
Member Reviews

I couldn’t wait to hop back into the shenanigans with Finlay and Vero again, and I was not disappointed. I think this might have been one of my favorite installments of the series so far, which I was not expecting with the heavy and unexpected presence of Mrs. Haggerty. The pacing kept at a steady clip, and the twists and turns were juicy and hilarious. Angela Dawe again does a masterful and hilarious narration.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is such a great series, and this one did not disappoint.
Finlay Donovan and the entire cast is just so much fun. You feel like you are inside the book doing all these crazy things right along side.
The audiobook is done well. I have listened to all of them on audio and wont' do it any other way.
This would make a great read this summer. Go on and do it.

This series is bingeable, and this book is no different. I loved this read...so much fun and as usual I couldn't put it down. I will recommend this series and book to anyone who will listen. As always the narration is fantastic and I can't wait for another book from Elle Cosimano.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to listen and review.

This was possibly my favorite in the series! Just beginning her relationship with Nick, Finlay now has a new houseguest, Mrs. Haggerty, fresh off being arrested for finding a body in her backyard. Finlay and Vero must now navigate Mrs. Haggerty and her pickiness, their blossoming relationships, hiding their own investigation into Mrs. Haggerty and the murder, and Mrs. Haggerty's nosiness into their business!

After wrapping her mystery plot-lines up in what seemed like a nice bow, I wondered whether Cosimano's latest would successfully pull me back into the Finley Donovan universe. I needn't have wondered. With her signature voice and humor, Cosimano returns to the series' thematic roots, crafting a satisfying mystery with equally satisfying development for her gaggle of eccentric characters. Once again, Angela Dawes's performance provides a seamless flow between narration and dialogue building an immersive experience for the listener.

One of the best series out there if you want a light, comical mystery with hilarious characters! Angela Dawe is awesome with the narration of these audiobooks. I will read and buy anything this author writes.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the 5th-installation of the well-loved Finlay Donovan Mystery series. I have listened to all of these books on audio, and this was no exception. Not only does Angela Dawe do an incredible job bringing these stories to life with her engaging narration, but her voice is Finlay to me at this point.
In this story, Finlay and Vero are back home after their wild adventures in Atlantic City, which were chronicled in the 4th-book. They're looking forward to life returning to normal, or as normal as it can ever be for Finlay and Vero. Unsurprisingly, it doesn't take long before they are smack-dab in the middle of another mystery, after a body is discovered buried in the backyard of their busybody neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty.
Finlay and Vero have had a bit of a contentious relationship with the elderly-Mrs. Haggerty over the years. She's always watching, making her the perfect head of the neighborhood watch, but not that fun of a neighbor. As the police start investigating, Mrs. Haggerty immediately falls under suspicion. After she is cleared though, she still can't return to her house as it's an active crime scene. That's when she shows up on Finlay's doorstop. Begrudgingly allowing the older neighbor to stay at her house, Finlay needs this case wrapped up soon rather than later. Worried the police are heading in the wrong direction, Finlay and Vero decide to look into the case on their own.
Yet again, I had so much fun reading this book. I love, love, love Finlay and Vero. Their friendship is perfect and I love investigating mysteries with them. The mystery of the body in the backyard was quite intriguing. I had a great time trying to solve it. I wasn't sure who to suspect, and I believe I started to figure it out just when Cosimano wanted me to, so that's a plus.
Mrs. Haggerty plays a huge role in this one, and I liked getting to know her more. She's grumpy and opinionated, and frankly, hilarious to have around. I loved her interactions with not just Finlay and Vero, but also with Finlay's kids; so good. We also got quite a bit more of Finlay's agent, Sylvia, in this one, which was a hoot. She's wild in such a fun way, pushing Finlay out of her comfort zone every chance she gets.
Overall, I was so happy with this story. The conclusion also gave me hope that we'll definitely be getting another book, which I am so on board for. As far as I'm concerned, this series needs to continue for as long as humanly-possible. A go-to Mystery series for me.
Thank you to the publisher, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I adore these mysteries with my whole heart. 10-out-of-10 recommend for all Mystery Readers!

