Finlay and Vero are hoping their troubles are behind them just as a body is found in nosy neighbour Mrs. Haggerty's yard. This time, Finlay has nothing to do with it, but that doesn't mean she can stay out of trouble! Before she knows it, Steven is accused of the murder, Mrs. Haggerty is moving in, Delia is in trouble at school, and Zack's potty training regime involves finding new uses for duct tape! 

It's incredible just how much trouble one suburban mom can get into. I wondered if it was possible to top the first adventure, and I think Cosimano has done it with Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, or at the very least has tied it up with this refreshingly fun mystery. I was delighted, often laughing at the hijinks with the kids, and loving the tag teaming hilarity between Finlay and Vero. I was pleasantly surprised in finding there is more depth to old Mrs Haggerty, and she turned out to be a very fun addition to the chaos of the Donovan household. Add in Nick, Javi, Sylvia, Cam, and his new doggy pal for a fun, cozy mystery that had me hooked. 

Just when I thought everything was tying up nicely, there's a knock at the door that drops the cliffhanger bomb 💣, and now...we wait!

🎧 I enjoyed this audiobook experience to the fullest, Angela Dawe does a fantastic job, as always, bringing Finlay and Vero to life.

ARC REVIEW : AD-PR PRODUCT

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is another wild, fun ride in the Finlay Donovan series! This time, Finlay and her chaotic crew are back with more small-town secrets, amateur sleuthing, and hilarious antics. The mystery kept me hooked, and the perfect blend of charm and chaos made this a really enjoyable read. I listened to the audiobook while reading along on my Kindle, and it was such an immersive experience!

Tropes you’ll find include:
Amateur sleuth
Small town secrets
Mystery
Wild antics

I gave Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave 4 stars because it’s a super fun, fast-paced mystery that’ll keep you on your toes. If you love quirky mysteries with heart, this one’s a must-read!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for providing an e-ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review!

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"I want you. Not part of you. All of you. You can't ask me to only fall in love with the pieces you're willing to show me "

"Tell me something that scares you."
"It might be too late to order pizza."

"What scares you the most?"
"You."

From the hilarious meeting in the principal's office to what really happens at nosy elderly neighbor Mrs.Haggerty's book club, I could barely breathe from laughing so hard listening to Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, by comedic romance cozy mystery genius author, Elle Cosimano. The fact that this is the most romantic and twistiest of the 5 books is just a delightful bonus.

Barely calming down from their last adventure, Finlay and her BFF live in nanny Vero find themselves sneaking around again, but this time it's to clear Finlay's ex-husband Steven from murder charges. Seems the body the police dug up in Mrs. Haggerty's garden is the husband of someone Steven may have cheated with a while back. Finlay knows he's a cheater but also knows he's not a murderer. The problem is the cops consider it a closed case, her sexy detective boyfriend Nick is confused by her defense of her cheating ex, and, because Mrs. Haggerty's property is a crime scene, she's moved in with Finlay, Vero and the kids!

The hysterical craziness felt like a reunion as characters from the previous books popped up including gorgeous bartender lawyer Julian. The best return was voice actress Angela Dawe who once again gives stellar comedic timing performances; especially Vero's "I'm Batman" scene that was comedy gold.

The best parts for me were Nick and Finlay's vulnerable honest talks. It was real, sweet, a bit swoony from Nick, and just made me happy for them. If you haven't started this series now's the time to dig in and make your heart smile.

I received a copy of this audiobook from #Macmillan Audio via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE
Elle Cosimano

The Finlay Donovan series really could go anywhere to infinity and beyond. But to keep things fresh, it may be time to change things up or move on from the series.

FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE is the fifth installment in the series. It involves a nosy neighbor, a love interest, and of course a murder mystery. It has everything you could want in a cozy mystery.



This series is one of my favorites. FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT opened the door to cozy reads for me. I realized I liked the genre, and it led me to explore other cozy titles.

It feels like sitting in a well-worn chair. The characters feel like friends and their adversaries, mine. It reminds me of the Evanovich and Grafton series, both of which I love. And if it can invigorate itself, it could have either of those series’ success and longevity.

It is a series I recommend all the time, and I will continue to do so.

