Elle Cosimano is back with another riotously entertaining installment in the Finlay Donovan series, and this time, the stakes are buried six feet under—literally. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave delivers all the chaotic charm, sly wit, and criminal entanglements readers have come to crave, while raising the bar (and the body count) in spectacular fashion.

Finlay is once again in way over her head, juggling reluctant mob entanglements, parenting woes, and the constant threat of catching a murder charge—or several. What begins as an undercover mission spirals into a madcap descent involving fake identities, missing persons, buried secrets, and a few designer shoes that may not survive the desert.

Cosimano expertly balances laugh-out-loud absurdity with nail-biting tension, crafting a mystery that’s equal parts smart and screwball. Finlay remains one of the most original protagonists in contemporary crime fiction: flawed, fearless, and fabulously funny. And alongside her ever-loyal partner-in-chaos, Vero, the duo prove yet again that amateur sleuthing is best served with sass, strategy, and a trunk full of questionable decisions.

Wickedly plotted and endlessly fun, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a triumphant return that proves Cosimano’s series has real staying power—and possibly a few more graves to dig.

Perfect for: Readers who love fast-paced female-led mysteries, comedic crime capers, and the delightful disaster that is Finlay Donovan.
Rating: ★★★★★

As always Finlay Donovan is in over her head. Luckily she has her loyal sidekick/nanny/partner in crime Vero with her to make things worse before they get better? Expect hijinks and chaos, and go along for the ride.

Thank you Minotaur and NetGalley for the DRC of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave! All opinions in this review are my own.

Every time I think that Finlay can't get involved in another investigation, but she somehow finds herself in the middle of one! I am always nervous picking up a new Finlay Donovan book because I'm afraid that it will be the one where she loses her spark, but per usual, I had nothing to worry about! The fifth installment in the series is just as wild as the previous ones and it leaves off with you excitedly waiting for the next one!

Finlay and the gang are back! I liked this one but not as much as previous adventures with Finlay. With that said, her neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, is something else, both hilarious and aggravating! Looking forward to the next adventure! Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have been keeping up with all of the Finlay Donovan series, but I have mixed feelings. I love Finlay as a character—she’s quirky, clever, and somehow always in the middle of the most ridiculous situations. And the dynamic between her and Vero is still a highlight for me. Their banter always makes me smile.

That said, this one felt a little too chaotic for me. The plot twists kept coming, but instead of feeling exciting, it seemed expected to me. It’s starting to lose a bit of the charm that made the first book so fun. I still enjoyed the ride, but it’s like the series is teetering between a cozy mystery and a full-blown soap opera. I think I'm just over them a little too much - feels like a similar formula to me, so I may pass from here on out. Otherwise, I can TOTALLY see how people gobble this series up! It's worth the hype for that for sure!

This latest installment in the Finlay Donovan series delivers quirky humor, fast-paced chaos, and plenty of twists. Finlay and Vero’s dynamic continues to entertain, especially as they navigate yet another body and the meddling Mrs. Haggerty. While the plot gets a bit over-the-top at times, fans of the series will still find this a fun and engaging read with a satisfying blend of mystery and mischief.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is the next installment in the Finlay Donovan series. Finlay and Vero have not always gotten along with their neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty the president of the neighborhood watch, but now she is living with them as her house is not inhabitable after a dead body is found in her backyard. Suddenly Finlay and Vero are in the middle of another murder investigation. How will this end?

Finlay Donovan books are always filled with humor, suspense, romance, and just plain fun. This one was fantastic. The author does a great job of weaving everyday life into a murder mystery. Finlay is a fun character who I find so engaging, Vero is funny and keeps things interesting, and Mrs. Haggerty was a great addition to the story. I enjoyed my time back in the Finlay Donovan world.

This is a great read or listen that will make you laugh; you will find Finlay so relatable; and you will hope there is at least one more story in the stories. I highly recommend Finlay Donovan Digs Her Grave.
I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review.

Such a fun continuation to the Finlay Donovan series! Cosimano does it again, keeping you guessing along the way and laying the groundwork for the next installment. I honestly can't wait!

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave.

This was another fun one. I really liked this one and all the tangled mess that Finlay (and Vero) got themselves in. I also really enjoyed getting to know Mrs. Haggerty a little more and what this woman was truly capable of. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Thanks again! ***1/2 stars for me.

Each time I read a new Finlay book, I’m wondering, “will this be the one that isn’t as good as the rest?” And every single time so far, I’ve been hit with, absolutely not!! This series has really grown in terms of character development and stays funny as heck which really helps to keep you interested as the series moves forward. Loved this one!

I have enjoyed every one of the Finlay Donovan series so far, but this one, 5 books in, is maybe my favorite. We get to see real growth in the character, growth in the relationship between Finlay and Nick, and each other character gets to have screen time and show their maturity as characters as well. I love a series that advances the character and doesn't just recycle the same material over and over. Life is always a bit of chaos for Finlay, but she is collecting a village around her and I love it.

