I have never been a cozy mystery reader, but I will ALWAYS live for Finlay Donovan, this series, and the antics Finlay and Vero find themselves wrapped up in.

This was such a fun read (and listen)…and watching Finlay use her own detective skills to help prove her scumbag ex-husband isn’t guilty of the newest crime he’s been accused of? Priceless.

But honestly, my favorite part of this story was watching Finlay finally feel safe enough to trust with her whole heart. And that the person she chooses to put her trust in is worth it for once. Elle Cosimano has written a complicated love story woven among numerous accidental (and some on-purpose) crimes, and to see Finlay and Nick embrace a life together—no matter what may come their way? Genuine perfection.

I have to add that while I’ve never liked Mrs. Haggerty’s character, her role in this story was wildly unexpected and I absolutely love how it unfolded! But I’ll keep the details to myself to avoid spoilers 🤭

I think the beauty of cozy mysteries is the ability to laugh, smile, and enjoy the ride even when everything is falling apart—and this series does it magnificently. I seriously cannot recommend it enough.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave was another wonderful installment in the Finlay Series. I just love the characters in these books. They all have such unique and funny personalities. The mystery being around the nosy neighbor was so fun. I will say the mystery was pretty obvious but I really didn’t care. At this point I read these books for the characters not the mystery. Every single time Elle leaves me with a cliff hanger that makes my heart sink and this one was no different. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
4/5 Stars

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an arc copy in exchange for my honest review.

Gosh, I just love this series so much! I knew going into this book that I was going to be right smack back into the action with Finlay, Vero, Nick and the gang, and I was definitely right. I love that this story picks up right after the last one left off. It is incredibly seamless and was such a delight. I think maybe this was one of my favorites of the series because it involves some new characters while keeping with the same shenanigans that we have come to expect from Finlay. I thought learning more about Mrs. Haggerty was so fun, and she turned out to be one of my favorite side characters in the series. I also loved getting more romantic involvement with Nick. As a reader we get more emotions from Finlay, seeing her more vulnerable, making her such a great main character of this series. It’s obvious that another book will be coming and I can hardly wait to read it, as I will continue with this series until it (hopefully never) ends!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced reading copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity read this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

After the ending of Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice I wasn't exactly sure where this next book was going to go since some larger plot pieces were closed. I am grateful that this is third time that I have received an eARC of the Finlay Donovan series and this one didn't disappoint. The mystery was a bit more domestic, but just as juicy while the romance between Finlay and Nick ratcheted up on the hot scale! The maturity and honesty that they both started to share with each other endeared them to me even further. Old friends made appearances and we got to know peripheral characters better. I was laughing out loud for the whole ride. I appreciate the ways in which Elle Cosimano combines together mystery, romance and heart into one. I am already ready for book #6!

3.5 rounded down.

Book 4, Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, was so wild, almost too wild to be honest. But here with this one, I feel like we did a total 180 and this one was so chill in comparison. It took me about 70% into the book to really get into this one. We do have a lot of circumstances that Finlay just lets happen: she just accepts it when her neighbor, who was just released from jail for suspicion of murder, says she's going to stay with her and the kids because the power/water are off at her house and she can't stay with her grandson (questionable, but okay).

I did enjoy the almost shady, questionable, aspect of the detective in charge of this case in this one. He definitely seemed more focused on closing the case than getting it right. That added a lot of it's own issues. Finlay and Vero have to be a lot more aware of their actions in this one since Detective Tran doesn't have an issue throwing acquisitions around and seeing what sticks.

It was nice that Steven was in jail for most of this book, I didn't enjoy having him around in the last one.

Mrs. In Everyone's Business Haggerty took a while to grow on me, but in the end, the author brought her around and I was on board.

As always, this book ended on a cliff hanger to send us into the next one! Here's to hoping book 6 ends up more like the start of the series.

Thanks for Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the e-arc!

another great addition to this series. I did not see this book going in the direction that it did which made it a fun read. I am so sad that I have to wait a year to read the next book! I enjoyed reading more about Mrs. Haggerty and getting more of her back story. I would recommend this series to anyone that is looking for a lighthearted murder mystery series.

I read the first Finlay Donovan a few years ago and adored it. I haven't read the other books in the series (yet) but this fifth installment did not disappoint. It's funny and sharp and kept me guessing. I loved that we learned more about Mrs. Haggerty. And am I the only one picturing Jennifer Coolidge as Sylvie? Cosimano gives plenty of details to keep new readers informed. Basically, Finlay and Vero have been really busy dodging murders and dead bodies in books 2-4.

I can't wait to get through the back catalogue of these books. They are just fun. If you liked early Stephanie Plum, you'll probably enjoy Finlay Donovan even more.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. I am required by law to disclose this.
#FinlayDonovan #FinlayDonovanDigsHerOwnGrave

More bodies and graves!

