I have been binging this series. What started as a "what the heck am I reading" with the first book has turned into a quirky, endearing, guilty pleasure and Finlay's family and friends have become my own (in a matter of speaking LOL). Finlay, while getting herself (and Vero) into so many scrapes, you can't actually believe this could happen to a "gasp" romance writer, is absolutely loyal to the core, even to her scum ex-husband. When we last left Finlay, we thought her ordeals might finally be over, but Mrs. Haggerty's were just starting. Learning to trust becomes central to our fearless heroine, most especially in her love life. Lots of the usual fun hijinks and another fun ending which hopefully promises more in this series.

My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books/St.Martin' Publishing for the ARC of "Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" in exchange for an honest review.
I prize and embrace any books that manage to make me laugh out loud....(I'm a tough audience for comedic authors)....and Ellie Cosimano's Finlay Donovan does it to me every time.
As a best selling author, harried and divorced single mom and stumbling would-be sleuth, Finlay Donovan always finds a way to go out of the frying pan and into the fire. And with the somewhat less than competent help of her official nanny/sidekick/resident wisecracker Vero, she plunges deeper into all new messes......(usually involving any number of dead bodies and complications that linger on from one book to the other)
Finlay's perpetual nosy neighbor and all around neighborhood pain in the posterior Mrs. Haggerty got herself briefly arrested when police dug up a dead body on her property. The old woman's grandson, a rising political star, somehow prevails upon Finlay to take in his annoying grandmother as a temporary guest while police scour the old lady's house for clues.
To add to the escalating woes, a relentless detective not only holds Finlay's philandering ex husband responsible for the dug up stiff he's also sniffing around other mysteries that will lead back to Finlay and Vero's previous, slightly less than legal misadventures.
While I realize all of this sounds far fetched and silly, it's never stopped keeping me in constant smiles and laughter. There's simply no end of fun here in watching Finlay plunge headlong into one situation after another that's somehow harrowing and hilarious at the same time. . (And nothing beats Vero's deadpan, withering one liners at the expense of Finlay's worthless former husband.)
And as always, can't wait for the fresh batch of troubles to come her way. Long may Finlay Donovan collide with calamity.

Oh my god, the way the previous book ended in the series had me DESPERATE for Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano to be released. This absolutely has been the best book of the series, and definitely the one with the most heart. The story grew away from the bumbling messes of accidents and misunderstandings and into something deeper while keeping the levity of friendship.

While the friendship between Finlay and Vero has been at the forefront of the series, this book really emphasizes the importance of female friendships and solidarity. We have Mrs. Haggerty added to the mix, and we see Finlay and Vero’s hesitation at having to lodge her. It’s so indicative of how younger generations can be so dismissive of the older generations of women and their experiences. Watching them forced to interact with her, to figure her out and understand that she was a person and not just an old, nosy woman with nothing better to do, was so fulfilling. The ending especially was so needed and appreciated, especially in the times we find ourselves in.

Another thing I truly appreciated in this latest book in the series is that we’re finally pivoting away from Finlay’s initial accidental murder. We’re moving more over toward general investigation work, which I really love as a mystery reader. It also seems like Finlay is starting to grow up and mature. She’s finding herself again. And while she still hasn’t really found her voice, and is still unable to really stand up for herself against her agent or even Mrs. Haggerty, she is learning how to communicate. This is what honestly? Made the book for me.

One last note, this does end on a bit of a cliffhanger which is killing me because we are so far away from the next in the series and I want to know what is going to happen. But, I’m so glad that we’re moving the plot forward and the progression of each of the characters trajectories. I think this is the best Finlay Donovan we’ve had yet and if you’re this deep into the series, I think you’ll finally start to see the payoff.

Audiobook + Ebook : Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave- Finlay Donovan #5

Author: Elle Cosimano-I read Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank 4* and Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice 3*

Publication date: 3/4/25 | Read: 3/2/25

Genre: Mystery/Thriller, Adult Fic, and Contemporary Romance

Tropes: amateur sleuths, divorce, co-parenting, small town

Narrator: Angela Dawe voices all the characters with standouts from Nick, Delia, and Mrs. Haggerty. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.

