifth installment in the in the Finlay Donovan series. After their last adventure in Atlantic City, Finlay and Vero are back home, where a body is discovered next door. When Finlay’s ex-husband is suspected of the crime, she decides to investigate to find the real killer.

Up until this point, I have been a faithful reader of this series. Every year there is a new Finlay Donovan book, and every year I read it. But this installment may be my last.

While I was not a big fan of the second book, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave fell short of all the prior books. On all fronts, I found this novel lacking. This series has been a fun, comfort read with laughs and a bit of pizazz. But I found little of that in this iteration. The plot lacks excitement, is predictable, and felt a bit like filler. In fact, a majority of the plot rehashed the previous four books. In addition, it absolutely lacks the humor that has otherwise defined the series. Unless you find a toddler continually removing his pants, the humor is completely absent.

After initial skepticism, I really liked Mrs. Haggarty, Finlay’s nosy neighbor, who played a large roll in this story. She was the most interesting part of this novel. I love a snarky old broad. However, I did not appreciate the bizarre “own” of Mrs. Haggarty being better at childcare and potty training. It felt out of place and left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. Otherwise, I would have liked to see Mrs. Haggerty appear as a side character in future books.

Overall, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the weakest of the books in this series. The plot is focused on redeeming Steven, an otherwise unredeemable character, and lacks the series’ hallmark humor and shenanigans. Plus, the title does not make sense. If you are a devoted Finlay fan, I think it is worth a read. But I will be cutting my losses and ending my consumption of the series.

This series just gets better and better! The dynamic between Finlay and Nick is heating up as they start to really trust each other. I loved how the author circled back to the first book in the series!

FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE by Elle Cosimano
Published: March 4, 2025 by St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books
Page Count: 320
Audio Version: Macmillan Audio
Narrator: Angela Dawe
Unabridged: 9 hours, 11 minutes



What a hoot! This is the fifth installment of the ongoing screwball comedy mystery series. Mix into the pot a heaping amount of misunderstanding and misadventure, along with a humungous amount of humor, a tinge of romance, with deepening friendships and murder. What results is another amazing propulsive read, with the exact right amount of suspense, intrigue and fun. Although this is the fifth Findlay adventure, it can certainly be enjoyed as a standalone, as Cosimano seamlessly weaves into the narrative the necessary backstory. However, the reader will be unable not to download the first four gems immediately.
Findlay is a struggling B-list writer of romantic mysteries, always facing impending deadlines for her next book. Her readers are always imploring her to add spicy tidbits with her “hot cop” Nick … a recurring character in her books and personal life. Her books are thinly disguised rehashes of her own misadventures with murder and the law. She is the single mother of adorable four year-old Delia and the perpetually sticky two-year-old toddler, Zach, who is forever flirting with escalating degrees of mischief. Donovan is divorced from her no-good, philandering husband, Steven, who carried on a lengthy affair with their curvy, blonde realtor.
But most importantly, she continues to be aided by her most unusual live-in college student, Vero …. who wears many hats: trusting nanny, confidante, partner-in-crime, and accountant. And from this a blossoming friendship and interdependence has evolved.Returning for this adventure are the kids, Vero, and Nick the “Hot Cop.”
Finlay and Vero have returned from a trip to Atlantic City, and are shocked to hear that a body has been uncovered after a flood in the backyard of their nosy, elderly neighbor Mrs, Haggerty.
She is arrested but quickly absolved due to lack of evidence. A knock on their door, results in the presence on their porch of Mrs. Haggerty and her nephew Brandon. She’s decided that she will need to stay in Donovan’s house for the weekend , since her electricity has been turned off and her house is in shambles. The nephew assures Donovan that he will arrange for contractors to immediately attend to the house repairs and return for her beginning of next week. Naturally this never happens … neither the contractors nor Brandon’s return. Suddenly the police are looking into her ex-husband as a possible suspect. Further trouble arises as her writing agent has set up a meeting with producer Randall Wolfe, who wants to turn her books into a TV series. She is fearful that her thinly disguised book adventures will uncover her previous true misadventures with crime and murder.
Elle Cosimano spins a twisted and hilarious tale that is well plotted suspenseful, and is marvelously outfitted with multiple colorful characters that are both flawed and yet believable. The burgeoning relationship and “sisterhood” between Finlay and Vero is nothing less than amazing. The dialogue banter flows in an entertaining fashion, frequently funny and at times, sarcastic, as our two main protagonists entangle themselves in the world of murder and mayhem. This certainly rivals the “Lucy and Ethel” adventures of television lore. The denouement of this delightful gem ends in an enticing cliffhanger, begging for further adventures in the trials and tribulations of Findlay Donovan.
I personally switched back and forth between the kindle and audio version. I found myself sticking with the audio after awhile. I was virtually spell bound with the marvelous narration of Angela Dawe. It was amazing how she captured the different voice of all of the characters, easily capturing the essence of both male and female protagonists. Her performance matched the timbre of this zany madcap adventure. This brought this novel to a new heights in the theatre of my mind.
Thanks to NetGalley, St.Martin’s Press - Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for providing an Uncorrected Proof and Advance Audio version in exchange for an honest review.

