Another fun book in this series. At this point Finlay and Vero feel like family at this point so I'm always happy to be back with their schemes and laughs. As usual this book cracked me up the entire time. It didn't feel as high stakes as usual, maybe because they have cleared a lot of their past or because I really don't care about Steven, but I kind of liked it. The ending had a lot of good and shocking twists and I loooooove seeing how Finlay and Nick's relationship is evolving! And of course another shocker cliff hanger to keep us excited for the next book.

I've enjoyed this series for a couple of years and must say that this might be my favourite book of the series. I loved that things actually happened to propel the plot forwards. All of these books take place over the matter of a few months and I was very happy to see that Finlay actually made choices for her life and didn't waffle on what she was going to do next in regards to her relationships. This was a delight of a book and I hope that the next book gives us more of Vero's story because I have a feeling that it is a juicy one.

Finlay and Vero, her friend and nanny have not always gotten along with their neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the neighborhood busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But, when a body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. After getting cleared by the police she moves in with Finlay since she can’t get back into her house. Even though they do not want to get involved in any more murder cases, this one they can’t seem to help but get involved with it hitting so close to home.

I honestly just couldn’t get enough of this book. It was hilarious with so many laugh out loud moments between the children’s antics, situations Finlay and Vero get into and conversations had. I can’t say that I have a favorite character…I just loved them all. Each character just truly brings something to the action and story that just makes it come alive. I just loved the side of romance that takes place in the stories as well.

While THIS mystery was solved, the book does end in a cliffhanger, so I am excited to read the next book in the series whenever it comes out. Each book in the series picks up right where the previous one ends, so they should be read in order.

This is the fifth book in the Finlay Donovan series. If you are looking for some mystery with laugh out loud moments then I recommend this whole series! Highly recommend.

Listened on @libro.fm. Narrated by Angela Dawe. I loved the narration on this whole series.

This novel was slow for me to become engaged, perhaps because it's part (fifth) of a series that I have not read previously.

Finlay Donovan is a curious sort, along with her Nanny, Vero. After a body was discovered under the elderly neighbor's roses, Finlay couldn't leave it alone. After Mrs. Haggerty was briefly incarcerated under suspicion of murder, she landed on Finlay's doorstep - dumped off by the grandson, supposedly with nowhere else to go. The domineering Mrs. Haggerty took over Finlay's bedroom and took charge in other ways too - I'm not sure how many people would have allowed this.

Upon further investigation, Finlay's ex is arrested on suspicion of murder, as he's the one that arranged the rosebushes to be planted. Finlay just knew that he wasn't a murderer so despite her better judgement, she and Vero set out to prove his innocence. They predictably stumble upon more than they bargained for, and finally about two thirds of the way through, the story started to up the pace.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Elle Cosimano for the eARC.

I always love Finlay Donovan and this was no different. A fun, fresh ride from start to finish! I laughed so hard, and was on the edge of my seat. Finlay always has a place in my heart and on my shelf.

This is the 5th book in the series and I think it was one of my favorites! I loved the first book in the series but I felt like the last couple were a tad far fetched. This went back to a more realistic plot but still with the author’s great humor. I loved the continuation of the romance for Finlay and all the secondary characters. There is a bit of a recap/flashback to help remember what happened in the other books but not overdone. This was such a great addition to the series. I read it very quickly.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own. 4.5 rounded up.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. This latest installment of the Finlay Donovan series took me back to the aspects of the first novel that I absolutely loved! While I liked books 2,3, and 4, I haven't loved one since the first book. The side characters are always the strongest part of this series, and this installment is no exception. We get to know (and love?) Mrs. Haggerty even more. Favorites like Vero, Nick, and Cam are back, too! We are left with a cliffhanger, which we have come to expect, so I'm eager for the next installment! This was definitely a fun ride.

Although I have enjoyed all of the books in this series, this is my favorite. I was hooked from the start and read anxiously to the end. I laughed out loud in certain parts, and cheered in others. I was very pleased with the continued development of the characters and their stories. There is never a dull moment in Finlay's neighborhood, and I can't wait for the next adventure!

4.5 stars ⭐️ rounded up!

This was another super fun, funny, and lighthearted mystery in the Finlay Donovan series! I loved how consistent the characters have remained from book-to-book, and how everything came together and circled back to book one in this story. Characters that we met in other books came back and developed more depth, and Finlay/Vero continued to expertly meddle and dabble in crime.

