Elle Cosimano has done it again! I absolutley love this series! Between Vero and Finlay, I can't tell which one is my favorite character as they are written so well together! They are definitely the new Thelma and Louise! I enjoyed this read and hoping the series continues!

High praise for Number 5!
If you’ve been following Finlay Donovan’s penchant for getting into trouble, this latest installment will not disappoint. Although this review doesn’t contain actual spoilers, if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, I suggest you skip this until you’ve caught up. Now, for the rest of us, this book features Finlay’s pesky, widowed, head of the neighborhood watch, and thorn in her side—Mrs. Haggerty. This latest installment revolves around a crime of which Mrs. Haggerty is accused, and Finlay and Vero must find the real culprit in order to save the day. Cosimano’s books always have witty banter between Finlay and her nanny/accountant/partner-in-crime, Vero, and although this book had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, it seems to take a shift towards a more serious tone. This book felt a little more mystery novel and a little less full of its usual hi-jinks. This small change in writing didn’t take away from my enjoyment, but it is worth noting. The end of the book leaves the reader on a cliff hanger that’s been in the making and has this reader counting the days until the next release.

Another enjoyable book in the Finlay Donovan series! A body is found in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard and Mrs. Haggerty is arrested. However, evidence is discovered and Steven is now a suspect for the murder of Gilford Dupree. He is arrested, and Mrs. Haggerty shows up on Finlay’s doorstep. She plans to stay with Finlay since her house is an active crime scene. Finlay and Vero waste no time as they attempt to uncover Mrs. Haggerty’s secrets and prove Steven’s innocence.

This book is more of a mystery as Finlay and Vero try figure out exactly what Mrs. Haggerty is hiding. But it is still filled complicated situations that lend to the wit and humor that trademark the Finlay Donovan series. I love Finlay and Vero’s characters and they do not disappoint in the fifth book in this series.
Thank you Minotaur Books, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for this e-arc!

Finlay & Vero are back and better than ever! This book is filled with so many laugh out loud moments, stolen moments between Finlay & Nick and of course, precarious situations. I loved the addition of Mrs. Haggerty as a main character versus side character! There were moments where you loved her and moments that she drove you insane but that's what made her a great addition to the story! I did think that this was going to be the last book in the series so imagine my surprise when it ended on another cliffhanger! Everything was tied up so cleanly at the end and I would've been 100% happy with the series ending if it weren't for the last page. Guess we'll just have to wait and see what is in store for Finlay & Vero next!

Thank you to St Martin's Press and Minotaur books for the advanced reader's copy of this novel!

I'll start by saying this is definitely my favorite book in the series!

In the fifth installment if the Finlay Donovan series, Finlay finds herself stuck with her elderly and spunky neighbor living in her house after she was just released from following being cleared as a suspect. Not only that, but now that the police have cleared her name, they will find someone else to blame. In their true Finlay and Vero fashion, they take on solving the case to protect the ones they love (including themselves). With appearances from the charactes we love, such as Cam and Georgia, and further development of Finlay's relationship with hot cop Nick, this novel really has it all.

I really loved how much character development we see from Finlay in this book. She is finally beginning to work through all that she has experienced, both the traumatizing events from these books and her past with her ex husband. In the beginning of the series, I felt Finlay was truly out of touch with herself and not her best, but now with her best friends and new love in her life, she has truly come into her own and it has been a joy to watch.

This book also feels more light hearted and who-dunnit that some of the others in this series that involve covering up murders more than solving them, which I really enjoyed!

Per usual, Cosimano leaves us with a cliffhanger to get us tempted for book number 6! I can't wait to read it when it comes out.

Finlay Donovan is back, and this latest installment is just as wild, funny, and chaotic as ever! I love spending time with these characters, and after five books, they feel like old friends. Finlay and Vero’s antics never fail to make me laugh, and adding Mrs. Haggerty into the mix made for some truly hilarious moments. While the mystery wasn’t as shocking as in previous books, it was still engaging and fun to follow. The story had great pacing, and I enjoyed how it focused more on Finlay’s home life rather than the Russian mob this time. I also liked seeing more development in Finlay’s relationship with Nick. I do wish Vero had been more involved, but based on the ending, I know she’ll be back in full force next time! The cliffhanger has me counting down the days until the next book. A fantastic, entertaining read!
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

Another fun addition to the Finlay Donovan series and I think this may be the best one yet.

