Elle Cosimano has created a fabulous series!

Since it’s common with these books, it picks up right back from the last one when the nosey neighbor is arrested for murder possibly. Finlay and Vero are thrust into a whole new adventure when the neighbor decides she’s going to come stay with them and create a little chaos of her own.

Mrs Haggerty was so funny and sharp. She tells it like it is and keeps everyone on their toes. She even works with the kids to help them out. Of course, Mrs Haggerty has secrets of her own too. She’s going to this book club with women but it’s full of secrets.

Amidst all the chaos, Steven is accused of the murder from across the street and Finn knows he’s innocent. She’s determined to find out what really happened which leads to her getting into even more interesting adventures, something she is very well known for. Being a mom, solving what really happened to the body found across the street, and trying to discern what this book club really is about keeps her plenty busy.

I really did like this installment. The mystery was a little easy to figure out, but it still kept me entertained. I also do like her relationship with Nick more than I did in the previous books, they grow a lot together and learn to share how they are feeling much more. I did also like how this was centered about something close to home and not just the Russian mob. I didn’t mind that in past books, but it was a great change of pace for this story. I’m just sad Vero wasn’t in this one as much, but the ending of this proves she’s going to be a player in the next book.

This is such a good addition to the series I’m already eager for the next one! It will be so exciting to continue the journey with the characters.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for the review copy!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave

Out: March 4th
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (4 Stars)
Narration: probably my favourite narrator for audiobooks, such a good job with the characters voices.

I absolutely love this series! I have read all of them and suggest the audiobook form!

This is the 5th book so I won’t mention the plot. Each book builds on the last.

This is a cozy mystery, thriller series with comedy and an amazing cast of characters. While this one wasn’t as action packed as book 4, I still enjoyed it. It did feel like a filler book (so giving it 4 stars) but I love these characters so much I didn’t mind the less action. I highly recommend this series. Such a fun quick read. The audiobook narration is amazing as always with this series.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I just knew that Cosmiano’s newest Finlay Donovan book was going to be a good one! I mean, based on her previous ones I assumed #5 would be just as hilarious and it is! In the best way!

I laugh out loud at the craziness and shenanigans that Finlay and Vero get up to while trying to keep out of prison and just simply stay alive!

I was taken aback by Mrs. Haggarty putting herself in the middle of Finlay’s business but pleasantly surprised at how it all worked out. What a character!

Everyone has a secret and it seems that they all suspect one another of having secrets but are not sure. And I mean EVERYONE! It’s hilarious!

I love that the kids are along for the ride. The story wouldn’t be the same without them!

I also liked seeing Finlay and Nick’s relationship evolve. Now it seems like in the next book Vero is going to be in the hot seat! I’m glad I found a series that keeps me looking forward to the next book!

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books for the ARC via NetGalley

This is such a cute little series, and this new addition does not disappoint. We get to explore Mrs Haggerty more, and I think the shenanigans in this part felt like we were getting some new perspectives, like more detective work and fewer accidental deaths. Nick and Finlay's relationship heats up in the best way and in true Finlay style the cliffhanger at the end makes you excited for the next!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for a copy of this. It comes out this Tuesday, March 4th!

In book #5 of the Finlay Donovan series, Mrs. Haggerty's grandson drops her off to stay with Finlay, Vero & the kids, uninvited. They have never really gotten along with the crotchety older woman, but a dead body was discovered in her backyard, and now that Mrs. Haggerty has been cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene, she has nowhere to stay. Finlay reluctantly takes her in after the woman's grandson promises it will just be for a few days, but then he does a disappearing act. True to form, Mrs. Haggerty is demanding and disruptive, with constant requests for rides to her book club, pulling a gun on Finlay's cop boyfriend Nick interrupting a middle of the night tryst and wandering the streets in the dark with a flashlight in the guise of being on the neighborhood watch. When Finlay's ex gets arrested for the body next door, Finlay & Vero must go on a mission to try to find the real killer.

I adore this series. It never fails to make me laugh. Finlay & Vero remind me a lot of Stephanie Plum & Lula from the Janet Evanovich series. The potty training scenes were hilarious. They made me doubly-glad that I had a girl instead o a boy. I love that the book ends on a cliffhanger, and sets the stage for the next book in the series. Each book could be read as a standalone, although if you read one, I feel sure you will love them so much you will want to read the rest in the series. If you love mysteries that will keep you laughing, then you should definitely check this out.

Our gal is Finlay is BACK! And with all the chaos of the past week, what a delight it was to be whisked back to author Elle Cosimano's world.

Mrs. Haggerty, Finlay and Vero's nosey neighbor is whisked off to prison after a dead body was found in her garden. Finlay likes to avoid Mrs. Haggerty most days, and is not excited when her grandson drops her off once she is released from prison. Things only get more weird when Finlay;s ex-husband is arrested for the murder. While Finlay is over her ex, she knows he is no murderer and is dead set on figuring out who it is. That coupled with the odd beheavior of her new houseguest means that Finlay and Vero gotta dig in...

