Okay, so I'm in love with Elle Cosimano's writing. And I'm even more in love with Finlay Donovan. I can't say enough about these books, and I think you really should go in blind.
But let me tell you, I've read the first book 5 times, the second book 4 times, the third book 3 times, the 4th book twice, and this book, I DEVOURED. I look forward to Finlay's new adventure every year, and I always do a re-read through the series before the publication date.

Comedy, mystery, a win for the underdog, a smidge of romance that isn't smutty, and the most perfect duo I've ever read.

Just take my word for it. Go read it.

What I love most about this series is the evolution of the characters and their relationships with one another. So many ongoing mystery series have their characters stunted in both repetitive storylines and relationships never wither nor blossom, but that is not the case with Finlay Donovan.

While there is plenty of off the wall scenarios in this latest installment, including a buried body in Mrs. Haggerty's back garden, I felt like this one had the most heart out of all the Finlay Donovan stories so far. You have Finlay's insecurities front and center about trust and her very logical reasons why, Stephen's growth as an ex-husband and father as he faces murder accusations, and Nick's balance between wanting to have a relationship with Finlay's questionable past activities (which he knows nothing about, but suspects she is hiding SOMETHING from him) and his job as a detective, and then there is Vero's relationship with Javi and her indecisiveness over what she wants in the relationship. All together, this book had less hilarious moments, but more realistic feelings which I felt was needed to push the series further along.

I loved the sidequest storylines of potty training Zach, learning more about Finlay's nosy neighbor, and Finlay's agent making an appearance. I also loved that the story moves away from the mob, as it was growing tiresome. The ending was the perfect set up for the next book and I absolutely cannot wait to read it.

Recommended for fans of Finlay Donovan and Stephanie Plum series, but you will need to read this one in order.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Elle Cosimano for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

I started this series in print but have fully converted to the audiobooks—and I’m so glad I did. The narration adds so much personality and energy to Finlay and Vero’s wild misadventures. In this installment, Mrs. Haggerty becomes a very unexpected houseguest, and all the usual chaos and favorite characters are back. It was a hilarious, twisty ride from start to finish. I had a blast listening and I’m already counting down to the next book!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano had me laughing one moment and holding my breath the next — it’s smart, snappy, and just the right amount of chaos. The dynamic between Finlay and Vero remains the heart of the series, their ride-or-die bond adding depth and humor to every twist. Mrs. Haggerty finally gets her moment in the spotlight, and it was a treat to learn more about her background and what makes her the lovable, busybody she is. Can’t wait to see what trouble they get into next!

I’ll never turn down a Finlay Donovan book, I loved how this one centered around Mrs. Haggerty and just *knewwwwww* that’s what her book club was up too. Maggie, you little old badass you.

I've loved every book in this series. They're so funny, entertaining, and have a continuing storyline that makes the series so fun to read.
Elle Cosimano does an excellent job of making Finlay relatable. Difficulty potty training, awkwardly lovable shenanigans, and so much more.
I can't wait to read the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC

Thank you to the author, publisher and @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

We love a good Finlay novel here and once again, this delivers with the hijinks. This time, it’s Mrs. Haggerty, the over-enthusiastic neighbor who is president of the neighborhood watch and has made it her business to be all up in Finlay’s business.

But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty weasels her way in to Finlay’s house and the two become reluctant allies while trying to solve the case.

Thankfully, this was less focused on poor Finlay and Vero as the prime suspects, so this felt like a less tense novel than the previous ones, but it was no less entertaining and funny! Thank you @ellecosimano for this series and I can’t wait for Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line in 2026!

If there's one constant I can always count on, it's that Elle Cosimano will write a new Finlay Donovan book and that I will love it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave picks up right where the last one left off, but it's also a nice turning point in the series kicking off some new storylines and introducing new characters. These books always come out at least a year apart but I never have a hard time jumping right back into the story. I'm obsessed with the audiobook narration so it's always my preferred method for the series.

This is actually my highest ranking of the five so far and I'm committed to seeing it through. So we'll see you next year Finlay 🫡

A highly enjoyable new instalment to the series! Loved this more than the last one and had so much fun with the new/old characters in this book! Elle Cosimano never disappoints with this series!

Honestly I love finlay Donovan but I think the time might be coming to put an end to the series. Seems lik it’s run its course.
But of course this book has most of the same charm and humor as the other ones! And I will forever recommend this series.

Elle Cosimano is back with a new book that not only tied up some plots, but also moved onto a new mystery that's still tied to past mysteries.

After being disappointed by the previous two books, I'm excited to say that I enjoyed this one. This feels more on par with book one, but I will say the romance in this series has got to go.

With the Finlay Donovan series being one of my favorite series, this one was no different with the humor and crazy adventures with Finlay and Vero.

