Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano
This is a great addition to the Finlay series. I may be biased because there is a quirky book club involved, and I really enjoyed it!
Mrs. Haggerty, the neighborhood gate keeper, is at the center of this debacle. A dead body is found buried in her yard. She is the first suspect and when she is cleared, the only place to go is to room with Finlay and Vero. Of course Stephen, Finalay's ex, shows up in the suspect list because of his past.
There is a load of humor in this one! A buried body, a quirky book club with questionable activities, and an ongoing love interest with Nick, will have you glued to this volume!
I will admit I laughed out loud a few times. I love how Elle Cosimano tied the previous volumes into this one and pulled things together.
You'll have to read this one!
This was just good writing, the characters are likeable and entertaining. The story makes you laugh and feel like you are with the characters. The author invites you in from the first page and just carries you through with Finlay and Vero on another hysterical adventure.
It was a pleasure to review an ARC from NetGalley. The whole series is just wonderful. It's not serious, it's entertaining and that's the best part of enjoying a story! 5/5⭐

I was happy I got an ARC of the latest book in the Finlay Donovan series. I enjoy this series because it's fun and quirky and you just never know what kind of mess Finlay and Vero are going to get into. That being said this wasn't my favorite in the series, it seemed to have less action and near misses than the previous four, however, I still really enjoyed it! The way this book played out though I wonder if Elle Cosimano is done with Finlay and moving onto Vero as the main character in a (hopefully) new series.

In this fifth installment of Finlay Donovan’s very twisty, and at times unbelievable, story, I wasn’t sure Cosimano would be able to keep the plot fresh and readers invested. Yet somehow she made it work! We are picking up the story 5 months after the events of the first book. The cliffhanger at the end leaves it open for more books, which honestly feels like a little much at this point. I’m invested at this point, so I’m sure I’ll read the next one to see what kind of shenanigans Finlay and Vero get themselves into!

Thank you to Elle Cosimano, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!

I love the Finlay Donovan series, and I always recommend this one for people who prefer humorous mysteries and wild characters. I found it to be a great read alike for Stephanie Plum fans - different characters, but similar vibes. This might also be for cozy mystery fans who want a little more bite, but the satisfaction of knowing that the protagonist is going to survive helps readers feel comfortable - this series becomes a best friend quickly.
Consistently good plot, fun characters- it may get a little zany, but it is a super popcorn mystery series- very entertaining and never lets the reader down.

Elle Cosimano does it again! I absolutely love this series, and this latest installment had me laughing from start to finish. Just when I thought Finlay and Vero couldn’t possibly get into more trouble, they find themselves right in the middle of chaos once again.

Vero’s jabs at Steven had me laughing out loud as always, but the addition of Mrs. Haggerty brings even more dimension, mystery, and hilarious moments to the story. I adore Finlay and Vero’s friendship—it’s grown so much over the series, and at this point, they truly feel like sisters.

I was also thrilled to see the romance between Nick and Finlay bloom even more in this book—because let’s be real, who doesn’t love a man in uniform? Their dynamic added just the right amount of swoon-worthy moments amidst all the chaos.

If you haven’t read the Finlay Donovan series yet, I highly recommend diving in. You won’t regret it!

This book is just pure fun! I have loved the books in the series and the antics continue in this one! This story just had me laughing at the challenges/obstacles Vero and Finlay faced. The neighbor Mrs. Haggerty brings her own drama and situations to this book! Overall I am so glad that I read it! This is book 5 in the series and I will continue reading the books as long as the author keeps writing them!

For awhile it felt like Finlay and company were doing too much--.police academy, Atlantic City, running all over the place. Here they're back in Finlay's house and neighborhood-- with a murder across the street-- and back in their element. For me, Finlay's story is so intriguing because she's a working single suburban mom, so this return brings back the magic. If you, like me, felt the books were losing some steam, don't worry: she's back!

Thanks to NetGalley and Edelweiss for the earc, and NetGalley and Macmillian audio for the ALC.

