I’m a huge fan of the Finlay Donovan series, but I have to admit that this book is my least favorite. The book was okay. Honestly I felt like it was long and drawn out and slightly all over the place. I enjoyed reading more about Finlay & Nicks relationship. Finlay and Veronica are hilarious. I did not expect the plot twist at the end!

Overall, it’s still a good read and I would recommend it to a friend. Thank you Minotaur and NetGalley for an opportunity at receiving this arc in exchange for my honest review.


3.5/5 ⭐️

This installment was so much fun!! Maybe my favorite of the series so far? I loved the plot (even though I called it really early on) and the characters. It was so fun to see a different side of her neighbor than we have in previous books and I loved the interactions with her kiddos and Mrs. Haggerty. Really truly enjoyable to read and didn’t want it to be over. When is the next Finlay book coming out?!?

"Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" by Elle Cosimano is Book #5 in the Finlay Donovan Series!

Finlay has never seen eye to eye with her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, a busybody who keeps snooping around and peering across the street into Finlay's business. Now, the tables are turned, and she may need some help from Finlay.

A dead body was found in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. She has been cleared of any charges, but her house remains a crime scene. Since Finlay's house is directly across the street, Mrs. H. makes herself at home, moving into Finlay's bedroom, where she has a clear view of her house.

Then, Finlay hears the familiar name of a new suspect in the case, which triggers her immediate interest in the investigation...

"Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave", like all previous books, picks up where the last book left off. I was on the fence about continuing this series, as I felt it had lost its original appeal. I wanted more Finlay and Vero, less wackiness, and fewer one-dimensional characters. This one delivers all that and a deeper dive into Finlay and Nick's developing relationship.

Mrs. Haggerty is quite the character and one of the best parts of this story. Come to find out there's more to her than meets the eye. I hope we see more of her in the future.

This was an immersion read; the audiobook is narrated by Angela Dawe, whose voicing of Finlay and Vero is so familiar to me that I can read the ebook alone and still hear their voices in my head. I'm not sure what that says about me, but I continue to be impressed by Ms. Dawe's talent.

"Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" ends in another cliffhanger, meaning another book is in the works. I'm excited for book #6 and more of Finlay and Vero's shenanigans!

4.5⭐

Thank you to St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and Elle Cosimano for the DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

🤍 Thank you @minotaur_books for the arc of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by @ellecosimano

I have been in a reading slump this week and this book completely broke me out of it.

The Finlay Donovan series is my go-to when in need an addictive, mysterious, and hysterical read with the perfect dash of romance.

I loved this installment, the mystery, and the growth of the characters! It was just what I needed.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5
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Elle Cosimano is a MASTER at delivering mystery, intrigue, comedy, romance, and everything in between all wrapped up in one bound book. This was a fantastic book #5 in the Finlay Donovan series, and I absolutely loved all of the character dynamics continuing to develop from the previous book. The mystery for this one was super fun, and Nick and Finn’s relationship development was perfect! The last line quite literally made me scream, and I already can’t wait for book 6!

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the early copy!

I love diving back into this series, because I know it will be hilarious and chaotic in the best way possible. Finlay is a character that is actually really special to me. She starts as the stressed mom in book one, strapped for cash and making really bad decisions, to kind of a badass author that is strapped for cash and making less-bad decisions. Growth! (No, seriously, through the books you can see a lot of character growth). The characters are fabulous- I love Vero and was thrilled that we saw more aspects of Cam. Nick is an amazing love interest. As a series, I find this one to be cohesive, fun fast reads that you want to go back to again and again because you will miss their little community they created. The only reason I don’t consider this a cozy mystery in full, is because there is slightly more sexual content than one normally finds in them. (It’s the same reason I don’t consider the Stephanie Plum series to be cozy either.)

We see more of the side characters in this book, and a lot of Scooby-Doo-esk sleuthing. I love that this book isn’t about Finlay being in danger, but trying to get her ex husband out of it. She’s showing more strength, allowing herself to trust Nick just a little more… I loved seeing this story line take shape. The neighbor was brilliant- the neighborhood busybody, cutting and aloof… and an absolute badass. Be it potty training, putting despicable principles in their place, or heading the craziest book club ever, she can do it all. I liked how I watched her character unfold- she wasn’t a new character, just one we hadn’t been allowed to see multiple dimensions of. That she and the teen troublemaker hit it off is hilarious. Life is still very chaotic in the Donovan household, and Vero’s maybe married status doesn’t help that, but it is warm and fun. My only complaint- we left at a cliffhanger, so there will be a sixth book but I have to wait for it. For me, this is a five star book. I am obsessed with this series.