Finlay Donovan and her friend/nanny, Vero go from one complicated situation to another without even trying. This time Finn’s ex husband Steve has been arrested for murdering missing man Guilford Dupree, and burying his body in a neighbor’s garden.
Finlay knows that he’s innocent and for the sake of their children, and because she’s basically a decent person, feels compelled to prove it.
The neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty ends up staying with Finlay, potty training her young son (hilarious!), and home schooling Finlay’s five year old daughter Delia, who snapped after being bullied mercilessly by a boy at school. This is a woman of determination and depth, and is entirely too knowing not to be up to something.
Finn’s hot detective boyfriend Nick is on the scene. We love him. 💕
A heap of laughs, and some highly improbable but wholly believable situations, show that Cosimano is easily able to maintain the pressure of furthering this fabulous series.
BTW I’m finding it hard to get Mrs. H’s eggplant purple car, and Cam the Hacker’s dog Arnold Schwarzenegger, out of my head.

A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

4 1/2

Finlay Donavan is back for our reading pleasure in Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave. As the story begins, Finlay finds herself with a new houseguest, the nosy and disagreeable Mrs. Haggerty, her neighbor from across the street. Mrs. Haggerty’s grandson assures Finlay that it will only be for a weekend, but the weekend passes, the grandson seems to have fallen off the face of the earth, and Finlay has her own suspicions about Mrs. Haggerty’s strange behavior. As usual, Finlay and her nanny, Vero, get in over there heads. Will they manage to survive an unusual turn of events?

Another engrossing and funny as all-get-out caper from Elle Cosimano. This time around the plot is simpler but no less interesting as Finlay begins investigating the mystery around the dead body found in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard that was the husband of a woman who claims that she had an affair with Finlay’s ex-husband, Stephen. While Finlay accepts that there was a chance that Stephen did have an affair with this woman (he has a history), for the sake of her kids she is determined to find out just what happened.

For the first time in the series, the kids are in it more extensively, adding some cutesy humor to the proceedings as Mrs. Haggerty takes over Della’s schooling when she’s expelled for defending herself as well as Zach’s potty-training, proving that old folks are not superfluous. Also, Mrs. Haggerty proves that while she may be nosy, her observation skills are very much attached to a thinking, perceptive brain. Most people are gray, not black and white.

Per usual, there are humorous misunderstandings, unexpected plot twists, wise-cracking Vero (thank god for Vero!), and a climax that has the reader wondering just how Finlay will get out of it this time.

If you haven’t read any books in the Finlay Donovan series yet, I highly recommend them. With the adventure, mystery, snark, and humor, it’s a super enjoyable escapism. And don’t we need a little of that!

Many thanks to Minotaur Books for sending me a copy!

A great step on Finaly’s journey with lots of satisfying resolutions and questions answered. Don’t worry, there’s definitely room for more to come from your favorite accidental serial killer/detective/author!

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy. These opinions are my own

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series! Finlay and Vero make a great team. All of the hijinks that happens during their plans make the stories so memorable.

I do suggest reading the previous books in the series before reading this one. Spoiler…they’re all great!

This time around Finlay and Vero must play hostesses to their nosey neighbor Mrs Haggerty. They’re trying to conceal all of their illegal activity as well as continue on with daily duties, keeping Cam fed and “employed,” trying to keep their love lives going and potty training a toddler!! Will they be able to keep all their balls in the air?

I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Finlay and Vero in the next book!!

Thank you Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy of FINALY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE.

Finlay and Vero are back and shenanigans ensue. Nick makes more appearances, and really starts to question what Finlay is up to.

This book seemed to follow the usual script for the Finlay Donovan series. I have read all 4.5 of them, and my favorite by far is the first one. At this point, I think I am starting to get tired of the characters and plot. Book four is definitely for people who love the series and are invested in what Finlay and Vero have to offer. One aspect I do really appreciate about Elle Cosimano's writing is how engaging it is and the way she portrays motherhood.

CW: sex

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is now my new favorite in this series! I really enjoyed this newest installment so much. It was funny, lots of tense moments & full of mystery. Looovvveee Finlay & Nick’s dynamic & am rooting for them.
Finlay & Vero continue to be friendship goals and are the ultimate pseudo detective duo. And the ending? I already need the next book announced!

When I start reading a new book in the Finlay Donovan series I have to be really intentional about it, because it is almost guaranteed that I will do nothing else for the next 24 to 48 hours. These books are like potato chips. I can't stop reading them.

Finlay makes horrible choices. Vera encourages this behavior in a very comedic way.

They are just an amazing duo and I have loved every single book in this series, this one included.

Easy 5 stars.

Finlay and Vero are hands down my favourite duo. These two and their shenanigans are a pure pleasure to read.
The mystery in this one was different from the others. Instead of revolving around mob dealings and misunderstandings, Finn is trying to clear her ex-husband of murder charges. Something funny is going down and her and Vero are going to get to the bottom of it.
Mrs. Haggerty is back, after having been cleared of murder charges, and needing a place to stay, has barged her way into Finlay’s home. That’s right - she even takes over her bedroom. The old woman is cagey and appears to be up to no good, so Finn and Vero are on the case. Mrs. H, along with Cam and Finlay’s son Zach, offer a good additional source of comic relief for the reader.
Nick and Finlay’s relationship continues to evolve, trust is building between the two of them. The story focuses on plot, the mystery, and characters (a good amount of character growth in this book), however, the reader is treated to some romance, but more in tension and allusion than explicitly on the page.
The resolution is satisfying and fits in very well with the overall theme of the series and the epilogue sets us up for more to come.
I have enjoyed each book in this series, both story and characters have given me much entertainment. If you are looking for a book to let you sit back and enjoy the ride, then this book - and the rest of this series - is exactly that.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press (Minotaur Books) and NetGalley for a digital early reader’s copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.

