4.5 Stars

Just like all of the previous Finlay books, I could not put this one down. The stakes were high, the laughs were plenty, and the car wreck of a life that Finlay and Vero are navigating gets even more complicated when the geriatric lady and suspected murdered of their neighborhood moves on in despite the protestations of Finlay and Vero…why? Because her power is out and she needs to stay close to prove her innocence. Nick is back, so is the ex, AND EVEN BABY ATTORNEY! The story ended on a big cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see where we head next!

If you’re looking for a fun read, this is it. Finlay and Vero have never gotten along with their nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. But, when a dead body shows up in her yard, she turns to Finlay and Vero for help. Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, is a suspect and Finlay wants to prove his innocence.

Sometimes you just need an entertaining book and I was in it for the cozy mystery vibes. It does help to read all the other books in the series before picking this up as there are characters and events that you will 100% be confused on if you don’t. I loved that it was a more simple mystery, less convoluted than previous books. I also liked seeing Finlay and Nick’s relationship grow, and the interaction with the kids. I would like to see more of Finlay and her sister. I bet they would be a riot together. Mrs. Haggerty was the WORST! I just needed Finlay to grow a backbone towards this old lady and be done.

Overall, it reminded me more of the first book in the series, and I loved that.

Also, Aimee Garcia is my Vero and I will not accept anyone else.

Thank you to @netgalley, @stmartinspress, & @minotaurbooks for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Finished Reading

Pre-Read notes

I've been reading all the books in the Finlay Donovan series for the last 2 weeks in anticipation for the release of the next book in the series, this one. I admit, I'm ready to read something else! But I just started this one and I adore the setup. I think this will be a fun read!

Final Review

Review summary and recommendations

This last book is really what I'd come to expect from this series-- a lot of tun that I just can't take any kind of seriously. If you like something adult but a little silly, you're probably going to love this whole series!

For sure, the second book, and the Vero book called book 3.5, are my favorite installments. Book 2 has a really strong plot, and 3.5 is a wonderful bit of character work.

All said I kind of loved my time with Finlay and Vero. They reminded me that life (and books) can be pure fun to be laughed with, not at.

I recommend all the books in the Finlay Donovan series to readers who enjoy the intersection of women's fiction and romance, crime capers, huge story turns, and giant casts of characters.

Reading Notes

One things I loved:

1. The setup for this book is excellent. Having a surly neighbor you don't know well and maybe harbor a grudge against moves in on your household. That's excellent conflict right there. And the body for this installment belongs to the old lady. Delightful!

Three things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. There's a scene where Finlay is sleeping in a bed that isn't hers, because a neighbor has taken her room. As she's falling asleep, she starts to worry her boyfriend might enter her room and find her neighbor and cause a disturbance. So does she text him? Call him and leave him a voice mail? Noooope! She gets out of her comfy bed and goes and sleeps on the couch, in order to intercept her boyfriend sneaking in the front door. Because she definitely won't sleep through that. Sounds logical, yeah?

2. The writing mechanics struggle sometimes. Casimano's tone shifts when she uses language and syntax that isn't natural to her. One paragraph with seven sentences didn't contain any verbs but "was". Little things like this add up.

3. The denouement contains entirely too much new plot information. And it goes on too long. I just do not like last chapters whose primary purpose is to patch up the plot.

Rating: 🛋🛋🛋 /5 couches for the night
Recommend? yes, the whole series
Finished: Feb 19 '25
Format: accessible digital arc, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🩸 murder mysteries
💄 women's fiction and romance
🚔 crime capers
👩‍👧‍👧 families / family drama
💍 marriage and divorce

Thank you to the author Elle Cosimano, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an accessible advance digital copy of FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE. All views are mine.
---------------
Book 5 of 5

Finlay Donovan is now a famous author. She has finally gotten rid of most of her problems and is adjusting to being a single mom of two with help from her nanny/best friend/ partner in crime, Vero. She even may finally commit to a relationship with her hot detective boyfriend, Nick even if she has to constantly lie about all the crimes she may or may not have had a hand in. But of course, our bumbling protagonist is dragged into yet another neighborhood crime. The suspect is none other than her nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty and to top it off, Finlay is forced to play host to her.

