In the past, I'd never read the Finlay Donovan novels by Elle Cosimano. I missed reading the first, and then the second one caught my eye, but I felt I should read the first before reading it and just didn't. Over and over, the newest one would catch my eye but I would not read it. Recently, the fifth one did the same thing, but I was offered the opportunity to read and review all the preceding ones in one chunk.  That was all the incentive I needed. I was all in once I "got to know" the characters.  These novels are full of funny, laughable moments and memorable characters set in a cozy mystery setting. These reminded me of my younger years and reading Nancy Drew, and more recently, reading Janet Evanovich. Can you read any one of them as a stand-alone? Sure, but why?  I highly recommend you read them in order as a set and plan to pick up the future ones as they come out. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

Finlay is back! The last book had me question whether or not I was going to continue on with the Finlay series, but I am so glad I did. Grave is funny, clever, heartwarming- everything that I originally loved about Finlay Donovan. The connection between the book club tackles a more serious topic which the series needed. I totally recommend. Grave would be great for book clubs or a weekend read.

I saw some reviews that said readers didn't enjoy this one as much as previous ones, but I don't agree. I thought this was one was just as good as the others (Vero's novella aside) - it had the same banter and snark I've come to expect, plus some heavier stuff of Finlay working through her trust issues. Big cliffhanger, excited for the next one!

This series has and always will have a chokehold over me. I LOVE THESE BOOKS. They are funny yet still a mysterious vibe to them.

It's always a good time hanging out with Finlay Donovan and her crew. I won't be satisfied unless this series goes on as long as Stephanie Plum.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

This is the 5th book in a cute series. Easy reading with snarky humor. In this one, the characters’ bonds strengthen and secrets are revealed, albeit hesitantly. I do appreciate the author’s ability to mention prior happenings, as reminders for the reader, but not in obvious or annoying ways. I liked this story more than the previous ones and will continue with the series.

This book’s expected release date is March 4, 2025. Thank you very much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the early e-book.

The latest addition to the Finlay Donovan series is explosive! Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is such a fun tale that runs all over the place - in a great way - before the cliff-hanger ending that is sure to bring us more episodes of delightful mystery-solving. Loved it!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Finlay Donovan and her partner-in-crime, Vero, have a rocky relationship with their neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, until a dead body is found in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. Mrs. Haggerty becomes a suspect but is cleared by the police. With her house now a crime scene, Mrs. Haggerty moves in with Finlay and Vero, who are reluctant to get involved in another murder case. They have already dealt with enough murders in the last four months and would rather not share their beds with anyone else...

This latest installment in the series proved to be even more enigmatic than its predecessors. The events unfolding hit so close to home that the urge to unravel the mystery becomes irresistible.

The final book of the series is impeccably written, effortlessly drawing readers into Finlay's world. The open-ended conclusion leaves one eagerly anticipating the next installment (fingers crossed!). The characters, including Vero, Finlay, Nick, Ms. Haggerty, Cam, and the kids, have become so endearing that bidding them farewell seems impossible.

Each book in the series has skillfully laid the groundwork necessary for a complete understanding of the overarching narrative. This particular installment delves into Ms. Haggerty's hidden secrets, adding depth to the storyline. The characters, with their quirky personalities, have evolved beautifully over time, making readers feel like they are part of the narrative.

This series has been a delightful discovery, reminiscent of the enjoyment found in the Stephanie Plum series. The approval to review these books has been a true blessing. I encourage everyone to take the time to immerse themselves in these cozy mysteries, guaranteed to bring a few chuckles into their lives.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is the 5th book in the Finlay Donovan series. A body is found buried in neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard and Finlay’s ex-husband Steven is suspected of being the murderer. Finlay must now figure out how to prove his in innocence while dealing with the fallout of the situation.

This was a fun continuation of this series. It felt fast-paced and added an interesting dynamic to the main group of characters with the added focus on Mrs. Haggerty, her backstory, and her group of lady friends. I also love love love Finlay and Nick’s relationship and seeing that continue to develop. I really enjoyed this story and couldn’t put the book down! With how it ended I expect at least one more in this series, which I definitely plan to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for granting me a complimentary advanced reader copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and based off of this draft; the final publication may be different. Expected publication date is March 4, 2025.

