I love a good cozy mystery book! I had no idea that this one was the fifth in the series. I do think for the most part it could be read as a stand alone but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the others first. I think the narrator did a wonderful job!! I’m definitely going to go back and read/listen to others in the series.

Thank you NetGalley, Elle and Macmillian Audio for the e-ALC!

Publication Date: March 4 2025
Rating: 🔎🔎 🔎

Another great book in the Finlay Donovan series!

Our last book left off with a body being found in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard. After a short stint in the clink, Mrs. Haggerty shows up on Finlay’s doorstep to stay with her while her house gets utilities back on, cleaned up, etc.

Somewhere along the way, Finlay’s ex is arrested for the murder so she sets out to find out who really killed the man in Mrs. Haggerty’s back yard.

Finlay and Vero’s shenanigans make me laugh out loud and this book is no different! I love how this story tied in so much from the first four novels. I also liked the vulnerability Finlay showed in opening up to Nick at the end.

I recommend these books to everyone because of their humor and unique story! Another hit from Cosimano and I hope we get Finlay and Vero stories for years to come!

Thank you Net Galley for the advanced audit copy of this book!

A body is found in Finlay’s neighbor’s (Mrs. Haggerty) yard. After her release by the police into Finlay and Vero’s care (oh boy!), they decide that they have to find out what happened to not only get Mrs. Haggerty out of their house, but also exonerate Finlay’s ex, Stephen who’s now been accused of the murder. There’s no rest for this weary mother of two mystery author turned sleuth by way of mistakenly being taken for a mercenary for hire.

I loved it! I was curious what direction this book would take as things got a little darker and more serious in the previous book. The consequences of Finlay and Vero’s actions, adventures, and secrets are catching up to them. The big question now is is there a future for her and hot cop, Nick if she can’t be completely truthful and trust him, or does being truthful and placing her trust in him erase any future?

Highlights:
🔦 Mystery, suspense
🔦 Finlay & Vero’s friendship
🔦 Humor, sarcasm, wit
🔦 Hilarious side characters
🔦 Single mom, life after divorce, new relationship, trust
🔦 Low spice, closed door

Dawe’s narration is perfect! She gets the tone and humor just right. And her voices! She brings all the characters’ personalities to life. Her take on Vero and Mrs. Haggerty always crack me up.

Cosimano is my comfort author, and this is my comfort series. I like that she interposes real life family drama in between all the chaos. I’m grateful that she draws one aspect of Finlay’s story to a close while opening another, making room for more shenanigans and adventures. Fans of this series will enjoy all the familiar things as well as the slight shift. I loved every moment of it!

Thank you @macmillan.audio & @minotaur_books for my ALC & ARC in exchange for an honest review. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲 is available March 4th!

I really enjoyed this one and this is now my second favorite book in the series, after the first one of course! I love this series and this felt like it wrapped things up nicely, though I don't know if there will be another book given how Vero's story ended. So much happened in the first couple of books that in books 3 and 4 I was confused a lot of the time while trying to remember all the details from the prior books, but I didn't feel that way with this one. There was enough of a recap on prior happenings that I wasn't confused and was able to just flow with the storyline. I love how over the top these books are and how they serve as escapism from reality. Nick is such a good love interest and I loved Finlay's agent in this one as she added a lot of humor. I love grumpy old people so Mrs. Haggerty playing a larger part in this book was extremely welcome - I loved how sassy she was! A great addition to the series!

As for the narrator - I hate to say it (again because I think I said this with the 4th book) but I really don't like this narrator. Her voice is perfectly fine when she narrates Finlay, though she does have a slight Scottish accent sometimes, which is just weird. It's when she narrates Vero and men that really irk me. She makes Vero sound like a man and when she narrates actual men she makes her voice so low and hoarse, kind of like how woman imitate their husbands when they're trying to be obnoxious. It's kind of hard to listen to - I know you can't change narrators in the middle of a series but I do wish either someone else narrated these or there was a different narrator for the other characters.

4.5 Stars

Just like all of the previous Finlay books, I could not put this one down. The stakes were high, the laughs were plenty, and the car wreck of a life that Finlay and Vero are navigating gets even more complicated when the geriatric lady and suspected murdered of their neighborhood moves on in despite the protestations of Finlay and Vero…why? Because her power is out and she needs to stay close to prove her innocence. Nick is back, so is the ex, AND EVEN BABY ATTORNEY! The story ended on a big cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see where we head next!