Another great Finlay Donovan book that honestly tops "Rolls the Dice" in my opinion. The story kept me hooked the whole way through!
Ms. Haggerty was such a fun character - totally loved her and really hope she sticks around if there are more books coming (fingers crossed there will be!).
What makes me keep coming back to these books is definitely Finlay herself. The crazy situations she gets herself into are hilarious, but what I love most is how she ALWAYS has your back no matter what. Like, seriously, she'll go through absolute madness for the people she cares about, and you can't help but root for her.
There were some twists I definitely didn't see coming, and I found myself laughing out loud one minute and on the edge of my seat the next. That's what makes these books so addictive!
If you've read the other Finlay books, you're gonna have a blast with this one. It's got all the same charm but with fresh drama that keeps things interesting. Elle Cosimano knows how to keep us entertained!

I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Minotaur books but honestly it was already on my TBR I have been with Finlay from Book 1!

I have to confess that initially Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave didn't initially grab me. I was starting to wonder if this series had run its course for me, but I also was lucky enough to have the audio version, and Angela Dawe is a phenomenal narrator. I kept listening and reading, and once again I fell into the fun that is Finlay and Vero. Their friendship, the snarky dialogue, and the scrapes they get into along the way keep me coming back for more, and, with the cliffhanger ending, I'm already anxiously awaiting the next installment.

Thank you, Minotaur Books and NetGalley, for my eARC of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I was super excited to continue the adventure with Finlay and Vero as they tried to figure out who put the body in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard and why said person(s) framed Steven. I came into this series a few books late, but quickly caught up and have been enjoying every single book. I know it's a great series when I get excited to pick it back up and then (sadly) remember I've already finished it.

While this one was more about Finlay and Vero playing detectives and less criminal masterminds, it was still a fun read. I enjoyed their sleuthing skills and following them along as they narrowed down suspects and figured out clues.

I can't wait to see what happens next for our dynamic duo!

Thanks, Minotaur!

⭐️ 4/5
I absolutely adore this series and hope Elle Cosimano never stops writing about the Finlay and Vero adventures and shenanigans.
With that said, I liked this book but I didn’t love it. I also didn’t hate it. I am having a difficult time putting my finger on why though… it was a little flat compared to her last books in this series. Maybe because the mystery itself wasn’t difficult to figure out and it felt like there weren’t as many tense moments or dramatic action scenes compared to previous books. I was a little annoyed at Finlay’s passiveness during the entire story especially with Mrs Haggerty and also with Brendan’s absence. I’m not sure if his storyline was written because it ends up that he plays more of a role in everything but we find out more later in future books? Otherwise his excuse is just weird and lame.
Also, Sylvia annoys me.
In previous books I laughed out loud multiple times and in this one it only happened maybe once. I love Elle’s quick and witty humor that she adds to the storyline and characters’ behaviors and personalities. I would’ve loved to see more of it in this book!
I also wish the spicy scenes were exactly that; SPICY. Elle Cosimano does a great job setting the steamy scene and sensual mood but then that’s it. I know she has it in her to give us the entirety of the spicy scenes we all want and need. I’m otherwise proud of the overall relationship growth and character development.
I enjoyed the “book club” and what they stood for and how they all rallied together to support each other. I appreciated that the storylines are all intertwined with the previous books in the series. But again, something was just missing to make it even more exciting.
I’m still looking forward to the next in the series and hope it’s even more funny, dramatic, smart, and tense!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Minotaur Books for providing me this advanced reader copy of the book for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Thank you St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for allowing me to read and review Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, a novel,
by Elle Cosimano on NetGalley.

Published: 03/04/25
Narrator: Angela Dawe

Stars: 4

Tying up loose ends with a twist while not advancing the characters storyline is how I would describe book #5.

The under story is clever and the ending impressed me. I was "oh my" when I figured out where the book was going. Cosimano drew me back into the craziness with opened eyes. I was waxing and waning and bored.

The bantering is okay, that is the style of Finlay Donovan; it's the cheating, the spousal ridiculousness, and playing the Detective for a fool that just doesn't sit well with me.

The ending went on into the epilogue and could have been reduced. They were both way too long.

Was this a necessary chapter in the Donovan series? I don't think so. This feels more like a striking while the iron is hot book.

Of note, I had the E-book and audiobook. I prefer the audiobook. The narrator steals the show. Her voices makes the characters familiar and friend-like. I am not able to achieve these feelings by eye reading only. She is the reason I will pick up book #6 (which is what I expected book #5 to be.)