Included in monthly horror round-up at BookTrib: https://booktrib.com/2025/03/13/the-chill-quill-march-belongs-to-women-with-these-gripping-new-reads/

Fun continuation to the series with some shocking twists. First half felt a little long but the second half was fantastic. Can't wait to read more.

The Finlay Donovan series is such a fun and addictive read! From the very first book, I was hooked on Finlay’s chaotic life as a struggling single mom and suspense author who somehow gets tangled up in real-life crime. The mix of humor, mystery, and action makes these books impossible to put down. Finlay and her partner-in-crime (literally), Vero, have the best dynamic—I love their banter and how they always seem to get themselves into the most ridiculous situations.

What I enjoy most is how Elle Cosimano balances comedy with suspense. The books are full of twists, but they never take themselves too seriously, which makes them such an entertaining escape. If you love witty heroines, fast-paced mysteries, and a little bit of romance sprinkled in, I highly recommend this series! I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Finlay and Vero get into next.

Good news! The latest in Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan series is also one of the strongest. Having read the entire series, I would put #5 right up with my favorite-#1. Finlay... her own grave checked all my boxes for an entertaining read... chuckle out loud humor, a touch of romance, and a strong female sleuth on the trail of a murderer.

Finlay’s life is non-stop chaos. She juggles her home life - potty training her youngest, Zach, who prefers no clothes at all, an unexpected trip to school to bring her daughter,Delia, home after a playground incident gets her suspended plus keeping up with the suspicious late night activities of their new house guest her nosy and somewhat irritating neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. All of this–and more-while trying to solve the issue of a dead body and get her ex out of jail. Oh, and did I mention her not-quite-brand-new relationship with “hot cop boyfriend Nick” is steaming right along??

There is never a dull moment in Finlay’s world and, at times, the chaos and antics merit an eye roll but overall the action is entertaining and engaging. There also are a few spots where filling in the detailed back story made for a slow slog, the pacing is, otherwise, non-stop.

As usual there’s a cliffhanger and this time the next book promises to shine the spotlight on Finlay’s sidekick Vero and, hopefully, more of a certain detective.

This latest installment in the Finlay Donovan checks all the boxes and is just as fun as the first book . Continuing with Finlay and her wild adventures (sometimes you have to go with the flow of the storyline). I love the adventures, the characters, Fun and entertaining ride. I don't love the cliffhanges but excited to continue the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. 3.75 rounded up Stars

Thank you Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave.

I always love Finlay Donovan and book 5 was no exception! This is one of the only series of books I read because I enjoy them so much.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by
Elle Cosimano!
I absolutely LOVE this series, and this one is no different! I hope she NEVER ends this series!😅

This book has intrigue, mystery, callbacks to previous books! It keeps readers on their toes, and has some extremely funny moments, such as Finlays son refusing to wear clothes 🤣
I don't want to put to many spoilers out to the world, but l absolutely ate this up, and truly enjoyed every second! Thank you @netgalley and@minotaurbooks for the ARC!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is Elle Cosimano‘s sixth book in her mystery/thriller series, Finlay Donovan. The story picks up from Finley Donovan Rolls the Dice, so the books should be read in order for maximum enjoyment and understanding. The action during the course of the series has taken place over a four-month period.

31-year-old Finlay Donovan is a divorced mother of two preschoolers and an author of romantic suspense novels. She is currently dating a handsome police detective, Nick. Her children’s live-in nanny, Veronica “Vero” Cruz, is also Finlay’s ride-or-die best friend and partner-in-crime.

Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, is the community’s busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. When a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty is jailed for a week before the police eliminate her as a suspect. Since her home is still a crime scene, she descends upon Finlay’s house and claims Finlay’s bedroom as her own. Finlay has no choice except to sleep on the futon in her home office. Neither Finlay nor Vero want to get involved in another murder case or share space with grumpy Mrs. Haggerty. Her presence is really putting a damper on their love lives and crazy escapades. Then Steven, Finlay’s ex-husband, becomes a suspect and the ladies have to intervene.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is another hilarious installment in this comedic romantic suspense series. Finley and Vero get themselves into some crazy situations, but they are likable, and readers can relate to them on an emotional level. Mrs. Haggerty is reminiscent of Mrs. Kravitz from Bewitched, the horrible nosy neighbor. The plot is well-paced and gripping, keeping the reader entertained for a few hours. These Finlay Donovan stories should be made into a short TV series for everyone to enjoy, since there is no profanity and the romance is closed-door.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This may be one of my favorite of the series. It felt less chaotic and had a more straightforward storyline. Finlay is back at it again with her team of amateur investigators when her ex once again gets involved in a sticky situation. Can Finlay save the day yet again?

I have struggled with some of the past books because they involved too many characters and the storylines were overly complicated. This one was perfect as it focused on her neighbor and some antics with her, Finlay's kids who offered adorable comic relief, and her relationships with Vero and Nick. I loved how she and Nick finally opened up about their pasts and learned that they could rely on each other. I am also eager to see how Vero fares in the next book as she confronts her past. Overall I just love this series and am glad this one was a hit for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur for the e-book in exchange for my honest review!

This was a fun little mystery romp! I felt like the last book got to be a little too much, but this one brought back the things I love about the series! It was lots of fun!

Loved this book! Finlay and Nick’s relationship development was so good. Of course I’m a sucker for any book with a book club tie in! I started with book 3 and book 5 is by far an improvement, but now I really need to go back and read the others!!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave… Elle Cosimano - Latest book in the series. Book 5

Finlay and Vero don’t expect their nosy neighbor Mrs Haggerty to be arrested murder after a dead body is found in her backyard. They are even more surprised when she is cleared of murder but her house is still a crime scene and she wants to stay at Finlay’s house. THE HORROR!!

The fact this body has nothing to do with them… for once.. Is a breath of fresh air… That is until the police seem to think Steven, Finlay’s ex husband, put the body there…

Finlay is a better person than me. I don’t know if I would have gone to these lengths to prove Steven was innocent, I’m nice but I am not that nice. There is so much to unpack in this installment. I love Mrs. Haggerty. She is no-nonsense, got ya buy the balls, older lady with no F’s given. I don’t like to spoil things in books for readers but note…. The brownies… Might have been my favorite part of the book so pay attention when reading.

I really love the development of Finlay as a character. Some things in her life have improved and other things are still a total mess but I love it. I love her. Part of me hopes this series never ends. The book is loaded with humor and epic banter. I have to say the audiobooks really brought the characters to life so much more for me.

Truly this series ticks every single box..

Mistaken identity
Single mom
Romance
Witty banter
Unlikely duo

I also love that it's a mystery thriller with dark humor and a slashing of romantic comedy… It is everything. It is Finlay Donovan and it is a must read..

5 stars

What can I say? It’s always a fun time with Finlay, and this book was no exception. The fast-paced humor and wit made it an enjoyable read from start to finish. The cliffhanger at the end has me eagerly anticipating the next book—I can’t wait to see what happens next!

*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for my honest review.*

Cosimano does it again! Finlay and Vero are wrapped up in an investigation that they should have no interest in, but Finlay is trying to clear her ex's name so they go all in. Of course.

Reading this series and the things that Finlay and Vero run into, it all seems so very outlandish and far fetched but then it all comes together and appears seamless and quite obvious. I enjoy the bantering between all of the characters and the side stories and how everyone always seems to come to Finlay's aid.

This is a great series and does not seem to slow down at all with each subsequent book!

Finlay, Vero, and the whole gang are back in Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave. The story picks up right where we left off and jumps right in with a dead body discovered right in Finlay's neighborhood. This book reminded me of the first book in the series - simpler story focused mostly on the family, plenty of steam and sexiness, and of course chaos and silliness. These mysteries are fun and lighthearted - an easy and delightful read. This one ends with a cliffhanger and I'm already looking forward to finding out what happens next.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.