Run Time: 8:36

Setting: South Riding, VA

POV: 1st person, single-Finlay

TW: cheating-h was cheated on by ex, murder

Summary: Finlay is juggling motherhood, her writing career, and murder investigator with the nanny Vero, her ex-husband Steven accused of murder, and her new boyfriend Nick inspecting the case of Gilford Dupree. She struggles with trusting Nick after all of Steven's indiscretions but doesn't believe he's a killer.

Heroine: Finlay "Finn" Donovan -an amateur sleuth/romantic suspense writer

Heroine: Veronica "Vero" Ruiz-Finn's nanny and partner

Other Characters:

• Steven-Finn's ex-husband

• Detective Nicholas "Nick" Anthony-Finn's boyfriend, a detective

• Delia + Zach- Finn & Steven's children

• Javi-Vero's childhood/current boyfriend

• Mrs. Maggie Haggerty-neighbor who found a dead body in her yard; her grandson Brendan brings her to live w/ Finn

• Cameron "Cam"-18 yr old hacker, worked for the mob

• Gilford Dupree- a mortgage broker found dead in the yard after disappearing 5 years ago

• Penelope Dupree-Gilford's wife

My Thoughts: I liked that Finlay was vulnerable with Nick about their relationship and the baggage from her ex-husband. Mrs. Haggerty was hilarious especially how she took over Finlay's home. I loved the kids' interactions and their honesty.

Rating: 4/5
Spice level 3/5

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press |Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and Elle Cosimano for this ARC & ALC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

This book features Finlay’s ultimate thorn in her side- Mrs. Haggerty. This latest installment revolves around a crime that Mrs. Haggerty is accused of, and Finlay and Vero must solve the crime. This book definitely leaned into the more mystery novel side, though not without the usual witty banter and laugh-out-loud moments readers have come to expect from this series. While this installment seemed more like filler in order to set up for the next book, it didn’t reduce the enjoyment this reader got out of it and has me counting down the days until the next release.

This book was so good! It's not often a series improves as it goes but this one has. This has been my favorite one so far. I really enjoyed Mrs. Haggerty, she fit into the craziness that is Finlay Donovans life with ease. I can't wait for the next book! I hope it's soon.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader copy.

✨FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE✨

3.5/5 ⭐️

Release Date: 3/4! THIS THURSDAY!

READ THIS SERIES IF YOU LOVE:
💙 Single POV
💙 Cozy Mystery
💙 Amateur Sleuthing
💙 Great Banter
💙 Unlikely Relationships
💙 Chaos but in the best way

REVIEW:
This series is complete chaos, absolutely witty, kind of romantic, and maybe a bit far fetched but it’s still very good. This book is no different, though I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that we get to see more of Finlay’s kids, other side characters but also less characters overall than in previous books. I weirdly LOVED Mrs Haggary! I loved that this book was a bit more realistic than the others, but just as dramatic and twisty. I really wasn’t expecting another cliffhanger hanger though….

A huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Just another classic Finlay and Vero Mess-Around…
👩🏻 Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano 👩🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“A man doesn’t turn up dead in an old woman’s backyard for no good reason…”

*insert gif of Jonah Hill screaming here*

Thank you, Netgalley and Minotaur Books, I am literally the most thankful for this ARC. It’s an understatement to say that this is my most favorite series of all time.

Our favorite gals are back! This is just simply another classic Finlay & Vero mess around (yes, this is a New Girl reference, and I am not sorry about it.)
This time, it seems a little bit messier than usual, and far too close to home. When a body is uncovered in their across-the-street neighbor’s backyard, Finlay’s ex-husband, Stephen, becomes the prime suspect. This ends up opening a can of worms, and only Finlay seems willing and able to a find the solution to his problem. The question is, as always, who actually killed this person?

“He looks very good holding a spatula, Finlay. Do not screw this up.”

