This was another win for me. I love the Finlay Donovan series and will continue to read books about the other characters. They are humorous and just fun reads! Loved it!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is my favorite so far in the Finlay Donovan series. I love how more depth is revealed in the characters in each book. A fun summer read! Thanks to Elle Cosimano, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press for the gifted eARC.

Once again, Finlay is in the thick of things. I liked the direction this installment took. Instead of being mixed up in the mafia, it’s more of a neighborhood vigilante situation which I enjoyed. The characters, as always, are delightful and funny. There is great tension and romance and friendship with many different characters, and we get to see Finlay take responsibility a little bit and face some real fears. Overall this was another good book in the series, I liked this one a lot!

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This series is undoubtedly my favorite of all time, delivering both laughter and intrigue in perfect harmony. The dynamic between Finlay and Vero is pure gold. Their hilarious antics, as they juggle the chaos of single parenthood, new relationships, and trying to clear the ex-husband’s name while solving multiple murders, makes for a wonderfully entertaining read. It’s a perfect mix of mystery and comedy.

One of the standout moments was when Vero attempted to intimidate a true crime podcaster using her “Batman” voice—saying “I AM BATMAN” with all the seriousness she could muster. I laughed so hard, I literally choked on my own spit. It’s moments like these that elevate the book and make the characters so endearing.

By now, it’s clear that the author has done an amazing job making these characters feel like friends, and it’s easy to see how you become so deeply invested in their lives. The continuity from previous books is excellent, and the characters remain consistent, which is crucial for maintaining that connection with the reader.

However, at this point in the series, I would strongly recommend reading the previous books before diving into this one. While earlier installments did a good job summarizing the key plot points, this one has so many characters and ongoing storylines that jumping in without the full context might make it harder to follow and enjoy the story to its fullest. The series really shines when you experience the entire arc.

This one might be the wildest ride yet—and I loved every minute of it. Finlay is in way over her head (as usual), juggling mob drama, secret missions, and her completely unpredictable personal life. Somehow, she makes chaos look almost…endearing?

The humor is spot-on, the action is nonstop, and the emotional moments hit just right. Elle Cosimano continues to nail the balance between sharp suspense and laugh-out-loud absurdity. The friendship between Finlay and Vero remains a total highlight—they're the heart of the story.

If you're in the mood for a fast-paced mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers smart twists and heart, this book (and this series) is such a win.

I was excited to see that there was a new installment of the Finlay Donovan series coming out, and having enjoyed the first 4 books, I was excited to dive into #5. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There's the same feel of the previous 4, the same Lucille Ball-type slapstick situations, the same solid mystery, the same snarky humor. And therein lies a potential problem with a series like this - all that "sameness" can lead to boredom over time, with readers starting to experience BTDT (been there, done that) syndrome. It's happened to me with a series or two (and I'm a huge mystery series lover, thanks to Carolyn Keene & Nancy Drew). But happily, it hasn't happened with this one yet. I listened to the audio version, and Angela Dawe's narration is a perfect fit for these books. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing copies for an unbiased review.

I still continue to be Finlay Donovan’s biggest fan! These books are such a fun escape for me and bringing in Mrs Haggerty and her characters development *chefs kiss* can’t wait for the next one!

I have enjoyed reading all the adventures of Finlay and Vero, but this book felt more formulaic and farther-fetched than the first few. On the positive side, I appreciated the slapstick nature of Finlay's break-in at the apartment complex, and I was pleased with the ending, which offers perhaps a change in plotline that will align Finlay and Nick, rather than continue the lies about her past.

I had almost given up on this series. I found the last few books to be too eye-rolling. I'm glad I didn't. This was reminiscent of the first book and brought back everything I loved. Was it still ridiculous? Yes, but in a way that was funny rather than annoying. I like that the setting was back in town and at Finlay's house/neighborhood. I am happily ready for the next adventure!

I really enjoyed this book and found it very engaging. I liked the mystery within this book and founf it equally as funny as the other books in the series.

I love Finaly! This one felt a little bit repetitive to the previous books in the series, but I have a feeling there is another book coming in the future as there are still some unanswered questions. I think if you love the Finlay series you will enjoy this - but I think it might be time for a new main character and a new series.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The audiobook suprised me by saying Chaudry the proper way. I don’t hear my husband’s name very often in books. Oh my gosh I love it. There is so much suspense and craziness. Nick let slip that he’s in love with Finlay. I love it when he falls first…seems more genuine and real. Plus Fin deserves a real, loving, nurturing relationship outside of Vero. And the cliffhanger for Vero at the end. Hopefully this means we are getting more Vero books. I am so ready for the next one!

Finaly Donovan is a character that I will always gravitate towards. You know you’re going to get whit, humor, and a whole lot of “noo! What are you thinking?!” But never in the annoying way because you know it will resolve itself so beautifully.

I grabbed this one when the whole series was avaailable for read now and i need to remind myself that this series just isnt my favorite. I try all the books but never can get into them

I was so grateful to have received an ARC of this book from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. It may have taken me longer to start than I planned, but once I finally sat down with it, I couldn’t put it down.

I truly love this series and can’t wait to see how more of the story unfolds. Elle Cosimano is easily one of my favorite authors. Her writing is sharp, funny, and fast-paced—but what really keeps me coming back are the characters. Finlay and Vero are chaotic, relatable, and loyal in a way that makes you want to root for them through every ridiculous (and sometimes dangerous) situation they stumble into.

If you haven’t started the Finlay Donovan series yet, I highly recommend picking it up—especially if you enjoy stories about smart, messy women, accidental crime-solving, laugh-out-loud moments, and friendships that somehow survive the chaos. This one does not disappoint.

what do you mean I'm already up to date in this series?? I need more right now!! this was such a fun sequel in the series, I loved getting Ms. Haggerty's character development and the conclusion was too good.

the next volume in this series. It was a nice addition to the series. What will be next for Finlay and Vero?

This book was such a fun read!!! Truly every book in the series is a joy and makes me laugh out loud! If you grew up loving Nancy Drew and Babysitter’s Club, these books are for you!

Thank you to the author/publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this whole series! I think everyone should read these because they're so fun. Finlay is one that I have loved getting to know and the series was so much fun to dive into.

This series is so silly and fun, but I think it's starting to jump the shark. I have incredible suspension of disbelief, but even I am struggling at this point.