Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grace by Elle Cosimano (Book #5)
Writing: A-
Story: B-
Characters: B+
Setting: B
Best Aspect: Another fun story in the series
Worst Aspect: The story is getting a little too long and repetitive now or I read all of them too close together.
Recommend: Yes.
Releases March 3, but it was already on the shelf in my local Barnes and Noble. #ummmmmm

This is another great addition to the Finlay Donovan series
It continues the misadventures of author and accidental sleuth Finlay Donovan.
In this book we delves deeper into Finlay's chaotic life, which is full of humor, mystery, and a touch of romance. Finlay and her partner in crime, Vero, find themselves entangled in a new predicament when a body is discovered in the backyard of their elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty.
So come along and enjoy another Finlay investigation which is full of mystery, humor and great characters
If your a fan of this series it’s a must read or if your new I alway recommend you start a series with the first book, but with this one, it can be read as a standalone.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano was cute! This series is a good beach read or good for someone who needs some light and fluffy whodunit. I don’t love the comparison to Stephanie Plum from Janet Evanovich but I can see the similarities in the stories. They’re cute, don’t require any heavy lifting, and the covers are cute! I’m not sure that I’ll continue the series, but they were fun.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Cosimano does it again! I smile from ear to ear every time I am granted the opportunity to read a Finlay Donovan ARC, and this installment did not disappoint. Readers of Finlay Donovan can expect excellent writing, a laugh-out-loud story, and mystery plot twists one after the other. There’s a bit of romance thrown in for good measure, but at the core of the story is female friendship; most importantly the friendship between Finlay and Vero. Strong female friendships can last a lifetime through hard times and good times (through thick and thin, if you will), and Cosimano demonstrates this point candidly not only in this book but throughout the entire series. I always know I’m in for a good time with these books, so grab a drink of your choice and cozy up in your nook, and enjoy! You won’t be disappointed.

This series is always a good time. Yes, it’s totally unrealistic, but the crazy situations that Finlay and Vero get themselves into make me laugh. A nice option when I just want to escape a bit.

Since this is book 5, I can’t say much else.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars

The dynamic duo are back!

Finley and Vero are back to their old shenanigans and I feel like I'm reading book one all over again! I absolutely loved this addition to the series!

Book 1 in the series will always be my favorite but book 5 is a close second!

Mrs. Haggerty was so perfect at times she stole the show! I loved all the new characters and where the story took us. It was a wild ride but also tied back in to the original book 1 plot.

As always, we've ended on a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what happens next!

If you haven't started this series I highly recommend it! It's the perfect, hilarious whodunnit! If you've read book 4 and we're unsure about book 5, this is your sign, read it!

READ IF YOU LIKE:
🔍 Whodunnit
🔍 Comedic Mystery
🔍 Side of Romance
🔍 Hot Cops
🔍 Books about Authors
🔍 Quirky Side Characters
🔍 Relationship Growth
🔍 Cliffhanger for next book!

SPICE: 🌶️
PAGES: 320

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a great follow-up to Elle Cosimano's fun and fast-paced mystery series. In this book, Finlay gets in even deeper trouble, and the stakes are higher. Cosimano's witty writing makes Finlay's chaotic life both relatable and funny.

The mix of suspense and humor is spot on, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists and plenty of laughs.

Though the plot is enjoyable, there were a few moments that felt too convenient, and some side characters could’ve been developed more. Still, it’s a fun read that fans of the series will love.

If you like a good mix of mystery, humor, and danger, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a great choice. I’m excited to see what happens next!

I think this is my favorite of the entire series! It gave me a lot of the same feelings I had back when I first started reading book one, back to a slightly less complicated plot.

It was easy to follow and fast paced and fun, I felt like we really got to see more of Finlay and Vero as characters and how they worked through situations vs lots of detailed plot points like a few of the other books.

