This is the 5th installment in the Finlay Donovan series and I believe there are two more coming. I have been a big Finlay fan for a bit now, but I think the story is starting to reach its end. While this book was still very good, I am ready to lay Finlay to rest. This book ends on another cliffhanger, so I will stick the series through to the end. I would recommend this book and the series as a whole, but am hoping that we reach a conclusion soon.

This is probably my favorite in the series after the first book! It did such a good job really bringing in so many great characters that had previously been side characters throughout the series and adding a lot of glorious color to interactions with them. As per usual the Finlay and Vero hijinks are unhinged, but this offered a perspective on how she even got into this mess from the beginning and I enjoyed every page!

The continuation of the most absurd accidental crime-solving(involved?) duo is back today! I absolutely ADORED this installation to Finlay and Vero’s story. I flew through it and laughed the entire time.

This is truly one of the most absurd of the series, it’s just utter chaos— the kind that only a mother can understand. You know those moments when you look to the non-existence audience, because surely that didn’t just happen. 🤣👀 The potty-training bit had me cackling.

Did this one tip too far into the absurd to be believable? A lot. But I have never read one of these books assuming it was grounded in steadfast reality. I come to these for the chaos and the comedy.

The romance between Finlay and Nick was a bright spot, and bless his heart, he really doesn’t have a clue what he’s got himself into. Or does he? There’s definitely more to that story.

If you want to escape into a world where if it can go wrong, it absolutely will, then pick this up today!

CW: some very strong language here and there. A couple of 🪦
FOTMS: 🫑🫑🫑(at least three fade to black,

Thank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC and Happy Pub Day!! The Finlay Donovan series continues in this hilarious and energetic story! I feel like every time we get a new Fin book I'm wonder what could they get into next and I'm always surprised in the best way. Vero is quippy and hilarious as ever and her personality brings such a treat to the story. A couple of twists got me but I can't wait to see how the story continues!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is the fifth installment in the series. Although, this book is part of a series it was easy to read as a stand alone. This was my first time diving into the world of Finlay Donovan. I was super excited to have the opportunity to read this book, and it truly did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every single page of this fun, highly entertaining book. I have books one through four queued up ready to read. A huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books, the author and Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this book, and all the previous books in the series.

Mrs. Haggerty, the meddlesome foe of Finlay Donovan, and the president of the neighborhood watch needs help. When a dead body is discovered buried in her backyard she becomes the prime suspect. Mrs. Haggerty is eventually cleared by the police, but finds herself in another predicament. She needs a place to stay, because her home is still an active crime scene. She decides she has no choice, but to turn to her neighbor Finlay who lives across the street for place to stay. So what actually happened across the street at Mrs. Haggerty’s house, and who is buried in her backyard?

Finlay and her trusted nanny Vero really have no intention of getting involved that is until Steven Finlay’s ex-husband is arrested for the crime. She is determined to find out what really happened. And so ensues a wild murder investigation filled with loads of chaos and escapades.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is an engaging, quick-paced, humorous whodunnit mystery filled with twist and turns that kept me captivated the entire time. If you’re looking for a lighter, cozy mystery series to read then look no further than the Finlay Donovan series.

This was such a great addition to this series! I loved the energy of it and couldn’t wait to race to the ending. I love Finlay and was super excited to see her life with Nick in this one. Her kids made me laugh and I like how they have grown throughout the series. The epilogue broke my heart…I need the next book asap. 😭

Another fun and funny murder mystery with Finlay, her bestie/nanny Vero, and her hot cop boyfriend Nick. Once again, this book picks up immediately where the 4th in the series leaves off, with the police finding a body in Finlay’s neighbor Mrs Haggery’s backyard. These are definitely not stand-alone mysteries and you will be lost if you try to jump in with this book, so do yourself a favor a start with the first book, Finlay Donovan is Killing It. You won’t regret it!

If you’re wondering if things have calmed down for Finlay now that Zhirov and Marco are off her back and Nick’s cases are solved, they absolutely have not. Not only is Mrs. Haggerty suddenly living with her (and sleeping in her bed!), but Finlay’s ex Stephen ends up as a suspect in this new murder, with a cop who’s convinced he’s to blame for all the mafia murders and maybe Finlay’s involved, too. And then you have Finlay’s literary agent, Sylvia, who is pushing this TV show deal and insisting on Nick’s involvement, too, which would be great except do they really need more eyes on these murders they’ve barely gotten away with?

