Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martins Press & Elle Cosimano for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I have REALLY enjoyed all 4.5 prior books in this series. Truly. But this book? I was truly enraptured and couldn't put down.

This book brings us new kindred spirit friendships (Mrs. Haggerty & Cam! The Bookclub! Mrs. Haggertyt and Delia-- just more Mrs. Haggerty!) satisfying resolutions and more to look forward to in book 6!

This is one of my favorite book series and this new addition did not disappoint! I love getting to learn more about Mrs Haggerty and see her character develop throughout the book! From the Finlay and Vero shenanigans to a book club with a sneaky secret, I did not want to put this book down! Now I just have to wait (very impatiently) for the next installment in Finlay’s adventure!


Thank you so much to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC!!!

These Findlay Donovan books keep amazing me! Each one connects to the previous, but is so original in format and plot. Clearly Elle Cosimano can tell a tale!

In this book Findlay and Vero aren't covering up their own escapades, but are trying to prove that Findlay's ex, Stephen, didn't do the crime for which he ends up in prison. Along the way, the pair wind up hosting Findlay's snoopy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty and both their love lives get a little hotter.

The Finday series is always funny and surprising. Clearly Ms. Cosimano hasn't finished tapping her brain for new material. I look forward to the next chapter for this cleaver but predicament prone duo. If you haven't tried reading a Findlay Donovan book yet, I really recommend giving these books a second look. They are just the escape that most of us need right now.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. show less

After returning from Atlantic City, Finlay and her nanny/partner in crime Vero are shocked to find out that a dead body has been uncovered in their elderly neighbour Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard after a flood. Even though Mrs. Haggerty is quickly absolved, she is unable to return home until the flood damage is repaired and she decides that the best place to stay is Finlay’s house across the street, much to Finlay and Vero’s dismay. Things get dire when the police start looking at Steven, Finlay’s ex-husband and the father of her kids, for the crime. Can Finlay and Vero help Finlay’s boyfriend Detective Nick Anthony find the real murderer without implicating themselves in the process?

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a light-hearted and comedic mystery thriller with romantic elements, making it perfect for fans of shows like Only Murders in the Building and fans of books by Holly Jackson, Lucy Score, Ally Carter, or Christina Lauren. Throughout the book, it deals with themes and topics like marriage and infidelity, abuse, trust (or lack there of), secrets and lies, fact versus fiction, wrong versus right, family, parenthood, crime and punishment, appearance versus reality, and female friendships.

This is the fifth installment in the Finlay Donovan series and even though each book deals with a new case, plotlines definitely connect and continue on throughout the series, so readers will need to have read previous books the series before picking up this newest installment.

I love the Finlay Donovan books—I picked up one of the books at a little free library this past summer on a whim and ended up devouring the series! Mysteries and thrillers usually aren’t usually my thing, but the Finlay Donovan books are so cosy, entertaining, gripping, and laugh-out-loud funny, and book five is definitely no exception. Also, as someone who is new to mysteries and thrillers, I appreciate that the Finlay Donovan books are always light-hearted and fun, along with being suspenseful and have intriguing twists, but never scary.

Mrs. Haggerty wasn’t really my favourite character in the first four books, so I wasn’t sure how to feel about her playing a bigger role in Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, but it was great to see a different side to Mrs. Haggerty; one that has some unexpected similarities to Finlay. There are also some super cute and comical moments between Mrs. Haggerty and Finlay’s children (one of which is suspended from preschool and the other who is struggling with potty-training) and Cameron (the young computer hacker who helps with Finlay’s tech needs in exchange for homecooked meals).

If I had to list a downside, I have to say that the romance was a little lacking in comparison to the other Finlay Donovan books. I was disappointed that we didn’t get to see a lot of Vero and Javi’s “newlywed” relationship. Also, since Finlay is still hiding her criminal involvement from Nick and is preoccupied with Mrs. Haggerty for a good portion of this book, we didn’t get to see a lot of Finlay and Nick’s romance either. That said, the romance that we did get was still swoony and remain hopeful that we will get to see more of Vero and Javi’s and Finlay and Nick’s budding relationships in book six.

