Can I just say that I never want this series to end! The Finlay Donovan series has easily become one of my favorite book series and this book is definitely my favorite! After Finlay’s ex, Steven, is accused of murder she takes the investigation into her own hands. This book includes everything I love from previous books, the characters, the banter, the plot. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting! If you haven’t started the series yet, you need to! You won’t regret it. Easily a five star series for me.

I fully enjoy this entire series. Over the top, ridiculous, funny thrillers that are an easy read. Definitely will get you out of a book slump, and easy to remember what happened in the books prior. Thank you to the publisher for this gifted arc.

I love this series, and I was initially rejected for this ARC until the author was able to get us widgets. I greatly appreciate the effort to get this book out to Finlay Donovan fans. I received this advanced copy through the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

We ended the last book on a cliffhanger. Finlay's elderly neighbor, Mrs Haggerty, was arrested after a body was found on her property. We start with Delia, Finlay's daughter, being suspended from school for defending herself from a bully. Then it goes from there with Mrs. Haggerty is being cleared, and her grandson is bringing her to stay with Finlay while her house has no power and water damage. Mrs. Haggerty comandeers Finlay's bedroom, and then shortly afterward, her ex-husband Stephen was questioned and then arrested. Finlay and Vero have to investigate to clear Stephen's name. I enjoyed Cam and Mrs Haggerty, believe it or not. Finlay's relationship with Nick is hampered by house guests, Mrs. Haggerty's demands and her mysterious book club.

I was never bored or stuck because something was always around the corner. There was Sylvia, Finlay's agent trying to finagle a tv deal. Cam's eggplant car he shared with the neighbor. Then, the duo figuring everything out and determined to get out alive. Finlay & Nick taking the leap to trust each other and share their feelings. And the cliffhanger ending, which makes me want the next book immediately. I'm glad Cosimano will finally address this character's situation.
5/5☆ no flaws. Even if there's a loose thread or 2. There's always the next book. Book releases March 2025. I needed this book this week. Iykyk.

Finlay Donovan Digs her Own Grave is the fifth book Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series. Community busybody and perpetual pain in Finlay's backside, Mrs. Haggerty, had found herself in some legal trouble when a dead body is discovered in her backyard. After being bailed out of jail Mrs Haggerty is left at Finlay's house while her home is still inaccessible due to the investigation. Finlay and Vero have no choice but to help find out who actually put the body in their neighbor's backyard when Finlay's ex husband, Steven, becomes the new suspect. With secrets of their own the police can't be trusted to figure this mystery out alone.

I think this may be my favorite out of the series so far. The last book while entertaining got a little big terms of scope and believability for my personal taste. This book brought things back to Finlay's neighborhood and worked so much better. I LOVED getting to know Mrs. Haggerty more. I mean this with all the affection in the world, what a ballsy broad. I hope we continue to get more from her going forward. The pacing and plotting were really great. I enjoy the mix of humor and mystery in this series. Finlay books are always and auto buy and will continue to be in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books (SMP) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm grateful to Netgalley for the opportunity to dive back into one of my beloved series! Elle Cosimano's exceptional storytelling weaves humor and mystery together seamlessly. The dynamic duo of Fin and Nick continues to captivate me, and I was equally delighted by Mrs. Haggerty's storyline. A truly enjoyable read! ❤️

All of the main characters are back including Finlay, Vero, Javi, Nick and her nosy and irritating neighbor Mrs.Haggerty!

Finlay and Vero haven’t always gotten along with Mrs. Haggerty but . . “when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.”

We are off and running through the next fiasco of Finlay and Vero trying to find out who is really responsible for the dead body in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard.

Finlay’s ex-Steven is a suspect - because we all know the things that he has been mixed up in. However Finlay is sure that someone else is the murderer!

There is the usual humor provided by Finlay’s children, Vero and Mrs. Haggerty as we try to untangle the mystery.

-Who is the real killer?

-Why is the body buried in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard?

-There is something suspicious about Mrs. Haggety’s book club . . . .what’s going on there?

