This book is one of the best in the series. There's a dead body found in her neighbors garden and now Vero and Finlay are going to help figure out what happened. I absolutely LOVED the book club. It made me giddy to see women supporting women in a bad spot. I'm glad that this was a bit different than the other books in the series. It is a little less wild than some of the other books in the series but in a good way!
I hope there is more of Mrs. Haggerty in the future books because she is quite the character!!! Getting accused of murder, running a book club, moving herself in to Finlay's house and demanding rides. Doing nightly neighborhood watch!

Now Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave was SO good! I felt that there was more to Ms. Haggerty than meets the eye. I loved getting some more of her and her background. I was pleasantly surprised to find out what she was doing in her spare time with her "book club" and I LOVED this story.

Finlay has never gotten along with her nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty—a woman known for peering through windows and poking into everyone’s business. But when a dead body turns up in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard, the dynamic shifts. Though she’s cleared of any wrongdoing, her house is now a crime scene, so she moves into Finlay’s bedroom—conveniently positioned with a direct view of her own house.

When Finlay hears a familiar name tied to the case, her curiosity is instantly piqued, pulling her back into another investigation.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave picks up right where the last book left off. I was hesitant to continue the series, feeling it had veered too far into chaos with flat characters and not enough Finlay-Vero moments. But this installment course-corrects with stronger character development and more focus on Finlay’s relationship with Nick.

Mrs. Haggerty turns out to be a surprising highlight—eccentric, sharp, and layered. I’m hoping she sticks around in future books.

I listened to the audiobook while also reading the ebook—Angela Dawe's narration is so ingrained that I can hear Finlay and Vero’s voices even when I’m just reading. Her performance continues to impress.

The book ends on another cliffhanger, so it’s clear Finlay’s story isn’t over. I’m looking forward to book six and whatever mess she and Vero get into next.

DNF @ 45%

I loved the first three Finlay books. However, this series has officially gone on too long. The story lines are repetitive, the once fresh and funny situations are now excessively played out, and this series has simply lost its luster. Not to mention, ANOTHER book has been announced in this series somehow. No longer for me, wish I’d just stopped after book three in the series.

I think Im officially done with the series. Theres definitely a cliffhanger at the end - so book #6 is on its way!
I loved the first Finlay book. The last couple got a little mehhh. This one was better I will say but I think Im just over it. It doesnt grab me anymore. I will say, I dont think Im a huge series gal. There are only a couple series that have kept my attention with so many books.

In Finlay Donovan Digs her Own Grave, Mrs Haggerty ends up with a dead body in her yard. Shes hilarious. Overall a solid book though! It's a fun series and I enjoy Elle Cosimano's writing style!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I love, love, love this series so damn much. It is ridiculous and over the top and dramatic and silly and hilarious and fun and absolutely perfect.

I can never possibly guess what Elle Cosimano is going to dream up next for Finlay to get involved in and every single time I just love the craziness and fun. I just really adore that every single situation is both a little absurd but also totally believable for how she gets herself into and out of these bonkers situations.

Honestly, these are some of my favourite books and I'll never tire of this series.

Many thanks to the publisher for my copy.

These books should be read in order, and thus I will not be allowing that to reflect on my rating. I do think that this book is for those who enjoy cozy mysteries, with a dash of humor.

I will be immediately going back to read the series in order. Mrs. Haggerty is the initial prime suspect of a murder - body was in her backyard. While she was cleared, she cannot return home so she stays with Finlay temporarily. Chaos ensues. The book requires some suspension of belief and does end on a cliffhanger so it would appear that the series will be continuing.

Thank you for the ARC copy!

Okay, so I'm in love with Elle Cosimano's writing. And I'm even more in love with Finlay Donovan. I can't say enough about these books, and I think you really should go in blind.
But let me tell you, I've read the first book 5 times, the second book 4 times, the third book 3 times, the 4th book twice, and this book, I DEVOURED. I look forward to Finlay's new adventure every year, and I always do a re-read through the series before the publication date.

Comedy, mystery, a win for the underdog, a smidge of romance that isn't smutty, and the most perfect duo I've ever read.

Just take my word for it. Go read it.

What I love most about this series is the evolution of the characters and their relationships with one another. So many ongoing mystery series have their characters stunted in both repetitive storylines and relationships never wither nor blossom, but that is not the case with Finlay Donovan.

While there is plenty of off the wall scenarios in this latest installment, including a buried body in Mrs. Haggerty's back garden, I felt like this one had the most heart out of all the Finlay Donovan stories so far. You have Finlay's insecurities front and center about trust and her very logical reasons why, Stephen's growth as an ex-husband and father as he faces murder accusations, and Nick's balance between wanting to have a relationship with Finlay's questionable past activities (which he knows nothing about, but suspects she is hiding SOMETHING from him) and his job as a detective, and then there is Vero's relationship with Javi and her indecisiveness over what she wants in the relationship. All together, this book had less hilarious moments, but more realistic feelings which I felt was needed to push the series further along.