Elle Cosimano writes the very best first chapters! It’s laugh out loud funny and sucks you right back into the hilarious world of Finlay and Vero. I look forward to every new book in this series and Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave did not disappoint.
The narration by Angela Dawe is perfect!

Thank you Macmillan Audjo and St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been reading the Finlay Donovan series since the first book and they’re always such a wild ride! I saw a friend say that Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave was a favorite since book one and I’d have to agree! I really liked where Finlay was in her relationship with Nick. Making Mrs. Haggerty a suspect added a lot of entertainment value! It was funny to see her as a guest in Finlay’s home after years of them trying to make sure her busy body ways didn’t get them in trouble. I enjoyed how this mystery wrapped up, especially the women protecting each other. I can’t wait to read the next book!
As always, Angela Dawe’s narration was flawless!

I will never not read a Finlay Donovan novel. They are laugh out loud funny at times and she's extremely relatable as a character. What mother hasn't had a toddler go through a "no pants" phase? Anyway, the real star of the show is (always) Vero and in this particular novel, Mrs. H from across the street. We get a little more of Mrs. H's backstory and you end up hating her a little less at the end.
If you're going to pick up any Finlay Donovan book, you absolutely need to experience via audiobook. The narrator brings all of the characters to life in such a way that when a different narrator reads (as is the case for Vero's novella), they don't even feel like the same characters. Also, technically the books can be read in any order, but you might get a small spoiler here and there.

Finlay, Vero and the crew are back! The latest installment is probably my fave since the first one! I absolutely LOVE this story featuring grumpy old neighbor, Mrs. Haggarty, and her book club - perfection! Love interest, Nick was center stage, and proved why he is so swoony!! Of course, this was left on a cliffhanger, guaranteeing us more Finlay next year!! 🎉
If you are new to the Finlay Donovan books, they are a true series and you really need to read them in order to understand the main plot points. But trust me, they are worth the read!!
🎧 Perfect on audio as always! Vero’s voice especially always makes me smile!

I love that Finlay is back. This is another wonderful installment in the series. This is another must read!

Thanks Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.
Synopsis -
Finlay and her nanny Vero have yet another problem on their hands. This time it’s in the form of their elderly curmudgeon of a neighbour, Mrs Haggerty. After the police discovered a body in her backyard, she needs a place to stay once she is deemed not a potential suspect. Having had enough on their plates the past few months, the last thing Finlay needs is getting tangled up in another murder case.
Review -
The narrator Angela Dawe makes this audiobook highly entertaining. She is so versatile and seamlessly switches her voice between all the characters.
Just like all the previous books, Finlay and Vero find themselves in impossible situations and we all know by now how they have a knack of attracting trouble.
Cosimano excels at building up a serious murder mystery at the heart of the plot while equally balancing it with laugh out loud humour and cheeky grin inducing scenes. There is a parallel romantic thread with Finlay’s boyfriend, policeman Nick, which spices up and adds charm to the narrative.
Mrs Haggerty brings her own sass and kickass personality into the storyline and this combined with Finlay and Vero’s shenanigans - we have an amusing and enjoyable cozy mystery on our hands.
I loved how the book addressed an important subject matter at its core and although the measures the characters undertook were extreme, it was a wakeup call that will definitely help raise awareness concerning the issue.
Overall a fun-filled ride that will help you forget all your problems for a while, while you worry about Finlay’s!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is another absolute win in Elle Cosimano’s hilarious and addictive series. I’ve been following Finlay’s chaotic adventures from the start, and this latest installment fits perfectly into the story arc—it’s fast-paced, laugh-out-loud funny, and full of clever twists that kept me guessing.
One of the things I love most about this series is how consistent the tone and energy are across each book. The humor is spot-on—smart, sharp, and perfectly timed. Finlay’s internal monologue is as entertaining as ever, and the situations she finds herself in walk that fine line between outrageous and believable in the best possible way.
The supporting cast continues to shine. From Vero to Detective Nick and beyond, these characters are more than just background—they're fully fleshed-out, dynamic, and genuinely endearing. I really appreciated how their personal journeys are treated with care, making it easy to root for all of them. Watching their relationships evolve alongside the main plot adds so much richness to the story.
I listened to the audiobook version, and once again, Angela Dawe completely nailed the narration. Her delivery brought the characters to life with such clarity and personality. Each voice felt distinct and authentic, and her pacing and emotional tone matched the story perfectly. She’s a big part of what makes these audiobooks so enjoyable.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance listener copy—I’m so grateful to have had the chance to experience this early. If you’re already a fan of Finlay Donovan, you’ll absolutely love where this one takes you. And if you’re new to the series, you’ve got a hilarious, fast-paced ride ahead of you. I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Finlay gets into next!

