4.25 🌟

I really enjoyed this latest installment of the Finlay Donovan more than most of the recent books. I liked that this was a bit more slower paced and more believable story that seemed to be a bit of a transition novel before the next one in the series. It wasn’t as action filled but more character development. I appreciated it but I can see how some fans might be disappointed. Overall, still loving this series and it’s wonderful on audio! Still one of my favorite series to recommend as there is really nothing like it!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this title!

Once again, Finlay finds herself in over her head—but what else is new when chaos is just part of your everyday life?

This time, there may not be a body in Finlay’s backyard, but there is one in her neighbor’s, Mrs. Haggerty. Mrs. Haggerty steals the show for me with her senior sass, stubborn charm, and surprising heart. Every scene with her is a gem—I laughed out loud more than once. I loved every minute of her!!

But don’t worry—Mrs. Haggerty hasn’t replaced Vero. She's back and just as mischievous and loyal as ever. It’s also great to see more of her love interest, Javier, appear in this story.

The chemistry between Nick and Finlay is definitely heating up, and I love how their relationship is developing—sweet, swoony, and full of potential. Of course, we still get a few glimpses of Julian, just enough to stir up memories of their old spark.

Angela Dawe continues to shine as the voice of Finlay in the audiobook. She is Finlay at this point—her narration perfectly captures the chaos, wit, and heart that define the series.

If you’re already a fan of Finlay Donovan, this book won’t disappoint - a good mystery with laughs, heart, and a little romance!

Oh how I missed this world!! I admittedly have branched off from reading a lot of mystery books but I will always come back for Finlay Donovan!! This series always hits the mark of being fun and mysterious while also being so cozy. Something about this world feels like a hug. and the accidental I love you!!

Another fun edition to a fun mystery series which focuses on Finlay, a single mom who writes suspense romance novels. In the first book she finds herself wrapped up in crime and that continues in new ways in this edition, this time involving her elderly next door neighbor. There was a good balance of mystery, humor, and romance in this book, which is something the author excels at throughout this series. What makes this book stand out among the series is that her mistakes are getting harder to hide from her loved ones and the law.

This is definitely a great pick for lovers of mystery who enjoy added elements to the plot and morally grey characters. Be sure to read the series in order, as the plots link together.

Elle Cosimano delivers another witty, fast-paced mystery as Finlay and Vero stumble into more chaos—this time involving a body next door. Packed with humor, heart, and sharp twists, it’s a fun, clever ride from start to finish. A must for fans of smart, comedic crime capers!

Finlay Donovan always seems to have a hand in a little bit of trouble. I found this book in the series not a funny as the others, but still kept me intrigue.

Another great adventure with Finlay and associates. I am really am enjoying this series! Can’t wait to see where the next adventure takes us.

Did I wait about a month to start this… yess only because I don’t want this series to end!! I’ll be in a cozy mystery slump until next year waiting to see what Finlay & Vero gets into next. I love how the author brings us right back to the huge cliffhanger she leaves us on in the previous book & as I stated before in other reviews I love the audiobook !! Angela dawe has finlay & this world living in my head rent free for years.

In this book we get more scenes with characters we met before & some we haven’t. Things happens to Steven & ms. Haggerty that have me just guessing like how they could be linked? If they are ?

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for this arc! You guys stay blessing my chaotic reading & a huge thank you to Netgalley for the access to these amazing books!

No rest for this incredibly fun cast of characters.

This book was mostly a simple mystery (less tie in with all the craziness from some of the others) which I enjoyed. I love Mrs. Haggerty and liked the new characters we met.

While this book did resolve itself completely, we obviously had to end, once again, with a cliffhanger to hook us into the next book.

Elle Cosimano, thank you for such an enjoyable series.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Update: Thank you to NetGalley for the audio of this as well! I absolutely love the audios of these. They are so much fun. I highly recommend the audiobooks of the Finlay series.

finlay donovan digs her own grave by elle cosimano 👀 the fifth book in the finlay donovan series- she may have skeletons in her closet… but at least there's not a body in her backyard.

✨ my yearly buddy read with dadreadsalot is never a letdown when we have finlay and vero keeping us company! ✨

ME: I swear this series just keeps getting better & better 🚓 I loved this installment from start to finish- especially it’s obscure cast of characters. mrs. haggerty gets a special shoutout this time around! I really liked how finlay’s relationship progressed; now if only she can set some boundaries with people in her life! if this series ever ends, I’ll be digging my own grave 🕵🏻‍♀️ 5 stars!

DADREADSALOT: mrs. haggerty, mrs. haggerty! his favorite character finally got her time in the (police) spotlight. he liked how not only we learned more about her life but how she formed a new & improved relationship with finlay and her family. dadreadsalot said he’d join the neighborhood book club but he’d just want to be the scribe who recounts the ongoings of the ladies, not one who is involved. he can’t wait until book six 🔎 5 stars!

🎧 thank you macmillan audio for the alc! the audio narration by angela dawe was (as always) fantastic!

