Another great installment of this series! It’s cozy and quick to get into with the characters being fun and wacky. It makes you want to keep reading, the mysteries feeling immersive and relationships appealing. Loved that it ended on a cliffhanger meaning another book is in store!

Thank you Netgalley, St-Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books and the author Elle Cosimano.
I have loved every single one of the Finlay Donovan Books and this one did not disappoint.
What those two ladies, Vero and Finlay get into is hilarious.
Overall easy fun read with wonderful characters.
4 stars

I can’t say too much about this book since it is the fifth book in the series, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I loved what happens with Finlay and her love interest. Of course seeing what trouble Finlay and Vero got themselves into was lots of fun. Can’t wait for the next one.

I have loved Finlay from her first hair covered duct tape fiasco in book one. I feel so connected to these characters and I am so invested in the relationships. The romance between Nick and Finn is the definition of slow burn. If you looked it up in a dictionary, you would see them yo-yoing up and down, will they/ won't they. It was so satisfying to watch it finally bloom in this book! Hallelujah! Vero and Javi too. Their banter has always been top notch but I love the softer side of them too. Sigh. I'm looking forward, as always, to Finn & Vero's next adventure.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave was... fine, but it definitely didn’t hit like the first two books. I still love Finlay and Vero’s dynamic (they’re chaos soulmates, let’s be real), but the plot in this one felt a little slower and more scattered, and I wasn’t as hooked or cackling the way I usually am with this series. It had its fun moments and some solid twists, but the vibes weren’t quite as sharp or fresh this time around. Still a decent read, especially if you’re already invested in the series—but if I’m ranking, this one lands lower on the list for me.

Thank you so much to Elle Cosimano and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of the latest in the Finlay Donovan series!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, the fifth book in the series, picks up right where the fourth book left off and wastes no time getting into the high jinks and fun that we've come to expect from these books.

This book was a departure from the Russian mob storyline that carried the last four books, and honestly, I was glad since the last book had seemed to squeeze every last bit of that storyline (and even a drop or two past if we're being honest). Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave felt a bit like a family reunion, of sorts, bringing back all the characters we've come to know and love and watching them settle back into their normal lives after everything that had happened in books 1-4. Of course, it wouldn't be a Finlay Donovan book if things didn't depart pretty quickly from normal and jump right into fun and mystery.

I really enjoyed the storyline this time around and the addition of Mrs. Haggerty to the mix. It really felt like we got back to the original Finlay Donovan book and the formula that got us all hooked in the first place. To anyone who enjoyed the original book, I would highly recommend jumping back into the series and checking out the latest book by Elle Cosimano. It was a ton of fun, and a super quick read.

This might be the best one yet, although I'm still waiting to find out what Stephen was up to in book 3. Finlay's low self confidence and self worth is relatable, and annoying. This book wasn't as silly as the other ones, like she wasn't making as many ridiculous choices. Mrs. Haggarty was a fantastic addition to this story line and I think we need more of her in the future, perhaps Finlay ad Vera can join the book club?

The fifth installment of the Finlay Donovan series did not disappoint! I so enjoy the laugh out loud moments and Finlay and Vero‘s act first think later mindset, which gets them in to so many hilarious circumstances. Also, the nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggarty is a character. I didn’t know that I needed to know, but so glad I do, now!

Thank you, NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced copy of this book!

A body is dug up in Mrs. Haggerty's yard and Steven is being accused of the murder. Of course, Finlay decides she has to clear his name. There is more potty humor when Finlay has to go to Delia's school, Vero shows up with a naked Zach who pees on the floor. Then when Mrs. Haggerty's grandson has to leave town he drops her off at Finlay's and she lets her stay.

I just don't think these books for me. I didn't really like Finlay or Vero. After five books the antics weren't amusing to me if they ever were. I couldn't tell if they were stupid or just naive. There is another cliffhanger at the end so I figure there will be a sixth book but I'm done.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital copy.

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard and Finlay's ex Steven is the main suspect, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets before the police start digging up theirs.

We got more of Mrs Haggerty in a previous instalment. It was interesting to see her in a new light in this one. She was quite the feisty grandma. I loved the comic relief she brought especially when involved with the kids.

Finlay's love life also developed some more. I loved how she slowly opened up as scary as it was. As she uncovered secrets, her own were on the brink of discovery. The ending was interesting. Can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5⭐
Steam level: 2🌶️ Fade to black scenes

The 5th book in the Finlay Donovan series, and it did not disappoint! This is one of my favorites in the series, and it’s sure to have you laughing and smiling! Andrea @andrea and I had a good ole time reading this together!

I do recommend you read them in order, as each one mentions things from the previous book. I really enjoyed the simpler plot in this one. Things started getting hard to remember with all the characters and shenanigans, but this one seemed easier to follow for me.

I love that Finlay and Vero go through with their crazy ideas because it really brings the humor! They act first and think later 🤣. I also really enjoyed the focus on Finlay and Nick’s relationship. He was more in the story this time around. And let’s not forget her crazy neighbor Mrs. Haggerty who is suspicious!

