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Member Reviews
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This has been my favorite Finlay novel yet!
For once Finlay was ACTUALLY solving a crime and not actively committing crimes while she was at it 🤣
Her neighbor was a bit annoying and I know I NEVER would have put up with her, but it did make for some good laugh out loud moments 😂
Finlay was on the case when her cheating ex was accused of having another affair that led to a "crime of passion". Nick isn't too happy with the secrets Finlay is keeping but he's also super supportive and of course, as always, Vero has her back 😎
The mystery actually surprised me! Didn't really see it coming when the whole thing was revealed 😅
I had guessed some of it but wow.....this went beyond and not sure how I felt about the outcome to be honest. BUT still gave it 5 stars because in my opinion it had the best plot and character development in the entire series! Love that Nick and Finlay could FINALLY be open with each other 😍
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A great addition to this series, fans of the previous books will be happy to read!
Packed with the humor & cozy mystery you’d hope for, this next installment in the series doesn’t disappoint. Finlay Donovan is a perfect read for anyone looking for something more lighthearted but will keep you hooked.
I look forward to this series continuing!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
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Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the fifth title in the series. I've read the entire series and really enjoy these books. This installment finds Finlay and Vero trying to solve the murder of Gilford Dupree, whose body was found across the street in Mrs Haggerty's yard. Initially a suspect, Mrs Haggerty finds herself cleared of suspicion but without a place to stay. She ends up at Finlay's house and Finlay and Vero find themselves drawn into a murder investigation they didn't really want to get involved in.
I liked this book a lot better than the last one. This one felt more like the atmosphere of the first book with naughty children, meddling neighbors and hijinks all around. There was more humor and the plot was less convoluted and easier to follow. If you're already a fan of the series, I think you'll love this. If you're new to the series, don't start here even though it's a great book. It's much better to start at the beginning.
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
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not the best of the series but still good! it was a little weird mystery solution and i wish it was talked about more but i’ll take the book club. there wasn’t like a murder that finlay and vero caused which was what made it boring-er
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Elle Cosimano delivers yet another entertaining installment in the Finlay Donovan series with Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave. As always, the book is filled with humor, quirky situations, and a full cast of beloved characters. This time, there’s a particular focus on Ms. Haggarty, whose role adds an extra layer of intrigue and humor to the story.
One of the strengths of the novel is its comedic timing—Cosimano has a talent for balancing suspense with laugh-out-loud moments. I enjoyed the return of the full cast of familiar characters and the continuation of the overarching storyline. However, compared to its predecessors, this book has a slightly slower pace and feels less chaotic. While this shift may make it feel less action-packed, it does allow for a satisfying development of key storylines, setting the stage for a few resolutions. The ending, however, is where things get interesting. Just when it seems like the series might be wrapping up, Cosimano leaves readers with a cliffhanger, raising the question—will there be more Finlay Donovan books? Or Vero's?
Overall, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a worthy addition to the series—funny, engaging, and a must-read for those who have followed Finlay’s wild and unpredictable journey from the start.
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If Elle Cosimano writes it, I’m gonna read it. The Finlay Donovan series is one of my favorite ever. I own every book and have already pre-ordered book 5 because I will need it for my shelf. The books in this series just get better and better. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave did not disappoint. The comedy, the mystery…everything was *chefs kiss* as usual. I recommend this series to anyone who will listen to me.
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In "Finley Donovan Digs Her Own Grave," we dive deeper into Finley Donovan’s life as she navigates the challenges of being a single mother and a struggling writer. The novel brilliantly captures her chaotic world, where parenting, deadlines, and unexpected murder mysteries collide.
After a chance encounter at a café, Finley is mistaken for a hitwoman, leading her into a series of outrageous situations that are both thrilling and hilarious. As she tries to clear her name and protect her family, she finds herself unraveling a much larger conspiracy that involves her friends and the community around her.