Highly recommend for a lighthearted and entertaining read. Thank you Netgalley for a copy to review

I love this series so much! I honestly cannot say enough good things about these books and I definitely recommend them all the time. Finlay and Vero are amazing and I love seeing all the shenanigans they get up wrapped up in.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the latest installment in a fantastic series. When a dead body is found in the backyard of Finlay’s neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, she and Vero are drawn into the investigation. With her house still considered a crime scene, Mrs. Haggerty wants to stay with Finlay so she can keep an eye on the place. Since she doesn’t have the heart to turn her away, Finlay reluctantly agrees.

Finlay decides to stay out of the investigation, until her ex-husband, Steven, becomes a prime suspect. Now her and Vero have to figure out what really happened before Steven goes to jail. Plus Mrs. Haggerty is definitely up to something, and Finlay has to figure out exactly what she’s hiding.

This is one of the best installments in the Finlay Donovan Series. It has mystery, suspense, romance and of course loads of humor to have you laughing out loud. I highly recommend this book and the entire series!

Another successful add to this witty, fun series. This was a favorite in the series. You can’t not laugh at the ridiculous situations that Finlay and Vero get into. I loved that the neighbor and the computer whiz boy from previous books played larger roles in this one. Highly recommend!

Another crazy crime mystery from the Finlay series. This book was packed full of characters (maybe bordering on too many to keep tabs on for me). That being said, I still enjoyed this most recent installment. Another dead body and with another wild story

Finlay Donovan and Vero, her nanny/partner, don't need any more murder and mayhem in their lives, but trouble has kept finding them over the past few months. They have always known that Mrs. Haggerty who lives across the street is a busybody who takes her neighborhood watch duties WAY too seriously. They end up spending a lot more up close and personal time with this neighbor after a body is found in her backyard. Mrs. Haggerty's home is deemed a crime scene so she can't stay there and ends up staying with Finlay, Vero and the children. Finlay and Vero are forced into the investigation after Finlay's ex, Steven, becomes one of the suspects.
The Finlay Donovan series builds with each book so it's important to read them in order. The novels find humor in murder with outrageous events. Mrs. Haggerty has always come across as a true nosy neighbor. With this novel, the reader sees she can be a badass. The ending of this story shows we are all in for another lively adventure.
For a fun romp put this and all the Finlay Donovan books on your TBR.

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘
✷ Fast-paced, funny mysteries with a heart
✷ Audiobooks with phenomenal narrators
✷ Women accidentally caught up in crime
✷ Cozy mysteries with a modern twist
✷ Fierce female friendships and found family vibes

𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦
Finlay Donovan is back — and as chaotic, lovable, and accidentally criminal as ever. I received an ARC of this book as an eBook, but I had to listen to the audiobook anyway because at this point? The narrator is Finlay to me. The delivery, the timing, the character voices — it’s all so pitch-perfect that it’s become my favorite way to experience the series.

This installment really delivers on what I love most about the Finlay Donovan books: sharp writing, wild twists, and a friendship that absolutely carries the story. Finlay and Vero are the kind of fictional duo that feels like they could show up at your front door with takeout and a body to bury, and you’d just go with it. Their dynamic is as entertaining and heartfelt as ever, and that alone keeps me coming back.

While this wasn’t my favorite in the series (book one still holds a special place in my heart), I still think it’s one of the stronger entries. The pacing is solid, the tension builds steadily, and the cliffhanger at the end? Killer. It opens the door to some seriously juicy plot threads for what’s next. What I appreciate most is how this book really moves the series forward — things are escalating in the best way, and I’m buckled in for wherever Elle Cosimano takes us next.

If you're new to the series, definitely start from the beginning. These books are best read (or listened to) in order to fully enjoy the running plotlines and the evolution of Finlay’s gloriously messy life.

Ellie Cosimano has done it again! Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a hilarious, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt addition to one of my favorite series. Finlay and Vero’s dynamic continues to shine with razor-sharp wit, chaotic charm, and an uncanny knack for getting into (and out of) the most outrageous situations. I couldn’t put this one down! Cosimano masterfully balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine suspense, keeping the tension high while still making space for character growth and emotional depth. Each book somehow manages to raise the stakes while staying true to what makes the series so special.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Ellie Cosimano for the advance copy. I’m so grateful to be along for the ride, and I can’t wait for whatever’s next for Finlay and Vero!

To be honest, I hadn't read the others in the series yet. It's a series that I've kept meaning to read! Although it seems like it would have been better to read them all in order, I was still able to enjoy the story without having done that. The characters were all very quirky and I enjoyed the humor mixed with mystery.

Thank you to Netgalley, Ellie Cosimano and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars. I enjoyed this one MUCH more than book 4. This series is so fun for me. Murder mystery and comedy. What more could you ask for. Soooo many twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. And the romance subplot is everything. Can’t wait to see what book 6 brings. And possibly a spin off maybe for Mrs. Haggerty’s book?👀