Finlay, and her babysitter/accountant/partner in crime Vero are the Lucy and Ethel of our time. They are constantly making bad decisions and getting in over their head. Mayhem, including dead bodies continues to pile up around them. In this installment of the series, a dead body appears across the street, and it is looking like Finlay's ex husband might be the murderer. The busybody neighbor Mrs. Haggerty plays quite a role in this book and becomes the live in nightmare that Finlay actually needs as Mrs. Haggerty homeschools one child and potty trains the other child. Finlay is determined to prove the innocence of the father of her children, all while dodging her pushy agent and the overbearing Mrs. Haggerty. Just as Lucy and Ethel need Ricky to help them out of their messes, Finlay and Vero need Nick to provide clean up. This is another laugh out loud installment in the Finlay Donovan series.

My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an early copy. My opinion is my own.

Perfectly entertaining duo are back to entertain more with their chaotic lives and it simply doesn't disappoint one bit. I felt it would be too much of a repeat and will probably lag a bit but it was right length and was a light read. Also ends at a tight spot making me set for the next installment. I truly feel like I know these characters now and am fully invested in how Vero handles her life with deportation, etc. Haggerty's was sort of okay plot and it could have even better but it was a surprise element. I never expected murder series to be fun and lighthearted but cant believe I now subscribe to this genre.

Finlay & Vero are at it again. This installment captures the same spirit as the previous titles. The reader sees more character development, and adds new players to the mix. I was left hungry for the next adventure. 4.5 stars!

Finley Donovan still sorting through dead bodies in the closet... At least these ones are not literal. Trying to clear the name of her ex husband, Finley teams up with Vero and her neighbor nemesis to figure out how the dead body buried in her back yard came to be there and prove it wasn't Steven while also not implicating herself.
In the meantime, her agent is trying to pin down a contract to put her books on screen-- without knowing that it'd also put Finley behind bars.
Add in the chaos of a potty training kid, a suspended kid, and a large purple car and it's all the amusement, humor and chaos you expect from Finley Donovan.

I am incredibly grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC of this latest installment in the Finlay Donovan series. From the very first page, I was completely captivated. What truly sets this series apart is the remarkable cast of characters, and this book is no exception. It's like catching up with old friends! Revisiting Finlay and her ever-resourceful partner-in-crime, Vero, is always a delight. They're back at it again, diving headfirst into another thrilling mystery, all while Finlay navigates the chaotic whirlwind of her daily life. Imagine trying to solve a crime while dealing with a demanding ex-husband, the unpredictable antics of two young children, an elderly neighbor who seems to have taken up permanent residence in her house, and the undeniable distraction of a seriously HOT cop. Finlay's ability to juggle all of this, and somehow still manage to come out on top, is nothing short of extraordinary. The pacing is perfect, never a dull moment, and this book stands out as one of my absolute favorites in the series. We're introduced to some fascinating new personalities, and even get a glimpse into some intriguing romantic possibilities from the past, which added an extra layer of excitement. As a long-time, devoted fan of Finlay and Vero, I will eagerly follow their adventures wherever they may lead. The humor, the suspense, and the sheer heart of this series continue to impress, and I can't wait to see what's next!

When a dead body is found in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard, she eventually gets let go as a suspect, but her house is still under wraps. So she needs somewhere to stay. Obviously her neighbor Finlay would love to take her in right? Finlay and Vero are not thrilled, and definitely don’t want to get involved with more murder…

Another crazy story of Finlay and Vero and their insane lives. Mrs. Haggerty was such a nosy Nelly, you just knew she had to know something about the dead body in her backyard right? I really enjoyed how this story came out, and I just love the lighthearted fun of murder in the Finlay series.

Thank you to @minotaurbooks for my gifted copy of this book!

Thanks to Minotaur Books for an advanced copy of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, which is book #5 in the Finlay Donovan series.

This book was so much fun and it reminded me more of the first book in the series. Finlay and Vero get involved in another murder case and try to help solve the case when a body is found in her neighbor's backyard. The hijinx and mishaps that Finlay and Vero get in are more believable and I honestly loved Mrs. Haggerty.

I loved the cliffhanger that this book left us on! And seeing Nick and Finlay together. I live in the area where these books are set, so it's always fun to read about your area in a book.