AS USUAL - 5 stars! My favorite series, probably ever, and I will continue to gobble it up. and, UGH! It came with a cliffhanger (which I was both excited for and looking forward to) which means we're getting more, YAY! I loved all the elements of this one, and I think it may be the first or second best in the series thus far. Let’s be real, it’s really hard to be beat “Killing It,” but “Digs” was just so good. We finally get the fully fledged Nick and Finlay relationship, and our girl? She’s growing and learning. Nick continues to be the man of everyone’s dreams (anyone else wonder what signature cologne he’s using since everyone says he smells so good?) and Vero continues to be the coolest chick on the block. Also? Mrs. Haggerty? Kind of a badass. But if I see Detective Tran? It’s on sight, immediately. IMMIDIATELY!

“If you’re stupid enough to commit a B&E to help me, we might as well be thorough about it.”

It is everything you can hope for as the next installment for this series. It’s packed full of humor, a little bit of emotion, the wee bit of irritation that is warranted. Some suspense, the usual detective work, good old stakeouts, and stalking possible killers. The best part, to me? Every. Single. Woman Character. Is badass in their own way. I love you, Elle Cosimano. Thank you for your work, it gives me a large dose of serotonin and joy.


“A young woman’s education should never be hindered by the actions of a poorly behaved boy.”

“If you’re stupid enough to commit a B&E to help me, we might as well be thorough about it.”


Summary:
Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet . . . but at least there's not a body in her backyard.

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.

Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case—or sacrificing either of their bedrooms. After all, they’ve dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else.

“Maybe you need to stop thinking about this as a case and start thinking about it like a story. Maybe it’ll make more sense to you that way.”

Genre: Mystery Thriller, Cozy Mystery

#5 in the Finlay Donovan series is here and doesn’t disappoint. Finlay, Vero, Nick, Steven, Javi and nosy neighbor Mr.s Haggerty are back with another fun mystery!
I found this installment to be a little slower, not quite as crazy, but just as fun as the previous books.
This time the murder investigation takes place right in their own neighborhood. A body is discovered buried in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard. Who is it, how did they get there, and of course - who done it, is what drives this book.
I enjoyed this slower paced installment more than some of the previous ones. But I will certainly be looking for #6!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in return for my honest review.
Pub date- March 11, 2025
3 1/2 rounded up to 4 stars

Five books in and I’m still obsessed with this series. These books are just super cozy, fun reads. I can pictures these stories playing out in my head like a movie or tv show. The antics that Finlay and Vera get up to (mostly their own fault) are just hilarious to watch unfold. The first half of this story was a little slower than her previous novels but the ending picked up. Overall, still a fun ride.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review a copy of the new Finlay Donovan book; ‘Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave’ the fifth book in the series.

Not to sound like a broken record, but, once again Finlay had me laughing at all the antics going on in the story. Like the four books before it, it was just a fun read! The plot was done well, and I actually saw some character growth in Finlay by the end, as well as Steven. You have to absolutely go into this knowing that it is very unrealistic, but that’s the point.

Mrs. Haggerty really grew on me by the end. From the beginning, when she was introduced in the first book, I knew there had to be more to her story!

This is just a fun, entertaining, easy-to-read cozy mystery series that is fast paced. The way the book ended answered my question on if a sixth book was coming out, and I cannot wait!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is another great addition to this series and I look forward to reading many more. I have really enjoyed getting to know the characters throughout the series and seeing how their stories develop.

This book will give you what you would typically expect in the series. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments as well as parts that will make you audibly gasp. Finlay and Vero always manage to get themselves into and out of ridiculously improbable situations, but that’s what makes this series fun and lovable.

Returning to the world of Finlay Donovan feels like wrapping myself up in a cozy blanket, surrounded by the hilarious chaos and heartwarming camaraderie of two of the best fictional friends. In Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, the fifth installment in Elle Cosimano's delightful cozy mystery series, I was once again swept away by the wit, charm, and unexpected twists that make this series my absolute favorite.

