Skip to main content

Member Reviews

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

I do love the Finlay Donovan series. This one wasn't quite as banter-filled and zany as previous installments but was enjoyable all the same. It felt a bit like taking a breather for the characters before the next book which is sure to get to a storyline that has long been foreshadowed.

In this one, Finlay's grumpy and nosy neighbor gets arrested for the murder of a man found buried in her backyard. When she's released from prison, somehow, her only recourse is to live with Finlay until her home is livable again. I found this woman intensely annoying and really wanted Finlay to put her in her place and that may have detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book.

I also found Finlay's relationship with Nick a little boring despite their repeated interactions. Still, it was an enjoyable romp.

Was this review helpful?

I always look forward to the new Finlay Donovan book and I think Digs Her Own Grave is up there with book one in terms of how much I enjoyed it! Death has come to Finlay's neighborhood and this time it's right across the street - a body has been found in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. When the woman is forced to move in with Finlay and her family, it seems like there may be more to the story than Finlay imagined.

I really loved how we get to see more of Mrs. Haggerty in this book. She's been in the background of all the other books and painted as the nosey busybody across the street, but in FDGHOG we actually see there is quite a bit more to her story. This fifth installation if the series has hooked me back into this series and as per usual we ended with a pretty big cliffhanger. I can't wait to see what happens in the next two books!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.

Was this review helpful?

I will never not read a Finlay book, but I have to admit enough is enough - lol!

Five books in and there’s still so much coming our way (I do believe there’s 2 more books!). I would love nothing more than for this series to wrap up. And if I had to pick one single reason why, I would say it’s because I really want a Finlay and Nick happy ever after. What can I say? I’m a romance girlie 🤗

While so many readers loved this addition the series, I found the middle to be a bit of a slog, and I didn’t love the ending. But that could be because it’s a cliffhanger and not the above-mentioned HEA.

Was this review helpful?

This series is so funny. I have listened to almost all of them, and Angela Dawe does an incredible job with the narration. She drew me into the story and kept me pinned to my seat while I waited to see what Elle would throw at Finlay and Vero this time. 👀

This installment is book five in the series, and I really appreciated the relationship development that happened in this one. It was definitely needed and I’m excited for the doors it opens for book six.

I think my favorite part about Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the side characters that were introduced or played a larger role this time around. Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody, was so entertaining, and I loved the interactions between her and Finlay’s kids.

I love this series, and this book was no exception. I definitely recommend Angela’s narration, and I can’t wait for book six!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the gifted audio copy and Minotaur Books for the eARC! All thoughts are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Another Pitch Perfect blend of banter, humor, mystery, and intrigue that are the hallmarks of this series and Cosimano's style. This book truly sets the bar high for a series that is quickly by coming my Gold Standard for the Screwball Cozy Mystery genre.

Was this review helpful?

This book is super fun. I’ve really enjoyed this series and now, five books in, the characters are so much fun to revisit every time. The shenanigans that these two find themselves being a part of are just on the right side of ridiculous. The pacing is quick, which makes this an easy to read escape in the cozy mystery genre. The plot of this book came together really well and I adore Nick - the hot cop 😂

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC! I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.

Was this review helpful?

Finlay and Vero are always digging themselves out of trouble, but this time it’s more like their own graves! While those two have had their fair share of dealing with bodies, there wasn’t one dug up from their backyard. Their crotchety neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared from suspicion after a body was found, she needs Finlay’s help and home as hers is still a crime scene. While she’s the last house guest Finlay and Vero want, her time there proves nothing short of insane.

I love the Finlay series and while this one started out a bit calmer and slower, it ended up being a great addition to the series. I will forever love the friendship of Finlay and Vero, and all the chaos they get into.
A big thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the copy! I love getting the early digital copies, but need to add the physical books to my Finlay Donovan collection!

Was this review helpful?

The nice thing about this series is that the books are fun and you don’t have to think too hard about them. That’s also kind of the bad thing too. If you want a tight mystery with high stakes and a touch of realism, this isn’t the series for you. I’m fine with the fun mystery though. My biggest complaint is that the romance is lacking in chemistry for me. I loved the platonic relationships, like that between Cam and Mrs. Haggerty.

Was this review helpful?

