📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

Thank you @stmartinspress for an early copy of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: March 4th, 2025

Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211003787-finlay-donovan-digs-her-own-grave?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=I4UaXPHbJ0&rank=1

🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave picks up from where the last book ended, and while the story dives deeper into Mrs. Haggarty’s character, the entirety of it feels short and undercooked as compared to the previous Finlay Donovan installments. There’s still the humor that we all love from the books, but the suspense from all the events that transpired isn’t as strong as it was, probably because the entire series already feels quite too long that most of the events in this book were just rehashing the events from the previous ones.

I did enjoy Mrs. Haggarty’s strong wit and humor though, and how she disciplines Finlay’s kids. Despite her demeanor, she’s very caring and sympathizes with other women who are being abused by their husbands.

This book ended with a cliffhanger and I’m wondering if the next book is the last one for this series. I’m kind of hoping it is because the storyline is getting kind of old with the same formula over and over.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is an easy and fun read despite it feeling quite undercooked as compared to the previous books in the series. Would recommend reading this if you have followed along with Finlay and Vero’s story!

I had a great time reading this book and laughing along with Finlay and Vero while they try to figure out how to get out of yet another mess and help the last person you would think they should help and that is Finlay's ex husband. I don't know if it is just me, but this book seemed a bit more serious than the others in the series. We still get many funny moments and shenanigans with the kids, Vero & Finlay and the other side characters in this one but I felt the vibe was a bit different in this book. That being said, this was still a fun, engaging read.

I really enjoy Elle's writing and I think any story with Finlay and Vero will be a hit. I have grown fond of them and they are somewhat of a little book family to me and I will be interested in seeing what happens on their next adventure as this one ends with question left unanswered. I am also interested in seeing where the relationship with Nick & Finlay goes as I think there is definitely room for growth there now that some secrets have been revealed. Vero and Javi also have an interesting storyline and I think we are going to see more of them and their past in the next installment of this series and I can't wait to read it.

If you are looking for your next laugh out loud, cozy, crazy mystery book please consider reading this series.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars. This is the 5th book in the Finlay Donovan series, and I honestly just marvel at the fact that 5 books in and this series has not even gone slightly stale. I truly have no idea how Cosimano keeps delivering us fresh, funny, and twisty reads, but she's done it again with Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave. This is a series where you do have to read the books chronologically, buy if it's been a while since you've read a previous book (like me), Cosimano does a really great job of summarizing previous events/characters without being redundant. Book 5 picks up right where book 4 leaves off, and in typical Finlay fashion, she and Vero get dragged into another murder investigation... only this time, they're solving a murder instead of accidentally committing one themselves. I love the found family vibes between Finlay and Vero, I love the funny mom humor/ scenes involving her kids, and I really love the romance between Finlay and Nick. And of course, I love love love the mystery! Honestly, I can't see myself ever tiring of this series, or Finlay and Vero's shenanigans. As with all the other books, this one also ends with a cliffy, and it will definitely have you reeling for the next book!

Thank you so much to Cosimano, Minotaur, and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for the honest review.

loved this mystery writer who always ends up being part of a case. Her neighbor has a body on the property and ends up at her house. But she helps her son get potty trained and she ends up solving a case about her neighbor and book club. The book club isn't what it seems . I can't wait to see what happens with nick and her and nanny per say.

This book was fine. I was neither wowed nor disappointed in this book. The series is a good time but not particularly life changing

Fantastically hilarious Finlay and Vero are on the case when their neighbor Mrs. Haggerty is arrested for murder. This companion novel picks up after the tangled web of Finlay’s involvement with the Russian mob, romance with Nick and hilarious stories of sleuthing with Vero, her nanny, bff and girl on the run from the law. There are lots of explanations for any reader who hasn’t read previous books. I love Finlay’s moxie and how she is vulnerable yet strong. Loved the scenes with Nick, keeps me wanting more of his perspective. I laughed reading this and I appreciate the humor in the mystery.

Ahh I absolutely LOVE the Finlay Donovan books and couldn't wait to read this one!!

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a simple call to a plumber turns into the discovery of a dead body in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help.

The police take Mrs. Haggerty in for questioning and, though she swears she’s innocent, it’s clear to everyone she’s keeping a secret . . . but whose? With her house now an active crime scene, she’s released from custody with nowhere to go. Her concerned grandson, Brendan, an aspiring politician, doesn’t have room in his one-bedroom apartment for her and appeals to Finlay to let her stay at her place until the investigation is over.

Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case—or sacrificing either of their bedrooms so they’d have to share. After all, they’ve dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else. But when the focus of the investigation widens to include Mrs. Haggerty’s neighbors, Finn and Vero are left with little choice but to uncover the woman’s secrets before the police start digging up theirs.

I couldn't put this one down and am so excited that I got to read it!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for Goodreads.

Much thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for my early readers edition of this fun book! I have been so lucky to have been an early reader for this entire series!

Finlay and Vero are back on the hunt and getting into trouble, as always. There isn’t a ton I can say. There really isn’t much depth to these stories and they are just pure enjoyment and laughter.