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies

FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finlay Donovan and Veronica Ruiz are two frazzled, sarcastic women that I adore with my whole heart. This book is the fifth in their series, and I’ve enjoyed every second of the wild ride. Book 4 took the whole gang to Atlantic City, but they’re now safely back home. For literally a second, then a dead body is discovered in their nosy neighbor’s backyard, and Finlay’s ex-husband becomes a prime suspect.
I love Finlay’s reluctant acceptance of what her life has become, and Vero’s determination to protect their life at any cost. I also love the recurring characters like Cameron, an 18-year-old hacker with a love of small dogs, and Finlay’s sister and parents. Combined with annoying ex-husband Steven, hot boyfriend and detective Nick, and the ever-crazy kids, the plot almost doesn’t even matter!
I really enjoyed the addition of Mrs. Haggerty into Finlay and Vero’s already hectic lives. She was equally annoying and needed, and her grumpy back-and-forth with the two women cracked me up. As always, Finlay and Vero’s hijinks are hilariously executed, and there was enough suspense to have me on the edge of my seat. I really liked the “mystery” featured in this book, and felt like I was putting together clues at the same time as the characters!
Overall, this book is just a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts cozy mystery and balls to the wall insanity, this is a perfect pick!
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the free advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

Author Elle Cosimano can always be counted on for a lighthearted, hysterical, and chaotic read. Voiced with hilarious precision, Finlay and Vero make quite the pair in this neighborhood drama. As an early fan of Janet Evanovich works, Cosimano sets herself apart as she connects wholeheartedly with parents of toddlers, single mothers, book clubbers, or anyone with a sense of humor. With her most intriguing cliff hanger yet, "Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" is a roaring read.

I’ve been a huge fan of “Finlay Donovan” since the first book released in 2021 and have gobbled up every new installment since. In “Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave,” single mom and reluctant amateur sleuth Finlay Donovan and her sassy sidekick/nanny, Vero, are at it again. Filled with the witty dialogue, suspenseful scenes, and romantic stolen moments we’ve come to know and love, the fifth book in the Finlay Donovan series does not disappoint!

Written by the talented Elle Cosimano and expertly narrated by Angela Dawe, who has an amazing ability to create the perfect voice for each member of the cast of characters, I was hooked once again and drawn into Finlay’s world of balancing single motherhood and her career as a romance novelist with her irrepressible urge to solve crimes, despite her police officer boyfriend’s warnings. The characters in this series are so relatable and endearing, you’ll feel like they could be your best friends in real life.

Thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. I loved every minute and can’t wait for the next one to release! If you’re looking for a fun spring break read/listen that has you literally laughing out loud one minute and on the edge of your seat the next, you need Finlay in your life! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars)

FInlay and Vero return for book #5! One thing about me is I love a Finlay Donovan audiobook. The narrator is SO GOOD and keeps me engaged from beginning to end.

FInlay and Vero return to being in trouble again (shocker) when a body is found in their neighbors yard and Steven is a prime suspect. What this book includes is found family, suspense, and a love story. This is the definition of a cozy mystery for me, and I hope to get many more Finlay books. Also, Mrs. Haggerty = QUEEN.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Elle Cosimano for the advanced listening copy.

Another wild and crazy installation to my favorite series!! The ride that Finlay and Vero take you on every single time has you wondering if this is the book that they will finally get caught 🫣 There is SO much going on in this book that there is never a dull moment and you finish it extremely fast and are always left wanting more 😅

I love that each book leaves you with a cliff hanger, but the next one picks up immediately where the last one left you. There is no time missed (except for the time you have to wait for the next book to be released 😂). But once again, Mrs. Haggerty is causing problems, but not the kind that you might think 😉

Finlay Donovan is a must read for me every single time!! It’s an added bonus to read about places in NOVA where I grew up. I cannot wait for the next one!!

A special thank you Elle Cosimano, Netgalley, and MacMillan Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review!

I will always recommend a Finlay Donovan book!

As true to the story, FD#5 picks up right where the last book ended. Finlay and Vero never get a break and their typical antics are back. This is such a comfort series for me, I chuckle and smile the whole time!

Ends on a cliffhanger! Ready to continue the series :)

Thanks to MacMillan Audio for letting me review an Advanced Copy!