I have followed Finlay, Vero and the gang their entire journey and I find these books to be such a fun mystery series. They twist and turn, and keep me on my toes. They also make me laugh - a perfect combo! I tore through this one in only two sittings and am just sad that it will be a while until we are back with these characters.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is out in the world on TUESDAY!! Big Thanks to my friends at NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for giving me this sneak peak.

Elle Cosimano's "Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" is an absolute delight that earns a well-deserved 5-star rating! This novel brilliantly blends humor, mystery, and an engaging plot, making it a standout in the cozy mystery genre. The story is a rollercoaster of unexpected twists, all tied together by Cosimano's sharp wit and knack for crafting laugh-out-loud moments.

The protagonist, Finlay Donovan, is a wonderfully relatable character whose misadventures in navigating her chaotic life as a single mother and accidental crime solver are both hilarious and heartwarming. Cosimano excels at creating a narrative that's as funny as it is suspenseful, with dialogue that crackles with humor and authenticity.

The banter between characters is pitch-perfect, highlighting Finlay's cleverness and the absurd situations she finds herself in. It's this clever dialogue that keeps the pages turning and the laughter coming, even as the stakes get higher and the plot thickens.

Overall, "Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" is a masterfully written tale that combines the best elements of comedy and mystery. It's an entertaining and satisfying read that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun and engaging read!

I have loved Finlay Donovan since she first came on the scene. This book, the official fifth in the series, brings back all our favorite characters. I was absolutely delighted to see Mrs. Haggerty playing a central role this time around, and I always loved seeing Finlay’s agent show up, and watching the plot layer of her publishing her own books.

I sometimes tire of series by the time the fourth or fifth book rolls around, but this one breaks the mold. I can’t wait for the next one!

”The book club had already met twice that week. What more could they possibly have to talk about?”

Happy publication week to Elle Cosimano and Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave! This was my favorite book in the Finlay Donovan series so far. We get a badass granny in Mrs. Haggerty, more lovable antics from Cam, and—best of all—a vigilante neighborhood book club. (What am I doing with my life and why haven’t I turned my book club into vigilantes yet?)

I also really appreciated the vulnerable moments between Finlay and Nick. We finally see the walls come down and Finlay starts to really trust him, and it’s worth revisiting the series for how sweet this is. A lot of the unanswered questions and loose threads from earlier books get resolved in this one, so it was a very satisfying read for me.

But, the book does end on an interesting cliffhanger that sets up the potential for another Vero-centric book—and I am here for that possibility, because I adore both Vero and Javi, and I would love to see another story that focuses more on the two of them together.


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A huge thank you to Elle Cosimano, St Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for a review copy in exchange for honest feedback!

I did not know when I originally requested this book for early access that it was the fifth one in the series, so I am sure that I have missed a lot of context that would have made the story and characters a lot more interesting.

Thank you Minotaur Books, #partner, for the advanced copy of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave in exchange for my honest review.

This is the 5th book in the Finlay Donovan series and I cannot tell you how much I love this series! These books are just such fun, entertaining reads – I laugh so much as I make my way through them. They really are a delight to read and I cannot recommend them enough! Finlay and her sidekick, Vero are my favorite characters and I love the shenanigans they find themselves involved in.⁣
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In this latest book, which might be the best one yet, we start off in the principal’s office with Finlay’s daughter…& that is only the beginning of what is to come. Vero really shines in this book, but it is the neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, who turns out to be quite the surprise! ⁣
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I loved this installment so much and I cannot wait to see what happens next, especially with the way this one ended! I need book 6 ASAP!!!

4.5 ⭐️
Elle has done it again! A great story of “what have Finlay and Vero gotten themselves into now??” I loved the expansion of Mrs. Haggerty’s character and getting to know her better than just as the grouchy old neighbor. I also love Cam and his banter in this book!

In terms of the plot, this book picks up right where book 4 left off- with a body having been found in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard after her home floods and the body is found while others are looking for the waterline. Mrs. Haggerty is initially arrested but quickly cleared and goes to live with Finlay, Vero, and the kids while her house still has damage… and that’s when things really pick up and start to get interesting!

Similar to the other books in this series, it was a very easy and enjoyable read for me! I found myself not wanting to put it down and wanting to return to it when I had responsibilities (“adulting”) that I needed to get done- for me, those are the two signs that I love a series or book! Essentially, just wanting to spend as much time as I can with this set of characters! I also found myself laughing out loud multiple times whether it was over the ridiculousness of the situation they were in or a one-liner from Vero or Cam.

I already had a ticket to the event later this month at Quail Ridge books in Raleigh but am even more excited now both for the Q&A and to get a physical copy of this book!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and Elle Cosimano for an eARC of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my true and honest opinion.

