I’ve been looking forward to reading this book since I finished the FINLAY DONOVAN ROLLS THE DICE. This book is just as wild and crazy as the this whole series has been. I love how Cosimano writes these characters. Each book, she stay true to this world she’s created. This series has been so fun. These books are definitely made to read one after the other, so you can get a sense of the whole crazy, page-turning picture.

In this book, Finlay and Vero are trying to figure out who framed Steven for the body found in Mrs. Haggerty’s back yard. And it takes the story down a road I wasn’t expecting. So many twists and turns! And I loved every second. There were characters that surprised me. One I won’t say because that would blow the whole thing and spoil too much. But where the story goes is unexpected and I enjoyed how Cosimano developed all five of these books and ties them all together so well.

I received a NetGalley copy of both the ebook and the ALC. Huge thank you to the publisher for the Read Now and approval!

I look forward to the new Finlay Donovan book every spring and none of them have disappointed. It’s always very entertaining to see what Finlay and Vero are up to, and the fifth book in this series had the fun addition of Mrs, Haggerty, the neighborhood watch.

Summary: Finlay Donovan and her partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and neighborhood watch, but when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. Her house remains an active crime scene even after she is cleared as a suspect and 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, but when the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets before the police start digging up theirs.

Readers have to suspend a bit of reality with this entire series, and if youre able to, you’re in for a wild ride with this duo. Highly recommend! Thanks for sharing it with me!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano proves once again that Finlay is the hot mess express I will happily ride into absolute chaos. If you thought ghostwriting a hitman’s memoir, dodging the Russian mob, and accidentally getting tangled in murder-for-hire schemes was enough for one suburban mom/crime novelist—think again.

This time, Finlay’s very questionable life choices take her even deeper into the underworld, and honestly, it’s a miracle she hasn’t just faked her own death and moved to a tropical island. But instead of making smart, rational decisions, she and her ride-or-die bestie Vero double down on the madness with more disguises, more crime-adjacent shenanigans, and more absolutely unhinged antics that had me cackling.

TL;DR: If you love the energy of a mom who forgot her kids’ PTA meeting because she was too busy solving a murder, but make it high stakes and hilarious—this is your book.

Another cute and fast-paced story from Finlay Donovan, a suburban mom, who seems to have an ever-increasing clan of support. Nevertheless she gets herself and her husband out of a scrape, and come cleans to her hot cop boyfriend, while turning down a tv option of her latest book. Plenty to do, plenty of callbacks from prior books in the series, and her children are growing up...

Elle Cosimano has done it again, perfectly combined humor, unbelievable shenanigans, and a lovable bunch of characters. In this installment with Finlay, she is trying to potty train Zach, Delia stands up for herself, Steven has another run in with the law, and Mrs Hagerty is always in the know. This book gives readers some big story line wrap ups and also leaves off on just as big of a cliff hanger as ever.
Worth the read if you have been invested in Finlay from the start.
I was provided an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

I find this series to be mostly slapstick humor. There are usually a lot of potty jokes, dead bodies being moved, and generally just very over-the-top humorous, but unrealistic stuff. It's a series you pick up when you are in the mood for something that is just entertaining without being serious.

Although fun, the previous books all had something that I wasn't a huge fan of. There was a little bit of a love triangle in a couple of the earlier books and I didn't love the path the series was taking with a lot of mafia connections. Although I enjoyed the books, I had originally decided not to read the most recent two installments. However, I ended up doing a buddy read with some GR friends and I'm really glad I did. I think this was my favorite of the series.

I felt this one was a little less slapstick than the previous books and I was happy that some of the older storylines were wrapped up. There was some character development and growth that was interesting and made the story feel fresh again. It had a slightly different feel than the previous books, but it was still a lot of fun. I'm curious to see if that will continue to be the case in future installments.

This book and the previous one opened up some possible storylines that could be interesting to pursue and of course ended with a teaser. I am once again looking forward to the next book in the series.