It’s filled with humour, a mystery involving a dead body (of course!), and more shenanigans from Finlay and her side kick, Vero, but this time there’s a crotchety, nosy old neighbour who may be onto their past questionable activities. There’s also great progress in the Finlay-Nick relationship! Oh, and there’s potty training 😂😂 I remember those days!

A quick, enjoyable, light-hearted read. The ending sets things up nicely for the next Finlay-Vero escapade in the series.

If you haven’t yet, check out this funny, madcap, series!

Thanks to @minotaur_books @stmartinspress for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

finlay is by far one of the most idiotic heroines of any novel I’ve read… and for a novelist and amateur detective, that’s not a great quality to have and survive… which leads to me to the main point: HOW the heck is this woman still alive 👀

finlay and vero are up to no good, per usual, when they have to prove that steven, finlay’s ex-husband, didn’t unalive their neighbors (when everyone clearly thinks he did it) 🥴 and in usual antics, nothing goes as planned in their investigation

what continually bothers me the most about this series, and specifically finlay as a character, is how careless she is when jumping into situations. she has a whole family at home and she clearly doesn’t think before acting, and it’s just getting more and more unbelievable that she’s still alive and allowing life to happen to her 🤷🏼‍♀️

I did enjoy how this one tied specifically into the first two novels, and I would risk it all for nosy maggie (a sentence I’d never thought I’d say) - and as always, another quick and easy read!

will I keep reading this series? yes… will I still continue to hate on finlay? also yes…

thank you netgalley and st martins press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

rating: 2 stars
wine pairing: dry creek zinfandel

After 5 books with this crew, I have grown so attached to these characters. I really enjoy the time I get to spend with them and usually find myself giggling at all the messes Finlay and Vero get themselves into.
Book 5 picks up immediately after book 4, making for a flawless continuation of the story now with Mrs Haggerty as a huge part of our cast!
While I still flew threw this book, eating it up page after page like I have all the others, I didn't find the story to be as shocking or give me that fun feeling of whiplash like I have in the others. The 4 star rating may be a little generous and based much more on my love of these characters, because book 5 definitely wasn't my favourite story of the bunch.
Never the less, we are left on another cliff hanger and I will absolutely be picking it up the moment it's available!!

Five books in and the Finlay Donovan series continues to impress, entertain and thrill readers. Elle Cosimano weaves another deliciously twisted tale with Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave.

It’s hard to imagine but somehow Finlay and Vero’s antics get even wilder and more intense in this latest installment. I eagerly count down the days to each new Finlay Donovan novel and was so happy to laugh, cringe and even cry with this lovely cast of characters. From Finlay’s wild kids and neighbors, to Cam and his antics, to Nick and Finlay’s romance, each thread woven together kept me hooked the entire time. Each chapter had me laughing out loud and eagerly turning the page to find out what happens next.

I hope this series never ends and we get a hundred adventures with Finlay and her family. The ending had my jaw on the floor and I can’t wait to find out what is next!

This book felt like it was slower paced than the others, but in a good way that let us catch our breath from all the running around a little. I’m a little surprised that the series will be continuing on after this book; I thought for sure book 5 would be the last. I read this one on kindle and missed listening to the audio version, so I’ll plan to listen to that for book 6. I’m still enjoying this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I have so much fun reading this series!
We're back with Finley and Vero and their hilarious shenanigans as they babysit the elderly busybody from next door. She can't go home because after a body is found in her garden and her subsequent arrest, her house is a crime scene.

I loved watching Vero and Finlay grow even closer to their partners, all the while trying to figure out who killed that guy in the garden and why someone would want to frame Finlay's ex for it. I laughed out loud, I was on the edge of my seat, and I was rooting for not only for Finley and Nick, but also for potty training!!
This is an excellent addition to this series, and I hope we get many more!!