Fun, Fast-Paced, and Full of Laughs! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This latest installment in the Finlay Donovan series is a wild ride from start to finish! A fun, fast-paced cozy mystery with a splash of romance and just the right amount of spice, it delivers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Finlay and Vero’s antics never disappoint, and their reluctant involvement in yet another murder case makes for a highly entertaining read. The mystery keeps you hooked, the banter is top-notch, and the chemistry—both romantic and comedic—adds to the charm. A quick and easy read that’s perfect for anyone looking for a cozy mystery with a bit of an edge. Can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Here we go again picking up where we left off from the last book. All the same characters Finlay, Vero, Javi, Nick and the extermely annoying old lady neighbor Mrs. Haggerty. Finlay just submitted her latest book, and she thought she would get time off, or get to know Nick her new hot cop boyfriend. But here we go again with Finlay getting involved in another hot mess of a predicament, when a dead body is found in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. Finlay and Vero get dragged into the drama when Mrs. Haggerty is cleared rather quick as a suspect. But problem is, Mrs. Haggerty doesn't have anywhere to go right n0w because her electric and water are shut off and remains a active crime scene. Mrs. Haggerty ends up on Finlays door for a place to stay, despite Finlay and Vero's protests. Mrs Haggerty becomes a pesky guest, always asking for rides to book club and the grocery store. Althought Finlay and Mrs Haggerty do not always see eye to eye they do make things work and the old lady keeps alot of things shes seen in her neighbor hood watch quiet.

I love this series so much, they are always fun to listen to and Elle Cosimano grabs you in early on of every book and keeps you on the edge of your chair. However I dont like being left on a cliff hanger at the end of every single one of the books in this series. As always Angela Dawe the narrator is amazing.

Read this series if you like:
Mystery
Humor
Romantic subplot
Small town Secrets
Neighborhood Watch Secrets
Amateur Sleuth
Old Lady with a secret

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and a production Minotaur Books
I reviewed this voluntarily

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan publishing for this ARC. Finlay Donovan has been a comfort read of mine since her first escapades and this one did not disappoint. I love trying to figure out the puzzle introduced at the end of the previous book and all the crazy antics of the characters. While one of my favorite things about this book (and series) is that no matter what goes down it always seems to work out for Finlay and her nanny (best friend, financial advisor, ect), Vera, I know some people who like a more gritty realistic thriller/mystery and find it disappointing (or unrealistic). It doesn’t quite fall into the cozy mystery category but it’s close with a little more crazy antics, comedic relief, and (mostly) accidental murders. There were a few new characters introduced in Finlay Donavon Digs Her Own Grave but a lot of the previous characters made appearances as well. Overall exactly what I’ve come to know and love from this series. I’d say more but I don’t want to give anything away. If you have enjoyed the previous books in this series I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

This is one of my favorite series! What keeps me glued to it is that I’ve become so attached to the characters. Finlay and Vero are like old friends (friends I wish I had) whom I get to revisit with each new book—and they are hilarious together. I was so glad that many of the familiar faces returned here, Nick, Javi, and especially young, sweet Cam, who was still part of Finlay’s life.

And yes, don’t worry, Finlay and Vero get themselves mixed up, sleuthing another murder again. Seems Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, has a dead body buried in her backyard. So, while the house is being treated as a crime scene, Mrs. Haggerty insists on staying with Finlay and Vero. You know this will become a tangled mess! From Finlay’s ex becoming a suspect to Finlay having to tell Nick the truth about her past, this felt like it tied up loose ends and caught us up - until the next book. 😉

I love that while each story is a fun and entertaining mystery, it also discusses family life, friendship, and, of course, Finlay and Vero’s wild antics. I’m definitely hooked.

🎧 I love listening to Angela Dawe's narration. She has become Finlay Donovan to me. She did an excellent job with the entire cast.

Thank you @minotaurbooks @stmartinspress and @ellecosimano for the gifted eARC via NetGalley.
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook via NetGalley #macmillanaudio #MacAudio2025 #audiobooks

Another wonderful Finlay romp! After the chaos in Atlantic City, loved that in this installment, Finlay is pulled into drama that is NOT of her own making. There is plenty of mystery, hijinks, and questionable decisions, but with an added side of vengeance and snark. The last "gasp" ,moment at the end promises more to come, and I'll still be along for the ride.

