The Finlay Donovan series has been filled with some really high highs and some very medium mediums for me. The first book was incredible but the next two were only alright. Then the most recent one before this was back in its groove and this stays the course! I love Finlay and Vero and they deliver their usual antics in this one, back in with another tense story. Their antics keep me on the edge of my seat and bringing us back to Mrs. Haggerty, who we have met in every other book, is a great way to bring the book series full circle.

Always a great ride. Can’t stress how much fun this series had become! Unique fun romp for a great time.

Now this one was my favorite! Finlay’s nosey, annoying senior, next door neighbor Mrs Haggerty gets arrested and once she gets out, ends up moving in. Finlay’s ex-husband is the next suspect for the dead body found in Mrs Haggerty’s backyard. While trying to prove her ex’s innocence, Finlay discovers a very interesting secret, that ties into the first book. This one was unexpected and the best plot of the series.

Finlay and Vero are still up to their hijinks as they sleuth to prove Finlay's ex husband Steven is not guilty of murder. Plenty of action and hilarious moments.

I enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and interesting and I am excited to continue reading books from this author.

This was a fun sequel to the series. It still had it’s charm, humor and antics. It’s kind of a comfort read because of the characters and world by this point. If you’re a fan of the series already, then why not try this one as well, it’s more on par with the first couple of books in the series. .

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for giving me an eARC of this book. The opinion in this review is my own.

This was everything I have come to expect from the Finlay Donovan series. Cozy murder mystery with hilarious antics, this one was a bit lighter which I liked. I love this cast of characters so much and this was such fun story. I really enjoyed the introduction of the book club and having the mystery closer to home. Finlay and Nick's relationship really started to progress and I absolutely adore those two together. I think the story definitely could have ended here but that last chapter set us up for another one, and I'm not mad about it. It makes sense to clear up that part of the storyline. If you've been following along with Finlay and Vero and their crazy antics, you'll definitely want to make sure you add this one to your TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano 🧠🧠🧠🧠🧠/5 (Finlay Donovan #5)

Every time I get a Finlay Donovan book, I devour it. It’s like putting on your favourite sweater - you know it will be great! Book 5 - didn’t disappoint! You want more of everyone - Finlay, Vero, Nick, even Mrs. Haggery, the elderly neighbour. There was excellent character development, and you get the vibe that other secondary characters might have more significant roles in coming books!

A better addition to the Finlay Donovan series, although the ending was a little bit underwhelming. I feel like Finlay and Vero couldn't have as many antics because of Mrs. Haggerty. Parts of the ending I'm happy with, although not super anticipating the next book from the "cliffhanger".

Once again Finlay and Vero find themselves in the midst of a murder that has nothing to do with them or Findlay's ex-husband Stephen...no matter what people are saying. But before Finlay can even protest, Stephen is thrown into jail and crotchety Mrs. Haggerty, who's house was the site of a recent body found in the garden, is dumped at Finlay's house. Finlay and Vero have no choice but to house the hateful woman and try to figure things out. So many twists and turns follow with looming questions and a shocking confession to the police. Most unshocking of all is how funny the multitude of problematic situations in which they find themselves become. Laughing and reading as fast as I could, I never came close to predicting how things would play out. The convoluted plot and complex characters kept me guessing up to the last page. The book was nearly impossible to put down, and the minute I finished it I wanted to reread it. Truthfully? I want to reread the whole series! I love Finlay and this fantastic series!

I just adore the Finlay Donovan series. Each new addition is like meeting up with friends you haven't seen in a while. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave was witty and charming and full of hijinks like all the others. I loved getting to know Mrs. Haggerty more in this installment. Nick and Finlay's relationship continues to evolve and just like Sylvia tries to get it all on the big screen, I hope this series gets its turn on Netflix or whereve because we want to see hot cop on the screen too haha. The bit at the end about Vero, who is the best nanny/partner in crime ever, has me itching for the next book already.

More please!! This series continues to keep the humor, mystery, and mischief cranked up. Book 5 in the Finlay Donovan series does not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the next door neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. There is a major cliffhanger at the end…so onto the next!

Thank you to net galley, St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books.

Finlay and Vero are back for another installment in this series. In this book we get to know more about Mrs. Haggerty (and dare I say, appreciate the busy-body??), Cam, and Nick. I think book 4 was a tough one to follow and this one fell just a little short. It was a bit lighter and a little more rushed than the others. However, I still greatly enjoyed it; reading this was like visiting old friends after spending some time apart. I love Elle's writing style, the sense of humor, and crazy antics Finlay and Vero get up to. It was nice to get to know Mrs. Haggerty and to see Nick and Finlay's relationship continue to develop. It left off with a cliffhanger for the next book which I can't wait to read!

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this early!

Finn and Vero are back from Atlantic City, ready to get back into routine, potty training Zach and keeping Delia out of trouble at school. What wasn’t on their agenda - a dead body being found in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard and Steven being the main suspect! With nowhere to go after being cleared by the police, her house a crime scene and no power, Mrs. Haggerty makes herself at home with Finlay and Vero. The three have many secrets between them, but which one will solve the murder mystery?

I’m a huge fan of this series and I hope it will continue for a long while yet! This was a fun domestic mystery and the rag-tag, odd-ball characters are what makes it so loveable. Mrs. Haggerty added a fun twist to the plot and a wrench into Finn and Vero’s hijinks. I enjoy the every day obstacles thrown at Finn and how she tackles the smallest and weirdest events. Raising her kids as a divorcee, on top of all the skeletons her and Vero are hiding, and dating a hot cop, it’s a lot to juggle!

I hope all Finlay fans will enjoy this novel just as I have. I’m super intrigued to see where the next book might take us. I’m only slightly upset by reading this early copy, but definitely looking forward to more adventures with Finn, Vero and the crew 💕

Have I mentioned that I absolutely adore this series? It’s seriously the best. And besides for book #1 (of course), this is hands down my favorite. Finlay and Vero together are better than ever. There is so much more Detective Nick (oooooo do we love Detective Nick). The mystery aspect changed direction in a great way that actually feels more realistic. The kids are wild as ever. And the cliffhanger! Da dummmmm. Book #6 is going to be a banger, that’s for sure.

4.5⭐️ Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a humorous romp through the mayhem of Finlay’s life. This most recent installment picks up right where book 4 ended. Finlay and Vero are immediately faced with the consequences of the body found in Mrs. Haggerty‘s backyard. We then follow the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mrs. Haggerty‘s book club, Steven’s most recent illicit affair, and the dramedy of potty training Zach while homeschooling Delia. I love the further development of Finlay‘s relationship with Nick. There are elements of the found family trope that I adore. Finlay’s circle keeps expanding much to my delight. This book really showed more character development and personal growth in Finlay. It also showed the author’s growth in the tighter plot and character development. Somehow it brought greater maturity to Finlay in the midst of the utter chaos that is her life. I look forward to continuing this series! Thank you, NetGalley in the author, Elle Cosimano, for the ARC.

“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!