This is one of my favorite series. Who wouldn't love Finlay Donovan and Vero as they enjoy their own brand of crime-fighting? IF you remember Mrs. Haggerty from previous books, she's an annoying neighbor who spies on the daring duo and seems to be an unofficial "watcher" for the neighborhood. Mrs. Haggerty features in this release when she gets more than she bargained for--a body appears in her backyard. Very funny lines, reminiscent of Janet Evanovich. This series is a keeper. Highly recommend.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is a refreshing, funny, and bright read. These wonderfully escapist novels are truly magical! I am in awe of Elle Cosimano's talent. Every book lover in the world should be reading Finlay Donovan.

Finlay Donovan is at it again, and Digs Her Own Grave delivers all the chaos, humor, and fast-paced antics I’ve come to love from this series. While some twists were a bit predictable, the book kept me thoroughly entertained with its sharp writing, lovable characters, and over-the-top situations that somehow work. Finlay and Vero’s dynamic remains the highlight, and the balance of mystery and comedy is just right. A solid, fun addition to the series that had me flipping pages late into the night.

Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! Can’t wait to see what trouble Finlay gets into next.

A solid follow up to the rest of the books in the series. For readers of Janet Evanonvich. Xxxxxxxxx

I love this series so much. I can’t get enough of Finley and Vero and the rest of the characters in these books. The pacing is great and I love the mystery elements. The twists and turns were a lot of fun. The dash of romance and tension were so good. Can’t wait to read the next one!

I received an arc from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Elle Cosimano has created a fabulous series!

Since it’s common with these books, it picks up right back from the last one when the nosey neighbor is arrested for murder possibly. Finlay and Vero are thrust into a whole new adventure when the neighbor decides she’s going to come stay with them and create a little chaos of her own.

Mrs Haggerty was so funny and sharp. She tells it like it is and keeps everyone on their toes. She even works with the kids to help them out. Of course, Mrs Haggerty has secrets of her own too. She’s going to this book club with women but it’s full of secrets.

Amidst all the chaos, Steven is accused of the murder from across the street and Finn knows he’s innocent. She’s determined to find out what really happened which leads to her getting into even more interesting adventures, something she is very well known for. Being a mom, solving what really happened to the body found across the street, and trying to discern what this book club really is about keeps her plenty busy.

I really did like this installment. The mystery was a little easy to figure out, but it still kept me entertained. I also do like her relationship with Nick more than I did in the previous books, they grow a lot together and learn to share how they are feeling much more. I did also like how this was centered about something close to home and not just the Russian mob. I didn’t mind that in past books, but it was a great change of pace for this story. I’m just sad Vero wasn’t in this one as much, but the ending of this proves she’s going to be a player in the next book.

This is such a good addition to the series I’m already eager for the next one! It will be so exciting to continue the journey with the characters.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for the review copy!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave

Out: March 4th
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (4 Stars)
Narration: probably my favourite narrator for audiobooks, such a good job with the characters voices.

I absolutely love this series! I have read all of them and suggest the audiobook form!

This is the 5th book so I won’t mention the plot. Each book builds on the last.

This is a cozy mystery, thriller series with comedy and an amazing cast of characters. While this one wasn’t as action packed as book 4, I still enjoyed it. It did feel like a filler book (so giving it 4 stars) but I love these characters so much I didn’t mind the less action. I highly recommend this series. Such a fun quick read. The audiobook narration is amazing as always with this series.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I just knew that Cosmiano’s newest Finlay Donovan book was going to be a good one! I mean, based on her previous ones I assumed #5 would be just as hilarious and it is! In the best way!

I laugh out loud at the craziness and shenanigans that Finlay and Vero get up to while trying to keep out of prison and just simply stay alive!

I was taken aback by Mrs. Haggarty putting herself in the middle of Finlay’s business but pleasantly surprised at how it all worked out. What a character!

Everyone has a secret and it seems that they all suspect one another of having secrets but are not sure. And I mean EVERYONE! It’s hilarious!

I love that the kids are along for the ride. The story wouldn’t be the same without them!

I also liked seeing Finlay and Nick’s relationship evolve. Now it seems like in the next book Vero is going to be in the hot seat! I’m glad I found a series that keeps me looking forward to the next book!

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books for the ARC via NetGalley