I LOVE Finlay and this one did not disappoint! I love that every book leaves you wanting more and just when you think you've got something figured out BAM - you're wrong. Twisty, just the right amount of romance and lots of humor. LOVE. THIS. SERIES.

I keep hoping Elle Cosimano can come up with something totally new for Finlay and Vero, but so far no luck. Cosimano is losing me as a reader.

*Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave* by Elle Cosimano is a fantastic, high-stakes continuation of the series that never loses its charm or humor. Finlay’s chaotic life gets even more complicated as she unwittingly dives deeper into the world of crime—while trying to juggle motherhood and her writing career. Cosimano once again blends suspense, clever twists, and laugh-out-loud moments with ease. Finlay’s relatable, flawed character makes her journey even more enjoyable. If you’ve loved the previous books, this one is a must-read—full of heart, humor, and plenty of surprises!

Finlay and Vero are at it again! Elle Cosimano has the amazing ability to make witty, and creative books including murder and hilarious plots all in one. I love how this next book in the Finlay series dives into a new character, but someone has been sprinkled into the previous books. Mrs. Haggerty is the disgruntled old lady that lives across the street. Finlay and Vero believe that she has seen some shady things and may not be on their side. Mrs. Haggerty has no where to go after she is released from the police…her grandson convinces Finlay to allow her to stay at her house. Of course Finlay and Vero don’t want to get involved in the murder case of the dead body found in Mrs. Haggerty’s back yard, but they just sent help themselves.

Elle Cosimano does it again!! In the fifth book of the series, a body is discovered in Mrs Haggartey’s backyard, prompting an investigation into the murder of a man from the area. Finlay, Vero, Nick and Mrs Haggartey soon find themselves wrapped into yet another debacle. This book was hilarious, witty, and kept me on my toes the whole time. It was an absolute joy to get to see more of Mrs Haggartey (and Cam), along with some returning characters, throughout this very entertaining read. I cannot wait to see what comes next!

ACK! Cliffhangers!! Elle Cosimano has done it again-Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a rollicking fun read. I think I enjoyed this one the best so far as things are progressing on all fronts and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Thanks to #netgalley #minotaurbooks and the author for this ebook ARC to read. All opinions are my own.

A stellar follow-up in the Finley Donovan series! I'm excited to keep seeing what shenanigans Finlay gets up to. Just back from the New Jersey kerfuffle, her neighbor Mrs. Haggerty shows up on her front step and explains she has to stay with her. While cleared for murdering the body found in her backyard, Finlay can tell that Mrs. Haggerty has a secret. A book club of characters, random notes left in suspicious locations, Finlay and Vero know something is up.

I really enjoyed this entry to the series! It takes a turn on the motive for the crime, and it felt fresh and interesting for Finlay. I also really appreciated how much her relationship with Nick grows during this series...communication for the win!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review...I really enjoyed!

I was so excited when I saw the entire Finlay series was read now.. it’s such a great series and is funny and lighthearted it’s like a cozy mystery and am so grateful I was given the chance to read it.

I was so excited when I saw the entire Finlay series was read now. When I was first introduced to the series, I was instantly hooked - this installment was no exception. I love the storyline of Finlay’s far from perfect life and the predicaments she gets herself and Vero into. The duo is hilarious, and I absolutely love Vero’s quips. As I was nearing the end of the book I was getting sad thinking everything was getting packaged up in a neat little bow, but Elle Cosimano is keeping me on my toes with that little cliffhanger.

One thing to note, as I was reading I was thinking of feedback I could provide and the only complaint I had was the fact that Finlay wouldn’t open up to Nick when he was obviously needing her to. Thank you Elle for their van chat and fully trusting each other. There are so many books where I’m yelling, “just communicate already!!” And I’m so glad the two finally did.

Thank you to Macmillan Publishing & Elle for the ARC of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave!

Elle Cosimano never disappoints!!! I loved this addition to the Finlay Donovan series. As per usual, Finlay and Vero are faced with a ridiculous amount of crime, bad luck, and parenting. Juggling potty training AND trying to clear someone’s name in a murder investigation? Talk about being a super mom. If you’re into murder mysteries and laughing out loud, make sure you pick this one up on release day!

Honestly, these books are so moreish. Reading the Finlay Donovan series is like popcorn - it's not the best snack in the world, but man does it always his the spot. Love the pace, the humour, the absurdity. This book is truly about women helping women in a variety of ways, and that's beautiful. Fun quick read