ELLE HAS DONE IT AGAIN! This has quickly become one of my most favorite series. They're fun, amusing, with engaged characters that feel tangible and real. Thank you so much for letting me read this!

4.75/5.0

I have read all the Finlay Donovan novels in the series and this one was the best! (I have loved all the others, don't get me wrong.) There were some laugh out loud moments. There were also a few pages that made me sad for some of the characters. I will always root for Vero and Finn, but I think Maggie needs her own series as well. While most ends were tied up nicely, I think there is room for another novel or two with the wonderful Finn and the great smelling Nick. Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review.

Finlay Donovan has done it again, somehow stumbled into another mess of murder and mystery. This time she's positive Steven had nothing to do with the body found at their neighbors, despite evidence to the contrary. Nick is trying his best to keep he out of trouble, and is hoping to help her, even despite Finalys reservations. Her nosy neighbor, Ms Haggerty, lands at her house and manages to become a part of the family, by homeschooling Delia and potty training Zach. However, as she soon discovers Ms. Haggerty is more than a busy body next door, she has her own secrets and plenty of them.

As always Vero and Finaly stumble through and manage to come out realively unscathed. Just when you think they both might be getting their happily ever after, Vero's past comes back to haunt her.

Finlay and Vero return for another tale of misadventures and possible murder(s). This book Finlay finds herself hosting her busybody neighbour, Mrs. Haggerty after an unfortunate plumbing incident results in a dead body being dug up from her garden.

Soon the investigation starts to get a little too close for comfort for Finlay and Vero, and they decide it is up to them to discover the truth before their own secrets are uncovered.

This is such a fun and easy to read series. I like that we have so many flawed, but likeable characters throughout each book. The network of women in all of these books gives me a chuckle. The number of underground organizations that Finn and Vero have come across is comical, but works. This series never takes itself too seriously.

Just when I was wondering if this would be the conclusion of the series, the epilogue gave a pretty definitive answer to that.

Unsurprisingly, I highly recommend this book.

Absolutely loved this book! Each one better than the last. I don't want to give away any spoilers but I definitely stayed up way too late reading this one. This is an excellent addition to the series.

Such a fun series with humor mixed with crime. Only Janet Evanovich is as good. I like how author leaves the door open for the next book. Thanks to #NetGalley and #FinlayDonovanDigsHerOwnGrave for advanced digital copy.

Oh Findlay! I love you girl but I spend every book grinding my teeth while reading about your adventures and that’s not a bad thing. Keep the books coming because I’m already looking forward to your next predicament. I couldn’t put this book down!

The first four books in this series are kind of one long story. It was refreshing to have something new in this one! I loved how the murder was unrelated to previous events in the series. Mrs. Haggerty proved to be a fantastic addition to the action (after previously being on the sidelines) and all your favorites are still around. I can't wait for the next one!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano
Publishing date - 03/04/25
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Netgalley, publisher, & Elle Cosimano for this e-ARC. I have loved this entire series and book 5 is no different! Vero and Finlay are a dynamic duo and they always leave me laughing and wanting more.

That cliffhanger though … 😮 I can’t wait to see what comes next for Finlay and Vero!

This book started off so strong, picking up right where book #4 left off. I was captivated, I was intrigued, and then about half way through I got bored. There was so much exciting action in the previous book and a new setting, that this one felt a little lackluster in comparison.

Was it fun to spend more time with Mrs. Haggerty, yes. Did I laugh at Finlay and Vero’s endless and ridiculous shenanigans? Also yes. I think this book had too many side plots going on, that the main story got lost. Regardless, I’m still excited for (hopefully) another book and will always be down for Finlay and Vero’s adventures.

Thank you Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

In this latest installment of the Finlay Donovan series, Finley and Vero find themselves investigating a case involving a dead body found buried in her nosy neighbor's yard--and Finlay's ex-husband, Stephen, is a prime suspect! Despite her negative feelings for her ex, Finlay is convinced Stephen isn't to blame. In the meantime, her nosy neighbor has temporarily taken up residence in Finlay's home while she waits for her grandson to finish work on her house.

I loved this book! It moved quickly, contained the humor I've grown to love in previous books from the series, and sent the plot in a new direction from the previous books. I was pleasantly surprised by some growth in Finlay's character too. For readers unfamiliar with the series, I recommend starting with the first book as there are numerous spoilers in this novel.