Overall, I’m loving the Finlay Donovan series and would highly recommend it to readers looking for lots of laughs, swoony love interests, “ride or die” female friendships, and page-turning mysteries. I also think that book one, Finlay Donovan is Killing It, would be a great starting point for readers looking to try out the mystery genre. I can’t wait to see what Finlay and Vero get up to in book six!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the fifth Finlay Donovan book by Elle Cosimano, and in my opinion, the best so far! This story was so much fun and had a lot more depth and insight to the plot than merely cheeky crime sleuthing.

When a body is found in old Mrs. Haggarty’s yard, she is temporarily blamed, but soon the fault falls on Finlay’s ex-husband. Though he’s not necessarily an upstanding guy and there’s no love lost between the two, Finlay doesn’t want to see him go to prison for a murder she knows in her heart that he didn’t commit. Vero and Finlay, with some help from Cam, work to uncover the truth. With another temporary addition to the household, Finlay’s daughter being suspended, a son who can’t keep his pants on, a powerhouse of an agent pushing for a movie deal, and questions of trust coming from Finlay’s detective boyfriend, things are chaotic as always.

The combination of an intriguing crime, with the usual humor and added emotional components, make this story was a winner. The conclusion definitely deals a surprising cliff-hanger. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is quick-reading, entertaining and a great deal of fun! I can’t wait for the next one.

This next installment in the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano does not disappoint. In this novel a body is found in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard. That’s right-THAT Mrs. Haggerty—the nosy old neighbor Finlay could do without. Hijinks endue when Mrs. Haggerty moves into Finlay’s house, crimping her style and taking over her bedroom. How far will Finlay go to solve the crime and get Mrs. Haggerty back into her own room?

This series is a bit predictable, but always full of laughs. I recommend it for any fans of Finlay and Vero.

Elle Cosimano once again hits it out of the park. I did not expect to enjoy the Finlay Donovan series as much as I have. I will listen/read as many Finlay Donovan books as Cosimano will write.

Finlay and Vero continue to get themselves in predicaments that are far-fetched but so entertaining and fun. I think I enjoy Finlay's story more each book. I have chuckled so many times.

The audiobook of this series if fantastic!

How soon can Elle Cosimano give us another installment of Finlay, Vero and the other characters? <3

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely love the Finlay Donovan universe, and this latest installment did not disappoint! Elle Cosimano delivers another fast-paced, hilarious, and twisty adventure that had me hooked from page one. Finlay and Vero’s dynamic is everything—chaotic, clever, and full of heart. I’ve adored every book in this series, and this one might just be my favorite yet. The perfect mix of suspense, humor, and wild situations that only Finlay can get herself into. If you’re a fan, you’re in for a treat! Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC—I’m already counting down to the next one!

Finlay is back at it again! I absolutely loved this book. Elle does such a fantastic job of writing these loveable and chaotic characters. I loved this continuation of Finlay's story. There is still so much more to come for her and Vero. Just as soon as I think Elle is wrapping up the story she throws a cliffhanger at you. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series now! Also THANK YOU NICK FOR BEING THE BIGGEST GREEN FLAG!!! He is one of my favorite male characters and I am so glad that Finlay finally opened up to him. I love that she did not tell other people's story but just her own. She is such a loyal friend and is truly just doing her best. I highly recommend this series!

This was one of the better ones in the series. I like that it stayed “at home” instead of Finley and Vero travelling all around introducing us to characters we don’t know. I liked that Mrs. Haggerty played such a big role in this one. I was waffling on this series with the previous book in the series, but this one redeemed it.

Thank you for the ARC!

In my humble opinion, this is the best in the series so far! It was hilarious, smart, and suspenseful in a fun way. BONUS: Finlay’s infamous wig scarf from the first book reappears. As usual, the cliffhanger has me itching for more.

4.5 stars rounded up.

