When a dead body is found in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard, she eventually gets let go as a suspect, but her house is still under wraps. So she needs somewhere to stay. Obviously her neighbor Finlay would love to take her in right? Finlay and Vero are not thrilled, and definitely don’t want to get involved with more murder…

Another crazy story of Finlay and Vero and their insane lives. Mrs. Haggerty was such a nosy Nelly, you just knew she had to know something about the dead body in her backyard right? I really enjoyed how this story came out, and I just love the lighthearted fun of murder in the Finlay series.

Thank you to @minotaurbooks for my gifted copy of this book!

Thanks to Minotaur Books for an advanced copy of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, which is book #5 in the Finlay Donovan series.

This book was so much fun and it reminded me more of the first book in the series. Finlay and Vero get involved in another murder case and try to help solve the case when a body is found in her neighbor's backyard. The hijinx and mishaps that Finlay and Vero get in are more believable and I honestly loved Mrs. Haggerty.

I loved the cliffhanger that this book left us on! And seeing Nick and Finlay together. I live in the area where these books are set, so it's always fun to read about your area in a book.

Angela Dawe did a fantastic job narrating the audiobook and I love listening to this series.

This series just makes me so happy! I love that it feels like a new season of your favorite TV show, all your favorite characters getting back together again, getting into trouble, love & mayham abundant! The last book kinda tied up some loose ends so I was curious as to what Finlay and the gang would get up to this time. & this doesn’t disappoint! I loved all the main players together. Cam making more of an appearance was so fun & I loved him and Mrs haggerty together! Literally so funny! (🚗🍆 iykyk!)

A solid addition to this series & I hope there’s another book in this series coming soon!

This is another fun entry in the Finlay series. I enjoyed the curmudgeon neighbor. I always really like Vero, and I think there's a good balance of personalities with the ex husband and the cop. The dialogue from the children isn't quite believable but it's minimal.

(spoiler) I'm a bit over the Strangers on a Train, Kill for Me Kill for You theme/twist.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I will share.

I love this series. It If I light, fun and so engaging. These women and their friendship is so much fun to read about. These books are entertaining, the women are smart, and the stories are compelling!! I usually finish these books in a day. Because they are do much fun to read!!!

This series always makes me laugh, as the foibles and adventures of Finlay and Vero continue to entertain. When Finlay’s ex-husband is arrested for a murder that Finlay is convinced he is innocent of, she delves into the case to solve it with her babysitter sidekick, Vero. Add in Mrs. Haggerty, a nosy old neighbor who was dropped off at her house, her detective boyfriend, Nick, as well as other characters, and the story will hold your attention. I recommend the whole series.Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I adore the Finlay Donovan series, and this didn't disappoint. My favourite will always be book #1, but this comes in a VERY close second. The story felt fresh and the new characters were the perfect addition. What I loved best though was getting more of my favourite side characters. Mrs. Haggerty is an absolute legend. And the dynamic between her and Cam was so much fun to read.

I'm already excited for the next installment!

Another solid installment in the Finlay Donovan saga. I was less stressed this time around (Finlay also seemed to sleep more) but it was more twists and turns and development for these characters. I hate that they all end on cliffhangers, but I’m excited to see where the next one goes!

What can I say?! Finlay and Vero are an absolute blast. I think each book gets better and better. And just when I think I have it all figured out, some super ridiculous happens.

I love the Finlay series for exactly what it is. It’s such a fast paced, funny, suspense, cozy series. There are several laugh out loud moments.

What I loved most about book 5 was the development of Finlay and Nick’s relationship. I’m excited to see where it goes. Also the growth with Steven. Yes, we still hate him, but he’s growing on me.

And that ending…can’t wait for book 6!

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

I have eaten up every single installment in this series and I am happy to report that she has delivered yet ANOTHER perfect follow up. This has quickly cemented itself as one of my all time favorite series. Funny, witty, action, thrills, romance, girl’s girls… what more could you ever want!

Another fun adventure with Finley and Vera. I love this series so much and I enjoy the chaos. Charming characters and laugh out loud dialogue! Always a good time.

I adore Finlay and this installment was no different!!

Elle I really need you to stop making me wait a whole year before the next book comes out cause I need to know what happens next!

I have loved the previous books and enjoyed the Russian mob plot lines but I really enjoyed seeing Finlay in her own space with the host of characters we’ve grown to love. Mrs. Haggerty is fantastic and I would happily read her debut novel.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to review ARC.