Another laugh out loud funny and suspenseful Finlay Donovan novel that kept me on my toes until the very last moment. This story like the others in the series was full of heart and strong supporting characters from Vero the plucky sidekick to her cutie pie kids and an increased role from nosy Mrs. Haggerty. The romantic portions were sweet and relatable and the ending was both not what I expected but also more satisfying than I could’ve hoped for. I’m already looking forward to the next one! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Elle Cosimano has done it again with Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave! This latest installment of the Finlay Donovan series had me laughing so hard I was crying. The humor is sharp, the stakes are high, and the action is non-stop. Cosimano has a talent for blending comedy and suspense in such a way that you’re constantly on the edge of your seat, while also wiping away tears from laughing at the absurdity of it all.

What I love most about this series is the incredible character growth. Each book feels like watching these characters grow and evolve right in front of my eyes. Finlay, the protagonist, is always getting herself into wild situations, but it’s so enjoyable to see her trying (and often failing) to stay out of trouble. I can’t help but root for her, even when she’s digging herself deeper. It’s a journey of personal growth, and I feel like I’m watching her and the other characters grow in leaps and bounds with each new book.

Speaking of characters, Vero is hands down my favorite. I adore her sass and her unapologetic, no-nonsense attitude. She is absolutely someone you do not want to cross, and I love how she adds such a fierce dynamic to the story. Her friendship with Finlay is such a fun and essential part of the book, and their chemistry together is a highlight.

The plot itself is as engaging as ever. Cosimano knows how to keep the story moving, and the pacing flows beautifully from start to finish. The in-between moments, where the characters interact and navigate their personal lives, add so much depth to the overall story. Those moments were some of my favorites, as they gave the book a heart and warmth beyond the thrilling crime-solving.

My only complaint? I wanted more! The conclusion came a little too fast for my liking. I was so invested in the journey that I didn’t want it to end, and I wish there had been more time to savor the final moments. And of course, more hot cop, please! Fingers crossed that we get more of him in the next book.

All in all, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is another winner from Elle Cosimano. It’s a perfect blend of humor, heart, and suspense, and I can’t wait to see what trouble Finlay will get herself into next.

I'm so thankful to Netgalley for this arc. I have loved this entire series and book 5 is no different! Vero and Finlay are a dynamic duo and they always leave me laughing and wanting more. I loved the switch in the storyline and can't wait to see where the end of the series takes us.
If you haven't read this series yet, start!

I absolutely adored Finlay and was so thrilled when Minotaur and NetGalley gave me access to read this book. It’s been on my list forever.

This might be my new favorite Finlay Donovan book! I'm not sure if it's just the timing of books or the content but sometimes I have a hard time getting into some books but this one hit the mark at the perfect time. I'm not sure if authors quite understand how important their books are to people. I've been going through medical stuff that is scary but I always had this book waiting for me to take my mind off it all. It drew me right in from the beginning and was very easy to follow. I've loved all the Finlay Donovan books but there were a few times throughout the series that things got a bit confusing since so much happens, but this one was just perfect. I loved every bit of it and would highly recommend it. I've been waiting for a story about the nosy neighbor too! I knew that eventually she would come in to play in one of the books. The part with the kids is always a delight too and yep, potty training is not for the faint of heart and especially hard to do while you're trying to solve a murder!

This book was amazing! I love reading about Finlay and I cannot wait until the next installment! It’s always fun to watch what Vero and Finlay will get up to!

The Finlay adventures never disappoint!
I never tire of the chaos and confusion Finlay and gal-pal Vero find themselves trying to overcome and this fifth adventure is a wonderful continuation of their zany saga.

This go round, Mrs. Haggerty , their nosey neighbor , railroads her way into their home , turning an unconventional situation more upside down - yes, it's possible.

the pair of women are trying to keep sane while trying to juggle all of the balls that life keeps throwing ; potty-training Zach, Delia's suspension, co-existing with an octogenarian, complicated love lives, a dog of an ex-husband and trying to stay on this side of prison bars.

I will always recommend this series. Wherever Finlay and Vero take their ratty van, I'll be happy to follow.

Thanks to Netgalley and Minotar books for allowing me to get an early look at this hilarious novel.

I love this series and it just keeps getting better. This was so good because it connected all the other loose threads from the other books and provided a satisfying explanation. And of course it was hilarious.

4 stars These characters are ingrained in my core at this rate. 5 books in the series and I never want the books to end. Thanks netgalley & the pub for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.