I have immensely enjoyed the Finlay Donovan series—this one is my favorite by far! This series is not for anyone looking for realistic life events. It is fun, chaotic, and full of dramatic moments. I have enjoyed getting to see some of my favorite characters!

It's always hard to review sequels because you don't want to give away any spoilers. I am a spoiler-free blog, so this will be a shorter review. We pick up with a new murder mystery, and Finlay's circle is in the spotlight. Five books later, we learn so much more about the cranky neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. I always knew that there was more to her than met the eye. I loved getting to know her and how she delved into Finlay's life.

We get a lot of movement in character arcs in this book. I adored Finlay and Nick's relationship growth. Nick is great for her, and I love that she's finally realizing it. I even felt bad for Steven- only a little- in this book. Haha. We see Finlay's kids growing up and having more of a voice. I'm team Delia, by the way! Also, I'm obsessed with Cam. These books are naturally hilarious, but Cam adds so much! I love how he's this genius hacker but also just a kid!

I loved this book so much! It ended with a cliffhanger, which I have been waiting for for so long! I cannot wait to see what happens in the next installment. There is no chance that Finlay will ever have a boring life. Even if things are unrealistic, it feels so relaxing and fun to read these books! I highly recommend them if you want a crazy and fast-paced read!

Thank you, Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the e-arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

After #finlaydonovanrollsthedice , I thought I was done with the series… and yet here I am again waiting to find out what new mischief Finlay was up to!

I actually enjoyed #finlaydonovandigsherowngrave more than the last books that have come out in the series. It was chaotic and over the top. Does Finlay still have the worst luck ever?! Ya but it felt like a lot of things were wrapped up. The ending definitely leaves that door open but I almost feel like Finlay’s story has been told and maybe the next book will mostly just be about Vera.

All in all, if you a cozy and humorous mystery, definitely grab this book!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is out Today!!

Thank you @stmartinspress for my advanced copy and @macmillan.audio for the audio!

Finlay and Vero are at it again. Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, joins the chaos full throttle in this latest adventure, as a body is found buried in her back yard. She comes to stay with Finlay and Vero after the police determine she is innocent (is she really though?) and her house has been left in no condition to return to without work, and the whole situation is strange and hilarious. Finlay and Vero always find themselves in the weirdest situations. Nick, that super hot and sexy cop, is back, and Silvia shows up unexpectedly more than once. Steven and the kids of course are all over the place. The whole story is chaotic and fun, like every other Finlay Donovan story thus far.

Thank you to NetGalley, St Martins Press and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read this crazy and latest Finlay installment in exchange for an honest review!

Okay, this was a fun read. Although I haven't read the previous books in the series, it was easy to fall into Finlay Donovan's world and understand why people love it. This was cozy and chaotic and so funny. I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters. Will definitely read more by Elle Cosimano!

If you are looking for a cozy mystery that will have you laughing out loud you can not go wrong with Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan series. A writer and single mother, her life is constantly chaotic and there are things in her past that she can not tell her boyfriend Nick. He is a police detective and she is afraid that he would have to arrest her if he knew. When her neighbor’s property floods and has to be dug up a body is found. Mrs. Haggerty is in her eighties. While she was initially arrested for the murder, she is soon released and suspicion falls on Finlay’s ex-husband Steven. He was the contractor who planted Mrs. haggerty’s flower bed where the body was found. A true crime podcast also accuses him of having an affair with the victim’s wife. Even if he has been a liar and a cheater, Finlay has to prove his innocence for the sake of her children. This is not an easy task when Mrs. Haggerty insists on moving in with her while her home is a crime scene and her power is out.

Finlay’s partner in her madcap investigation is Vero, her nanny. The two of them together spell trouble. Throw in a five year old who has been suspended for fighting, a two year old who can’t seem to keep his clothes on, a bossy octogenarian who records everything in her neighborhood journal (including Finlay’s clandestine activities) and a police detective who would love to convict Steven and you have a mystery that will keep you glued from page one. Nick tries to be a voice of reason and Finlay’s relationship has finally reached a level of trust, if she can only stay out of jail herself. I have laughed my way through every book in this series and can not wait for Finlay’s return. I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for providing this book.