After the cliffhanger ending at the end of Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, I was READY for the next installment.

Finlay Donovan is not the biggest fan of her next-door neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. For one, Mrs. Haggerty can't seem to stay out of Finlay's business. But when a dead body is discovered in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard, Finlay reluctantly helps. Even though the nosy neighbor is cleared, she stays at Finlay's house and makes her presence Finlay and Vero's problem.

But the dynamic duo soon discover that Mrs. Haggerty might still have some skeletons in her closet. They investigate and, as always, chaos breaks out.

We finally see some growth in Finlay and Nick's relationship, along with some tough conversations about trust. We'll see how that plays out over the next book.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is every bit as fun as the other books in the series, but please start at the beginning! I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a mystery series with high stakes, but a pinch of humor.

I really enjoy this series and this has been one of my favorite characters to come out of reading. I’m always intrigued to see what the next adventure is going to hold if you’re looking for a good cozy crime book the series is for you.

This series has had me cackling more than any I have ever read. I love it so much! All the quirks of the characters, the impossible possibilities of the storyline. It’s been exceptionally entertaining from start to finish. I can’t wait for more of Finlay’s adventures in solving and unwittingly committing crimes.

Finlay Donovan is back with another chapter and I couldn’t be happier 🥰 I am obsessed with this series- I love every single component, every single aspect, every storyline, every plot point, every character arc in this story and I genuinely cannot get enough. It’s hilarious, it’s heartfelt, it’s intense and suspenseful, it’s beyond entertaining, an absolute page turner, and every book is a roller coaster of a great time!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the latest addition and I find it perfectly encompasses everything I’ve loved of the series from the beginning. The mystery here is a lot closer to home making it all the more compelling and emotional while the story and character arcs elicited a more emotional connection that left me deeply in my feels, one moment I was laughing so hard it physically hurt and the next I was emotionally wrecked, even more attached to this chaotic, lovable cast of characters 🥹

I absolutely adored this book, this entire series and don’t think I’ll ever be able to say goodbye to Finlay, Vero, and their shenanigans and hope I won’t have to anytime soon!

Thank you NetGalley, Minotaur and the author for the gifted arc!

Wanna know what you can always count on in a Finlay Donovan book?? Besides all the chaos & the shenanigans? It’s a great opening & a cliffhanger of an ending! And book five did not disappoint!

Finlay & Vero are back with another mystery to solve & this time the nosy across the street neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, is right in the mix!

With the perfect combo of hilarious scenes, mischief & mayhem … this newest adventure gave me the most entertaining laugh filled escape! I felt this one slowed down just a bit, gave us some answers, did some story development & let us catch our breath from all the craziness of the previous adventures … and that’s a good thing! It left this reader in a great place … 100% ready for book six!

Because of course, that cliffhanger … gah!

I’ve devoured this whole series and I think this latest title is my favorite!

Once again our favorite “romantic suspense author/ accidental detective” finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation that hits close to home: across the street this time! A body is discovered buried in her nosy neighbor’s backyard and after clearing the irritating homeowner, Mrs. Haggerty, Finlay’s ex-husband is arrested. Knowing Stephen could absolutely NOT be guilty, she and her nanny/ accountant, Vero, again set out to find the real culprit. Along the way, we get the familiar hijinks and close calls we’ve come to love and expect from Finlay and Vero, but also more toddler hilarity, a very quirky book club, and some relational progress with “hot cop,” Nick. AND, a cliff hanger. Always a cliff hanger with Finlay and Vero…

All in all - this is a series to binge when the weary world is getting you down, and this latest volume does not disappoint! You’ll laugh, you’ll swoon, and you’ll find yourself rooting for an unlikely hero.

Thank you to NetGalley, Elle Cosimano, and Minotaur Books for the advanced ready copy.

Yet another great Finlay Donovan book! I like the quick and fun mystery that these characters give to us. The plots are always really easy to follow and while the plots are typically slightly predictable I still find them to be a very fun and fast read which I appreciate. Never stop writing!

Another solid entry into the Finlay Donovan series and this one features none other than nosy neighbor Mrs Haggerty. I liked this one alot, I really am starting to love and get very emotionally attached to the side characters (except Steven). I liked how this one had more of the family life and more Nick, could always use more scenes with Nick. Cannot wait for the next one, the cliffhanger is already killing me.

I don’t think I will ever get over the Finlay Donovan series- they’re the perfect if you want a mystery (that won’t spook you too much), but also a laugh. The first book of the series will always be my favorite and I felt that each book that followed just wasn’t as good. However, this one brought me right back the first book. It had all the banter, clear plot lines, and silly mystery that was in the first book. And dare I say the ending left an opening for another Finlay Donovan moment? I think so!

I always recommend this book/series to people who want a thriller/mystery but nothing too heavy- and every time they will come back asking for another book that is similar. I don’t think there’s any other book/series out on the market that is as good as Finlay!