I'd like to thank Netgalley for an advanced listener copy. In exchange, I am providing an unbiased review.

I feel like the more I through this series, the more I enjoy it. In the earlier books, I felt like too much was going on, but with each book, it feels like Cosimano gets a tighter grip on her storylines.

This series is fun. It's not particularly serious or deep, but the characters are charming. There are moments of levity and wit, and it's just what I need around this time of year.

The audiobook narrator was excellent. Well worth a listen.

This series is so fun! I wouldn't say this was the my favorite in this series, but it was exactly what I hoped it would be. It was fast paced and funny full of characters I love reading about. I enjoyed this role Mrs. Haggerty played in this book. I have yet to read one of these books without laughing out loud. I will read about Finlay until Cosimano decides to stop wrting about her and her crew. Big fan!

4.5 Stars :)

I love this series and the narrator knocks it out of the park again. I can't imagine anyone else voicing Finlay.

We are back in Finlay's chaotic life as her ex-husband is being accused of murder. Her and Vero set out to find the truth and uncovers a secret group.

With each book Vero and Finlay add to their group and manage to get out of any pickle they put themselves in. This author writes the best cast of side characters that keep the story interesting and engaging.

I do recommend reading the books in publication order because the timeline is continuous.

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

I was initially hesitant to read this book because I had grown tired of Finlay and Vero’s hijinks and the Russian mob plot line. I DNF the previous book but I’m so glad I stuck with it and read this one.

The first book is so good that IMO all the books after fell off hard, maybe except the second book. But definitely after that the books were chores to get through. I was tired of the mistaken assassin storyline and the mob fallout. And there were too many characters to keep track of. I feel like I needed one those cardboard walls and string to connect everyone.

Thankfully this book went back to basics. A simple storyline, fewer characters and most importantly, there were recaps and reminders of the previous books sprinkled in when necessary. I really liked that Cosimano included those refreshers because I feel like the other books would just keep plowing forward without readjusting you back into this world.

The wit and humor hit this time. Loved Mrs. Haggerty as a character. The mystery is basic but I don’t look for complex mysteries when I read this series.

Loved that the story didn’t revolve around the mob. THANK GOD!

I don’t know if I will continue with the series. Even though this entry was overall enjoyable, it’s probably time to say goodbye to Finlay and Vero. And the way the book concludes it left me satisfied if I officially decide not to continue. Of course it does setup a plot for the next book.


Narrator continues to do an AMAZING job!

When I read the first Finlay Donovan book I was hooked. Finlay and her sidekick Vera were funny, refreshing and made me laugh out loud. The last three books though became more outlandish and implausible which had me rolling my eyes more and more. I was almost ready to give up with this series but I am glad I didn't.

I really enjoyed this 5th book in the Finlay Donovan series. It was refreshing, funny and was a nod to what I loved in the first book. Finlay and Vera find themselves in another situation as a body is found in the backyard of their neighbors home and it's up to Finlay to find out what happened and if her neighbor really is a murderer. If you have read any for Cosimano's earlier books you know we are in for a fun time trying to solve this murder. We are also treated to some fun character development. I loved getting to know Cam better, and the Eggplant kept me laughing. Mrs. Haggerty added some great moments with her sassiness and I appreciated that Finlay and Nick were finally able to move their relationship forward.

If were at all hesitant about this series after the last book, just give this one as read - you may be surprised.

While I love the Finlay Donovan series, this one fell a little flat for me. In this installment, we are following Finlay and Vero as they work to solve another murder that is much closer to home this time.

There were still moments of humor and the shenanigans they typically get up to, but this read closer to a cozy mystery for me. We spent less time on the plot and more time developing relationships that have been building throughout the series. For me, I wanted more of the fun that we are used to getting and a compelling mystery. Unfortunately this book felt like a filler book to launch us in to the next events which become evident in the final few chapters.

Overall, I enjoyed it and will definitely continue on, but it wasn't my favorite book of the series. I think if you are a reader who was on the fence about if you'd continue on in the series, I don't think this one will necessarily convince you to stay for more books.

Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for gifting me an audiobook arc!

I cannot say how much I love the Finlay Donovan series and this book was just amazing! I loved how all the other books came together in this one and tied up some loose ends. I really hope this is not the last book in this series!

I loved the hijinks that Finlay and Vera get themselves into in this book while trying to clear Steven's name! Their friends is goals for everyone!

I loved the expansion of Mrs Haggerty's character! She is a force to be reckon with! Her involvement in this story definitely brought some humor to Finlay's chaotic life!

I listened to the audiobook and I love that Angela Dawe has narrated the whole series! Her performance is always stellar!

What a fun, twisty-turny mystery! I love Finlay and the balance between being an accidental detective and just a normal mom trying to potty train her toddler. Vero is quite possibly my favorite character ever written. Their interactions between her and Finlay are humorous and memorable. I also really enjoyed the cameos from past books. Very enjoyable!

When I started this book, I didn't realize it was part of a series and when I did eventually find out, it didn't make a difference. This book was perfectly enjoyable as a stand alone!

I really did enjoy the characters however, so I may go back and read the previous books now to see how Finlay got where she was when I found her. For the record she's a bit beat down but spunky and inquisitive and the kind of person you could see meeting and becoming fast friends with over a mystery novel or comparing notes about how annoying the nosy neighbor across the street is.

The story itself drew me in, I was pulled along through the whole book it's a somewhat traditional mystery story with modern elements (cell phones don't magically disappear) and they balance it all very well. By the end, I felt the story was sufficiently and satisfyingly wrapped up!