I definitely recommend this series, and I’m hoping there are more because that ending had me going oh sh!t….

Finlay and Vero are back with more hijinks. This time, they need to keep an eye on Mrs. Hagerty, the neighborhood's busy-body, whose backyard becomes a crime scene. Her grandson drops Mrs. Hagerty on Finlay's doorstep, since she can't stay in her own home, and then he goes off the grid. And Finlay and Vero need to figure out where the dead body came from, and why it was buried in Mrs. H's backyard.

This was a lot of fun, as usual. The title made me wonder if this was going to be the last book in the series, but I wouldn't be surprised if there's more after this, with the way the book ends.

The madcap adventures that Finn and Vero get wrapped up into are always a fun time. The series reminds me of the early books of Janet Evanovich's number series, before it started getting too repetitive. There's a similar tongue in cheek vibe to it, where it doesn't take itself too seriously.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the fifth book in the Finlay Donovan series. Just like the previous books, we see Finlay and Vero trying to solve a mystery. The only problem is that it involves Finlay's next-door neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. Oh, and maybe her ex-husband? There are lots of people who may or may not be involved in this. So, it seems like this will take a while to solve.

I'm always up for a murder mystery book. So, I was very excited to jump into this one after reading Vero's novella. I still enjoy the dynamic between Vero and Finlay. I just feel like if they ever want to become detectives, they should just do it. They are great partners. I also enjoyed seeing some romance between Finlay and Nick too. But what made me really happy was how Finlay finally told him her biggest secret.

As for Mrs. Haggerty? She was a fun surprise. Definitely a person who doesn't take anyone's shit, and I love that. I also liked how she helped out with Finlay's kids and befriended Cam. I'm hoping we get more of her and the secret book club in the next book of this series. Especially with how things ended in this one.

10/10 I adore this series so much. I wish it was continuing because it is such a fun read and I will miss the characters so much.

I hope I’m still reading about Finlay and Vero’s wild love lives until I’m 100. As entertaining as always, love the book club in this book. Things always wrap up a little too neatly but that helps make it cozy and fun. Interested to see what the cliffhanger brings in the next book!

Fantastic Book 5! I need this pair and their stories to continue, and thankfully there should be a next story after this one. I was needlessly concerned this could be the final book in the series. Whew!

Book five is fantastic! Poor Steve - haha. He is such a perfect scapegoat for bad things happening. The mystery is superb, as always, with plenty of hijinx. We should all have a Vero as a bestie.

Read this and laugh, puzzle out the mystery, and enjoy a terrific mystery.

I think like many others, I loved the first book, and the next two were okay, but began feeling repetitive. Finally, this book felt a little truer to the roots of the first two books in the series. I enjoyed getting more of Mrs. Haggerty. Her character surprised me some and to get to peak behind her curtains was some fun. Also, we got some genuine growth in Finlay's romantic life with Nick.

I read this book through Net Galley, but I look forward to listening to it on a long chore day... because it felt like it included some more new material from the series and Angela Dawe is a fantastic in this role.

Thank you Net Galley for this arc.

This was another really fun Finlay adventure!!!! I had so much fun with this one and I thought it was just as fun as the rest of the series!!!

'Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave' by Elle Cosimano is a great addition to the series. At the end of the fourth I was feeling exhausted for myself and Finlay. This book was a step back into a more comfortable pace. It was fantastic - so much easier to follow the story. It was also nice to finally get the story on Mrs.Haggerty. plus we get more Julian while still moving the Nick plot forward! Great read!

Note to new readers: these don't read well as stand alone. I would highly suggest starting at the beginning of Finlay story.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave

{Thank you @macmillan.audio for the #gifted audiobook of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano. This book in once again narrated by Angela Dawe who does Finlay, Vero, and the rest of this cast of characters so well! I paired it with a digital copy from @netgalley @stmartinspress widget.}

I hate using the term ‘palate cleanser’ because I feel like that implies negativity or demeans a book. It makes it sound like a book can’t stand on its own. But, my girl Finlay, Vero, and the rest of these big personality characters in the cozy mystery world of Finlay Donovan can absolutely do just that. It’s a fun series to immerse yourself in when you just want to read for fun! Sure, I like to learn from reading, like when books give me big feelings, but there is nothing wrong with fun too.

Thus far, the Finlay Donovan series has been off the charts zany and action packed. I felt like this fifth installment—Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave—dialed it back a little. Of course, there is still a dead body, but it seemed like Finlay and Vero didn’t get into as many shenanigans. I liked that Finlay’s kids were included a little more; Delia is as tough as her mom and Zach is always up to something just like Finlay and Vero. I’m a sucker for octogenarian characters, so the spotlight on her nosy neighbor Mrs. Haggerty was really enjoyable. And don’t forget Finlay’s boyfriend detective Nick. Some progress is made there too!

Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case. But, when a body is found in the neighbor across the street’s back yard (Mrs. Haggerty) and Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, is arrested, (Steven may be a cheater, but he is no murderer!) Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets . . . before the police start digging up theirs. But who will solve the mystery first?

Have you read this series? It’s time to get cracking and catch up for book number 5 that published this past week.