The character development is particularly noteworthy; Finley evolves from an overwhelmed mother into a resourceful and determined protagonist. The supporting cast, including her quirky friends and family, adds depth and humor to the narrative.
Cosimano’s writing is engaging, filled with clever dialogue and relatable moments that resonate with readers. The blend of mystery, humor, and heart makes this installment in the series both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries or simply looking for a lighthearted read, "Finley Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" offers a captivating escape into a world where chaos reigns but friendship and resilience shine through.
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The newest Finlay Donovan doesn't disappoint.
Finlay sets out to prove her ex husband's innocence in a cold case. In the process she and Vero get in over there heads and attract the attention of some more people up to no good.
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She’s back. They’re all back in Book 5! Finlay, Vero, Javi, Nick, Steven, and even the annoyingly cranky neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty!
While Mrs. Haggerty isn’t exactly the first person Finlay would go to for a cup of sugar, when a body turns up in her backyard, Finlay’s experience makes her the perfect one to help out while the area remains an active crime scene.
But who is the body? Who’s responsible? Definitely not the elderly Mrs. Haggerty, right? Then, suddenly, all eyes turn to Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, even she actually doesn’t think he could... how much does Mrs. Haggerty know..
This installment was more endearing for me, especially with the themes of womanhood and community. Cheers to #5 Elle!
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I adore this series. Finlay and Vero are such relatable characters and I want to jump in the pages and be their friend. These books are just so fun. Lighthearted reads, great character banter, a little romance, a lot of chaos, with a problem to solve mixed in = perfection. This was one of my faves in the series! Some of the books have come off a bit too unrealistic but this one brought it back to the “this could have happened to me and I would have done the same thing” feeling while reading it. I can’t wait to see where their story goes next! I’ll follow them anywhere at this point.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the privilege of reading the ARC of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave! And to Elle Cosimano for writing it.
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Finlay Donovan is my Ride-or-Die series. The only thing I don’t like about it is that I have to wait a year or more between books.
This is book 5, and seriously people, if you haven’t even read book 1 yet, you are so lucky to dive in now. Once you start, you get to binge through all of them without waiting. And trust me, you won’t want to wait because this series is addictive. I rarely ever read series, yet I keep coming back for more of this one.
In Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, she and Vero are back in the thick of it when a dead body is unearthed in her snoopy neighbor’s yard. The author weaves in a brief refresher on who’s who and what’s happened up to this point which I really appreciated. Then I’m buckled in to enjoy another bumpy ride with my favorite book duo. I can’t name another author that blends mystery, humor, and romance as seamlessly as Elle Cosimano.
Thank you, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
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Another solid installment of the Finlay Donovan series. This series is so much fun and the perfect slump-buster. Are there plot holes and too convenient coincidences? Sure, but I don’t think anything about these stories are meant to be realistic.
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Finlay Donovan is just shenanigans. The book is the perfect genre bend of cozy mystery and rom-com. This series keeps getting better the deeper into it I go. Do not expect depth and hard hitting plot points. Expect a quick two to three day read that will leave you feeling light and airy.
Cosimano opens this book right after the conclusion of the last and keeps the ball rolling with Finlay and Vero getting dragged into Mrs. Haggerty's investigation. Nick the sexy cop and Steven the sleezy (but maybe redeemable?) ex-husband make appearances while Delia and Zach provide endless comic relief.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC
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All the mayhem, ridiculousness, and laughs that we can count on from Finlay, Vera, and their crew of oddballs. Fans of the series won't be disappointed! Great lighthearted read for when you're ready to take a break from your ordinary calm life!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an ARC of this title.
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Finlay never disappoints and this book was no exception. I love the references from book one! I never want to this series and.
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Another great book in the series! I think Cosimano has really found her groove with the cast of characters and stories. We needed more Nick in this book but hopefully moving forward we will. The cliffhanger made me so excited for the next book. Ot was a fun and quick read!