I listened to this book on audio and the narrator was excellent, she added pep to the story without at all detracting from it which is exactly what you want! She had the right tone all along and was easy to listen to.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

How is it possible that every time I finish a book in this series I think it’s the best one ever?!? But seriously this one’s the best (for now) all our favorite characters and some new ones. Loved the kids were in this one more.

Could you read this as a standalone? Technically, yes but you would be missing so much. Do yourself a favor and start with book 1! You won’t be disappointed!!!

I LOVE this narrator! She is amazing!

Hilarious as expected. She does not disappoint. Wouldn't hate a tv show with Finlay, I think her irreverence would be incredibly popular!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave 👩🏻⛏️⛏️🪦🪦🪦🩷💜🩷

Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced copy!

Elle Cosimano delivers another wildly entertaining installment in the Finlay Donovan series, and Digs Her Own Grave does not disappoint! This book is a delightful mix of familiar faces, outrageous scenarios, and a mystery that keeps you hooked until the very end.

One of the best parts of returning to this series is reuniting with Finlay and her eccentric crew. From cranky old ladies to loyal (and often exasperated) friends, the cast of characters adds humor and heart to every twist and turn. The story moves at a perfect pace, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with a well-plotted, closed-door mystery that keeps the tension high.

The audiobook experience was fantastic—engaging, well-narrated, and impossible to pause. Cosimano knows how to blend comedy, suspense, and a touch of chaos into something truly special. If you’re a fan of Finlay’s previous adventures, you’ll love this one. Now, the countdown begins for the next book! Love the cliffhangers!

It was great to be back with Finlay and her chaos! While her life stresses me out, it also makes for great reads. The fast pace of the book combined with its humor, romance, and frequent dead bodies, made it the perfect read to follow lots of deep historical fiction. I appreciated that Mrs. Haggerty’s character is much further developed across this story and in by the end ends up rather likable. My biggest complaint are the inconsistencies about Loudoun County - if you’re going to set your story in a real place (where the author lives, no less!) it needs to be accurate! You don’t have to get on Rt 7 to go from South Riding to Broadlands (although it is true that traffic on 7 makes everyone late, it’s also too far north for both those locations) and Loudoun doesn’t have a police department, we have a sheriff’s department. Admittedly, finding these flaws did bring me a little bit of joy and a snicker, so we won’t hold it against her, but she should know better. Overall, exactly the read I was in the mood for! And an excellent audiobook as well, the narrator really makes the cast come to life. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This is one of my favorite series! I really enjoyed this chapter in the adventures of Finlay and Donovan. These characters are so enjoyable. I was happy to see a new plot line instead of continuing the Russian mob storyline. The ending has me at the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment. I hope it will include an explanation for why the hit man (previous books) thought Steven deserved to die..and also what the significance of that little black book is.

Finlay Donovan Digs her own Grave is the fifth installment of the series following Finlay, Vero, and all the trouble that finds them. Even if it’s outlandish, I think this series is so fun! I really enjoyed this new story line. I love the glimpses of family life and the romances throughout the story. As usual, this book had me laughing out loud. The narration of this book is great and keeps me entertained. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a solid addition to Elle Cosimano's series, delivering another enjoyable and easy read for fans. In this installment, Finlay and Vero find themselves embroiled in another mystery when a body is discovered in their neighbor's yard. The story brings back familiar banter and storylines reminiscent of the first two books, which many readers will appreciate. While perhaps not as rollicking as earlier installments, the book offers a satisfying blend of humor and suspense as Finlay works to clear her ex-husband's name and keep her past from being exposed. The dynamic between Finlay and Vero remains a highlight, with their friendship and partnership at the forefront. Overall, it's a fun and engaging read for those already invested in the series.

The Finlay Donovan Series in one I've truly enjoyed. I love the consistent characters and their personalities. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave has Finlay trying to clear Steven's name as he is accused of killing and burying a man in her neighbor's backyard. A previous love interest appears to help her out which brings in a fun twist. It is definitely worth it to listen to the audiobook. Great narration. Highly recommended!

Finlay is back and better than ever! After the last book, I worried that Finlay had nowhere else to go, but I was wrong. Finlay and Vero are back and they have added nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty! Really, I think this is one of the author's great gifts; she continues to evolve Finlay and her world while also delivering an engaging storyline. I also love how she is letting Finlay and Nick develop as both individual characters and as a couple. Based on how things were unfolding, I was worried this was going to be the end of the series, but I am already looking forward to the next installment.


I listened to this book on audio and I forgot that the narrator for this series has what sounds like a pronounced Canadian/midwestern accent. Given that the books indicate that Finlay has never lived outside Northern Virginia, I find this distracting.

Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley! What a treat!

Couldn't get through this fast enough but also wanted to slow down. This is the sort of story I need right now (but honestly, all the time..)
I love the writing style and the absurdness of it all. The relationships that Finlay builds are just fun.
The narrator crushed it.


After reading this, I am going to head out and buy the full series and start rereading because I just think this is such a fun, light series.

I love this series and loved this book! I had really high expectations because FF rolls the dice was my favorite in the series so far. I will admit, it did start off slow for me. I felt like it did take a while to get to the actual mystery of the book, but i didn’t mind it because it was nice to get a refresher of everything that happened. It had been a long time since I read the last book, but everything came together nicely. I loved Mrs. H relationship with Cam and the kids, and I’m now finding it hard to choose between team nick and team Julian! I cannot wait for book 6!