
Member Reviews

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is an absolute winner!! I don't know how Elle Cosimano continues to come up with the crazy situations Finlay finds herself in, but I am sure glad she does. I absolutely love the dialogue between Vero and Finlay--I laugh so much while reading about their escapades. Fun read! Thank you, NetGalley and Minotaur Books, for the advance reader copy of this book.

The Finlay Donovan series is my favorite series of all time! I read a lot of books, and there’s just something SO special about this series. Each and every book is consistently amazing and always delivers with punchy quips, hilarious scenarios that Vero and Finlay find themselves in, and sweet romance that leaves you swooning. I especially enjoyed this book because there’s just something so fun about curmudgeonly old women in books. It was fun that this storyline was different from the previous books, but still had the classic Finlay feel. I’m already excited for the next book!! As per usual, Angela Dawes provided a flawless performance with the narration. She IS Finlay and Vero to me, and I hope that she signs on to every single book. I’d even be down to have her play both characters in the movie adaptation. Just put her in a wig and call it a day

This is probably my favorite of Finlays series. I laughed, I cried and I cheered. The cast of characters were back and I love them all.

3.5-4 stars
Another fun book of mystery and humor in the Finlay Donovan series. I thought this one was a bit better than the others I had read, as it didn't seem to be trying quite so hard to be funny. Also, the plot didn't seem to be as over the top as previous ones.
Not loving the romance with Nick, but I did enjoy Mrs. Hagerty!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

Still as fun as ever, and Finlay is as much of a mess as ever. I loved that Mrs. Haggerty was featured more in this one and that we got more of her backstory so we can understand why she is the way that she is. I l led the twists and turns and finding out how Finlay and Vero repeatedly got themselves in and out of trouble this time. Yay for more hot cop! Nick was back and, boy, am I rooting for them to work out. This was just as delightful as the rest of the Finlay Donovan series and I can’t wait for the next installment! I wish I could savor these a little more, but I always end up binging them in a day or two because I just can’t put them down!

Finlay…honestly, girl, how much more can you get into!? I felt like this one cleared up some things from the past but very much left the door open for book 6.
While I did switch between ebook and audiobook format, the narrator for this series is SO good that I can’t help but prefer the audio!
Shenanigans a plenty, another great Finlay story!

This fifth book in this series is hilarious and perfectly captures the chaotic adventure that first hooked me. Finlay and Vero’s wild adventures remain as funny as ever, bringing back that first-book magic I loved in book 1. The involvement of Finlay’s family including the kids adds a lovely layer of warmth and mess, and Vero continues to shine with her sharp wit and growing depth.
The audiobook is truly the best, it’s impossible not to laugh out loud hearing Finlay and Vero come to life. I can’t imagine experiencing their escapades any other way now. This installment answers plenty of my questions, but the ending practically begs for another book, or maybe it’s me begging. I’ve loved every step of their journey, and this chapter feels like a perfect blend of fun and growth. Here’s hoping the adventures continue! 🤞🏽

I loved this book! Date I say even more than the last one? And I am so excited to read the next one…assuming there is another one! Thanks for the ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Thank you Minotaur for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Just when I think that I am going to give up on this series, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave changes my mind! Rolls the Dice felt a little too out there for me but Digs Her Own Grave four FD back on track. The dynamic between Finlay and Vero and Mrs Haggerty was the best.
Plus, the cameo of a certain character really made me smile.

Thanks, Minotaur Books, for the arc!
I love that Mrs. Haggerty is the main focal point of FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE. Even though this is my least favorite of the books so far, I still laughed a ton and would 100% reread it, unlike the novella. I'm not sure exactly why it didn't wow me. This is a Finlay Donovan plot to the extreme, and it had me giggling. I'm not sure it was so over the top that it kept pulling me out of the moment. Or should I have paced myself and taken a break between books four and five? I don't think that's the problem, though, since I read books one through novella (3.5) almost back to back.
I loved Cameron and Mrs. Haggerty's relationship. I hope we get more of that duo in the future. And the ending has me super intrigued for book six!! I love how Cosimano solves the mystery and ends with a cliffhanger for the next book in each one!

I actually liked this one a lot. Probably my favorite since book one. I do think the other books need to be read before reading this one, but I liked the stand alone mystery itself. I liked the recurring characters.

The Finlay Donovan series has always been a fun series to read. This fifth book was no different!
It was a wild adventure once again, following Finlay and Vero as they found themselves in the middle of another murder case—this time in their very own neighbourhood. There were some great laugh-out-loud moments and great plot twists.
But I think I am beginning to feel tired of this series. It's begun to become redundant, with some of the same things happening repeatedly, and the introduction of new characters makes it more confusing than refreshing.
Still a cozy mystery book, and I will always love Finlay and Vero with their shenanigans as well as the blossoming romance between Finlay and Nick.
Thanks to the publisher for the eARC!
3.5/5

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martins Press and Elle Cosimano for this ARC. How much do I love this series ? !
I love the characters, the plots, the consequences, and even the bratty children .. there’s never a dull moment and there is a lot of laughter for me in this series…I normally read Suspense or fantasy, but I need a break in between when it gets to be to much anxiety for me, so I am very grateful for Finlay Donovan..she’s my go to when it gets tough for me….thank you, thank you..! I think I’ve read them all now, and will continue to read her as long as the author keeps writing ..

*Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave* is another wild, fast-paced adventure that perfectly blends mystery, humor, and chaos. Elle Cosimano keeps the stakes high as Finlay juggles contract killers, mob drama, and her ever-complicated love life—all while trying to be a good mom. The twists are sharp, the banter is hilarious, and Vero remains the ultimate ride-or-die sidekick. If you love clever plots with a dash of absurdity, this book delivers in every way.

I absolutely love this series!!! Finleys adventures continue as she finds herself in another precarious situation. There are so many laughs, awkward moments, the perfect amount of suspense and the cast of characters is amazing. Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books | St. Martin's Publishing Group for the complimentary copy.

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.

I love Finlay but thought maybe I was done reading this series. I’m so glad I didn’t stop! I loved this one! It was such a quick read, I could not put it down! The one aspect that blows my mind is how in five books it has only been a few months in their lives. I can’t wrap my head around that.

I've been a fan of the Finlay series since the first book came out and dare I say this might be my favorite in the series alongside book #1.
I cannot rave enough about my love for Finlay and Vero's relationship. They are friendship goals and give new meaning to ride or die.
The humor in this is perfect and love that they are pushing the innuendo even more. I was laughing out loud during some passages. I also love the ongoing connections to past characters. The first four books did have an overarching mystery and storyline so I really enjoyed that this was a fresh mystery and almost felt like a new chapter in the series.
The trouble they get themselves into and out of is always a fun time. Huge shoutout to Cam as one of my new favorite supporting characters and I do do very much enjoy how the relationships Finlay built in the previous books are leveraged to help her here.
Also a fan of the cliffhanger ending and am so curious to see what Elle Cosimano comes up with next. Can't recommend this series enough!

I think this is my favorite so far of the series! It somehow feels more realistic than the others, and obviously I love everything coming from Detective Anthony. The energy that Mrs. Haggerty brings is so much fun, and I really enjoyed that this time we get to follow solving a murder that Finlay didn’t sort of maybe but maybe not commit.
4.5 stars. Bring me more!!
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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.*