Thank you St Martin's and MacMillan Audio for review copies! I always recommend this series on audio of you have the chance to listen!

Angela Dawe once again delivers the dark humor and quirky charm of Finlay Donovan! I love Elle Cosimano's series, wait each year for the new book as they just land right (esp in the ugh dreary winter months). FD Digs her Own Grave is another return to the hilarity of Finlay and Ver0 (still my favorite side kick). I laughed a lot, continue to be glad when Finlay has more and more reason to stay away from her ex, and was here for Nick!!! As a mom with a young child I also love the way the kids steal the show, little kids are really funny, intentionally or not, and I love that they bring the laughs to the plot.
Yes, you will have to be all in for a little dark humor and silliness of a mom turned unexpected assassin/detective and her nanny side kick, be here for the yes another dead body turned up plot, but this is what a cozy or cozy adjacent series is... suspension of some reality in order to have a heck of a lot of fun listening to a mystery.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave
by Elle Cosimano
5/5 ⭐

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is another thrilling and hilarious installment in the Finlay Donovan series, and I absolutely loved every page of it! If you're a fan of witty banter, a dash of mystery, and characters who feel like old friends, this book will not disappoint.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was the cameos from old characters. It was comforting as familiar faces reappeared, and Cosimano did a wonderful job weaving them back into the story. Mrs. Haggarty’s sass is legendary. I adore how she inserts herself into Finlay’s business, often with a no-nonsense attitude and sharp-tongued commentary.

As always, the humor is off the charts. Several laugh-out-loud moments had me grinning from ear to ear. And I can't forget the fake book club! What a clever addition to the plot! I did not know where these connections were going, but I enjoyed the name-dropping of other mystery writers.

Overall, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is another hit. It’s full of twists, turns, humor, and heart. I’m already eagerly awaiting the next book in the series! If you haven’t started this series yet, you’re missing out.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the fifth installment in this fun and adventurous mystery series. Mystery writer Finlay Donovan and her nanny Vero welcome a new housemate whom they are less than thrilled about. Finlay's nosey neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, is in need of a place to stay because her home is still considered a crime scene even though she has been cleared of murder charges following the discovery of a dead body in her yard. Finlay and Vero don't want to get involved since they've been dealing with a LOT of crime and murder lately, but they want their space back so what else can they do but help solve the case and get Mrs. Haggerty back to her own home? As with all of the books in this series, humor and chaos ensue. If you're looking for something light and funny, the Finlay Donovan series is always a good bet.

Angela Dawe narrates all of the audiobooks in this series and does a great job with the characters' voices.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a review copy of this audiobook.

This series is so much more than just a thriller with comedy! I have never laughed so much while reading a crime story, yet the suspense kept me hooked the entire time. The way humor and mystery blend together is just brilliant.

When a neighbor is murdered, the whole neighborhood seems to get involved—whether to help or make things worse? That’s the big question! I won’t spoil anything, but I loved how the situation kept evolving. Finlay’s conversations with everyone were pure gold, especially with her new love interest. He’s determined to solve the murder, which could put her ex-husband in serious trouble. The twists, the chaos, and the sharp dialogue made this an unforgettable read. Even if thrillers or comedy aren’t usually your thing, this one is worth it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for allowing me to have an Audio ARC for this book! I always enjoy these more as audio than physical ever since book 3. I really love Angela Dawe's narration for these characters.
My first impressions going in is that this one was going to beat out my rankings and come 2nd to the very first book. It leaves behind the mob ties, which I didn't dislike, but I've heard other readers say they didn't enjoy that plot theme and quit the series. So, for those readers this book may hit a lot better, unfortunately to understand situations and characters you will have to binge through previous books. (I recommend audio book)
As the story progressed, I really liked the “murder mystery”, but there were a few times that I felt Finlay was a bit naive in certain clues, especially with this large catalog of past shenanigans. The fact that I felt smarter in piecing things together rather quickly kind of took me out. I realize that this series is supposed to be humorous, but I feel like Finlay would be smarter to at least question certain things.
The Characters I've journeyed with throughout this entire series is what kept me going through this book. Especially with how Dawe's narration has just hit nostalgia as their voices at this point.
I also appreciate the closed door “spice”. Though I do feel as if there was an increase in moments this time. I have never super cared for the romance plot so I often skipped past and made it even more fade to black.
The ending, much like the previous, leads us to what the problem of the 6th book will be about. Most of the loose threads of red herrings are answered, but I'm still confused about some that I just had to try to critically think the reasons for myself.
My final thoughts, if you fell off the bandwagon early on because of “the mob”, try this series again, either multitask during boring chores with the audio or find a spoiler summary so that you have an idea of new characters that were introduced and past events. I had a good time, I just wanted Finlay a little smarter, less romance and a clearer ending.