I spent a lot of this book really annoyed with Mrs. Haggerty - yes, she’s a funny character, but it feels like she’s always butting in with her opinions and demands and making Finlay’s life more difficult. There’s all the spying, and the pity and judgement, and then the secret book club of it all. By the end, I’m glad to know Mrs. Haggerty more, and see her perspective on the events of the last several years. (But I still find her more annoying than funny.)

The part of this book I loved the most was seeing Finlay and Nick’s relationship grow and develop. It’s not just them spending more time together, it’s them getting to know and trust each other more, on both sides. Nick clearly knows there are things Finlay hasn’t been telling him, and I think he’s been pretty patient and reasonable about asking for honesty and trust. Honestly, I was a little afraid we would be kept in this limbo for a long time, with Finlay hiding things and Nick knowing she’s hiding things, so it was a huge relief when she ripped that band-aid off. That conversation was fantastic because it was open and vulnerable. They each took a step towards trusting each other more (plus spilling the L word and talking about the future).

I have to briefly mention what I was not excited by - Cam. First, he was rubbing me the wrong way most of this book, with constantly venmoing himself money from Finlay. Yes, he should be paid for his labor just like everyone else, but it almost feels like he’s taking advantage of her at some points. But what’s unforgivable is the ending cliffhanger with Vero. He assumed Vero had taken Mrs Haggerty’s car (which she HADN’T) and called in and reported the car as stolen and gave them her REAL NAME??? Like WTF?? He had to have know about the outstanding warrant and that it would cause her massive problems?? He better be prepared to grovel and do whatever it takes to get Vero out of this jam that he put her in. And now I’m also mad because I’m going to have to wait a year to find out what happens next!

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur for an advance copy of this book for review purposes!

Another fun installment in this series! Finlay and Vero are at it again. They get sucked into another murder mystery. The neighbor across the street is a character that we learn more about in this one. And the hijinks begin right away. I love how Fin and Nick get closer in this book. I also liked the reappearance of a few past characters. The story is a lot of fun. This is the perfect kind of escape. It's a great mix of whodunit and humor. I'm already chomping at the bit for the next book! I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave 🪦

Once again Finley and Vero are off getting into trouble… again! I’m really hoping this isn’t the last book because this is my favorite neighborhood gossip and amateur sleuths series! Can we make it like Grey’s Anatomy @ellecosimano and have 20 seasons?!

Finlay and Vero find themselves in a sticky situation. A new dead body pops up right across from Finlay’s house. Her crotchety old neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty is being accused for murder. After being released she comes knocking on Fins door to stay the night because she has no power. Determined to get her out of her house because she has a daughter who was suspended and a pants-less 2 year old, Finlay, Vero, and hot cop Nick, set out to find the true killer. You’ll be laughing at the whit and wanting to turn the page later into the night!

Read if you like:
🪦 murder investigation
🗣️ neighborhood gossip
👮🏽‍♂️ hot cop drama
👵🏼 bossy old ladies (who become your fav character)

💭QOTD: Favorite thriller or mystery book?

Ratings:
⭐️:4/5
📖: 320
📚: cozy mystery
✏️: March 4th

Finlay Donovan has had enough murder to last a lifetime. When a body is found in her neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s yard, Finlay wants to steer clear. But Mrs. Haggerty needs a place to stay while her house is a crime scene, and only Finlay’s house will work for her. Finlay is shocked when her ex-husband Steven is arrested for the murder of the body in the backyard. She may not trust Steven after his cheating tore apart their marriage, but she knows he isn’t a murderer and she’ll prove it herself if no one else will.

This is book five in the Finlay Donovan series and I think it’s my favorite yet! It had all of the zany moments Finlay is known for, but also had a few really emotional and lovely moments too. The scenes with Nick in this were perfect, and I loved seeing their relationship grow. He’s a dreamy leading man for Finlay and I just love them together even more after this installment!

The cliffhanger has me on the edge of my seat for book six! Finlay and Vero always pull themselves out of every mess they wind up in, and I can’t to see how they do that next!