As far as adult content goes, there is mild sexual content ( making out, allusions to more), violence, language and substance use. I would say it’s geared towards adults but would not have had an issue handing this one to my niece when she was a teen.

A return to form! I enjoyed the characters a lot and the plot of the story was incredibly clear while also tying up loose ends

Ahhh! I think this is one of my favorite Finlay books, besides the first. I loved the growth in Nick and Finlay's relationship. My jaw dropped at the end! Loved it all. As usual, the banter between Vero and Finlay is perfection, and any time someone is dissing her ex-husband, I'm cheering - I'm talking about your Mrs. Hagerty!

Finlay and Vero were back for more shenanigans in this latest installment. As usual, there were dead bodies and close calls. I am a huge fan of Nick and was somewhat disappointed with the lack of his role in this one. This was not a favorite of the series, but I enjoyed as a light read in between heavier books.

Elle Cosimano has done it again! I absolutely love following Finlay and Vero around and feel part of their crazy lives. I can so vividly picture the story. At times, when I would take breaks from reading and would think about the book, I could not remember if I was thinking of the book or a show - that's how vivid it was. I already cannot wait for Finlay and Vero's next adventure! I hope to one day see this on the big screen, and would love to know who would play hottie Det. Nick Anthony. Here's to the next Finlay story and Elle Cosimano!

Finlay is back and this time she needs to clear her ex-husband's name in order to keep her own name out of the minds of the police who are investigating him for the murder of the guy found in Miss. Haggerty's garden.

5stars, as always. I love these stories so much and am so excited for the next installment. The only thing I do not love, is that I need to wait a year for the next one! I love seeing Finlay and Nick's relationship grow.

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

When a body is found in her neighbor’s yard, Finlay Donovan and her nanny Vero are reluctantly drawn into another murder investigation. With a suspect list including Finlay’s ex-husband, they must unravel the mystery before their own secrets are uncovered.

Another fun and fast-paced mystery! This book is hilarious and warm-hearted, with vividly drawn characters you’d want to be friends with if you weren’t afraid of getting arrested or murdered. I loved the audiobook narration. Don’t miss this bingeworthy series!

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I am a BIG fan of Finlay Donovan. It is one of my favorite series. I first saw the books all over Instagram and thought, these aren’t for me. Then someone described them as a cozy mystery so I tried the first one (on audio, of course). I then proceeded to listen to the second book and the third book. Then I was stuck, because none of the other books were out, yet. THEN @ellecosimano was announced to be visiting my local indie bookstore on tour for the fourth book. It was pouring rain that day and I did not give one single care. Elle’s also as amazing and kind as you know/hoped she would be.

Late last year the fifth Donovan book was on Netgalley as Read Now. I’ve never clicked over so fast in my life. This fifth book was different for me because I read the print book. The other four I read via audio (including Vero’s spinoff novella). But I read it in Angela Dawe’s (THE best narrator) voice. And you better believe I’m doing a reread as soon as I can get my hands on the audio.

Also thank you @minotaur_books and @netgalley for the e-ARC. This books comes out tomorrow, March 4th.

This is a series so I can’t say a lot without spoiling the other books. Finlay is a very strong main character who seems to be able to handle everything that gets thrown at her. She’s a mom of two littles, so while she’s strong, we all get to see her as a frazzled, but protective mother. She has a messy life. She has maybe committed some crimes. It’s all absolutely perfect.

Highly, highly recommend.