This is the 5th book of this series. I have to say this is my 2nd favorite one of the series (first one is always the best). I loved seeing some relationship development between Finlay and Nick!! It was also nice to have other characters come back. The mystery was a bit confusing. Overall I loved the book! Will there be book #6? I feel like we will focus on Vero and solve her problems in the next book?

The latest in Elie Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series is the best! When Finlay's ex-husband Stephen is arrested for a murder he didn't commit, she is determined to prove his innocence.

2 stars

The only person who might have died in this book was me. I need someone to explain to me like I’m five why we would ever be doing the most for that turd of a person Steven. Usually the humor in the book keeps me going, but this one felt weak. It felt like a bit of a chore to get through, I keep waiting for Finley to gain some sense. It ends with a rough cliffhanger so you’ll probably see me again here next year.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy to form opinions from.

As a girl who isn't typically a fan of cozy mysteries, I love me some Finlay Donovan! I have read this entire series so far and have to say that this might be my new favorite (other than the first book). I loved that this one added the element of a potential TV show, which felt meta, since I think these books would make for a great TV show.

I also loved that this one focused on Mrs. Haggerty, the grumpy elderly neighbor, as she has always been a favorite character of mine. This one brought just as many laughs and hijinks as her last few novels, and I think people are going to love this addition to the series!

Elle Cosimano has just released Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave. This is the fifth entry in this wonderfully fun series.

Finlay is the lead character and you can’t help but like her. She’s an author, a mom and somehow - a reluctant investigator. Finlay and her nanny/sidekick Vero aren’t interested in investigating another case. But, it’s right across the street they live on. Add in two small kids, a young computer whiz, an ex-husband and a hunky policeman to the mix. And let’s not forget the grumpy old woman across the street.

Well, while there are bodies popping up in every book, it’s funny with ridiculous situations that will have you laughing out loud. I hope that Cosimana has more plans for Finlay! The plot was a good one and there's some truth in it.

If you have enjoyed Jan
et Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, you will love this series. Evanovich herself has provided a blurb on the front cover!

Since first meeting the intrepid, incomparable Finlay Donovan in the first book in Elle Cosimano's extraordinary series, I have loved her--the courage, the intelligence, the sheer stubborn nature of a woman loving her family and beloved companions. These are dangerous books for me to read on planes, trains, any public place because they are full-bodied contact sport with laughter, snorts, gasps, and idiot joy at the messes and solutions Finlay lives in each book. FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE is the latest adventure -- and it is a doozy. Loved, loved, loved every moment of it, relishing the continued presence of loyal and creative Vero, stalwart sister Georgia, love interests and the criminals she inevitably encounters and thwarts. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions.

"FINLAY ROCKS! Finlay, Vero, the kids, Mrs. Haggerty, and Cam are a DREAM Team—a total RIOT! My new favorite of the series."

Elle Cosimano is back better than ever with her dynamic duo, Finlay and Vero in the Finlay Donovan series #4, FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE. The partners in crime are involved in another murder, but this time, it is their neighbor across the street who is in the hot seat (but they do not like the cops too close for comfort). So get ready for a wild ride. I have never laughed so hard—this book is highly entertaining, filled with humor that will keep you in stitches. THE BEST!

About...

Finlay and side-kick nanny (partner in crime), Vero are trying to lay low after their last Russian mob fiasco. However, the action heats up again when the cops are at Mrs. Haggerty's house (Finlay's neighbor). What in the world is going on?

There is a body buried in her backyard. She is arrested and then released for the moment while the investigation continues (her grandson is a politician). He appears at Finlay's door with the sassy, controlling, witty, and demanding grandmother. This unexpected turn sets the stage for hilarious and suspenseful situations.

She moves in and takes over Finlay's household. Finlay and Vero are stuck with her.

Add Finlay's ex, Steven in the mix for another layer of suspense, and Delia and Zach (Finlay's kids- hilarious), and always a fun visit from Sylvia (literary agent), and you have a wild ride.

Prepare for a delightful mix of laughter, drama, a mysterious book club, and mischief in 'Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave'. This book is a guaranteed fun ride, offering a unique blend of humor, suspense, and everyday life situations to keep you hooked from start to finish!

My thoughts...

'Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave' is a delight! Killer fantastic and simply marvelous. Whether you're reading or listening to the audiobook (more on that below), this story will have you in fits of laughter.

My favorite of the series! Finlay, Vero, Mrs. Haggerty, Delia, Zach, and Cam make a dream team! I have never laughed so hard.

Sylvia, Nick, and Javi are also back with some spice. Finlay and Vero need to keep some things private. So they do not like all the attention with a crime scene across the street and a person of interest staying with them.

Mrs. Haggerty adds to the narrative with secrets of her own, getting up in the middle of the night to something suspicious, and the mysterious book club, keeping Finaly and Vero on their toes. Shrouded in secrecy and intrigue, this book club adds an extra layer of mystery to the story. They may have met their match. Plus they have to worry about her keeping their secrets.

And best of all, how Mrs. Haggerty handles Delia's school suspension, homeschooling, and Zach's potty training is LOVED!! Priceless. More of this please.

I think everyone loves this installment, including myself, because there is no mob, or chasing bad guys. Still, everything is centered on the homefront, neighborhood, and the fun everyday things that happen. with the kids and everyday people. Mrs. Haggerty is the showstopper and takes center stage in this one. I hope we see more of her and Cam again.

I am delighted we are getting more from the Vero cliffhanger and can't wait for the next installment!

PLEASE....I would love to see a crossover with my two favorite series: Elle Cosimano and Janet Evanovich, with Stephanie Plum as the bail bondsman for Mrs. Haggerty! Would that not be wild!

Audiobook...

I enjoyed reading the book and listening to the stellar audio (as always) by the mega talented superstar, Angela Dawe! I could not wait for my day of errands and the car to listen as I would not miss an episode on audio. Angela is exceptional, and her engaging performance enhanced the listening experience. I kept rewinding as these one-liners are so awesome! I highly recommend the audio for an entertaining and immersive experience. Angela, and Ellie, you are award-winning. The audio was hilarious. Keep the snarky banter coming. I love it. And please bring back Mrs. Haggerty.

Angela is so 'Finlay and Vero' that while I am currently listening to the audiobook of The Unlucky Ones by Hannah Morrissey (excellent), Angela Dawe and Robb Moreira are narrating and I keep waiting for Finlay and Vero to pop out or looking down to see what I am listening to.

Just like I would never miss a Janet Evanovich audiobook narrated by Lorelei King, I would never miss Elle Cosimano audio by Angela Dawe. They become these characters in readers/listeners' minds, so please do not change narrators! Award-winning.

I would highly recommend reading all the books in the series in order. You do not want to miss a thing.

Recs...

This hit is for fans of the author and the Finlay Donovan series, as well as works by Janet Evanovich and the Stephanie Plum series.

Thanks to St. Martins Press, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio via Netgalley for a gifted advanced reading and listening copy for my honest thoughts. #MacAudio2025 #SMPInfluencers

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars ++
Pub Date: March 4, 2025
Mar 2025 Must-Read Books
March Newsletter

What would you do if your nosy neighbor nemesis across the street suddenly showed up on your doorstep, assuming she could stay with you while her home is being repaired? If you’re Finlay Donovan, you give into the guilt and grudgingly accept your bossy new housemate. Except this is no everyday neighbor — it’s the neighborhood watch crank who has made your life miserable. In book five of Elle Cosimano’s fabulously funny mystery rom-com series, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, Mrs. Haggerty is released from prison after the body of a man who has been missing for five years is discovered buried under her roses!

The last thing Finlay and her live-in accountant/nanny/partner-in-crime Vero want after their crazy trip to Atlantic City is another mystery. “Hot Cop” Nick and Finlay are working on building their relationship. Vero and Javi are also working on things since their surprise drunken nuptials. Delia gets in trouble at preschool and Zach starts potty training, both adding so much fun (and heart!) to this installment. Ex-husband Steven is in even more trouble, and Finlay is the only one who believes him. Cam provides comic relief, technical support, and unexpected sweet moments.

If you haven’t read the other books in the series, go back and start at the beginning before jumping into book five. The Finlay Donovan series is perfect for those who need something fun to read. The mysteries are not totally predictable, and the characters’ antics supply much needed laughs. This book had me laughing out loud so many times. Of course it ends with another problem to be resolved in book six. Until that one is available, I may just have to re-read this entire series.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for ARC. All opinions are my own.