⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave – A Hilarious and Heartfelt Mystery

Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a delightful addition to the Finlay Donovan series, blending humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments that keep readers eagerly turning pages.

In this installment, Finlay and her partner-in-crime, Vero, find themselves entangled in a new mystery when a body is discovered in their neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard. As the investigation unfolds, Finlay and Vero navigate unexpected challenges, including a meddlesome neighbor and a surprising connection to Finlay’s ex-husband.

Cosimano’s writing shines with its witty dialogue and well-developed characters. The dynamic between Finlay and Vero continues to be a highlight, offering both comedic relief and emotional depth. The plot is engaging, with twists and turns that keep the suspense high and the reader guessing until the very end.

While the book occasionally relies on a few too-perfect coincidences, the charm and humor more than make up for it. Fans of the series will appreciate the continued character development and the fresh challenges Finlay and Vero face.

If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced mystery with a touch of humor and heart, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a must-read. It’s a testament to Cosimano’s talent for crafting stories that are both entertaining and meaningful.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the ARC!

3.75 stars! 🌟 Huge thanks to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for the ARC! 💌

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is FINALLY here, and let me tell you, it's another whirlwind of chaos, mystery, and side-splitting laughs! 😂 The plot kicks off with Finlay and her partner-in-crime Vero finding themselves in the midst of yet another murder investigation. This time, the body is discovered in none other than their busybody neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard. Talk about adding drama to the neighborhood! 🏡 Mrs. Haggerty ends up needing a place to stay (because, surprise surprise, her house is a crime scene). And who’s the lucky host? You guessed it—Finlay! 🙈

🕵️‍♀️ Amateur Sleuth
📚 Romantic Subplot
🕵️‍♀️ Small Town Secrets
📚 Unlikely Partnership
🕵️‍♀️ Elderly Character with a Secret
📚 Humorous Detective Mystery

Now, I’ve gotta say, this series has been a rollercoaster, and this book was no exception. From laugh-out-loud moments with Finlay’s kids (Delia and Zach seriously stole the show! 😍), to the ridiculous antics of Mrs. Haggerty, who is basically a walking chaos machine 🌪️, it's pure fun. But hey, it wasn’t all just giggles—there was a legit mystery to solve 🕵️‍♀️. Is Finlay’s ex, Steven, guilty? Who buried the body? And what’s going on with Mrs. Haggerty’s book club? 📚

Now, don’t get me wrong, there were some things that didn’t totally work for me. First off, the mystery felt a bit... too easy? 🤔 Like, there was some serious suspension of disbelief going on. And, while I ADORE Vero, she wasn’t as front and center in this one as I hoped. We got more of Finlay and Nick (who's so hot cop, by the way 😍🔥). Plus, a certain someone’s very suspicious late-night escapades had me laughing and groaning at the same time. 😂

But let’s talk about Mrs. Haggerty... Holy smokes, this woman is a scene stealer! 🎭 She’s irritating, hilarious, and, honestly, I kinda loved her this time. Layers, people! Layers! 😆

The ending? Of course, we’re left hanging on a cliffhanger 😱, which means we’re all anxiously waiting for book 6. 📖⏳ Why do they do this to us?!

So, yeah, I really enjoyed it! It wasn't my absolute fave of the series, but it was still a super fun ride. If you love chaos, humor, a dash of romance, and a tiniest bit of murder, you’re gonna have a blast with this one! 💥

I was eagerly awaiting this book, and it exceeded my expectations.

Single mom/romantic thriller writer Finlay Donovan and her nanny/accountant Vero, once again find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation when police find a body buried in the yard of their busy-body neighbor, Mr.s. Haggerty. When Finlay's ex, Steven, is arrested for the crime, she panics. She's sure he's innocent but worried the investigation could lead back to other illegal activity she may have had a hand in.
And to make matters worse, since her home is a crime scene, Mrs. Haggerty has no place to go and has to stay with Finlay and Vero!

Fans of Finlay will love this book for its wild escapades, humor, and satisfying mystery. Plus, Finlay's relationship with "hot cop" Nick is getting more serious. I found this book even more satisfying than the last and can't wait for the next (which Cosimano deftly sets up at the end of this one.)

If you haven't met Finlay yet, what are you waiting for? (Seriously, go read book one: Finlay Donovan is Killing it.)