Angela Dawe did a fantastic job narrating the audiobook and I love listening to this series.

This series just makes me so happy! I love that it feels like a new season of your favorite TV show, all your favorite characters getting back together again, getting into trouble, love & mayham abundant! The last book kinda tied up some loose ends so I was curious as to what Finlay and the gang would get up to this time. & this doesn’t disappoint! I loved all the main players together. Cam making more of an appearance was so fun & I loved him and Mrs haggerty together! Literally so funny! (🚗🍆 iykyk!)

A solid addition to this series & I hope there’s another book in this series coming soon!

This is another fun entry in the Finlay series. I enjoyed the curmudgeon neighbor. I always really like Vero, and I think there's a good balance of personalities with the ex husband and the cop. The dialogue from the children isn't quite believable but it's minimal.

(spoiler) I'm a bit over the Strangers on a Train, Kill for Me Kill for You theme/twist.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I will share.

I love this series. It If I light, fun and so engaging. These women and their friendship is so much fun to read about. These books are entertaining, the women are smart, and the stories are compelling!! I usually finish these books in a day. Because they are do much fun to read!!!

This series always makes me laugh, as the foibles and adventures of Finlay and Vero continue to entertain. When Finlay’s ex-husband is arrested for a murder that Finlay is convinced he is innocent of, she delves into the case to solve it with her babysitter sidekick, Vero. Add in Mrs. Haggerty, a nosy old neighbor who was dropped off at her house, her detective boyfriend, Nick, as well as other characters, and the story will hold your attention. I recommend the whole series.Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I adore the Finlay Donovan series, and this didn't disappoint. My favourite will always be book #1, but this comes in a VERY close second. The story felt fresh and the new characters were the perfect addition. What I loved best though was getting more of my favourite side characters. Mrs. Haggerty is an absolute legend. And the dynamic between her and Cam was so much fun to read.

I'm already excited for the next installment!

Another solid installment in the Finlay Donovan saga. I was less stressed this time around (Finlay also seemed to sleep more) but it was more twists and turns and development for these characters. I hate that they all end on cliffhangers, but I’m excited to see where the next one goes!

What can I say?! Finlay and Vero are an absolute blast. I think each book gets better and better. And just when I think I have it all figured out, some super ridiculous happens.

I love the Finlay series for exactly what it is. It’s such a fast paced, funny, suspense, cozy series. There are several laugh out loud moments.

What I loved most about book 5 was the development of Finlay and Nick’s relationship. I’m excited to see where it goes. Also the growth with Steven. Yes, we still hate him, but he’s growing on me.

And that ending…can’t wait for book 6!

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

I have eaten up every single installment in this series and I am happy to report that she has delivered yet ANOTHER perfect follow up. This has quickly cemented itself as one of my all time favorite series. Funny, witty, action, thrills, romance, girl’s girls… what more could you ever want!

Another fun adventure with Finley and Vera. I love this series so much and I enjoy the chaos. Charming characters and laugh out loud dialogue! Always a good time.

I adore Finlay and this installment was no different!!

Elle I really need you to stop making me wait a whole year before the next book comes out cause I need to know what happens next!

I have loved the previous books and enjoyed the Russian mob plot lines but I really enjoyed seeing Finlay in her own space with the host of characters we’ve grown to love. Mrs. Haggerty is fantastic and I would happily read her debut novel.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to review ARC.

This is the 5th book of this series. I have to say this is my 2nd favorite one of the series (first one is always the best). I loved seeing some relationship development between Finlay and Nick!! It was also nice to have other characters come back. The mystery was a bit confusing. Overall I loved the book! Will there be book #6? I feel like we will focus on Vero and solve her problems in the next book?

The latest in Elie Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series is the best! When Finlay's ex-husband Stephen is arrested for a murder he didn't commit, she is determined to prove his innocence.

2 stars

The only person who might have died in this book was me. I need someone to explain to me like I’m five why we would ever be doing the most for that turd of a person Steven. Usually the humor in the book keeps me going, but this one felt weak. It felt like a bit of a chore to get through, I keep waiting for Finley to gain some sense. It ends with a rough cliffhanger so you’ll probably see me again here next year.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy to form opinions from.