Thank you MacMillian Audio and NetGalley for the ARC!

I am a fan of the Finlay Donovan series, and I could not express how excited I was to get the audiobook version of the latest installment! I was curious where the story would go next, and I was not disappointed.

I loved the audio version; I usually prefer audiobooks and this one felt very familiar to me. The narrator captured Finlay perfectly, and really drew me into the story.

Thank you again for the ARC!

Finlay Donovan is back, and I was there for every single second of it! Seriously, if you have not picked up this wonderfully entertaining, fun, witty, and clever series, you are missing out BIG TIME. ! I love that Finlay Donovan, Vero, her ex-husband, Steven, her boyfriend, Nick, and even her nosey neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty are all involved in the action in Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave!! I have been listening to the audiobooks in this series, and they are absolutely fantastic and wonderfully narrated!! I highly recommend them!

A dead body has been found buried in Mrs. Haggerty's back yard. Mrs. Haggerty, the president of the neighborhood watch, is Finlay's nosey, busy body, neighborhood. The neighborhood is shocked and scandalized with the deadly find but Mrs. Haggerty is soon cleared of the crime and soon Finlay and Vero find themselves becoming involved in Mrs. Haggerty's antics as a question loom over their heads -- how did a body end up in Mrs. Haggerty's back yard?????

Fun, fun, fun!!!! It bears saying again, this is such a fun, entertaining and engaging series. I am often smiling while listening as I shake my head at the characters’ antics, banter, zany situations they find themselves in, and their realistic feelings and vulnerabilities. There is never a dull moment as the whole gang finds themselves knee deep in some ridiculous and crazy situations. I enjoyed the twists, the revelations, the tension, the antics, and the fun characters!

As with the previous books, this one left me wanting more and wondering what was going to happen in the next book!

Wonderfully written, well thought out, clever dialogue, and gripping!

Funny, as I’m coming here to write my review, I’m thinking that this is like coming back to visit with old friends… like with Stephanie Plum (IYKYK…), and one of the first reviews I read says basically the same thing!
SO…. if you’re a Janet Evanovich fan, and you haven’t read any of Elle Cosimano’s books, you may want to change that right now! 😉😬

Finlay and Vero are back as the dynamic duo! And Nick too! (aka…hot cop!). And Cam ( and the metallic eggplant monstrosity!!) 😂 AND, Mrs. Haggerty, the elderly, nosy neighbor, across the street! Only now, she’s been arrested for murder! (After a dead body turns up in her rose garden!) And then, her house is a crime scene… so she can’t LIVE there… So, guess who she moves in with? Against all her arguments…

And this is only the intro!!!

Buckle up and put on your big girl panties! You’re in for quite a ride!

As Finlay and Vero try to get to the bottom of the murder, of course, they are placing themselves in harms way! And who comes under suspicion next? Someone dear to Finlay…

As they navigate through all the obstacles of the dead body, Nick and Finlay are trying to navigate through some obstacles of their own…

Oh, and the kids! Hysterical in this one! Between Delia standing up for herself at school, and Zach with potty training , well, the laughs just keep coming!

And then we have Mrs. Haggerty’s book club!
The one where no one is allowed to join!
Wait. What????

A lot of fun. A bit of mischief. A touch of romance. A glance into life with kids. And…murder! It all adds up to a book that takes on a life of its own!!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
*** Release Date is TOMORROW, 3/4/25, so look 👀 for it then! ***

#FinlayDonovanDigsHerOwnGrave (Finlay Donovan, # 5). By #ElleCosimano and narrated beautifully by #AngelaDawe.

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OMG!! Every book in this series starts out with me spitting out my coffee laughing!! In this book I'm thinking, "Is Finlay in court?" But nope, it is much more hilarious!! How Angela Dawe can bring all of these characters to life and make them all so unique is beyond me. From little Delia to Vero to Mrs. Haggerty , I love them all. Another amazing job!! I love how this book in the series tied up some story lines and made some new ones. Thank you to Macmillan Audio (and NetGalley) for the audio ARC.

Audiobook + Ebook : Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave- Finlay Donovan #5

Author: Elle Cosimano-I read Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank 4* and Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice 3*

Publication date: 3/4/25 | Read: 3/2/25

Genre: Mystery/Thriller, Adult Fic, and Contemporary Romance

Tropes: amateur sleuths, divorce, co-parenting, small town

Narrator: Angela Dawe voices all the characters with standouts from Nick, Delia, and Mrs. Haggerty. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.