I would recommend reading the entire series as each story builds from the last. I will say I am quite excited for the next one based on how this one ended!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is number 5 in this series and it's a good as the previous books. Finlay and Vero are back. Throw in their nosy across-the-street neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty; and hot detective, Nick - now the gang is all here. A body is found buried in Mrs. Haggerty's flower bed. Mrs. H is cleared by the police her grandson dumps her at Finlay's house for a week to Finlay and Vero's dismay. Finlay isn't too concerned with the body until her ex-husband, Steven is arrested for the murder. While Steven is no one's favorite character, Finlay feels she must clear her ex-husband's name. As with the other books in the series hilarity ensues as the girls try to prove his innocence. I appreciate NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This series has sucked me in and I can’t get enough. With each installment I love this cast of characters even more. I laughed out loud multiple times reading book five. Finlay’s struggles as a working mom feels authentic which is perfectly juxtaposed against the implausible scenarios she repeatedly finds herself in. The mystery certainly kept me guessing and I enjoyed insights into some of the side characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eager for the next! Thank you to Minotaur books for the opportunity to read an early copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

suspense, contemporary, verbal-humor, situational-humor, cozy-mystery, ex-husband, nanny, relationship-issues, relationships, relatives, amateur-sleuth, law-enforcement, siblings, friendship, friends, family-drama, family-dynamics, snarky, threats, boyfriend, mothers, mystery, mystery-writer, neighbors, local-gossip, podcaster, thriller*****

Infinitely better reading than the global/national/local news! Like the others in series, this one is not only hilariously farcical but can stand alone if you have nothing better at hand. The series is a hoot but not critical to follow in order. Just laugh along with the rest of us after reading the publisher's blurb!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected digital galley from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Avail Mar 04, 2025 #FinlayDonovanDigsHerOwnGrave by @ElleCosimano #FinlayDonovanBk5 @StMartinsPress @MinotaurBooks #LaughYourSoxOff #TheMob #Police #Whodunnit #Witty

Loved all of these books and this was didn’t disappoint. Will be sad sent I can’t read about Finley anymore. Highly recommend for any mystery series lover. Thank you NetGalley!

How could I not give Finlay 5 stars? The story line, the detail, the laugh out loud funny that is Finlay and Vero’s friendship. I love it all and truly wish this series would go on forever.

This book starts where the last left off, with Mrs Haggerty, the nosy neighbor, at the center of a missing person’s case. Finlay and Vero are nominated to take care of Mrs Haggerty while her house gets put back together when they start noticing some very odd habits coming from the old woman. The story takes you through this crime and into the next one, without revealing too much and keeping you on the edge of your seat.

100000 out of 10.

I recently read Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano. This is the fifth book in the delightful Finlay Donovan series. This installment certainly could be read as a standalone, without reading the previous books, but why would you want to? You'd be missing out! In the new book, crime comes to Finlay's home turf. A murdered body is discovered in the backyard of nosey neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. When her house is declared a crime scene, Mrs. Haggerty moves in with Finlay and sidekick, Vero. Given their past exploits, even the premise is funny. The fun doesn't stop there, Finlay and Vero must work to solve the crime to rid themselves of the crotchety know it all.

This book will make the series lovers very happy. It has all the usual wit and madcap shenanigans we've come to know and love. Everything you'd expect from Elle Cosimano, this will put a smile on your face and a wish for yet another installment. As usual, a super fun and enchanting read. More please!

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for your kindness and the advanced copy (not to mention the laughs).

I received this book free of charger from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I am really loving this series. This time, Finlay's ex husband is accused of murdering someone who went missing 5 years ago because the body turned up in Finlay's nosy neighbor's backyard. Mrs. Haggerty is always watching what is going on in the neighborhood. Finn and Vero aren't sure what she has on them.

Mrs. Haggerty, who has her own secrets, ends up staying with Finlay. Cam and Nick are back. There is even a run in with Finn's agent, Sylvia. What is going on with Mrs. Haggerty's book club and why won't she let Finlay join. She is an author, after all.

I love the witty writing style and hijinks that Finlay and Vero get into. Trouble just seems to follow them.

The end of the book left it open for book 6. I can't wait!

I’ve read all of the books in this series & this one did not disappoint. Hot cop Nick had more page time, and the storyline was the mix of rom-com, suspense & creative characters we’ve come to enjoy from Elle Cosimano.

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC e-book. Favorable review shared on Goodreads

Finlay Donovan stories are always entertaining and this one is no exception. Every character explodes with excitement and
nobody is completely innocent of anything. This book is a chaotic ride right up to the conclusion, which is equally chaotic!
My thanks to St Martin’s Press via NetGalley for the download copy of this book for review purposes.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano.

This is book number 5 of the Finlay Donovan series, and Finlay’s ex-husband Steven is suspected of murder after a body is found across the street from Finlay’s house. Finlay needs to find out who the murderer is before the police start digging and find evidence of her past “crimes”.
I love the Finlay Donovan series, they are quick, lighthearted reads that are fun to read. I liked this installment in the series, it was a break from the “mob” storyline but still tied together parts from the other books. I especially liked that Finlay’s relationship with her policeman boyfriend seems to be evolving, it looks like we will see more of them in future books!

Overall I would definitely recommend this book for fans of the series and romcom lovers as well. 4 stars!

I have read all of the Finlay Donovan books so when net galley had this as an ARC, I was happy to catch up. These books have been easy reads and have likable characters. Sometimes I think the story jumps around too much. This book was a cute read.

4.5⭐

The fifth book in the Finlay Donovan series got things back on track. While not perfect, this one was a huge improvement from the second and third book. Less chaos, Steven was still a big cheater but much less of an asshole, Finlay and Nick are finally on the same page in their relationship, Vera was a more manageable ball buster, the kids were cuter if that's even possible, etc. The fourth book was leaning this way but book five brought everything back to where things should be in this series. I was thinking that this book would be my last but maybe I will stick around for book six. If the television series ever gets made, I hope it will have a Dead to Me vibe and then I can die happy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.