“Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave” is a fabulous new addition to this funny murder mystery series! In this one, Finlay and Vero are solving the murder of a man found buried in her neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s yard. Mrs. Haggerty has a fun character arc, but warning it starts out with a lot of boundary stomping. I love this series because it’s so consistent in writing style and pacing. If you like one book, you’ll likely enjoy the others, and each book leaves me ready for the next one. I’m excited to see where book six goes based on the epilogue of this one. Elle Cosimano manages to recap important events and integrate characters from previous books seamlessly, making it really easy to pick up where you left off. And like all the books in the series, “Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave” is funny, especially in scenes with her kids and Vero’s one-liners. Finlay Donovan fans won’t want to miss this one when it comes out in March 2025!

This was amazing!
The publishers, the author, and netgalley: you made my well with the 48 hour access!

*Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave* is yet another spectacular and wildly entertaining addition to the series, and I couldn’t put it down! Elle Cosimano brings Finlay’s unpredictable world to new heights in this fast-paced, hilarious, and heart-pounding installment.

In this book, Finlay truly digs herself into deep, messy territory—both literally and figuratively. After another misunderstanding lands her in the middle of a perilous situation, she has to rely on her wit, her friends (especially Vero, who is as brilliant as ever), and her chaotic problem-solving skills to navigate yet another tangled web of murder, deception, and danger. What I love most about this book is how Cosimano keeps the stakes high while allowing Finlay’s humor and relatability to shine through, even when the situation is dire.

The plot is filled with twists, turns, and just the right amount of tension to keep you on the edge of your seat. The pacing is fantastic, and every chapter leaves you wanting more. Finlay’s evolution as a character is also something I appreciate—she’s still the same flawed, well-meaning mess we love, but there’s a real sense of growth as she learns from her past mistakes and continues to figure out what she wants from life.

If you’re a fan of the *Finlay Donovan* series, you won’t want to miss this one. It’s full of the perfect blend of crime, comedy, and character-driven moments that make these books such a joy to read. I couldn’t have loved it more and I’m already eagerly anticipating what Finlay will get into next! Highly recommend!

Thank you Minotaur Books for the gifted digital ARC.

I'll start with the good: this book had multiple moments that made me laugh out loud. Finlay and Vero's banter and rapport is one of my favorite things about this series.

The not-so-good: I feel like this series has just run its course. I loved the first few books but the formula is getting a little repetitive and I'm not nearly as invested in the story as I have been in the past.

If you disagree with me, however, you'll be happy to know there will likely be another book in the series based on the cliffhanger ending.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave pub date is March 4, 2025.

I went into reading this installment of Finaly Donovan cautiously. I felt the character was losing a little bit of her luster and wondered if I would be able to be pulled back in to her world. I shouldn’t have worried! While it didn’t have the same pizazz as the first two books, I found myself laughing at true hijinks and left hoping there would be another book in the series!

Finlay and Vero are at it again!

The fifth installment of the series was another quick read. While we got plenty of the quirky and funny antics that we have come to expect from Finlay and Vero this was a less action packed novel than the first 4 books. We saw more of Fin's relationship with Detective Nick and we get a much closer look at nosey neighbor Mrs. Haggerty, but we didn't see much of some of the beloved characters like Fin's family, Javi, Ramon, or even officer Joey. We are introduced to a new detective, Mike Tran, and I do wonder how much of him we will see in the future. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I believe that we absolutely needed to move the plot forward and any of my former "complaints" were necessary in order for the series to remain fresh and interesting.

I look forward to seeing how Finally and Vero get out of their next bind and seeing more of our beloved characters.

Mrs. Haggerty, the nosy neighbor across the street, is arrested when a dead body is found in her backyard garden. When Mrs. Haggerty is released from custody, her son drops her off at Finlay’s house for a few days and the hijinks ensue from there. Why were there a body in the backyard? Who killed him and why is Mrs. Haggerty delivering secret messages in mailboxes in the middle of the night? All the while, Finlay’s hot cop boyfriend is getting more and more suspicious.

I loved this one, probably my second favorite following the first one. I thought it was a great mix of the romance, family, and the Vero/Finlay hijinks. Suspend reality for a time and go on an adventure.

Every time I finish a Finlay Donovan story, I think “this is definitely the best one” only to have the most recent replace that thought. Once again, Elle Cosimano has me entertained, laughing, gasping, and ready for the continuation of Finlay’s saga.

I loved learning more about Mrs. Haggerty and Cam. Vero and Finlay’s relationship continues with the same sense of humor, sass, and love. There were so many mysteries that wove together in this book and it was entertaining to read Finlay’s law breaking shenanigans outside of the Russian mob - all while trying to figure out what Mrs. Haggerty’s done, what has Steven gotten up to, how will Finlay and Nick’s relationship go, and more.

If you haven’t read Vero’s novella, I would suggest reading that before this or at least after this before book #6 releases.