Best of the series! To be honest, I was ready to give up on this series because it had gone so far over the top. I read Finley Donovan Digs Her Own Grave in one day - couldn’t put it down. Finlay’s nosy neighbor has a body buried in her yard. Stephen, Finlay’s ex, is arrested for the murder but something doesn’t sit right with Findlay. She sets out to proves his innocence to everyone- including Nick. So glad I read this one! Can’t wait for the next!

So good to be back with these characters. The writing is so witty and snarky. Cracks me up. The shenanigans just keep coming. Thankfully Nick does not scare off easily. Some past characters show up in this outing bringing the nostalgia. Ends on a cliff hanger so I hope that means ore antics to come.

🌹📓👵🍆🚨

Elle Cosimano delivers another wild, fast-paced mystery with Finlay Donovan, filled with sharp humor, outrageous twists, and the irresistible chaos I fully support. Finlay and Vero are back in action, juggling nosy neighbors, dead bodies, ex-husbands, and their ever-growing list of secrets. The book contains all the signature elements of the series: snappy banter, suspense, drama, mystery, and, of course, humor.

I can't wait for the next two books! I hope Elle Cosimano keeps writing this series forever! 🙌

This series keeps getting better and better. I absolutely didn’t see this plot coming! It introduces a few new characters, delivers plenty of retribution, keeps you on the edge of your seat with surprises, and is filled with humor. And the cliffhanger at the end? Fabulous! I’m completely hooked on Finlay and Vero. This series is addictive, and you won’t stop reading until you’ve finished them all.

This review is entirely voluntary, and all opinions expressed reflect my personal views.

Elle Cosimano does it again! I have read and enjoyed every single book in this series, and Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is no exception! The book keeps the series' signature humor, fun characters, and ridiculous plot (in the best way). This time, Finlay is not accidentally involved in a murder, but she is trying to solve one. I love the way we get to learn more about (and perhaps develop soft spots for) previously less desirable characters (like Mrs. Haggerty and Steven). I also loved watching Nick and Finlay's relationship develop. I've read more than a handful of series that lose their spark a few books in, but this book was just as fun as the others; a true feat!

Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC.
I have never read any of the Finley Donovan books, and what a fun book! I immediately want to read the past books that will explain a lot of the back stories that were mentioned.
This felt a lot like a book like a Stephanie Plum book. A fun cast of characters and a mystery to solve.
For a fun read, I think this will scratch that itch.

In one word, the Finlay Donovan series is FUN. The fifth book, Finaly Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, is Elle Cosimano’s best Finlay book yet. It ties up some loose strings from earlier books (even the first one!) and untangles a few new knots to let me know I should watch for a Book 6. And I will!

Finlay is a romance writer with a couple of big deals, thanks to her agent. But she’s also a single mother with a live-in best friend/nanny (who has an intriguing backstory of her own). She’s dating a hot detective. Oh, and her sister’s a cop on the force, too. She can’t seem to keep her ex-husband out of her hair, and there’s teen hacker who keeps showing up for dinner… and then there’s the ladies in the neighborhood…

While there are times that Cosimano’s characters are just too conveniently in the wrong (or right?) place at the wrong (or right?) time, I keep coming back to the entertaining, witty, fast-paced, slightly romantic, mysteries. You can’t help but root for Finlay and the messes she finds herself in. I HIGHLY recommend reading this series in order.

Elle does it again. Another Finlay Donovan novel to
Join the long series.
More suspense and excitement, crime, and Shenanigans.
Finlay & Vero at it again and I enjoyed it all.
If you’re a fan it’s a yes! Definitely more enjoyable as a series but can be read stand alone as Elle does a fantastic job filling in the past four point five novels.
Enjoyable, fun, funny, & how does finlay keep doing this to herself lol 😂

This was a cute and fun mystery as are all of Cosimano's Finlay Donovan books. She has a talent when it comes to writing her characters, and they never fail to feel real or have substance.

I love Finlays sidekick Vero, sometimes even more than Finlay, I think a strong secondary character always makes for a good story, especially when they play off each other so well, but Cosimano gives us more than just one strong secondary character, she even includes kids in the story that bring humor and substance.

The only thing with me, is I am not a series reader and after reading now the fifth book, all the craziness is starting to get old to me, and I believe it is time to move on. Don't fear though, after a long break I will be back to enjoy a few more books.

In the 5th Finlay Donovan novel Finlay finds herself with an unwelcome house guest, an ex husband being accused of murder, and a hot cop boyfriend who is growing suspicious of her activities. A great addition to the series!