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. More shenanigans in this installment when Finlay’s ex-husband is arrested for a murder he insists he didn’t commit. This is my favorite one yet with more FaceTime for the “hawt cawp”, Nick.

3.5 stars rounding to a 4 - The gang is back together to put a bow on Finlay and Vero's string of accidental crimes with a couple of B&E's, a stake out, and one last kidnapping for good measure.

A buried body is discovered in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard (Finlay's across the street neighbor who is always watching and taking notes). Finlay wants nothing to do with it and for once, know nothing about it. But when Steven is picked up for the crime and Mrs. Haggerty moves in, she's forced to use her extensive background knowledge on the subject to find the real killer.

Fewer cringy decisions were made this go around as though Finlay has learned a little along the way. The wrap up was very fitting yet surprising! I've enjoyed this series but feel like we should leave the rest of Finlay and Vero's adventures to the imagination.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Publishing for the ARC!

I was issued these books for my unbiased review.

I really enjoyed these books. I was issued the entire series of Finlay Donovan stories. They are all stand alone, but I think that for the greatest enjoyment they should be read in order. The duo of Finlay and Vero are so much fun. They keep getting into crazy situations--and find their way out of them. Great read, funny and innovative. All the characters are well placed and just a pleasure.

Read them you will have a great ride!

How do you describe the Finlay Donovan series to someone who hasn't read them? They're the most ZANY fun you could imagine in a sluthy accidental murderer sort of way. You have to read them! This newest installment does not disappoint.
We get to really know Mrs. Hagerty and uncover a few secrets along the way. I actually fell in love with this character over this book. Can I have her stay with me for a while and part some of that snarky wisdom my way? The hot detective delves deeper into a relationship status. Steven...well, he's still Steven, but perhaps a change is heading his way.
I CAN NOT wait for the next book in this fantastically fun series. Get this book in pre-order status because it comes out March 4th.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the ARC, and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

Returning to the Finlay universe, I loved how this book began. Such fun hooks right from the beginning. I always enjoy the relationship between Vero and Finlay, even if they don't make the smartest/best decisions (would there be a plot if they did?). I liked the addition of Mrs. Haggerty, taking a side character and fleshing her out.
However, I felt some of the spark or magic was missing. I found this installment harder to get through, I just wasn't compelled to keep reading and put it down several times. Maybe going forward, this is a series I should consume on audio rather than paper (that can make all the difference).

Okay so I LOVE this series and last year when I requested an ARC for the fourth book, I was sadly denied. This year when I got the email I was approved, I actually screamed!! I was SO excited to get my hands on this and this one is my favorite of them yet!

Fresh off their “vacation” in Atlantic City, Finlay and Vero are back home ready to enjoy the quiet when their nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, is dropped off at Finlay’s house after she was released from jail with the murder charges dropped. What happens next? Well, Finlay’s cheating ex-husband, Steven, is taken into custody for the murder! Although he’s not even worth it, Finlay and Vero set out to exonerate Steven and bring the real killer to justice. What will they find this time and get themselves wrapped up in? This book had the humor as the other three and it just keeps getting better and better! And the CLIFFHANGER??? OMG I CANNOT WAIT for the fifth book!!!

In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that this ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay and Vero are in the clear after a wild weekend in Atlantic City. But after Finlay’s busy-body neighbor is the suspect in a murder investigation, and a new, hard-ass detective is determined to uncover the neighborhood secrets, the threads of the investigation start unraveling faster than Finlay and Vero can keep up.
To say I love this series is an understatement. I was so fortunate to be able to read an ARC copy thanks to #netgalley. I don’t know how Cosimano does it. I will admit, this storyline seems to move a little slower than the previous titles; however, this is not a critique, just an observation. I loved the sassy attitude of Mrs. Haggerty, Vero’s quick witted comments, and Finlay’s frank comments about all the crazy situations they found themselves in. I want this series to go on forever, and I will continue to recommend it until everyone I know has read it. Perfect for mamas of all ages who are just trying to keep it together, and avoid being arrested. Encore, Elle! Encore!
#FinlayDonovanDigsHerOwnGrave #FinlayDonovan #ElleCosimano #NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #ARCreader #librarian #mustread #mystery #cozymystery #thriller #bookrecomendations