"𝐈 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮...𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐭."

I've been a fan of this series since the first book, and I think this latest installment is my favorite. The dynamic between Finlay and her nanny slash partner-in-crime Vero has been firmly established as his Finlay's relationship with "hot cop" Nick. Their latest adventure brings them head-to-head with Finlay's elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, president of the neighborhood watch and all around busybody--and no fan of Finlay's.

But when a dead body is discovered in the old woman's backyard, Mrs. Haggerty is initially a suspect. But when she's cleared by the police, suspicion falls on someone close to Finlay--her cheating ex. With her house still an active crime scene, Mrs. Haggerty makes herself at home at Finlay's. As with everything else outrageous in her life, Finlay throws up her hands and deals with it. Between potty training a toddler, clearing her ex's name, and investigating the mysterious book club that Mrs. Haggerty is a part of, Finlay has her hands full. And moly mother of all cliffhangers...what an ending!

These characters have grown and evolved so much over time and avoid becoming vapid stereotypes. There were so many moments of depth and humanity, especially in the interactions between Finlay and Mrs. Haggerty that made me tear up a few times. These characters are steadily evolving, and I can't wait to see what happens next. Thank you so much to St. Martins Press/Minotaur Books for the early copy. This title will publish March 4, 2025.

I’ll admit that after the last book I felt about ready to be done with this series, but receiving an eARC for this and some terrific early reviews, I took a chance.

I started this while in a pretty deep reading slump/all around slump (I’ve been deeply concerned about the state of the nation/world, etc., ad infinitum) and began it with some trepidation. But, I decided to just see where the story went and to try to read without any expectation.

I’m glad I did, because this one made chuckle throughout; I enjoyed Mrs Haggerty, Cam, that the relationship between Finlay and Nick went through some growth, and appreciated a plot that kept me turning the pages.



Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the DRC

This is the first Finlay Donovan book that I've exclusively read with my eyes, and I'm happy to say the humor comes across just as well as it does in the audiobooks (which I love btw, 10/10 audiobooks)!!!

This installment in the series was SO FUN! Kind of crazy that it happened so close to the last book, though. Does Finlay ever get a BREAK?! This poor woman. That's part of the reason this wasn't a 5 star read for me--life keeps punching Finlay in the face (her elderly neighbor moves in when she doesn't want her to and disrespectfully takes over her room, her cheating ex-husband is even more of a cheater than she thought, her agent doesn't listen to her, her friends and family don't give her space to breathe and judge her, etc. etc.). I get that part of this is the humor of it all, but I didn't find all of the wild situations Finlay found herself in funny. Instead, I felt terrible for her. Give this woman at least a year of just being a mom and an author. PLEASE.

BUT, this was still a wild good time. I love Vero and Finlay's co-habitation relationship. I ADORE Nick with everything in me and I appreciated the growth in his and Finlay's relationship in this book. I loved all the cameos from people in previous books and how having those connections helps Finlay. On the other hand, this series is becoming too convoluted. There are too many people who know what Finlay has done for her to keep getting away with it.

The ending was great (and a long time coming), so I can't wait to see what happens in book 6!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

The best one yet! Love this series - and it's cast of characters. The books build nicely on each other - but this one has it all. Now just do t leave us hanging!

The author has grown as a writer through her Adventures with Finlay and we are reading the benefits!

Just when I think Finlay Donovan is done, here we go again! 4.50 stars rounded up.

Book 5 of the Finlay Donovan series is another worthy addition. Book 5 has us returning home from Atlantic City storyline - and I prefer the home setting for Finlay and Vero. We see our favourite characters return (Finlay, Vero, Nick, Delia, a potty training Zach, Mrs Haggerty, Cam, and even a cameo from our beloved law student).

When a body is unearthed across the street in nosy Mrs Haggerty’s yard, everyone is a suspect, including Mrs Haggerty. She is cleared by police but can’t go home, so she is stuck with Finlay and Vero. Chaos ensues as they decide (obviously) to find out what happened to get Mrs H the heck out.

I found book 5 better than 4 (FD Rolls the Dice) with intrigue, so much humour, and a good mystery. Our usual “female power” motif is strong in this one that I appreciate. It’s such a cozy mystery series that is never letting me down. And of course that cliffhanger ending!! What the heck! Highly recommend this series, and this story in particular is no exception.

