Oh my gosh, Finlay Donovan is at it again, and honestly, it’s everything I needed! Like, what even is a quiet life when you’re Finlay? 😂 So, there’s a body in her cranky neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard (no big deal, right?), and obviously, Finlay and Vero somehow get pulled into the chaos. Now, not only do they have to clear Mrs. Haggerty’s name, but they also have to deal with her staying at Finlay's place. Can you imagine sharing space with your nosy neighbor while trying to, you know, solve a MURDER?

The banter between Finlay and Vero is hysterical, and the little bits of mystery and laughs kept me hooked. Just when you think they’re in the clear, another twist shows up. And Brendan, Mrs. Haggerty’s politician-wannabe grandson, is totally sketch but somehow charming? Ugh, I can’t even.

Anyway, this was such a fun read – it’s honestly one of my faves in the series.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Thank you NetGalley & St Martin's Press for allowing me access to one of my most anticipated reads of next year!
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is the fifth book in the series and is going to be released March 4th 2025. In this installment Finlay Donovan and her nanny, Vero, reluctantly take in their nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, after a body is found in her yard. Though they try to avoid the murder investigation, they’re drawn in when Finlay’s ex-husband becomes a suspect. Now, they must uncover Mrs. Haggerty’s secrets before their own secrets come to light. It was just pure pleasure from start to finish. I love it! I never want this series to end!

This one was not for me. The storyline didn’t flow well and I could not connect with the characters.
****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

Another wonderful installment to the Finlay Donovan series. I finished this in 2 days cause I just could not put it down. Another cliffhanger leaving me wanting sooo much more. 2026 can’t come quickly enough for the next book!

I love Finlay Donovan. So glad for the chance to preview her newest novel. Kept me entertained and wanting more. Biggest disappointment is that I have to wait for the next book in the series.

Everytime I see a new Finlay title is being released, I know I'm in for an entertaining story! Cosimano has done an outstanding job crafting this character and the other supporting ones in each book. Well done! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is my favorite Finlay Donovan adventure yet!

When a body is discovered in her nosy neighbor’s backyard, Finlay finds herself in the middle of yet another mystery. This one landing her ex-husband, Steven, in jail for murder after the dead man’s wife confesses to a torrid affair. Convinced of his innocence and despite literally everyone believing the worst of him, Finlay sets out to prove Steven didn’t commit murder. Her search for the truth coupled with her agent’s insistence on turning her books into a tv series, puts pressure on her budding relationship with Nick, the hot cop.

The whole cast of characters are back and off the wall as ever. This was a ridiculously fun ride!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advance copy.

Finlay and Vero are back with their antics, and this time, it all begins close to home! This book is just as enjoyable as the previous ones. It's fast-paced and filled with the hilarious banter between Finlay and Vero. The mystery is engaging and suspenseful enough to keep me hooked. I loved that Finlay and the hot cop (Nick) have finally resolved some of their issues and are heading in the right direction. They seem great together! I also loved the bond that Cam formed with Mrs. Haggerty, as well as her relationship with Finlay’s children. I did not like how the book ended on a cliffhanger because I don't want to wait for another year for the next book. I can’t wait to see what happens in books six and seven!

Thank you to NetGallery and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for my copy..

A body is found in Finley’s next door neighbor’s yard - Mrs. Haggerty. The police originally arrest Mrs. Haggerty but after anonymous phone call they arrest Finley’s ex-husband. Even though she can’t stand him, Finley doesn’t want her children to have to visit their father in prison, so she and Vero embark on finding out who the real killer is.

Full of hilarity and romance, this book is a great addition to the series. The ending made me wonder if this is the last book in the series. I hope not because Finley and Vero are a lot of fun.

I hope this series never ends. I love the antics of Vero and Finlay.

Finlay’s ex-husband is suspected of murder after her body is found in Finley‘s neighbors backyard, where her ex-husband had previously delivered sod. Even though her ex is a cheater, Fiblay doesn't believe he's a killer. She’ll stop at nothing to prove his innocence and find the real killer.

It’s hard to say much about this book without giving spoilers, so I’ll this. The growth between Finlay and Nick was great, and getting more the side characters from earlier books was a nice touch.

Finlay and Vero are like a current day Lucy and Ethel. In this book, Finlay is once again trying to solve and crime. What I love is that we're learning more a bit more about characters we've met earlier in the previous books. This book made me laugh as usual and I thought I knew where it was going pretty early and was so very wrong. Finlay despite her best intentions can't seem to escape having crime and drama follow her as she tries to protect those closest to her. It's an easy, comfortable read. It's like curling with with a cup of hot cocoa and catching up with an old friend who always has an unbelievable story to tell you.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.

Though one or two of the books in this series were a little lacking, this book definitely picked it up again. It was a delightful read full of fun characters as usual and I enjoyed that it connected with the first book in the series. There were a few minimal pieces that felt unanswered, but it didn't bother me especially since the big Vero Mystery is finally coming to an end now that the cliffhanger at the end happened. I've been dying to know the story behind that and I'm so glad it's finally happening.

Another Finlay Donovan book! Yay! I was a little worried because sometimes when series go on this long, it becomes too much. But I actually loved this one, even more than the last 2. Finlay and Vero's adventures are always so fun to read about! I really liked this book. And it ended on a cliffhanger so naturally, I need more!

I just love every single one of these books in the Finlay Donovan series!!
Each one takes us on such an adventure and I loved Mrs. H being in this one more!!
I cannot wait for the next one already!!

What can I say? Another great addition to one of the best new series out there. This time, Finlay’s ex-husband is suspected of murder and she’s on a mission to prove his innocence. This book is hilarious! Truly laugh out loud, people will stare at you in public, hilarious! The series is not losing steam at all and I can’t wait for the next one!

Thanks for the opportunity to read in advance!

4.25 rounded up - I loved this one - definitely super cozy 💕 Thanks to Netgalley for an e-arc of this installment!

Finlay and Vero are in deep shit once again… figuratively and thanks to Zach…literally 😂

Definitely excited to see everyone’s reactions once this is officially released! 4.25⭐️ from me!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave
By: Elle Cosimano
Pub Date: March, 4, 2025
Publisher Minotaur

I absolutely love this series. This is #5 in the series and I can see more as the ending left a cliffhanger and “what if”.
Finlay and her partner-in-crime Vero are at it again. This time there is a nosey neighbor, a dead body, new love, a book club and a set-up. Finlay’s ex is also in this and finds himself on the other side of the law.
This novel is just as fun/juicy and witty as all the others. Thank you Minotaur books for this advanced copy.

This will never get old. I love these books and cast of characters so very much. And Julian is back!

My goodness I never want this series to end. I LOVE Finlay & Vero and this one may be my second favorite (nothing will ever beat the first) of the series.

Finlay’s ex-husband Steven is suspected of murder after a body is found across the street from Finlay’s house, and she will do anything she can to prove his innocence. This one is LAUGH OUT LOUD funny and super entertaining.

It’s hard to say too much since this is book 5 and I don’t want to spoil anything but there are lots of cameos back to book one - some things I had forgotten and I love how she reiterates it just enough to spark a memory (it’s been a year since I read book 4 so minor details had been lost but came back to me 😜)

If you haven’t read this series yet, what are you waiting for?!

Elle, please never end this series because I just love it so much.

HUGE thanks to Minotaur Books & NetGalley for my ARC!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a thrilling ride from start to finish! The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and the humor woven throughout gave it a fun and unique flair. Finlay’s character is both relatable and endearing, making her escapades all the more enjoyable. A must read for fans of mystery and comedy!
Thank you NetGalley and Elle Cosimano for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.