Rating: 5⭐️
Pub Date: March 4, 2025
How I Read It: 📱

Synopsis
Finlay Donovan and her nanny/“accountant”/partner-in-crime, Vero, are at it again! Finlay’s elderly nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, has found herself in a little trouble. A dead body has just been found in her backyard, so she’s whisked off to jail, but then things take a turn, and Finlay’s husband Steven is arrested for the murder of the dead guy. In all the craziness, Mrs. Haggerty is released from jail and winds up on Finlay’s front porch with her nephew and drops the bomb on Finlay that she will need to stay at her house temporarily because she has no power or water. She takes over Finlay’s bedroom, because it has the best view of the neighborhood and she’s the neighborhood watch, and Finlay is stuck with her because oddly enough, Mrs. Haggerty’s nephew has gone MIA. Finlay can’t let Mrs. Haggerty’s visit bother her though because she needs to clear Steven’s name, and fast. So Finlay and Vero set out to figure out who killed the dead guy in the backyard, and of course, find themselves in trouble!

My Thoughts
This was probably my favorite Finlay Donovan book yet! It was hilarious, and I finally got my Finlay and Nick relationship I was looking for - they felt more connected than ever. The banter in these books is always great, and the characters are so great too, each with their own very distinctive personalities. Mrs. Haggerty just makes you crack up with her brutal honesty, and she develops a friendship with Cam of all people, which is hysterical, and the shenanigans don’t stop there! There’s book club meetings with pot brownies, and the book ends with the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers, and I’m patiently (ok, not really patiently) waiting for the next book!

Ratings
Characters: 5 ⭐️
Pace: 5 ⭐️
Enjoyability: 5 ⭐️

Thank you St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!

Let’s be honest, I’m going to read any and all of the Finlay Donovan series. If you liked the first few the same humor, whit and crime/mystery are in play in this one as well.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another story in the Finlay Donovan storyline involving the neighborhood watch lady--Mrs. Haggerty. Finlay is usually in the center of everything but Mrs. Haggerty-whose sharp eyes never miss a beat-needs the duo to keep her safe. The regular antics and shenanigans ensue with the normal Finlay flair. Easy to read on its own but better if read in order.

Fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series would likely enjoy the Finlay Donovan series. There's a hot cop, a dynamic duo of female leads with a strong and enviable friendship, mystery, and humor. And just like the Plum series, there's the meta-story of the main characters lives that does progress from book to book, albeit a bit too slow.

I think that this was a great book and those who are waiting will love it too. I’ve been busy but I finally had to to review this book

This book was hilarious, this author does it all the time for me, I LOVE this duo!!!! But this book is a little different. These two are dealing with something new of course and this time its closer to home. And the neighborhood watch Mrs. Haggerty is in the center of everything lol, this woman is not who she seems, and I started to like her more and more. I was on the edge of my seat because Vero and Finn was giving me so much anxiety, because these two are always getting into trouble. I loved how much Finn has grown throughout the books and her ability to fully trust Nick, I am rooting for these two. The way this book ends, LOL, that’s all imma say.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

I love the Finlay and Vero series and this installment redeemed it for me after book 4 being a little disorganized and weak in the plot.

This book picks up where book 4 left off. Finlay and Vero have just returned home from Atlantic City to find that Mrs Haggerty has been arrested and there is a body buried in her rose garden. After a week in jail, Mrs Haggerty is delivered to Finlay's house by her nephew. Her house is not livable as there are no utilities.

Mrs Haggerty takes over Finlay's room and takes over running the house. Mrs Haggerty is not able to drive and demands Finlay take her to book club on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Of course Finlay becomes involved in the investigation on the sly and keeps her involvement from Nick as much as she can.

This book has me looking forward to book 6 and more antics from Finlay, Vero, and the gang.