Finlay Donovan is back, and this time, she's in deeper than ever—both literally and figuratively. After publishing books that are loosely based on the strange, often dangerous, and sometimes downright absurd cases she's stumbled upon, Finlay is facing the consequences. The lines between fiction and reality blur as the very adventures she's fictionalized start to catch up with her. In fact, it feels like she may have been digging her own grave—metaphorically and literally. It's a testament to Cosimano's clever storytelling that this situation is as suspenseful as it is hilarious.

This series has the perfect blend of mystery, humor, and a dash of romance!!

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, A Novel, by Elle Cosimano from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press /Minotaur Books in order to read and give an honest review.

…A must read with a page-turning mystery, romance, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as you watch them stumble their way through murder investigations, motherhood and….…

Elle Cosimano does it again in her fifth entry of her Finlay Donovan series. Once again her Lucy & Ethel meets Thelma & Louise meets Agatha Christie in Finlay Donovan Digs Her Grave. This entry picks up where book four leaves off with Finlay and her nanny/accountant, Vero, stumbling through life and trying to manage with her daughter suspended from school for beating up another student, and her toddler refusing to wear pants. As usual we meet Finlay who lives in a perpetual state of wondering “what’s next” and this time around she she doesn’t have to wait long. We again meet Finlay’s nemesis; the adversarial, miserable, nosy, Mrs. Haggerty who’s been a thorn in Finlays side since the beginning. When a body is in found in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard and Finlay’s ex-husband Steven is railroaded by a detective trying to make a name for himself. It’s not looking good for Steven because of a supposed affair with the victim’s wife all eyes are on him.

Almost at her breaking point, Finlay suddenly has yet another problem to deal with when Mrs. Haggerty’s nephew asks if Finlay and Vero could put up his aunt up for the weekend as the police declare Mrs. Haggerty’s home a crime scene. True to form Mrs. Haggerty moves in like she owns the place and offers them unwelcome advice on almost everything includeing child rearing. When the weekend is over and they can’t reach her nephew to pick her up, they are horrified to learn they are stuck with her. Finlay knows Steven isn’t capable of murder and decides it’s up to her to prove her innocence. so with Vero, Nick and Cam helping her she digs in knowing she might not like what she finds. Also knowing Mrs. Haggerty has dirt on both her and Vero they keep a close eye on their nosy neighbour. When Mrs. Haggerty begins taking mysterious walks at all hours as “president of the neighborhood watch”, and is part of a very secretive “Book Club” Finlay and Vero wonder what their nemesis is up to. Nick and Finlay’s romance is also at the forefront with Finlay’s secrets threatening to destroy what they have built.

A must read with a page-turning mystery, romance, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as you watch them stumble their way through murder investigations, motherhood and not to mention having Mrs. Haggerty moving in (chef’s kiss for that one). The author always manages to weave in genuine character development and emotional depth amidst all the fun and chaos. This book is a must-read, and with a cliff hanger ending I’m already dying to see what the future holds for Finlay and Vero.

How many new twists (and dead bodies) can pop up in this series??

In book 5, a body is found in Ms. Haggerty’s backyard. Once she’s cleared of being a suspect, she needs a place to go while her house is an active crime scene. Somehow, the neighborhood busybody winds up staying with Finlay. Finlay is determined to figure out who’s responsible so she can clear Steven’s name, who is now the prime suspect. They also need the detectives to stop questioning closed cases and looking too hard at the bodies buried at Steven’s sod farm…


⭐️ MY THOUGHTS:
This one felt more like a mystery novel as Finlay is trying to piece together Ms. Haggerty’s involvement and strange behavior. She’s acting especially strange in relation to her book club - sneaking out in the middle of the night, leaving secret messages in mailboxes. Of course there are stake outs, disguises, computer hacking sessions, police chases, and a near death experience or two. This one gets random and zany! I definitely had to suspend my disbelief and enjoy the crazy ride that every Finlay book takes us on. It wasn’t my favorite of the series, but I liked getting more of Ms. H’s backstory.