Love to see another Finlay Donovan book! What a great idea to center the book around neighborhood busybody, Mrs. Haggerty. Finlay and Vero are such engaging characters and Elle Cosimano is an excellent storyteller. Highly recommend the entire series. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this e-galley!

Was this review helpful?

Loved it. It reminded me so much of the first book in the series with the easy charm and over the top antics. It was funny and adorable.

Was this review helpful?

I want to SHOUT about how much I love this series! It’s not often in a series that you get all the way to book five and love it almost as much as the original, but I did. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave has everything I wanted and more.
This book has all the classic Finlay and Vero shenanigans. Ask yourself: what would be the best, smartest move in a situation, then pick whatever options is the exact opposite, add in some adventure and wit and somehow it all works out.
We also get moments with all our favorite characters. Julian! Sylvia! Cam! Mrs. Haggerty! Including some that had me laughing out loud, alone in my house.
Also, Finlay and Nick are fireee and their scenes do not disappoint. I won’t give anything away, but at the end of the book we get a scene I have been dying for for the last several books. Finally!
Reading this series is great, but I strongly prefer the audiobook version.
The only bad thing here is having to wait another year for the next one.
Bottom line: This series is just fun and if you’re a fan of Finlay, you’re sure to love book five.

Posted to Goodreads; StoryGraph, Instagram review to follow.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this arc honestly.

I absolutely love this series. I feel like I'm a part of this fictional world with all the ridiculousness that comes with it, which is a nice break from real life. This one isn't a favorite of the series, but still held strong and want to continue on this journey with Fin and Vero! Will always recommend this series to others!.

Was this review helpful?

I can never get enough of this series! There’s something so captivating about these books; they have this simplicity that I really enjoy. At her heart, Finlay is just a mom trying to do what's best for her kids while also navigating her own life.
Finlay may not be perfect, but that's what makes her so relatable and endearing. With each book, her life becomes more complicated and entangled with the law. Every installment brings a fresh mystery, while still seamlessly tying into the overarching storyline.

If you're a fan of the Finlay Donovan series, this one won't disappoint. And if you haven't started the books yet but love cozy mysteries with characters you can really root for, begin with Finlay Donovan Is Killing It.

A huge thank you to St Martin’s Press, Netgalley and the author for this copy💓

Was this review helpful?

I’m pretty sure that Cosimano could write Finlay Donovan books for the rest of her life and I would continue to read every single one. I enjoy all the characters including Finlay’s kids and I was excited to see a little more of them in this book. I can’t wait for another crazy adventure with Finlay and Vero!!

Was this review helpful?

It’s always a fun adventure with Finlay and Vero!!
I loved that Mrs. Haggerty, the nosey neighbor, became a leading character in this book. She witty, hysterical and in jail for murder after a body turns up in her landscaping. She is quickly released and moves herself in with Finlay while her house remains a crime scene. Following her release, Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, is being questioned for the murder.
Buckle up for another entertaining installment in the Finlay Donovan series that will leave you waiting for the next book to come out. This book does not disappoint and I highly recommend the entire series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is another book in the Finlay Donovan series. I have read all of the books prior to this one and really enjoyed them! This book is like the other books in that it is light-hearted, easy to read, and entertaining.

The prior plots are referenced in this story, but it is not essential to read those books to enjoy this book. The neighborhood busybody, Mrs. Haggerty, is the focal point of the characters. A body is uncovered in her backyard, and the plot is searching for the killer. When Finlay's ex-husband becomes the primary suspect, Finlay gets involved to find the killer. The story gives a different perspective on book clubs!

I loved the quirky humor in this book. If you enjoyed the prior Finlay books, read this book. If you enjoy the combination of quirky humor and whodunit books, this will be entertaining. I'm glad I read this book and look forward to the next one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Thanks to the publisher, Minotaur Books, and the author, Elle Cosimano, for the privilege to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Finlay Donovan is a character and a book series that is always consistently entertaining, funny and endearing. The situations and the characters always crack me up. This is a mystery series that always keeps me guessing but more than often keeps my laughing and smiling and this newest book is no different. The inclusion of the next door neighbor adds even more to this book as we have seen her from afar in the past but we get to know her up close and personal. And the last paragraph will leave you gasping!

Thank you to Minotaur books for a gifted Net Galley copy!

Was this review helpful?