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Yes yes! Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave throws back to the OG of this series with its morally grey crimes and powerful women, which was an excellent reprieve from all the over the top mob stuff this series had veered into. I’ve really enjoyed the development of all these characters throughout the series. From Cam’s adoption into Finn’s family to Steven’s redemption arc, these books are quick and funny but so much more than a surface-level mystery romcom. I enjoyed all the time spent back in Finlay’s home and neighborhood. The small town vibe and suburban antics were excellent with this one and really brought me back to why I fell in love with this series. I hate that I have to wait so long for the next one. I think fans of the series will really enjoy this installment.
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Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.
When Finlay’s ex-husband Steven becomes the main suspect, she gets caught up in trying to prove his innocence, along with a lot of the weird coming and goings of Mrs. Haggerty. How do all of these questions connect? I laughed so much during this quick and easy read. Is it terribly realistic? Not necessarily, but then again, it's a pleasure read, not one for absolute realism.
I loved the continued friendship between Finlay and Vero, getting to know more about Mrs. Haggerty and how she helps Finlay's kids, and the progression with Finlay and Nick's relationship.
Big thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions are my own.
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Plot: In Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, Finlay and Vero are reluctantly drawn into a murder investigation when a body is found in their neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard, forcing her to seek refuge in Finlay’s home. As they navigate their complicated relationship with Mrs. Haggerty, the investigation leads them to Finlay’s ex-husband, prompting the duo to uncover dangerous secrets before the police do.
Review: This book felt very “cozy mystery” to me. It’s the same characters up to their same old tricks, which some readers will crave. Others may want a change. While I enjoyed it overall, especially on audio, I’m one of those readers looking for Finlay and/or Vero to go in a completely different direction next time around. It does end on a cliffhanger that leaves readers wanting more and making me think (hope) we’ll get even more of Vero in the next book.
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Finlay Donovan and sidekick nanny Vero return in FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE, the fifth book in the widely popular Finlay Donovan series by Author Elle Cosimano. Fans of the series will love catching up with these characters again as they bumble their way through yet another murder mystery, digging themselves out of a hole not entirely of their own making. Prepare for all the chaos, mischief, banter and laughter as Finlay and Vero take readers on another wild ride through their crazy, mixed-up lives!
Finlay Donovan is happily working on her next book and going through the daily routine of being a single mom when trouble arrives at her door in the form of neighborhood busybody, the dreaded Mrs. Haggerty. It's a known fact that the pair of neighbors are not friendly, having clashed previously, so imagine Finlay's shock when Mrs. Haggerty's grandson dumps her and her suitcases in Finlay's living room and announces she needs a place to stay because her house is a crime scene and has no heat. A body discovered buried in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard threatens to draw attention to things Finlay and Vero need to stay buried. If they want to keep their own skeletons under wraps, they need to get Mrs. Haggerty out of their house and hair as soon as possible, so once again, they slap their detective disguises on and start digging into the case in an attempt to uncover the identity of the killer. The stakes are raised when Finlay's ex-husband is arrested for murder, and late-night escapades by dear old Mrs. Haggerty make it clear she has a few dark secrets of her own. With shady pasts threatening to land them in hot water, Finlay and Vero navigate murky waters while trying to solve the case and stay out of jail themselves. At the same time, Finlay's relationship with a certain sexy police officer is yet again in jeopardy because of the secrets she can't share. It can't possibly get any more complicated, right?
FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE is a perfect blend of mystery, slapstick style comedy and romance all rolled into a delightfully entertaining romcom mystery that's highly addictive. Well-developed, larger-than-life main characters are likable and easy to identify with. While plot lines are a little over the top, Cosimano manages to make it work with lots of drama and humor interspersed with scenes designed to touch the heart. Include the promise of a sizzling romance on the side, and readers are guaranteed to love this addition to the series where the action and laughs never stop. I can't help but compare it to the old I Love Lucy shows featuring Lucy and Ethel and all their shenanigans. This one is good old-fashioned fun! I highly recommend FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE to fans of mysteries and romcoms.