Run Time: 8:36

Setting: South Riding, VA

POV: 1st person, single-Finlay

TW: cheating-h was cheated on by ex, murder

Summary: Finlay is juggling motherhood, her writing career, and murder investigator with the nanny Vero, her ex-husband Steven accused of murder, and her new boyfriend Nick inspecting the case of Gilford Dupree. She struggles with trusting Nick after all of Steven's indiscretions but doesn't believe he's a killer.

Heroine: Finlay "Finn" Donovan -an amateur sleuth/romantic suspense writer

Heroine: Veronica "Vero" Ruiz-Finn's nanny and partner

Other Characters:

• Steven-Finn's ex-husband

• Detective Nicholas "Nick" Anthony-Finn's boyfriend, a detective

• Delia + Zach- Finn & Steven's children

• Javi-Vero's childhood/current boyfriend

• Mrs. Maggie Haggerty-neighbor who found a dead body in her yard; her grandson Brendan brings her to live w/ Finn

• Cameron "Cam"-18 yr old hacker, worked for the mob

• Gilford Dupree- a mortgage broker found dead in the yard after disappearing 5 years ago

• Penelope Dupree-Gilford's wife

My Thoughts: I liked that Finlay was vulnerable with Nick about their relationship and the baggage from her ex-husband. Mrs. Haggerty was hilarious especially how she took over Finlay's home. I loved the kids' interactions and their honesty.

Rating: 4/5
Spice level 3/5

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press |Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and Elle Cosimano for this ARC & ALC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

I absolutely love the Findlay Donovan book series, and I enjoyed this latest installment of Finlay Donovan Digs Her own Grave. Findlay is an author who is a divorced mom with kids who finds herself immersed in solving criminal mysteries. The supporting characters of this series will have you cracking up because the author has fun way of making series situations hilarious. In this book Findlay’s nosey neighbor Ms Haggerty has moved into her house because her nephew must make sure that the plumbing and electrical problems are resolved.
Ms.Haggerty is hilarious, in how she deals with Findlay’s children especially her toddler who doesn’t like to wear his clothes. Findlay’s cheating ex husband is arrested and put into jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Findlay and her partner Vero work to try and to solve the mystery of who killed the man whose body is buried in Ms Haggerty’s backyard in order to save her ex husband.
I also enjoyed the development and Finley’s relationship with Detective Nick. I love them together. I also found Ms Haggerty’s book club quite interesting especially the brownies. lol
I highly recommend this series that does a great job of combining mystery and comedy.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan audible for the opportunity to review this book. I highly recommend the newest book to this series.

✨FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE✨

3.5/5 ⭐️

Release Date: 3/4! THIS THURSDAY!

READ THIS SERIES IF YOU LOVE:
💙 Single POV
💙 Cozy Mystery
💙 Amateur Sleuthing
💙 Great Banter
💙 Unlikely Relationships
💙 Chaos but in the best way

REVIEW:
This series is complete chaos, absolutely witty, kind of romantic, and maybe a bit far fetched but it’s still very good. This book is no different, though I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that we get to see more of Finlay’s kids, other side characters but also less characters overall than in previous books. I weirdly LOVED Mrs Haggary! I loved that this book was a bit more realistic than the others, but just as dramatic and twisty. I really wasn’t expecting another cliffhanger hanger though….

A huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Finlay and Vero are two of my very favourite characters to catch up with, and I was happy to see that Vero takes more of the center stage in each book in the series. This latest one (#5!) brings up some drama from the past and there are also some interesting romantic developments, so you definitely want to read the other books in the series first, especially the novella, Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank, which is #3.5 in the series as it delves further into her history.

In Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, a dead body is discovered in the backyard of Finlay and Vero's neighbour, Mrs. Haggerty, so she moves in with them while her house is an active crime scene. And of course Finlay's ex Stephen is right in the thick of the investigation.. I had to laugh at how good he is at getting into trouble!

I can't express how much I enjoy the dark humour in this series, how relatable Finlay is as a single mother, how sassy and fearless her nanny/accountant Vero is (my mom is an accountant so I agree wholeheartedly with this portrayal!) and just how quirky and fun this whole series is.

Angela Dawe has become the voice of this series, she has the perfect comedic timing and voices for all the characters in the audiobook.

This was a pretty good one. I definitely enjoyed it more than the previous 2 books, but the first in the series is still my favorite.