So happy to have Finley back again! This time a body is found in Mrs Haggerty’s rose garden. Through a loose connection Steven, Finely ‘s ex is hauled into Jail. Meanwhile Mrs Haggerty is dumped at Finely’s house by her nephew. Crazy ensues, Cam and Nick the Hot cop jump in the fray. One tip, beware of book clubs! Thanks to Negalley for this Arc.

Loved this one and the ever expanding Finlay series. Bringing in side characters from the past and spider webbing out felt organic and not forced.

Anywhere Finlay and Vero go chaos and trouble seem to find them. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is fast paced, hilarious and hard to put down! Finleys ex husband has been framed (or has he?) her elderly, nosey neighbor is her new roommate with secrets and her hot cop boyfriend is on the verge of finding out all the secrets Finlay has managed to keep from him. One of my favorite series and cast of characters to read! This latest installment did not disappoint. Thank you @netgalley and @macmillian for the opportunity to read and review this ARC

Elle Cosimano has done it again with the latest entry in the Finlay Donovan series! I've loved all the books and this is among my most favorites. Once again, Finlay is "crime adjacent" and, also once again, ex-husband Steven gets pulled into the situation by actions of his own doing. As Finlay and Vero work to clear his name they stumble on a most surprising crime organization. The characters continue to be fun and fresh and the writing is crisp. The plot is clear, not as twisty as a couple of the past books, with some surprises along the way. Best of all, it's clear at the end that there's more on the way! Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE is the fifth book in the Finlay Donovan Mysteries by Elle Cosimano. This newest release lived up to my expectations for a wild, zany ride with characters who will make you laugh out loud! The addition of Mrs. Haggerty—community busybody and Finlay’s nemesis—moving into Finlay’s home after a body was found in her backyard, ramps the humor up even more. While leaving Mrs. Haggerty to the devices of karma might sound like a great idea, the police have set their sights on Finlay’s ex-husband for the murder. Finlay and Vero have no choice but to solve the case because they have too many secrets to hide and can’t afford to have the police or busybody Mrs. Haggerty snooping around. Ms. Cosimano writes a tightly plotted tale that moves at a fast pace. I couldn’t help but turn pages faster and faster to find out what happens next, and each new scene did not disappoint. This is one of those series that you really should start with the first book and read in order, since each book builds on what happened before. But trust me, it’s not a hardship bingeing on this wonderfully funny series and, with the teaser at the end of book 5, I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for Finlay and Vero!

These books never get old. Elle could write 100 of them and I’d still find them just as hilarious as the last one. The over the top murders, drama, and banter make these such a fun read. Mrs. Haggerty’s life definitely added some twists in this one and I love how it tied all of the books (so far) together. Finlay and Vero will never not be the best duo and of course we’re left on a cliffhanger for another book!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC!

You would think that I would tire of these characters and tire of the hijinks they get themselves into but I still enjoy them. A cute series.

I love the Finlay Donovan series and book number 5 does not disappoint! I really enjoyed this light hearted and face paced mystery. Elle Cosimano gets me to fall in love with her characters every time. If you liked the earlier books in this series, I think you will like this one as well. Based on the ending, I am guessing there will be a book number 6 and I am already looking forward to that.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I received a free download of this book from Netgalley. I love this series - but book 3 +4 started to feel a little too over the top and began to get convoluted with the different crime groups, mobs and who was working for who.

I liked this story as it became its own standalone crime and brought life to new characters. There is some development of the romance which is fun and the relationships in this book will warm your heart.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The fifth book in the Finlay Donovan series finds Finlay and Vero back in trouble when they try to figure out who buried a body in Mrs Haggerty's back yard. After skipping books three and four because the plots were getting out of control, I decided to give this one a go. I have to say this was a return to what made the series work when it first started-the cast of characters and their interactions make for a good romp. It also sets up the next book in the series. Total popcorn entertainment and would recommend it.

Love this series! So funny and the perfect cozy mystery with a bit of romance. Love all the side characters and I always laugh at these books!

Finlay and Vero's shenanigans are always a good time! The relatable parenting quips, the banter from every character, how each character is so completely neurotic and hilarious, etc. It's like this little found family of random strays, and I just love all of them!

In this one, Steven is charged with murder and Finlay is determined to prove he didn't do it. With two kids, Vero, Cam, Hot Cop Nick, and the crotchety old Mrs Haggerty in tow, they set out to free Steven and find who actually buried a body in Mrs Haggertys backyard.

Finlay Donovan does it again! This is such a great series and I absolutely love the Finally and Vero combo. They just fit together perfectly with all their antics. The story starts when Finlay's nosy neighbor gets dropped on her door step and then her ex-husband gets hauled away for being accused of murder. Finlay is determined to get her ex's name cleared and get her neighbor back out of her house. This is a laugh out loud book and the situations that Finlay or Vero get themselves into is nothing short of surprising. Another great book in this series and a must read for all the Finlay Donovan fans!

Thank you Net Galley and Minotaur Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.