Book number 5, and they still got it! Finlay & Vero are the dynamic duo of bad situations made worse. I will never get tired of their messy lives.
As usual I listened to this book on audio, because the narrator (Angela Dawe) does the best job and I now associate Finlay’s voice with Angela’s. She also has a distinct voice for Vero and Sylvia. I can’t read the books any other way because of how fantastic she is.
The focus of this book is Finlay’s neighborhood. It seems old characters, that may seem insignificant, are getting tossed into the fold. Even grumpy old ladies aren’t safe from Finlay’s web of chaos. Lol. I like the new direction of the storyline, keeping it fresh but still bringing in our favorites like the hot cop and teen hacker. Everything is more fun with friends!Lol

𝐀𝐋𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

🎧𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
🎙️𝒜𝓃𝑔ℯ𝓁𝒶 𝒟𝒶𝓌ℯ

🔎𝐌𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲/𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫

✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 5th installment of Finlay Donovan prepares for a rollercoaster of surprises and laugh-out-loud moments. This time, Finlay is on a mission to clear her ex-husband's name in a murder case.

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 Finlay, Vero, and the unexpected baddie Mrs. Haggerty as they navigate hilarious situations to uncover the truth. Detective Anthony is as charming as ever. While he may be unaware of Finlay's secrets, he demonstrates that he is truly on her team, earning him major brownie points in my opinion!

🎧𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐞's solo narration is consistently spot-on. She effortlessly navigates between different voice tones and characterizations, showcasing her impeccable comedic timing that truly brings the story to life!

𝐈𝐟 you're a fan of mystery thrillers with a dose of comedy and a cast of fun characters, this audiobook is a must-listen.

Thank you to 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐨, 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨, and 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 for this ALC. All opinions expressed here are my own.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒.𝟕𝟓⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝟓/𝟓🎧

I really enjoy this series and was excited to get a copy of this audiobook to read and review. The narrator did a good job, except I didn’t like the voice they did for Vero. The rest really brought the story to life. These books for a while were getting more and more crazy and I was really ok that this one dialed the crazy back a few notches. Don’t get me wrong I have enjoyed the wild ride, but this one felt more believable. When Finlay’s neighbor has a body discovered in her backyard Finlay is content to let the police manage it until it appears her ex-husband is being framed for the crime. While Finlay is trying to move on with Nick she doesn’t want the father of her children to be in prison and she and Vero set off to investigate. The only downside to getting a copy when I did is that I now have a long way to wait for the next book.

"Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" by Elle Cosimano is Book #5 in the Finlay Donovan Series!

Finlay has never seen eye to eye with her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, a busybody who keeps snooping around and peering across the street into Finlay's business. Now, the tables are turned, and she may need some help from Finlay.

A dead body was found in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. She has been cleared of any charges, but her house remains a crime scene. Since Finlay's house is directly across the street, Mrs. H. makes herself at home, moving into Finlay's bedroom, where she has a clear view of her house.

Then, Finlay hears the familiar name of a new suspect in the case, which triggers her immediate interest in the investigation...

"Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave", like all previous books, picks up where the last book left off. I was on the fence about continuing this series, as I felt it had lost its original appeal. I wanted more Finlay and Vero, less wackiness, and fewer one-dimensional characters. This one delivers all that and a deeper dive into Finlay and Nick's developing relationship.

Mrs. Haggerty is quite the character and one of the best parts of this story. Come to find out there's more to her than meets the eye. I hope we see more of her in the future.

This was an immersion read; the audiobook is narrated by Angela Dawe, whose voicing of Finlay and Vero is so familiar to me that I can read the ebook alone and still hear their voices in my head. I'm not sure what that says about me, but I continue to be impressed by Ms. Dawe's talent.

"Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" ends in another cliffhanger, meaning another book is in the works. I'm excited for book #6 and more of Finlay and Vero's shenanigans!