To be completely honest, I was pretty apprehensive going into this. The last couple of books felt a little too convoluted and nonsensical. But this one hit the mark! I loved the mystery in this one and it really kept me hooked. I did see the plot twist coming but nevertheless, the ride to get there was so much fun.
If you are interested in reading a book that has mystery, humor, romance and great female friendships, I would definitely recommend this one!
Thank you Elle Cosimano, St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the ARC!
#mystery #romcom #femalemc #femalefriendships #arc #netgalley #bookstagram #bookstagrammer

4.5 stars! This might be my favorite Finlay book yet. I truly didn’t see how she and Nick would be able to get Steven out of the charge and the misdirection with Brenden definitely got me.

I was SHOCKED to find out that it’s only been 4 months since the beginning of the series. Finlay has to be exhausted. Maybe it’s time to let her slow down and be a mom and an author.

Finlay Donovan get her self in a fix. A body is discovered in the back yard across the street from Finlay's house. Her neighbor, who lived in the house, is dropped off by her grandson to stay temporarily. This is a neighbor that she doesn't really like. When her ex husband becomes a suspect in the murder, she has to do something. She will get herself in one fix after another in trying to solve the case. What could possibly go wrong?

This book has sharp dialogue and is very witty. Most women will identify with Finlay as a single mother of two small children. Did their father really do this? She cannot believe it. The book is fast paced and you will want to see what Finlay and Vero get themselves into next. It is a wonderful read.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #ElleCosimano and #MinotaurBooks for a copy of this book.
#FinlayDonovanDigsHerOwnGrave

Finlay Donovan never fails to keep me in stitches!!!! When I say this book was a roller-coaster ride of laugh out loud chuckles. I literally couldn't put this one down once I got started. This story is a cute cozy mystery about Finlay, Vero and Mrs. Haggerty being caught up in a web of an adventure when a dead body is found in Mrs.Haggerty's backyard. Solving the mystery gets Finlay and Vero caught up in the middle per usual but with the help of Detective Nick and Cam by their sides the case will be solved. Thanks again Minotaur books for the EARC of this title.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano--The fifth book in the series that releases on March 4. A body has been found buried in Finlay's nosy elderly neighbor's yard and her ex-husband is the prime suspect. Finlay and Vero are determined to clear his name and find out what really happened across the street. Her neighbor's book club plays a role in the story that was unexpected. This was a good installment that ended on a cliffhanger which makes me want to keep reading the series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance digital copy.

This is one of my favorite series! What keeps me glued to it is that I’ve become so attached to the characters. Finlay and Vero are like old friends (friends I wish I had) whom I get to revisit with each new book—and they are hilarious together. I was so glad that many of the familiar faces returned here, Nick, Javi, and especially young, sweet Cam, who was still part of Finlay’s life.

And yes, don’t worry, Finlay and Vero get themselves mixed up, sleuthing another murder again. Seems Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, has a dead body buried in her backyard. So, while the house is being treated as a crime scene, Mrs. Haggerty insists on staying with Finlay and Vero. You know this will become a tangled mess! From Finlay’s ex becoming a suspect to Finlay having to tell Nick the truth about her past, this felt like it tied up loose ends and caught us up - until the next book. 😉

I love that while each story is a fun and entertaining mystery, it also discusses family life, friendship, and, of course, Finlay and Vero’s wild antics. I’m definitely hooked.

Thank you @minotaurbooks @stmartinspress and @ellecosimano for the gifted eARC via NetGalley. #FinlayDonovandigsherowngrave #thrillerbooks #bookreviews #bookseries #SMPinfluencer

Another wonderful Finlay romp! After the chaos in Atlantic City, loved that in this installment, Finlay is pulled into drama that is NOT of her own making. There is plenty of mystery, hijinks, and questionable decisions, but with an added side of vengeance and snark. The last "gasp" ,moment at the end promises more to come, and I'll still be along for the ride.

Another great installment in the Finlay Donovan series!

When a body appears in her nosy neighbors yard Finlay and Vero are on the case.

Great fun! A quick read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 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!