This was an incredible continuation to the series! I was laughing out loud and could not put the book down! As always, the plot twists were amazing and caught me completely off guard! I would love to read more books in this series!

I LOVE THIS SERIES! I usually wait for the audio but I got the ebook before I could get the audio so I binged that first and let me tell you the entire time I was reading it I was reading it with the narrator's voice in my head. I love the narrator of this series! After finishing it, a couple weeks later, I then got the audio and, of course, had to listen to that. This made me so happy. Imagine me doing all the things with a smile on my face and laughing out loud (attention Walmart shoppers, that was me). This one starts with a call to the school because Delia is being expelled for fighting (really she was defending herself), then Mrs. Haggerty moves in after being released from jail since her house still has police tape after the body was discovered in her backyard. Don't forget Cam and his dog show up for dinner and play video games. Oh, the chaos but the joy. What else, oh! Potty training, the Mrs. Haggerty way. Don't forget book club because what happens in book club may not stay in book club, especially when brownies are involved.

I implore you to start this series at the beginning and enjoy your way through. It will be one of the best decisions you make!

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave. I love this series!

I was anticipating this book so much, and it did not disappoint. Finlay and Vero were up to their old shenanigans, and I was hanging on each page. Is the storyline super believable? No...but is it fun? Yes, yes it is! And, I think any team of best friends can relate to the trouble that Finlay and Vero get into page after page.

I'm also very invested in what I call a love triangle among Finlay, Nick, and Steven. I'm still not solidly team Nick, and I'm curious what we will see from Nick in the next book now (no spoilers)...but if you've read, you know. I just don't completely trust him yet!

Two thumbs way way up!

I love this series! It just so fun and after four books, you think the storylines would start to plateau. But nope! Not this series. Each story gets wilder yet somehow just sort of believable?

I think this was the first twist I actually caught onto early in the book, but it didn’t take away from the experience.

Can’t wait for the next one!

Big thanks to Minotaur and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy!

Finlay Donovan does it again. I don't think I could ever get tired of reading these stories. Once again, Finaly and Vero find themselves in the middle of something they shouldn't be, and chaos ensues the entire time. I love how these stories weave themselves together in a way that's just crazy enough to work, even if you have to suspend belief a bit. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this one early. I already cannot wait for book #6!

I had some reading to do in order to review this book. I dove into the Finlay Donovan series, starting with the first book and didn't come up for air until this one was completed. What a great series! I loved all of these books, and my only regret is now being caught up and having to wait a long time for the next release! What fun ride! I feel like we all need a bestie like Vero, and a hot boyfriend like Nick. (although, I would also settle for Julian) Looking forward to the next release!

Elle Cosimano has written another hit! I was so excited that all my favorite characters are included in the latest adventure of Finlay and Vero. This one starts with a dead body buried in her neighbor Mrs Haggerty´s backyard, which is a huge surprise to Finlay and Vero. Soon our favorite duo is in the middle of another investigation just when they thought they were finally in the clear after several months of murder investigations. This newest Finlay Donovan will not disappoint its full of twists and an ending I did not predict. As always Elle Cosimano leaves us wanting more! I cant get enough of these fun novels they have quickly become my new favorites!

Finlay Donovan has been my best friend for 5 books now and nothing has changed. I love Finlay and Vero and their crazy adventures. What's better is that things kinda get wrapped up, well sorta of. I love the continuity of this book with the series. Elle Cosimano has given us our own kind of Nancy Drew. If you haven't read any other books in this series, things kind of get explained from previous books but it's best to read them all before this one. Everything will make sense! I have loved reading this series and can't wait to see what else Elle Cosimano comes up with. Thank you St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

This series is dynamite! This time, Finlay and Vero get caught p with resident busy-body neighbor, Margaret Hagerty. There seems to have been a body found in her rosebushes. However, things really take a turn when Finlay's ex-husband, Steven, is charged with the murder. Getting out of sticky situations seems to be Finlay's forte and this mystery is no different.
Luckily for us Finlay fans, this series will definitely be continuing. Next up, getting Vero out of trouble!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this digital e-arc.*