I loved the sidequest storylines of potty training Zach, learning more about Finlay's nosy neighbor, and Finlay's agent making an appearance. I also loved that the story moves away from the mob, as it was growing tiresome. The ending was the perfect set up for the next book and I absolutely cannot wait to read it.

Recommended for fans of Finlay Donovan and Stephanie Plum series, but you will need to read this one in order.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Elle Cosimano for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

I started this series in print but have fully converted to the audiobooks—and I’m so glad I did. The narration adds so much personality and energy to Finlay and Vero’s wild misadventures. In this installment, Mrs. Haggerty becomes a very unexpected houseguest, and all the usual chaos and favorite characters are back. It was a hilarious, twisty ride from start to finish. I had a blast listening and I’m already counting down to the next book!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano had me laughing one moment and holding my breath the next — it’s smart, snappy, and just the right amount of chaos. The dynamic between Finlay and Vero remains the heart of the series, their ride-or-die bond adding depth and humor to every twist. Mrs. Haggerty finally gets her moment in the spotlight, and it was a treat to learn more about her background and what makes her the lovable, busybody she is. Can’t wait to see what trouble they get into next!

I’ll never turn down a Finlay Donovan book, I loved how this one centered around Mrs. Haggerty and just *knewwwwww* that’s what her book club was up too. Maggie, you little old badass you.

I've loved every book in this series. They're so funny, entertaining, and have a continuing storyline that makes the series so fun to read.
Elle Cosimano does an excellent job of making Finlay relatable. Difficulty potty training, awkwardly lovable shenanigans, and so much more.
I can't wait to read the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC

Thank you to the author, publisher and @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

We love a good Finlay novel here and once again, this delivers with the hijinks. This time, it’s Mrs. Haggerty, the over-enthusiastic neighbor who is president of the neighborhood watch and has made it her business to be all up in Finlay’s business.

But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty weasels her way in to Finlay’s house and the two become reluctant allies while trying to solve the case.

Thankfully, this was less focused on poor Finlay and Vero as the prime suspects, so this felt like a less tense novel than the previous ones, but it was no less entertaining and funny! Thank you @ellecosimano for this series and I can’t wait for Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line in 2026!

If there's one constant I can always count on, it's that Elle Cosimano will write a new Finlay Donovan book and that I will love it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave picks up right where the last one left off, but it's also a nice turning point in the series kicking off some new storylines and introducing new characters. These books always come out at least a year apart but I never have a hard time jumping right back into the story. I'm obsessed with the audiobook narration so it's always my preferred method for the series.

This is actually my highest ranking of the five so far and I'm committed to seeing it through. So we'll see you next year Finlay 🫡

A highly enjoyable new instalment to the series! Loved this more than the last one and had so much fun with the new/old characters in this book! Elle Cosimano never disappoints with this series!

Honestly I love finlay Donovan but I think the time might be coming to put an end to the series. Seems lik it’s run its course.
But of course this book has most of the same charm and humor as the other ones! And I will forever recommend this series.

Elle Cosimano is back with a new book that not only tied up some plots, but also moved onto a new mystery that's still tied to past mysteries.

After being disappointed by the previous two books, I'm excited to say that I enjoyed this one. This feels more on par with book one, but I will say the romance in this series has got to go.

With the Finlay Donovan series being one of my favorite series, this one was no different with the humor and crazy adventures with Finlay and Vero.

Highly recommend for a lighthearted and entertaining read. Thank you Netgalley for a copy to review

I love this series so much! I honestly cannot say enough good things about these books and I definitely recommend them all the time. Finlay and Vero are amazing and I love seeing all the shenanigans they get up wrapped up in.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the latest installment in a fantastic series. When a dead body is found in the backyard of Finlay’s neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, she and Vero are drawn into the investigation. With her house still considered a crime scene, Mrs. Haggerty wants to stay with Finlay so she can keep an eye on the place. Since she doesn’t have the heart to turn her away, Finlay reluctantly agrees.

Finlay decides to stay out of the investigation, until her ex-husband, Steven, becomes a prime suspect. Now her and Vero have to figure out what really happened before Steven goes to jail. Plus Mrs. Haggerty is definitely up to something, and Finlay has to figure out exactly what she’s hiding.

This is one of the best installments in the Finlay Donovan Series. It has mystery, suspense, romance and of course loads of humor to have you laughing out loud. I highly recommend this book and the entire series!