-Will Finlay and Nick finally commit to each other?

-Is Steven really innocent?

As with all Finlay books you have to go with the flow and suspend believability with some of her antics!

I liked this book but it wasn’t my favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the ongoing antics of this engaging group of characters.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.

I was sent a printed ARC of the first Finlay Donovan book; the rest is a great history!

This fifth book is my favorite. It's well written and well edited. Elle Cosimano has perfected the Finlay series, with this one being her best yet.
Finlay and Vero are favorite characters but so are her kids, especially her young son who just won't keep his clothes on! (Apparently I did this as a kid too!)

Her neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, who is in her seventies, has been arrested because the police discovered a dead body buried in her rose garden. When Finlay's ex-husband, Steven, gets arrested as a suspect, she joins the investigation (informally).

Finlay just can't imagine Steven as a murderer. He may be a cheating, no good man but he's not a murderer. As she begins her quest to prove him innocent, she starts to follow most of the women in her neighborhood who could be the culprit. Chaos and fun ensues!

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press.

I am a big Finley Donovan fan. I’ve enjoyed her previous books. I liked this book but it was not my favorite of the series

I love these lighthearted mysteries. I have said that Finlay is like a Lucille Ball character; crazy antics done without malice. In this book we pick up where the last left off with a crabby and highly suspicious next door neighbour and a dead body in a flower garden. Throw in parenting toddlers, a hot romance, strange cast of characters and you have a quick entertaining read. The ending leaves a nice cliff hanger for the next book in the series letting me know that these lovely characters will return. I suggest you read these books in order as you will have a better understanding of the threads that weave between books and it makes the references more fun.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I adore the Finlay Donovan series and think Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave reminded me why I came to love this series. Of course, there are all of the usual hijinks Finlay and Vero find themselves thrown into, and I loved that there is more character development compared to the previous installments. We get to know more about Mrs. Haggerty, Nick and Finlay's relationship continues to evolve, and we revisit some characters from the earlier books. I also found this one to be a bit lighter, and the plot was not as convoluted and stressful. I loved the ending and the teaser for the next book!! These books are fun and a nice break from what I usually read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

Can Finlay and Vero please be my best friends?! I adore their banter and friendship.
This book just continues the exciting life of Finlay Donovan. From her daughter being suspended and trying to keeps pants on Zach to her nosey neighbor sleeping in her room. Finlay is attempting to prove the innocence of her ex husband as he is being faced with murder charges.
This book gives us way more Detective Nick and thank you for that! Elle gives us some delicious visuals of their romance. Nothing too spicy but just enough.
I love this series and I hope it never ends! I’d love to see this be a series on Netflix!
Thank you to the publisher for the arc. It was a true joy to read

Finley Donovan is back and mixed up into more wild antics in the 5th installment of this series. I read and thoroughly enjoyed books 1 & 2. They were both funny and I couldn’t put them down. Finley Donovan Digs Her Own Grave stands up to my expectations. The cast of characters are hilarious and endearing with lots of callbacks to the first book. This could be enjoyed as a stand alone without reading all of them, but I highly recommend at least reading the first.

Vero & Mrs Haggerty had me lol’ing. The plot line is absurd but funny and it’s hard to put down despite it being so hard to believe. Hard to say too much without giving anything away. I’ll be adding 3 & 4 to my TBR. This series would make a great TV series.

Thanks to the publishers & NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Another fun jaunt with Finlay & Vero. There were times in the first half of the book where I had to stop myself from laughing out loud in the coffee shop!
When Steven is accused of murder (again) & the body was found in nosy Mrs Haggerty's yard, Finlay knows he didn't do it. Problem is, the evidence is stacked against him, and trying to get to the truth will be hard when Mrs Haggerty becomes an unwelcome houseguest!
Overall I enjoyed the ride, even if the plotlines are becoming predicable.

I look forward to a Finlay Donovan mystery as much as I did Kinsey Millhone ones from the late Sue Grafton. “Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave” is the fifth in the series and not the best, but still a fun ride. Finlay’s ex is arrested for murder and Finlay and her trusted companion Vero work to prove his innocence. Some long overdue confessions will help propel this series for what I hope are many books to come.