Elle Casimano is back with more Finlay and Vero. How can you not love this dynamic duo? We get all of our favorite characters back and even add a couple new ones. Mrs. Haggerty, our favorite nosy neighbor, gets front and center this time when a body is discovered in her yard. & Why wouldn't she need to stay with Finlay? A lot of shinnanigans and some good laughs. Highly recommended! In stores March 4th!

This series will never get old! I don’t know how she does it but each book is just as good as the last! Can’t wait to read the next one!

Thank you so much to Minotaur books for the advanced copy to review.

Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet . . . but at least there's not a body in her backyard…

^from the publisher!

Finlay Donovan is the most fun series. Every single installment is bonkers fun and I always enjoy myself tremendously. The stories are compulsively readable both on audio and physically/digitally. I love how each story picks up RIGHT where the last one left off and I never feel lost. It’s full of wit, charm, mystery, love, friendship, wild life with kids, and so much fun. I always have such a great time seeing what Finlay and Vero get up to.

This book had me cracking up laughing and trying to put the clues together as Finlay did. I figured it out right before she did but omg it was so much fun getting there.

I loved seeing our favorite characters and the scenes with Mrs. Haggerty and Cam had me in tears from laughter. I loved how they got along and how Mrs. Haggerty stepped up for the kids. That was awesome! Nick was still Nick and I adored how their relationship really grew in this book. It felt organic and real, and built on trust.

Vero is still Vero and I LOVE HER. I am here for every single Finlay ride and that cliffhanger is CRUEL (but so exciting - I truly cannot wait for the next installment because this series is SO MUCH FUN)

Couldn’t recommend this series more.

I am so thankful that I was able to get this book early. I absolutely love this entire series and I think this is the best one! Vero and Finlay are so funny and entertaining. They are constantly getting themselves into different situations. You really get to know Mrs. Haggerty in this book and she really took me by surprise. Can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for Vero and Finlay.

Finlay and Vero are BACK!

This was my favorite books in this series. It was so good. Like all the books in this series it starts off right where book 4 left off.


"Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet . . . but at least there's not a body in her backyard." Finlay and Vero are on the case to figure out who put the body in Mrs Haggerty's backyard.

This book ends with another cliff hanger and so excited that will be another adventure.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a fast paced action packed mystery with all of the elements at work to keep the reader riveted and unable to put the book down. I loved getting to know Mrs. Haggerty, the neighbor across the street, while Finlay and Vero’s characters just keep getting better with every chapter. Ms. Cosimano’s creation of Cam, the sidekick, and the larger than life agent, Sylvia, add humor and just the right amount of levity.

Thank you so much to Ms. Cosimano, NetGalley and MacMillan Publishing for the opportunity to read this phenomenal book. I can’t wait for the next one in the series!

Leave it up to Finlay Donovan to make book club interesting. Finlay’s neighbor Mrs. Haggerty comes to stay at Finlay’s. She has just been released from jail and her house was without electricity. Mrs. Haggerty was suspected of killing someone and burring the body in her back yard. Once she was cleared, Steven, Finaly’s ex-husband was arrested and accused of the murder. Mrs. Haggerty is wearing on Finlay’s last nerve while she is staying in the house. Finaly was determined to clear Steven’s name. Vero and Finlay work together to solve the crime. At one point, they were held hostage by Mrs. Haggerty’s book club members. Finlay and Vero work together to solve the crime. One of the ladies in the book club was responsible for killing her husband and Mrs. Haggerty was a witness. I really enjoyed the new Finlay Donovan story and laughed out loud a couple of times. Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced e-copy for a review.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this eArc. All opinions are my own.

Elle Cosimano has done it again! I really enjoy all the Finlay Donovan novels. If this is your first time coming across a Finlay Donovan book, I recommend starting with Finlay Donovan is Killing It, the first book in the series.

Finlay is an author and a mother of two who gets stuck in some sticky situations with her live-in nanny. Occasionally her ex-husband and current flame, a detective also get caught up. In this most recent installment, where shenanigans ensue, finds Mrs. Haggerty, Finlay’s neighbor, on her doorstep. There was a dead body found buried in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard and as an active crime scene, she currently has nowhere else to go. As Finlay tries to solve the crime, if only to get Mrs. Haggerty out of her house, she gets herself entangled more than she bargained for.

Cosimano’s writing is always enjoyable. The Finlay Donovan books always have me chuckling to myself. She’s witty and occasionally brutally honest. This book was another quick read, but still has an entertaining story. All the usual cast members are present and we get to know some of the newer ones a little better, including Cam. Even some of Mrs. Haggerty’s character arc is built upon in this book. Finlay fierce determination and loyalty is something to be admired. I’d recommend this series to any fans of the Stephanie Plum series.