As a fan of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan books, I found "Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave," the fifth installment in the series, to be a delightful return to the world of chaos, wit, and unexpected twists that I have come to know and love. Finlay, our irrepressible heroine, finds herself embroiled in yet another murder mystery after the remains of a long-missing mortgage broker are discovered buried in a neighbor’s yard. What follows is a perfect balance of humor, intrigue, and wild escapades that make this newest book as entertaining as its predecessors.

Cosimano keeps the plot fresh and engaging, as Finlay juggles her unconventional sleuthing with the demands of her family life. Readers are treated to a rollercoaster of hilarious misunderstandings, high-stakes danger, and unexpected alliances, and the mystery itself is intricately plotted, with twists that keep readers guessing until the very end, making it as much a page-turner as it is a comedy of errors. As usual, the heart of the novel lies in its characters. Finlay remains as charming and relatably quirky as ever, her quick wit and knack for stumbling into trouble ensuring endless entertainment. The supporting cast, including her ex-husband, her latest love interest, a colorful array of quirky neighbors, and fan favorite Vero, adds depth and humor to the narrative.

With its sharp writing, clever humor, and captivating mystery, "Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" is a thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series, and will leave readers eagerly anticipating what mischief Finlay will dig up next.

Book 5 does not disappoint! It is always fun spending time with Finlay and Vero and following them through their shenanigans!

Can’t wait for #6!

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book!

Maybe it's because I've read some real clunkers lately, but I don't think that is the whole reason I just loved this book. I am an escape reader. I don't want reality to intrude when there is a really funny scene and there are some doozies in this book. There is also a very good cozy-mystery to solve. The characters are just wonderful too. I'm still on the fence about Mrs. Haggerty, but the miracle she worked with Zack may have tipped my opinion. She says that Finlay reminds her of herself, and I can see that. The setup for the next book has me so excited for the further adventures of Finley and Vero. I can't wait.

When a broken pipe floods her backyard, and a body is discovered Finlay and Vero are not all broken up when Mrs. Haggerty is taken into custody. That woman is soooo nosy and what she is constantly writing down in her neighborhood watch diary, well, that could be very, very bad for Finlay and Vero. But the police didn't keep her! Now she's in Finlay's house and taking over Finlay's life.

Finlay wants no part in trying to solve who killed the body in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. At least she didn't until her ex-husband, Steven, is arrested for the crime. Finlay is not about to let the father of her children be sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit. Someone killed this guy, and all Finley and Vero have to do is figure out who.

My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

I love this series and it’s characters! 💗 I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I think I will read anything this author writes!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the fifth mystery in the Finlay Donovan series. Finally out of trouble with the mob and the troubles that have been following her around all Finlay Donovan wants is a few quiet days, but that’s not what she gets. Instead a body is found in her Finlay’s across the street neighbors backyard and Finlay is pulled into the case. When Mrs. Haggerty is cleared of suspicion she turns up on Finlay’s doorstep to stay, bringing more trouble with her. The last thing Finlay wants to do is get involved in another murder investigation, but here she is fully immersed in it. Will she be able to get to the bottom of it before it’s too late? Or will the killer or police get to her first?

I have been hooked on the hilarious mystery series since I read the first one and this one did not disappoint. I couldn’t put this book down as I followed Finlay and Vero in this latest installment. I’ve enjoyed all of these books, but I think this might have been my favorite yet. The characters in this series are great and I love following along with all of the craziness that surrounds Finlay. The characters are so strong and really drive this book. The mystery was a fun twist and different than what I’ve come to expect in this series. It kept me guessing and intrigued the whole time. I really enjoy this series and can’t wait to see if anything will come next for Finlay and Vero!

Welcome to the madcap world of Finlay Donovan, a worthy successor to Stephanie Plum. Finlay and her nanny/co-conspirator Vero are in too deep in Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave.

First, their nosy and crotchety elder neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, is arrested and then released for the murder of a body found buried in her backyard. Unfortunately, she can’t return to her own house and moves in temporarily with Finlay and Vero. Since Mrs. Haggerty is camped out in Finlay’s bedroom, Finlay’s budding romance with hot cop Nick has to use some imaginative workarounds.