I love Finlay and Vero so much! I say it every time I read a book in this series and the love just keeps growing. This one has more of Mrs. Haggerty which was a treat as well as a book club. Finlay and Nick's relationship continues - they are so great together. And we are left with a cliffhanger that makes me believe the next book may be more Vero focused! Absolutely loved!! Everyone should enjoy this series!!!!

Yes Elle Cosimano you nailed this fifth installment of the Finlay Donovan series, it had all the feels and giggles that she brought in Book # 1. I found myself thoroughly enjoying myself racing around with Vero and Finlay. The actual mystery wasnt that thrilling or exciting but the situations and dialogue were pure gold. Some characters from book 1 showed up again which I enjoyed and we also learn more about the crazy lady across the street Mrs. Haggarety.
Part of what makes this series so endearing is you even kinda of like the shady characters. Cosimano has a way of developing the personalities that really jump off the page. Maybe its the fact that Finlay is a total boss in her Minivan and she has cheerios between her car seats, she is such a relatable character.
Cam played a minor role in previous books but let me just say I fell in love with him in this book. I love his habit of Venmoing himself $$ from Finlays account-sly kid he is. I love his endearment to Mrs. H--I would LOVE for him to get a girl. next book (Holly I am turning into you cheering for a hook up! ;p )
As I mentioned earlier this book had the charm that the first book had, which I think somewhat disappeared in books 2 and 3. Part of the enjoyment of this story was also the fact that there was very little reference the Mafia/Mob
I sped through this book and loved every single page!
The only thing I would critisize is her pretty much retelling events that occured in the previous books, it was helpful at times, but sometimes it interrupted the flow. At this point, it is worth your time to go back and read books #1-4 just so you can know more of who the characters are.

Thank You Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this advanced copy of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave. ALl of my thoughts and opinions are my own and I was not paid in exchange for this.

Finlay Donovan is a recently divorced mom of 2 young children who keeps finding herself in the middle of serious crimes. This was the fifth book in the series so far, and each book is filled with so many shenanigans that she and her nanny, Vero, get up to.

I really enjoyed this one! None of the sequels will ever be quite as good as the first installment, but this one was still so entertaining and full of action.

I really liked getting to know Mrs. Haggerty’s character. She has always played a minor part in the series, so it was cool to see her become a more important character.

I will say that there’s only so much more these characters can get up to before it starts getting way too ridiculous. (It’s already entirely unrealistic, but it’s fiction, so oh well)
That does not mean I won’t read anything else this author writes - far from it! I would just love to meet some new characters. I’ll still read the rest of the Finlay books, even if they do get more and more ridiculous.

Finlay is back! Personally, I enjoyed this fifth installment in the series more than either #3 or #4. I felt like this storyline kind of got back to the roots of what made the first book or two so engaging for me: the hometown feel of it and the "Finlay and Vero against the world" vibes. I also liked that some of the ratcheted-up personal tensions from the last book or two have calmed a bit -- whether it's the continued question of trust in Nick and Finlay's relationship, the ongoing angst when it comes to Steven (from all corners, really), and even between Vero and Javi. Their interactions felt much more natural and nuanced. The character progressions throughout this one made for some engaging reading as well, particularly (of course) when it comes to Mrs. Haggerty here. I enjoyed seeing more of Sylvie as well -- she's really something!

I absolutely love the Finlay Donovan series!! They are a fun, quick read that are so funny and entertaining. Finlay and Vero are hilarious with the predicaments they always seem to find themselves in. The cliffhanger in this book has me anxiously waiting for the next one. Thank you NetGalley for a great read!

I have been wanting to read this series and I’m so glad I did! Each Finlay Donovan book is full of shenanigans and humor with a mystery that keeps you guessing along the way. Finley and Vero (her nanny/partner) are back and the antics don’t stop. I hope they never stop making this series! Many thanks to the author, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.