Can’t wait for the next one - here’s hoping I can score another advanced copy like the previous 2!

Here are some of my favorite things about this book:

▪️The audio was amazing as always. Angela Dawe truly IS every character in this story, and I can’t imagine the series without her!

▪️The story is simpler this time around. I love all four prior books, but it was a nice change of pace to have a less convoluted story to follow. It felt like a needed breather.

▪️It was fun to see more of Finlay’s kids, Delia and Zach, who sometimes get lost in all of Finlay and Vero’s shenanigans. It’s a welcome throwback to the series opener, and they both stole the show a few times. I’m still lol’ing at the potty training scenes!

▪️Mrs. Haggerty. What a character! Peel the layers of that ‘onion’ and you may be surprised what you find. Ironically, just like an actual onion, I loved her and was irritated by her simultaneously!

▪️It was nice to see some growth in Finlay and Nick’s relationship arc. I really loved the thread about trust and seeing the choice Finlay made regarding it.

▪️Cam. The kid is hilarious … and well fed. IYKYK

A couple things that I didn’t like as much:

▪️I didn’t hate but didn’t love the mystery. It was unbelievable on so many levels and the resolution felt too easy. Luckily the story around it made up for it.

▪️A little heavy on the women as victims theme, which isn’t a favorite for me.

▪️It felt like Vero wasn’t QUITE as present this time. I always love as much Finlay and Vero interaction as possible, but it seemed like Finlay and Nick took some of that previous focus. Maybe it was just me.

All in all, another delightful and fun outing with Finlay, Vero and the crew. I think I may get my wish for more Vero in the next installment, as the epilogue shines the spotlight her way!

Thank you SO much to the author and publisher for this advanced copy!! I love this series so much. It’s so fun to revisit the characters. This one was laugh out loud funny (just like them all). I was starting to get a little confused with the story line, but this one felt fresh. Mrs. Haggerty has always been a somewhat lovable character, so it was fun to see her in this one too. The cliffhanger… crazy!!

Book 5 in the Finlay Donovan series picks up right where the book 4 cliffhanger leaves off. Like the others, this one is chalked full of quick whit, outrageous situations, and another addition of "who-done-it", this time featuring Finlay's neighbor, Mrs. Haggarty (and her book club). Overall a great read with less "moving parts" and characters than previous books. Looking forward to the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. It was a pleasure to read and review this book.

Finlay Donovan, a mystery writer, returns for her fifth cozy mystery. She doesn’t want to become involved in another murder investigation. But when a body is found in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard, directly across the street, Finlay and her nanny Vero, take an interest. Finlay’s ex husband is a potential suspect. Partly to get Mrs. Haggerty back to her own house and partly to clear her ex Finlay tries to solve the case. This series has a lot of humor and a few times when you need to accept things may get a bit over the top.

The book can be read as a stand alone mystery but it does help to read from the first book to get some of the cameos in the story. Of course I’m not going to comment on the mystery as that spoils the fun.

Just like the other books in the series, this one did not disappoint! Elle Cosimano has the amazing ability of making the reader want more and more of this series. The end of the book makes you sad it wasn't longer and hope for another book!

The fifth instalment in this wildly entertaining series – is proof that Elle Cosimano still has plenty of tricks up her sleeve. Just when I thought there couldn’t possibly be another twist-filled adventure for Finlay, this book proved me wrong. And with that cliffhanger ending, I have a strong feeling book six is on the horizon!

This time, a dead body turns up in Finlay’s nosy neighbor’s backyard. Mrs. Haggerty is arrested for the murder but later released. The real shocker? Finlay’s cheating ex-husband, Steven, becomes the prime suspect—after all, he’s the one who planted the rose garden where the body was found. To make matters worse, rumors swirl that Steven had an affair with the victim’s wife, Penny. Penny even claims she and Steven had a fling while she was pregnant with their first child. Just when you think Steven can’t get any slimier, he finds a way.

This installment was impossible to put down—bingeable, twisty, and full of the humor and chaos that makes this series so much fun. I loved catching up with Vero, Javi, Cam, and Nick, and I devoured this book in no time.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy. If you love the Finlay Donovan series, grab this one and enjoy the ride. Here’s hoping book six comes soon!