The audiobook:
The audiobook narrator is not my favorite. A lot of her voices sound very similar/ aren’t distinct enough, and I’m not a fan of her little kid voice. But other than that, the audiobook was pretty good. (I found the voice to be less noticeable when I sped it up to 1.8x speed)

The story:
This is just a quick fun read! If you’ve enjoyed the other books in the series, this feels pretty similar (if not a little better), so I’d recommend continuing if you’re on the fence. I would say this one is more character focused than plot. I definitely felt more invested in the romance, other relationships, and characters in this story, which I appreciated. It does require some suspension of disbelief, but if you’re this far in the series I’m sure you already know that. There wasn’t a super cliffhanger ending, so I’m unsure if I will continue the series, but I think there’s potential (maybe even potential for a Mrs. H book in the future?!? lol)
Ultimately, I enjoyed my quick and easy reading experience.

This book, like its predecessors in the series, is just fun! It is full of hijinx and sassiness and trouble. What I love about this book--and the series in general--is it isn't gory or scary, but it's not quite a cozy mystery either. There is dark humor and adult content, and it is the perfect blend of funny and gritty. I also love that Finlay is a mom just trying to survive in life. And Vero is just the best ride or die.

I appreciate how Cosimano is able to create character growth while still maintaining the integrity of her characters and their personalities. Growth has come slowly for her characters, which works very well as a series. I enjoyed seeing some of that development play out in this book.
All in all, a fun addition to the series.

As always, Angela Dawe did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life in audio. Her range of voices is just sublime!

As a big Finlay fan, I can confidently say this was the best one since the original. The other ones made me say “ ugh, Finlay!!!” Like they used to say for Dennis the Menace- but this one was more about other’s getting in trouble than her and it was much more believable than the others.

As always- just as I think the story or series might be ending- it all ends with a few sentences that make you think- oh here we go again!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Returning to the world of Finlay Donovan feels like wrapping myself up in a cozy blanket, surrounded by the hilarious chaos and heartwarming camaraderie of two of the best fictional friends. In Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, the fifth installment in Elle Cosimano's delightful cozy mystery series, I was once again swept away by the wit, charm, and unexpected twists that make this series my absolute favorite.

Finlay Donovan is back, and this time, she's in deeper than ever—both literally and figuratively. After publishing books that are loosely based on the strange, often dangerous, and sometimes downright absurd cases she's stumbled upon, Finlay is facing the consequences. The lines between fiction and reality blur as the very adventures she's fictionalized start to catch up with her. In fact, it feels like she may have been digging her own grave—metaphorically and literally. It's a testament to Cosimano's clever storytelling that this situation is as suspenseful as it is hilarious.

This series has the perfect blend of mystery, humor, and a dash of romance!!

Angela Dawe flawlessly brings to life each of the characters in her audiobook narration. I am especially fond of her voice for Vero.

Elle Cosimano has once again brought us a hilarious, quick paced, and down right ridiculous chapter in the Finlay Donovan series.

I absolutely adore this series - and this latest edition takes readers immediately back to where we were at the end of the last book. Finlay and Vero once again find themselves in the middle of a crime, and have to help solve this case to prove the innocence of someone who, honestly, might not fully deserved to be saved.

The plot is quick, the cast of characters can only be described as a group of menaces who you can't help but love, and with every chapter unfolding I could not stop giggling and rooting for our girls. The new character's were introduced to, along with returning faces, highlight Cosimano's ability to create a world and characters that you can't help but root for, despite what some would call questionable judgment. I can't help but recommend this series to almost everyone I know, and I absolutely enjoyed every second of this book - reading it within 24 hours. I cannot wait to see how the next book unfolds, and I'd love it ASAP!

The audiobook is completely well done - and I actually prefer doing the audio for this series. I listen at 2.0 speed and have no trouble understanding the narrator, picking up inflections, and keeping up with the story. I absolutely love the different voices used for the characters, especially Finlay's daughter, and find myself cackling out loud at parts of this book due to the narrator's delivery.

I think this is my favorite of the Finlay Dononvan books so far!!! I loved the twist with the Book Club and the way things were at between Finlay and Nick made me soo happy! I absolutely love these books because they are so fast paced, but feel like catching up with old friends. Finlay and Vero’s antics are always so funny and even though each book ends with a little cliffhanger, I love that Elle always gives us closure with the current case and just keeps us wanting more. So, so good! And the narration by Angela Dawe was perfection, as always!

I love all the books in this series. I love how the past characters are a part of this story too. The narrator was AMAZING! I can't wait to read more from this series.