The twists were interesting and not always expected, but not out of left field either. It felt more realistic (which I know isn’t always the point or fun of the series!), but did make it easier to have some character development.

And the cliffhanger! Does this mean we’re getting a book 6?!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur books for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book!

Finlay Donovan and Vero Ruiz are back at it and this time they need to solve a neighborhood murder so as not to send Finlay's ex husband to jail. He, at the moment, is suspect number one and while he certainly is not a great husband, a killer he is not. Add in a merry group of side characters and Finlay's home is a veritable train station of people coming and going. Now if only everyone could keep their secrets straight.

Elle Cosimano knows what she is doing with this series. Readers are treated to a fun and light hearted story and get exactly what they expected. Is this my favorite novel in the series, no, but it certainly moves the longer plots along (ie. Nick and Finlay's relationship) and sets up the teaser for book 6.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC of this book!

It was amazing of course!! I love this series so much and I am so glad this book didn't disappoint me!! I can't wait to listen to it when it comes out on audio!

Hahahaha Finlay and Vero at it again. I truly love the chaos that ensues with these two women. This is a great and entertaining bunch of characters. I often find myself laughing out loud with some of the dialogue! Does it sometimes feel over the top? Sure but I love all of it! I love the funny mystery. I love the chaos

In the latest installment of Finlay Donovan we see Finlay and Vero take on more than they can handle. From running from the bad guys, trying to potty train Zach, Nick and Finlay's relationship and add in babysitting Mrs. Haggerty, this is a hilarious book from start to finish. You get everything you expect from a new Finlay book and maybe even a few surprises. Would recommend to friends.

At this point in the story, I will follow Finlay to the ends of the earth! These characters have become so near and dear to me and the hijinx remain endlessly entertaining.

I am a big, big fan of the Finlay Donovan books so I was thrilled to get a chance to read the next installment early! Finlay and Vero are back for another adventure. They are just feeling like they have gotten their feet under them after escaping scrutiny for the bodies in the previous books--well, except for the fact that Delia has been suspended from school and Zach won't wear clothes. Oh, and her cranky nosy neighbor is unexpectedly living with them after a body is found buried in her yard.

What I loved about this book and the series as a whole is the relationships Finlay has as well as the scrapes she manages to get herself into. Whether it's getting stuck on a suspect's balcony in the cold or trying to steal back pot brownies from Mrs. Haggerty's book club, the humor is there in spades. We had the return of Cam, who is a great side character. I loved him teaching Mrs. Haggerty to play Grand Theft Auto and painting her hoopty sparkly eggplant purple. And speaking of Mrs. Haggerty, that character absolutely stole the show. Every scene with her was a riot, and I loved getting her back story and learning that she is so much more than just a cranky, nosy neighbor.

This book did feel a little shorter and the mystery in this book was easier to solve. I figured out the deal with Mrs. Haggerty's book club pretty early on. There seemed to be less Vero/Finlay shenanigans in this one, which is a shame because they are a great duo.

I was absolutely shocked that Finlay fessed up to Nick and was starting to get worried that every loose end was being wrapped up in a bow, and then the book ended on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to see how Finlay and Vero solve their latest problem!

Finlay and her sidekick Vero are back for another adventure. This time they are trying to solve the mystery of how a dead body ended up buried at their elderly and cranky neighbor, Mrs Haggerty's home. Once Mrs Hagerty is cleared for the crime (and moves in with Finlay) Stephen, Finlay's ex husband is accused of the murder and that's when Finlay and Vero step in to help solve the case.

I have now read all of these books. Some of the books are better than others (this series is definitely a case of bookstagram made me do it). I even debated not continuing the series but I am so glad that I did because this one was so much fun and was exactly the antidote needed for the swirling in my head of everything going on right now in the world. It was quick, it was fun, it made me smile and this is up there as one of my favorites of the series (battling it out with the first). If you were debating this newest installation, I say pick it up (but only if you've read the rest, as I learned the hard way, this is not a series you can step into without the earlier one). I mainly listened to the audio because I always love the audio for these books, the narrator adds an extra element of enjoyment for me because of the humor and chaos.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the ARC to review

The Finlay Donovan series is one of my favorites, and I was thrilled to read the latest installment. It did not disappoint! I absolutely loved it! The humor, antics, and twisty mystery are perfectly balanced for an entertaining read.