Compared to others in the series, this had much lower stakes, but was still fun to wrap things up! I was under the impression that this was the end of the series, though, and the epilogue DID end on a cliffhanger... but maybe we're looking at a spinoff series?

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a DRC in exchange for my honest review ◡̈

I absolutely love this installment in the Finlay series! All of these books are so much fun and seriously have everything from mystery to romance. I loved the development of Mrs. Haggerty’s character and her increased role in this story. I just keep loving all of the characters and this story so much more and can’t wait for the next one!

Another fun, quirky adventure with Finn and Vero. It isn’t rocket science but the formula is amazing and a great way to escape from your every day worries and cares. It’s easy to get attached to both ladies as they solve another situation that they seem to have a knack for stepping right into. Finlay’s hot cop Nick is still around and she really doesn’t know how lucky she is that he has a high tolerance for her shenanigans. Great follow on to all of the other books. Another one not to be missed.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is another wild, laugh-out-loud ride in Elle Cosimano’s addictive mystery series. This time, Finlay and her ever-chaotic partner-in-crime, Vero, are reluctantly drawn into a new murder case—right in their own neighborhood. When their nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, becomes entangled in a homicide investigation, the duo finds themselves juggling crime scenes, unexpected houseguests, and their own personal entanglements, all while trying to keep their lives (and love interests) from spiraling out of control.

Cosimano delivers her signature blend of sharp humor, fast-paced action, and a touch of romance, making this installment just as entertaining as the previous ones. Finlay and Vero’s banter remains a highlight, though the mystery itself sometimes takes a backseat to their hijinks. While the plot leans more toward the absurd at times, the novel’s charm, wit, and strong character dynamics keep it engaging. A fun, suspenseful, and utterly binge-worthy read.

YES, Finlay Donovan is back and she is better than ever! Every book that Elle Cosimano writes in this series is just fantastic. The humor, the outlandish things she gets herself into are simply only a few of the beautiful things that this book brings to audiences. I always recommend these books to so many colleagues, friends and family that they are probably tired of me talking about her. Amazing fun books that are perfect for today's crazy world. Yes, please write more of them!!!!

I keep waiting for the Finlay Donovan series to get old and it just isn’t happening. Finlay is one of the most funny and endearing characters I’ve ever read. I love seeing what trouble she and Vero have gotten themselves into. This time it’s the discovery of a dead body in the nosy neighbors yard. There’s a great refresher in the book for those of us who don’t remember everything from the first books to those that are new to the series. You absolutely cannot go wrong with this series!

This is the first book of this series i have read. It was a little predictable but had good characters and was a enjoyable read. I will be looking into the others in thie series. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this early.

Thank you to Minotaur Books for the advance reader copy and to Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

She's back! This is the fifth Finlay Donovan novel. And I think it's my favorite since the first.

We're back with Finlay, Vero, and all their crime solving antics. I think this series works best in order because we get lots of cameos from previous characters, and it helps to know who they are. I loved the way some long running story arcs were revealed.

And the ending set up something really interesting for where we go next. I'm thrilled to feel the series is back in the groove that made me love it. It feels like a mom who gets caught up in a mystery through no fault of her own. And I enjoy that feeling of it could happen to me.

This is a romance/comedy/mystery that does all the quite well, which is exceptionally hard to do! This is my second book in this series, but I look forward to enjoying the rest soon. Perfect read for the beach or spring break trip!

Before anything else, a special thank you to Minotaur books via Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for the complimentary files.
I have always enjoyed Finlay and Vero’s shenanigans. The last book has been so all over the place and this has toned down a little and yet still keeping all the cozy mystery and side dish romance alive. I enjoyed it! I also have to admit that some parts are getting old and adding more characters to the mix simply not helping my case. However, its still funny and worth the read.

This is the fifth installment of the murder mystery series and definitely a fun one. I'd say 4 shiny stars for sure! Synopsis will be in the comments below.

If you've been following along with Finlay you can be assured that the formula hasn't changed. Crazy antics, partners in crime, mom-life and romance drama are all on the menu. This is one of a select few series that I'm always excited for. And it did not disappoint.Is the plot a little unbelievable? Sure, but that's been part of the magic of this series. So if you've read the others, definitely don't skip out here. Finlay is still killing it.

These books were so great I flew through them. Loved all the characters, even the slimy ex-husband. These books have you reading nonstop and then wondering what else they could get up to in the next book.