This may have been my favorite of the Finlay Donovan series. I feel like I really KNOW these characters and I just love how each series gets deeper into their relationships and also spotlights one or two others who have made a small presence in other books. Mrs. Haggerty is the best! You think you know her but that woman has layers! I sped through this book in 2 days - could not put it down. Also love the ending open to potentially a sixth????

When a body is dug up in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard, Finlay and Vero begrudgingly welcome unexpected houseguest Mrs. Haggerty. But an extra houseguest isn’t the only thing Finaly and Vero need to figure out. In order to get Mrs. Haggerty back home they must solve the murder. And that includes proving Finlay’s ex-husband’s innocence as he has been arrested and is the main suspect.

With the usual hilarious antics and colorful characters along with a few heartfelt moments, this newest installment does not disappoint.

When another body surfaces, this time it's too close for comfort. Finlay's neighbor Mrs. Haggerty is quickly cleared of suspicion, but Steven's role is less clear--after all, he landscaped Mrs. Haggerty's yard around the time the victim was buried there.

When Mrs. Haggerty decides to take refuge at Finlay's home, Finlay begrudgingly allows the intrusion, thinking it's only a short-term stay. With everything else at odds and ends in her life, what's one uninvited, crabby guest?

In true Finlay&Vero style, this murder/mystery/adventure/romance packs it all in. Unlike FD Rolls the Dice, this one slowed down in pace, concentrating on Finlay clearing her ex-husband's name. Thankfully, he's under lock and key for most of the novel, which allows Finlay time to get her head above water far enough to take a quick breath and wrest a little order into the chaos (just a little).

Thank you to Minotaur and NetGalley for access to the ARC. I do not receive compensation for my review.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the latest installment in Elle Cosimanos’ Finaly Donovan series about a writer who keeps getting tangled up in unsavory business. I am addicted to this series, and Digs Her Own Grave is one of my favorite novels in the series.

I adore Finlay and her nanny/bookkeeper sidekick, Vero. Their hilarious banter and friendship are pure magic. They play off each other’s personalities and strengths. Their respective love interests, Detective Nick and Javi are charming additions to the series. I love the building tension between Finlay and Nick.

Cam, the teenaged hacker, has a bit more than a cameo in Digs Her Own Grave. Ms. Cosimanos truly captured the heart and mind of a teenaged boy in her characterization of Cam. Mrs. Hagerty, the nosey old lady who lives across the street from Finlay, is featured in this latest installment. She stays true to her cantankerous image, making her easy to dislike, and yet, the character is impressive in her ability to get things done. She is not to be underestimated!

Digs Her Own Grave is so fun! Finlay and Vero are a dynamic duo with snappy banter. I’m very invested in these two strong, interesting characters (and their love interests). Each book in the series presents more twists for Finlay and Vero as they both work toward digging themselves out of the messy, tangled situations they accidentally find themselves in. The book ends with a cliffhanger of sorts that provides a captivating segue to the next installment.

Hey hey, the gang's all here. Nice to see the main characters back to solve a mystery, I was expecting more than it gave. However, I still enjoyed it. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This was nice read on a chilly day with a cup of spiked tea (not needed, but it was nice).

This installment in the Finley Donovan series is my favorite since the first book. Finlay and Vero are back with more shenanigans, but I think this book was toned down from the previous few as far as just how much trouble and impossible situations they wind up in. I liked being back in Finlay’s world with the same characters such as Vero, Javi, Cam, Nick the hot cop, Mrs. Haggerty the neighbor, along with a few new characters.

Finlay and Vero haven’t always gotten along with their elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, who loves across the street. She is the neighborhood busybody and know-it-all, and monitors all the things happening on their street. When a body is found buried in her backyard, she becomes a suspect, but then is released. Since her home is a crime scene she has nowhere to go and winds up living at Finlay’s house with Vero and the kids. Finlay’s ex, Steven, is being held in jail for the crime of the murdered body, so Finlay must figure out who really did it and try to clear his name. Finlay and Vero have to figure out what Mrs. Haggerty is really up to before Mrs. Haggerty can do the same for them.

This book was a fun and light read. I enjoyed seeing the gang brought back together and involved in this latest story. I will be recommending this book to my book club and friends!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.