3.5 stars

In this 5th book in the comical 'Finlay Donovan' series, Finlay's ex-husband is arrested for murder.

*****

Finlay Donovan is a divorced mother and novelist who has a knack for getting in and out of trouble. For instance, when the scoundrel Harris Mickler was killed in Finlay's garage, Finlay and her friend/nanny Veronica Ruiz (Vero) knew what to do. They buried Mickler on Finlay's ex-husband's farm and pinned the whole thing on the Russian mob. Unfortunately, this set off a chain reaction that had Finlay and Vero finding bodies, hiding bodies, and trying to figure out who murdered those bodies.

Finlay adapted her true crime adventure into a novel, and now that the 'Russian mob caper' is done and dusted, Finlay hopes to have breathing room. But it's not to be. Finlay's neighbor, 81-year-old Mrs. Margaret Haggerty, is arrested when a plumbing emergency reveals a dead body under her rose garden. The victim is identified as mortgage broker Gilford Dupree, who disappeared five years ago. Finlay isn't too distressed about Mrs. Haggerty because the elderly woman, who's in charge of the neighborhood watch, is the nosybody who exposed Finlay's (now) ex-husband Steven as a cheating rogue last year.

Finlay's carefree attitude is short-lived though, because she soon sees a news report stating, 'All charges against Margaret Haggerty have been dismissed in light of new evidence'. This leads to a double whammy: Mrs. Haggerty invites herself to be a houseguest in Finlay's home while her plumbing is being fixed; and Finlay's ex-husband Steven is arrested for murder. It appears five years ago, when Gilford Dupree vanished, Steven was sleeping with Dupree's wife AND delivering mulch to Mrs. Haggerty's home.

Finlay knows Steven is a no-good cheater, but he's the father of her children, and (in Finlay's view) NOT a murderer. So Finlay and her friend Vero set out to find the real killer. This leads to a number of dangerous, but amusing, escapades.

The Finlay Donovan novels are comical mysteries, and there's plenty of fun in this story. For instance, Finlay's five-year-old daughter Delia is suspended from school when a boy pulls her hair and Delia 'kicks him in the tentacles' just like Vero showed her. Then there's the time Mrs. Haggerty raids Finlay's fridge and takes pot brownies to her book club meeting. Smelliest of all, a clothing mishap forces Finlay to stuff an oversize bra with wet socks scented with lavender.

On the personal side, Finlay is still dating Police Detective Nick Anthony, and hiding her criminal history from him - though that's getting more and more difficult. Nevertheless the duo are getting closer, so who knows what lies in store.

The usual recurring characters appear in the book, including Finlay's mother - who babysits when necessary; Vero's boyfriend Javi - who has all kinds of skills; teenage scamp Cam - who Venmos money from Finlay's account for his Uber rides; Sylvia - Finlay's literary agent, who's trying to broker a TV deal; and more.

All in all, an entertaining addition to the series.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Angela Dawe, who does a fine job.

Thanks to Netgalley, Elle Cosimano, and Macmillan Audio for a copy of the book.

This was another classic Finlay Donovan mystery. Shenanigans, a mom trying to do it all, and random dead bodies. I enjoyed the neighbor aspect and the ongoing mystery. Listening to the banter between all of the characters. I hope Finlay gets a break soon....and poor Vero!

This series is always fun to read--the dialogue sharp and witty. However, this particular book in the series did not feel as well thought out as the earlier books--it felt stretched to add another novel to the series.

LISTEN! This book gave. I was starting to get tired of the insane antics that went on for four books. This gave more mystery without dragging Finlay and Vero through to some ridiculous scenario that they needed to dig their way out of. I’m usually not an audiobook girl. I’ve listened to a few and some worked and some didn’t. I loved this one. Needless to say this is my first FD audiobook and also first Angela Dawe audiobook. She was amazing at the all the voices. Were they all perfect? No… but she was great at differentiating each character and acting out the book. I found it very entertaining.

I knew the girls would end up in Maryland at some point and I’m so glad we’ll get that next!!

I don’t even need to say it, but I am… Nick is daddy. Mai gawddd.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a review.

At this point I don't think Elle Cosimano can do any wrong. Her Finlay Donovan series is madly addictive if you're in the mood for a silly murder book that could never happen, but is extremely addictive and hilarious. There were multiple scenes where I laughed out loud to the point where I was asked what I was laughing at.