The ending has me ready for book 6 (even though book 5 hasn’t officially published yet…). This one’s available March 4th!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave picks up after a body is found buried in her neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard. After Mrs. Haggerty is cleared and invites herself to move into Finlay’s house until hers can be fixed, Finlay’s ex-husband Steven is arrested for the crime, after being implicated by the dead man’s wife Penny. Finlay and Vero desperately try to prove his innocence, since something in Penny’s allegation doesn’t sit right with Finlay. She and Vero get caught up in trying to solve a five-year-old cold case while still hiding their own secrets, and end up getting caught up in a mysterious book club that is not what it seems.

This book is action-packed, full of Finlay’s usual hijinks and some steamy romance with Detective Nick. This book is perfect for fans of murder mysteries full of intrigue and twists and turns! Thank you to Elle Cosimano, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this installment of the Finlay Donovan series. This one might be my favorite of the series so far. The twists and turns had me guessing until the very end, and, as per usual, the twist at the end of the epilogue had my jaw dropped and me dying for the next book!

I enjoyed this fifth outing of Finlay and company. I found the plot to be less convoluted than books 2-4. I was ready to give up on the series, but decided to give it one more try and I am glad I did. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is more reminiscent of the first in the series, Finlay Donovan is Killing It, which is alot of fun.

Finlay's neighbor, nosy neighborhood watch president Margaret Haggerty has a broken pipe in her rose garden and what should be discovered but the body of Gilford Dupree, who disappeared five years previous. The feisty 81 year old is arrested, but released due to lack of evidence. With her house a crime scene, Mrs Haggerty moves in with Finlay. Rumor has it that Finlay's ex, Steven, was having an affair with Mrs. Dupree. The police think he could have done the murder. Finlay and her side kick/nanny, Vero along with Finlay's handsome detective boyfriend, Nicholas Anthony investigate.

I loved Mrs. Haggerty, fun and irritating! I liked learning more about her backstory. What was she doing on her nightly excursions? What about her book club, is it really a book club? Who put the body in Mrs. Haggerty's rose garden?

This is a fun and quick read. We see more of Finlay's kids in this book, and the characters seemed to have grown from the previous installments. I like that Finlay and Nick seem to be growing closer.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Minotaur Books, for an ARC. The review is my own.

Elle Cosimano has once again brought us a hilarious, quick paced, and down right ridiculous chapter in the Finlay Donovan series.

I absolutely adore this series - and this latest edition takes readers immediately back to where we were at the end of the last book. Finlay and Vero once again find themselves in the middle of a crime, and have to help solve this case to prove the innocence of someone who, honestly, might not fully deserved to be saved.

The plot is quick, the cast of characters can only be described as a group of menaces who you can't help but love, and with every chapter unfolding I could not stop giggling and rooting for our girls. The new character's were introduced to, along with returning faces, highlight Cosimano's ability to create a world and characters that you can't help but root for, despite what some would call questionable judgment. I can't help but recommend this series to almost everyone I know, and I absolutely enjoyed every second of this book - reading it within 24 hours. I cannot wait to see how the next book unfolds, and I'd love it ASAP!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave
By Elle Cosimano
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the fifth book in the Finlay Donovan series and I was so excited to have received an advanced copy from the publisher. Elle Cosimano is one of my favourite cosy mystery. Writers and Finlay is amazing.

In this chapter of the series, Finlay and Vero are frantically trying to prove that Steven, Finlay’s good-for-nothing ex-husband did not kill someone. It is the perfect mix of suspense, humor, romance, drama. What I really loved about this book were all the callbacks to the very first Finlay Donovan. And also all of the Nick moments, spicy and dramatic.

This book has it all : a body found in a neighbor’s backyard, a crazy grandma figure in Mrs H, preschool dramas with Delia and potty training dramas with Zach, a suspicious book club, and also some callbacks to the sod farm. I loved absolutely every second of it.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the free e-arc in exchange for my honest opinions which are that all cozy mystery readers will love this one! I can’t wait to read what happens next!!

I pick up a Finlay Donovan book when I need a low stakes cozy mystery, and this one was no different.

Finlay and Vero solve another murder and for once it isn’t one they have been accused of committing. Filled with the usual ridiculous antics that only Finlay can seem to find herself in the middle of, this book entertains but doesn’t challenge.