In the meantime, Finlay’s cheating ex husband is arrested for murder so Finlay and Vero feel obligated to chase down the real killer. Mrs. Haggerty proves to be an excellent home schooling teacher and potty trainer of Finlay’s two children. Though she also attends highly suspicious book club meetings and wanders the streets late at night. Could she be the killer or know who is?

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave harkens back to 1930s screwball comedies. It returns to the purity and humor of the first book in this series. There is minimal mafia involvement here while the jokes are fast and furious. I really enjoyed Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave. It is highly recommended. 5 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advanced review copy.

I have loved every Finlay Donovan book that Elle Cosimano has written, and her latest Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave was no exception. I devoured this book in one day as I caught up with Finlay and her partner in crime Vero.

At the start of the book, Mrs. Haggerty, the leader or the Neighborhood Watch and Finlay's next door neighbor has been accused of murder for a body found buried in her garden. After being found innocent, she temporarily moves in with Finlay and Vero while her house undergoes repairs. In the meantime, Finlay's ex-husband has now been accused of the murder.

The story follows the usual high jinx that Finlay and Vero get up to as they work to prove Steven's innocence since he is the father of her two children. This is definitely one those books that you keep a smile on your face the entire time you read it. I can't wait for the next one.

I was so delighted to be back hanging out with Finlay and Vero! How I’ve missed their friendship and madcap adventures. In this addition, mystery abounds related to the body previously found in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard, Finlay and hot cop Nick (finally!) see growth in their relationship, and there are growing pains in parenthood. It is a fast, fun read and probably one of my favorites in this series so far. Immense thanks to author Elle Cosimano for continuing to entertain us! I can’t wait to see where Finlay, Vero, and everyone else take us next.
I received an advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.

Oh, Finlay. The scrapes this woman somehow gets herself into make me absolutely insane but they're also hilarious all at the same time! I really loved that we finally get some backstory for Mrs. Haggerty and the hijinx that ensue from all that occurs here is a hoot. And there's one scene at the end that was SO satisfying for me! Absolutely worth the anguish!

*Several fade to black scenes. Some strong language.

Thank you to Netgalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for my complimentary copies. All opinions here are my own.

Another great addition to the Finlay Donovan series! I love this series so much!
I really enjoyed the way this book kind of went back to the roots of the series. The vibe of the last two books (while still so good and a lot of fun) was different than the first two and this one brings it back.
I am curious to see how things play out with Nick, interesting turn of events there!
And the neighbor! She was so much more involved in this book and it was so fun to see everything she got herself into!
The cliffhanger ending has me excited to continue the series! Can't wait!
Thank you NetGalley and the author for both the eARC and the ALC! The narrator was amazing as always! I couldn't picture another voice for Finlay or Vero!

This series is just fun. Each book is a bit wilder and more unbelievable than the last, but Finlay and Vero keep you turning pages.

This storyline was one of my favourites in the series. I loved the side characters and the growth and development with characters we already knew so well.

As always, it ended with a cliffhanger than leaves us all waiting for the next one.

My favorite in the series so far! Loved the pacing and the mystery in this book. I can’t wait for more books in this series!

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

This series is getting better with every new book I’ve read, the characters are becoming more developed and the side characters are starting to have main plots which I’m loving as this is still told all from Finlay’s POV but I love how each book focuses on someone different in her and Vero’s life!

Finally getting a Mrs. Haggerty book was so fun, especially with the body in her backyard, the connection to Steven and his affairs and so much more, while also navigating a movie deal was the perfect way for this series to continue! I also loved how we continue to see how more books can be played out for Finlay to write, but also still seeing Finlay handle a new mom issue each month.

This series balances so many things so well and it feels as chaotic as Finlay’s life actually is but that’s why it works! I can’t wait to see what comes next!

This was a fun one!! I read it instead of listened (I listened to the other books in the series) and maybe I would have liked them all more if I read them instead! Really really good.

This is definitely my favorite of the series. As I noted in my review of Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, the last few of the series have started very slowly. While they picked up in the second half, getting into them has definitely been hard. This book didn't suffer from the same issues. The pacing is great, the storyline is a lot tighter, the mystery at the core of the book is interesting, and it progresses the overall Finlay Donovan series along. Overall, I can't wait to get to the next book in the series, which (no spoiler) should test the core relationships from the series.

* Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! *