The newest installment in the Finlay Donovan series was my favorite book since the original book. I loved getting to know Mrs Haggerty and seeing the why behind a lot of her actions. I also loved the idea of the book club, though I did figure out the whole thing before it was revealed. I liked the romances between Finlay and Nick and Vero and Javy as well. This book was laugh out loud funny and a great story. I am excited for the next one!

Another great installment in this series. Finlay does it again. Elle needs to keep these coming. I stumbled upon this series quite by accident but I’m now hooked. These characters are now like family

Finlay Donovan is back in another great adventure! This is a fun action packed, series of disastrous events. Continuing from the events of the last book, #5 in the series continues the story of the quirky characters that you can't help but love. This has quickly become on of my go to series!!
Angela Dawe did an amazing job of keeping up the fun, and adding to the quirkiness of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press (Minotaur Books), and Macmillan Audio for an advanced reading and listening copies of this book.

Another Finlay Donovan!!! This is my go-to series!! I just love reading these!! They are just so fun and a quick read. I will always grab an Elle Cosimano book!!
*Thank you partner @minotaur_books for the #gifted audiobook and e-galley.*

4.5 stars rounded up.
Chaos, crime, and comedy strike again as Finlay Donovan and her ride-or-die nanny, Vero, get roped into yet another murder—this time, thanks to their nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. With a body in the backyard, a houseguest they never wanted, and absolutely no room for more trouble, Finlay and Vero are once again in over their heads.
The Finlay Donovan series just keeps getting better, and this installment is my favorite yet! Mrs. Haggerty’s antics had me laughing out loud, adding even more chaos and charm to an already wild ride. The mystery kept me hooked, the ending was so satisfying, and I loved seeing Finlay and Vero’s romantic lives heat up. Elle Cosimano masterfully blends mystery, humor, and romance, delivering characters you can’t help but root for—messy, lovable, and endlessly entertaining!
Angela Dawe once again nails the narration, perfectly capturing Finlay’s charm, wit, and chaotic energy. Her delivery brings the story to life, making every twist, laugh, and ridiculous situation even more entertaining. I always look forward to these audiobooks, and this one was just as fantastic as expected!
Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for the #gifted copy of this book.
Summary: Heading back into the world of Finlay, this time her neighbor Mrs. Haggerty was in the hot seat after a body was found in her backyard. After being cleared of any potential crime, Mrs. Haggerty comes to live with Finlay and Vero. Despite trying to stay out of yet another murder investigation, Finlay and Very find they are pulled in yet again.
My Thoughts: I just love this series, because I know that I am guaranteed to laugh while reading these books. It was so entertaining watching Finlay and Vero try their hardest to stay out of another murder investigation until they eventually had no choice but to start their sleuthing. The way those two think and work together is hilarious, especially with all the craziness they find themselves in every time. Mrs. Haggerty stole the show this time though. I loved what she brought to the story, especially her school and potty training tips! As always, it was fun seeing some of my favorite people throughout the story.
🎧I have only ever listened to this series as an audiobook and I am never disappointed. Angela Dawe does a fantastic job bringing all of the characters to life. I highly suggest listening to this one.
This is a series and really needs to be read as a series. So if you haven't checked it out yet, be sure to start it soon!
What you'll find:
✨Mystery
✨Suspense
✨Little bit of a love story
✨Hilarious antics