One of the highlights is the wonderful friendship between Finlay and Vero, which becomes even more endearing with each book.

The story picks up shortly after the events of the previous book when a body is discovered in the backyard of Finlay's elderly and nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. Finlay is reluctantly persuaded to take in the irritating Mrs. Haggerty for a few days since her home has become a crime scene.

Finlay and Vero are friend goals, and the two always show just how in sync they are. The series has a strong found family vibe, which is strengthened in this installment. The ladies have their hands full already when Mrs. Haggerty immediately cramps their style. Despite their efforts to stay out of the investigation, it isn't long before Finlay and Vero are wrapped up in it. And, what a fun turn for Mrs. Haggerty, who definitely makes a splash in this one.

The romantic tension between Finlay and Nick, as well as between Vero and Javi, keeps heating up, and the scenes with Finlay's kids are both relatable and hilarious. I love the dynamics between all the characters, which draw you in. The series features excellent character development and witty dialogue, with many scenes that had me laughing out loud. The writing flows seamlessly, and the story is fast-paced.

I was genuinely surprised by how the mystery unfolded and even more so by the cliffhanger ending that has me anxiously anticipating book six! Entertaining and SO much fun!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the gifted ARC

What works best here is the delightful chemistry between Finlay and Vero. Their bickering and quirky exchanges are a highlight, and readers will find themselves rooting for this odd couple even as they get deeper into the investigation. The plot offers plenty of red herrings and surprising turns, keeping the reader on their toes throughout.

I liked Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave more than Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, despite giving them both the same rating. The hook at the beginning with Finlay facing down Delia's school principal sets the tone for this title even though I didn't pick up on it initially. I liked seeing more of Mrs. Haggerty, even if it felt like Vero played second fiddle in this one.

The mystery was a good one and seemed appropriate for the current climate. I figured out what was going on before Finlay did, but enjoyed Finlay's journey toward solving the case.

I always find the romances in these books to be rather tepid and while I'm fine with Finlay's developing relationship, it's not the main reason I read these books. I like Finlay's finding of herself, her female friendships, and the little slices of life. I think Cosimano delivered a better book this time around and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc for review purposes.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is the fifth in the Finlay Donovan mystery series. It was a wild and crazy ride just not as intense as the other 4 books.

I thought it was the best of the five. I’m not so sure I would have let Mrs. Haggerty bulldoze her way into staying in my home but then again, she hasn’t been watching me for years and committing her observations to her neighborhood diary.

I found the premise interesting and the execution well done. I enjoyed every twist, turn , and zany turn in the life of the characters.
The epilogue is a great teaser for the upcoming book. Well done, Ms. Cosimano.

Thank-you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to binge read the series to date. These are my own opinions and I am not required to leave a positive review. I enjoyed the diversion from real life.

The Finlay and Vero we first met are back in this latest installment in the series that's really for those who have been following along. I'd almost gone off Finlay because the last books were so over the top and convoluted but this one brings things back to Finlay's neighborhood when a body is dug up from the nosy neighbor's backyard and Finlay's ex Steven is arrested for murder! Finlay and her nanny Vero find themselves hosting Mrs. Haggerty, who turns out to be much more than they ever expected (especially when dealing with small children) and trying to solve the crime. Old friends are back- Cam and Nick, her romantic interest-and Finlay must also juggle demands from her literary agent. This does a nice job of balancing the domestic (Zack!) with the slightly madcap investigation. It also made more smile more than once. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This made me chuckle more than once and now I'm looking forward to the next one.