Really loved this series so far . I was so excited to see this one on Netgalley and was so happy to get the chance to listen to it. I also really love that the same narrater has done all the books. I very much appreciate that.

This series just keeps getting more fun! Loved this round and its cast of crazy characters. Finlay does not disappoint!!! I was cracking up for almost all of this audiobook. Please don’t stop this series! Give us more! Give us spinoffs!

Thank you to the author, publisher and of course NetGalley for the advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review. I could not stop listening!

The latest installment in the Finlay Donavan series delivers! This will continue to be a series I highly recommend for it's humor and mystery.

After a body is discovered in Finlay's neighbors backyard, Mrs. Haggerty is at first a suspect, but then released and ends up staying at Finlay's house.

This book took a bit of a different turn from books 2-4 and I enjoyed the difference. Since the mob aspects were tied up last book, there was less of that which was refreshing. Mrs. Haggerty took a bigger role in this one and I was here for it! She is one of my favorite characters. I also loved seeing more of Cam and his antics with Finlay and Mrs. Haggerty were top notch.

I went back to listening to the audiobook for this read, after having read physical copies of the last couple books in the series, and I continue to be amazed at how well done the audiobook is. The voicing of the different characters is top notch and the audiobook adds to the humor of the book.

5 stars!

Book #5 had a little bit of a different vibe to it. It was just as chaotic and frenzied as all the ones preceeding it, but it felt a bit more (dare I say) mature. Finlay finds herself in some seriously awkward situations this time around, but at least they are close to home. As in actually at home. Her nosey neighbor gets arrested for murder then somehow ends up staying in her house once she is released. Finlay and Vero are not actual participants in any murders this time around, but someone else close to them is under suspicion.
I think my favorite part is the development in Nick and Finlay's relationship. And maybe that's were the mature vibe I got was coming in. Trust was starting to dig it's heels in and I'm here for it. But of course, there has to be a blast from the past making a little cameo to liven things up a little bit. And yet again, maturity prevails.
I listened to the audiobook and I had a hard time stopping it to let my own life happen. There was a lot of multitasking happening with earbuds in so that I could continue listening.

Cosimo's Finlay Donovan series always delivers laughs with a side of murder and this book delivers a big dose of both. This outing find Finlay and Vero with an added houseguest as Mrs. Haggerty is released from jail for the body that was found in her back yard and Stephen is arrested instead. As our detecting duo works to prove Stephen innocent, many hijinks ensue including a naked potty-trainer, a playground tussle, an eggplant-colored muscle car, and some lavender-scented socks. There were a couple storylines that seemed to disappear along the way, but the humor and mystery covered that a bit. Angela Dawe does an amazing job narrating and I love all the local references that Cosimano throws in that hook me even more into the stories. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the early listen in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Finlay Donovan series is pure entertaining chaos, and the latest book continues that tradition. Finlay's brash/chaotic sleuthing style makes the story breeze by, and I am always sad when I finish. In Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, death is a bit closer to home. A body is found in her nosy neighbor's yard. Resulting in her neighbor moving in with Finlay. Watching Finlay try to keep her secrets safe while also interacting with all the characters from past books is hilarious and enjoyable. I give this book 4/5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing this audiobook ARC.

I have absolutely devoured this series and this fifth installment was no exception. Finlay and Vero are back again, but this time to solve the mystery of the dead body found in their neighbor's backyard. Mrs. Haggerty is a hoot and a great addition to this story. Their antics will keep you turning pages and laughing out loud throughout. Trouble seems to find them wherever they go. I have seen this series described as fun and over the top and I would totally agree. These stories will keep you guessing and in stitches all at the same time. From the cliffhanger ending, it appears there will be another book in the series and I will totally be there for it!

Book 5 picks up right where the the fourth book left off so this is definitely a series you want to start at the beginning and read in order.

The narrator of this audiobook did a fantastic job with all the different voices and the pacing of the story. I had no complaints.

For people who regularly read my reviews, I must warn you there is some language and some innuendos in this series.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This was a great continuation of the series! It wasn't as action packed as the first four, but I still enjoyed the story, and I love the romance between Nick and Finlay! As always, the cliff hanger has me dying to read the next book.

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

finlay is at it again!! following this series is such a fun bright spot! this book brought all my favorite elements of the finlay books, including her dynamic with vero, the chaotic shenanigans & capers, and of course mrs haggerty finally gets her due. it deviates from the first storyline while having plenty of nods to it, and ends on the signature cliffhanger. elle cosimano comes up with such crazy situations for her characters to get into and for me to laugh about from afar rather than being up close to any murdering.

i’ve always loved the narrator for this series, and this book is no different!! she is so good at the differentiation of character voices and deadpanning the dry humor that finlay loves to give

I have read all of the previous novels in this series and could not wait to jump into this next adventure. I was not disappointed. The same mix of spunk and drama continues in this installment. The plot kept me engaged at a good pace and I had a hard time putting the audiobook down. Ifyou were a fan of the previous novels, you will love this edition to the series!