I have to say I think this was my favorite of the series. Something about Finlay's life being a hot mess and her just taking it in stride speaks to me. Starting off from where the last book ended, Mrs. Haggerty is released from jail, and Finlay's ex-husband is accused of murder, Finlay is determined to prove his innocence. Of course, this gets her involved in things she doesn't belong in, such as Mrs. Haggerty's book club that does more than discuss books. With dark humor and laugh out loud moments, this is an easy read and perfect for Women's History Month.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave: 🪦🎧🪴⁣
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A million thanks to @macmillan.audio @minotaur_books and @ellecosimano for my gifted copy! #MinotaurInfluencers #MacAudio2025 ⁣
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Dare I say this may be my favorite Finlay adventure yet? This was a hoot and a half but we really got to see a lot of the secondary characters shine. Mrs. Haggerty has always had a spot in my heart, so I definitely wanted to know why she had a body in the back! Also, we get more punishment for Steven, so life is good. (I said what I said) ⁣
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We get more of hot cop Nick, and Finlay gets to really pull back her onion layers with him. He still gives me Dermot Mulroney, and that’s all I’ll think about. Maybe it’s Angela Dawe’s narration, but I love it. I actually heard Dawe on a different audio recently and I immediately said, “Fin?” ⁣
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Overall, we get more depth for our side characters, left with the wildest cliffhanger, and still get the best trouble around. Also, I love that we get more of a sense of community for Finlay. She deserves it.⁣
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Out tomorrow, March 4th.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the fifth installment in the incredible Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano. This book follows Finlay and Vero on another adventure of mystery, only now we’re essentially their own backyard. When the body of an unknown man is found in Finlay’s neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s yard, Mrs. Haggerty is arrested and then shockingly acquitted. To make matters worse, Mrs. Haggerty shows up at Finlay’s front door, expecting to stay with them until her house is repaired. As Finlay and Vero notice their neighbor’s behavior growing stranger, they begin an investigation of their own to uncover the truth about who the man was and why he was in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard.

This book is classic FD! So fun, witty, and suspenseful, I loved it so much! It’s another great addition to the Finlay Donovan collection. Highly recommend!

Thank you St Martin's and MacMillan Audio for review copies! I always recommend this series on audio of you have the chance to listen!

Angela Dawe once again delivers the dark humor and quirky charm of Finlay Donovan! I love Elle Cosimano's series, wait each year for the new book as they just land right (esp in the ugh dreary winter months). FD Digs her Own Grave is another return to the hilarity of Finlay and Ver0 (still my favorite side kick). I laughed a lot, continue to be glad when Finlay has more and more reason to stay away from her ex, and was here for Nick!!! As a mom with a young child I also love the way the kids steal the show, little kids are really funny, intentionally or not, and I love that they bring the laughs to the plot.
Yes, you will have to be all in for a little dark humor and silliness of a mom turned unexpected assassin/detective and her nanny side kick, be here for the yes another dead body turned up plot, but this is what a cozy or cozy adjacent series is... suspension of some reality in order to have a heck of a lot of fun listening to a mystery.

I recently discovered the Finlay Donovan series and have loved following Finlay along on her adventures. This was a great continuation to the series and had the same humorous, although at times a litte unrealistic, situations that Finlay usually finds herself in. But I read these books to be entertained and they do the trick. Can't wait for the next one!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the fifth installment in this fun and adventurous mystery series. Mystery writer Finlay Donovan and her nanny Vero welcome a new housemate whom they are less than thrilled about. Finlay's nosey neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, is in need of a place to stay because her home is still considered a crime scene even though she has been cleared of murder charges following the discovery of a dead body in her yard. Finlay and Vero don't want to get involved since they've been dealing with a LOT of crime and murder lately, but they want their space back so what else can they do but help solve the case and get Mrs. Haggerty back to her own home? As with all of the books in this series, humor and chaos ensue. If you're looking for something light and funny, the Finlay Donovan series is always a good bet.

Thanks yo St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.

This series is so much more than just a thriller with comedy! I have never laughed so much while reading a crime story, yet the suspense kept me hooked the entire time. The way humor and mystery blend together is just brilliant.

When a neighbor is murdered, the whole neighborhood seems to get involved—whether to help or make things worse? That’s the big question! I won’t spoil anything, but I loved how the situation kept evolving. Finlay’s conversations with everyone were pure gold, especially with her new love interest. He’s determined to solve the murder, which could put her ex-husband in serious trouble. The twists, the chaos, and the sharp dialogue made this an unforgettable read. Even if thrillers or comedy aren’t usually your thing, this one is worth it!