I was a little nervous to come back to this series because I read the last book right after it came out and I wasn't sure how much l'd remember, but Elle does an amazing job of reminding you where all the characters are from.

I would read anything this author writes.

I really enjoyed this book. The story felt like going home again because you know the characters so well now. I love that the author does a great job of reminding you of what happened in the previous stories so even though I read it last year I was able to remember and keep up. The story moved a little slow and it took me a little while to read it. Happy about Finaly's love interest. I was wondering how the author was going to go about it. Love also getting to know Mrs. Haggerty better. She's a great character so is Cam. I am still grappling with the ending. It wasn't what I expected.

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of the audible. I really love the narrator Angela Dawe. Her pacing is great. There is an accent that seems to come in sometimes, but it doesn't affect how you hear the story. The voice she does for the kids are great. I had to take a double take because it sounds like a child. I love her Vero voice too. She makes you feel like you are apart of the story. Adds the right inflection at the right time.

Overall, love this story and hoping for another.

Finlay's least favorite neighbor, Ms. Haggerty, is her new roommate until the police can figure out who buried the body in Ms. Haggerty's backyard. Besides Ms. Haggerty pulling a gun on Finlay's detective boyfriend, Nick, things decline when Finlay's ex-husband, Steven, becomes the prime suspect in the investigation. Nothing can go wrong for Finlay while trying to find the murderer and keeping secrets from Steven, Nick, her publisher, and Ms. Haggerty, right? 🙃

Ever since I read the first book in the series, @ellecosimano has been my #autobuyauthor . "Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" is the fifth installment in the series, and it's not losing any traction. I loved Ms. Haggerty's involvement in Finlay's investigation and the excellent progression between all the characters. I'm glad we get to see more honesty (and spice) between Finlay and Nick, and I know the next book will have deeper moments for both of them. Cosimano does a great job of building tension and humor in the story without going over the top with the drama. The entire series is fun, and if I were to read it all over again, I would. 💁

Thank you, @netgalley , for sending me an advanced copy of this audiobook. You can send me the author's grocery list, and I would happily read it and post a review about it. I would also like to thank the narrator, Angela Dawe, who delivers the best writer turned wannabe mercenary turned wannabe private investigator. 🕵️‍♀️

Here are some of my favorite things about this book:

▪️The audio was amazing as always. Angela Dawe truly IS every character in this story, and I can’t imagine the series without her!

▪️The story is simpler this time around. I love all four prior books, but it was a nice change of pace to have a less convoluted story to follow. It felt like a needed breather.

▪️It was fun to see more of Finlay’s kids, Delia and Zach, who sometimes get lost in all of Finlay and Vero’s shenanigans. It’s a welcome throwback to the series opener, and they both stole the show a few times. I’m still lol’ing at the potty training scenes!

▪️Mrs. Haggerty. What a character! Peel the layers of that ‘onion’ and you may be surprised what you find. Ironically, just like an actual onion, I loved her and was irritated by her simultaneously!

▪️It was nice to see some growth in Finlay and Nick’s relationship arc. I really loved the thread about trust and seeing the choice Finlay made regarding it.

▪️Cam. The kid is hilarious … and well fed. IYKYK

A couple things that I didn’t like as much:

▪️I didn’t hate but didn’t love the mystery. It was unbelievable on so many levels and the resolution felt too easy. Luckily the story around it made up for it.

▪️A little heavy on the women as victims theme, which isn’t a favorite for me.

▪️It felt like Vero wasn’t QUITE as present this time. I always love as much Finlay and Vero interaction as possible, but it seemed like Finlay and Nick took some of that previous focus. Maybe it was just me.

All in all, another delightful and fun outing with Finlay, Vero and the crew. I think I may get my wish for more Vero in the next installment, as the epilogue shines the spotlight her way!

Oh, Finlay and Vero strikes again!!! These two keep me laughing and make me tired all at the same time. They are quite the pair and oh, the messes that they get themselves into always keep me flipping to the next page as fast as I can. The 5th book in the series is probably my favorite so far!! Bring on book #6 Elle Cosimano because I can't wait to read more of Finlay and Vero's shenanigans!

Thank you Net Galley and publisher for an advanced eARC of this book!

Once again Angela Dawe gives an impeccable performance as our favorite mom turned amateur sleuth. Entertaining, humorous and witty this audiobook hits all the marks!