4.5⭐

Thank you to St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and Elle Cosimano for the DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I love the Finlay Donovan series, and this newest book is the same humorous, chaotic, and endearing kind of story I have come to expect from our plucky heroine. In Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave we get to spend a lot more time with Mrs. Haggerty as the team tries to unearth a solution to the murder case surrounding the dead body found in her garden. There was a lot to love here, but my favorites were the relationship progression for Finlay and Nick, the unlikely BFF pairing of Mrs. Haggerty and Cam, and the epilogue cliffhanger promising more Finlay shenanigans. As for the audiobook format, Angela Dawe returned with her flawless narration, making this a quick and rollicking listen. Highly recommend!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for gifting me with an ALC to review! All opinions are my own.

I have been hooked from book one! This series is just the best sleuth series. I love Finlay and Vera's friendship. As we have grown in the series we have added a few new characters that I love as well like Nick and Cam. I loved having all the characters in this story and I had a good time getting to know Mrs. Haggerty. She is a very interesting character and she will keep you entertained. I had so many LOL moments with her.

I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Angela Dawe's. Angela did a great job telling this story and keeping me entertained. She portrayed the characters well and brought them to life.

This story starts off with a body being found in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. Just when they think they are finally going to be done solving murders they are thrown into another mystery. They also get to have a new roommate Mrs. Haggerty while her house has some work done. As with all the other books fasten your seat belts because you are in for a wild ride!

This book will keep you entertained from the beginning until the end and you will be left with a nice cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I would highly recommend this book and this entire series! You will laugh like crazy and have such a great time with these girls!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for allowing me to listen to this ALC for my honest opinion.

Ahhh! I think this is one of my favorite Finlay books, besides the first. I loved the growth in Nick and Finlay's relationship. My jaw dropped at the end! Loved it all. As usual, the banter between Vero and Finlay is perfection, and any time someone is dissing her ex-husband, I'm cheering - I'm talking about your Mrs. Hagerty!

The narrator is perfect for these characters and this series is a comfort listen. I can go back to them over and over again!

Finlay, Vero, and the ever-grumpy Mrs. Haggerty are back in another wild, laugh-out-loud mystery. It’s rare for a series to maintain its momentum five books in, but Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave might just be the most fun yet. By this point, Finlay and Vero feel less like characters and more like old friends—chaotic, crime-adjacent friends, but friends nonetheless.

This time, Mrs. Haggerty finds herself in a bit of a predicament when a dead body turns up in her backyard. With her home now an active crime scene, she strong-arms her way into crashing in Finlay’s bedroom. But things take a suspicious turn when Finlay starts noticing Mrs. Haggerty’s odd nighttime outings and her suddenly frequent book club meetings. Naturally, hijinks (and trouble) ensue.

One of the highlights of this book is how Mrs. Haggerty helps Finlay’s son grow up a bit—offering tough love in a way only she can. As always, this series shines in its portrayal of women supporting each other through every twist, turn, and crime scene life throws their way.

Angela Dawe delivers another fantastic audiobook performance, bringing each character to life with her signature flair.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

When a body is found in her neighbor’s yard, Finlay Donovan and her nanny Vero are reluctantly drawn into another murder investigation. With a suspect list including Finlay’s ex-husband, they must unravel the mystery before their own secrets are uncovered.

Another fun and fast-paced mystery! This book is hilarious and warm-hearted, with vividly drawn characters you’d want to be friends with if you weren’t afraid of getting arrested or murdered. I loved the audiobook narration. Don’t miss this bingeworthy series!

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave: 🪦🎧🪴⁣
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A million thanks to @macmillan.audio @minotaur_books and @ellecosimano for my gifted copy! #MinotaurInfluencers #MacAudio2025 ⁣
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Dare I say this may be my favorite Finlay adventure yet? This was a hoot and a half but we really got to see a lot of the secondary characters shine. Mrs. Haggerty has always had a spot in my heart, so I definitely wanted to know why she had a body in the back! Also, we get more punishment for Steven, so life is good. (I said what I said) ⁣
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We get more of hot cop Nick, and Finlay gets to really pull back her onion layers with him. He still gives me Dermot Mulroney, and that’s all I’ll think about. Maybe it’s Angela Dawe’s narration, but I love it. I actually heard Dawe on a different audio recently and I immediately said, “Fin?” ⁣
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Overall, we get more depth for our side characters, left with the wildest cliffhanger, and still get the best trouble around. Also, I love that we get more of a sense of community for Finlay. She deserves it.⁣
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Out tomorrow, March 4th.