Finlay Donovan is back!!! I know I have said this about every Finlay book, but this book must be the best book in the series...LOL. Of course I loved the hijinks that Finlay and Vero get in and I loved the supporting characters including Finlay's ex, her hot cop boyfriend Nick, her adorable and precocious children, and her cranky neighbor, Mrs. H. As always, Angela Dawe does a fantastic job with the narration and the different voices she gives to the characters.
I hope Elle Cosimano hurries up and writes the next Finlay book soon. I can't wait!!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for allowing me to read this book early.This is book #5 in the Finlay Donovan series.While the book was an absolute blast to read, the pacing felt a bit slower in certain parts. However, the character development and the mystery more than made up for it.

Ohhh if only I could give this 10 stars! I laughed myself silly! I LOVED IT!

I can't tell you how much I look forward to these books each year. I have come to adore Finnley and Vero... the kids and Nick.

This was a Rollercoaster ride from the start and with that first laugh I was hooked.

This time it's Finnley and Vero's incredibly nosey neighbor who brings the trouble to they're door, And Finn's ex hubby Steven is caught up as well.

There's finally honestly for Finn and Nick too!

JUST GO BUY THE BOOK... you will not be sorry, I promise!

AND ELLE...I DEMAND THE NEXT INSTALLMENT POST HASTE!

Thank you for giving me the ride and I can't wait for more!

Net Galley... YOU RULE! I was BEYOND thrilled to get approved for this ARC.

"Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" is the fifth installment in the hilarious, unputdownable Finlay Donovan series. The story begins with the discovery of a dead body in the backyard of Finlay's elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is eventually cleared by police. Her home remains a crime scene, though, and she has nowhere to go...except Finlay's house across the street. Finlay and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody, and they have no interest in getting involved with another murder case. But when Finlay's ex-husband, Steven, becomes a prime suspect, Finlay and Vero have no choice but to solve the mystery.

Elle Cosimano delivers another humorous, suspenseful, and romantic mystery. Every Finlay book is a wild and unpredictable ride, and this book did not disappoint. This was such a fun and fast-paced mystery full of unexpected twists. I couldn't put it down and couldn't stop laughing at Finlay and Vero and their crazy adventures. I loved getting to learn more about Mrs. Haggerty, who has been a recurring character in the series. Reading this book was like returning home. I just love this series and all of the quirky and entertaining characters. Everyone needs to read it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for the honest review.

Book 5 in the Finlay Donovan series. What happens when a body is found in the backyard of Finlay's neighbor and community busybody. Finlay and Vero are trying to stay out of this one, but where will Mrs. Haggerty go?

A body is found in Mrs. Haggerty's rose garden, but who hid it there? Was is Finlay's ex, covering up a crime of passion, was it Mrs. Haggerty herself i of being an elderly widow, or was it someone else entirelly? Leave it to FInlay to unearth the connections between all the strangers involved all while hosting a rather odd houseguest.
Having had the Finlay Donovan series on my TBR list f.or quite some time, this ARC was the push I needed to read them ALL. I am typically not a series reader, but I'm so glad I invested the time in Finlay Donovan as I devoured them all in just a day apiece!
The fifth title, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, is absolutely as good as the first! I enjoyed all the outlandish adventures Finlay and Vero find themselves on, as well as the extended cast of characters both good and bad (and some who seem one but are definitely the other). I loved this book and wish I could re-read the entire series again for the first time.

And the series just keeps getting better! Finlay and Vero are back and this time the problem is in their own neighborhood. I loved the way characters from past books all have their roles to play in a way that feels so real, it makes this whole series come together so well. Sweet, silly, and surprising-another story that you won't be able to put down.

I am absolutely in love with this series. This book was my favorite I think, and I said that about the last book too, I know, but I feel like this one even tops the last. There is so much more communication and openness between Finlay and Nick and I love to see their story unfold. The addition of other quirky characters helped move this one along really fast and while there were a few twists thrown in there, and I did see where this was going earlier than some of the others, it didn't take away from the fun that was this book.
Thanks to St. Martin's, Netgalley and Elle Cosimano for an early copy.

I am a HUGE fan of this series and book 5 did not disappoint! We pick up close to where we left off in book 4 and follow Finlay, Vero and Mrs. Haggerty as they get themselves caught up in yet another wild mystery! I really enjoyed getting to know Mrs. Haggerty more in this book. She went from a nosy neighbor that seemed to thrive on the drama of others in past books to someone that was fiercely loyal deep down at her core. I found myself rooting for characters I didn't normally root for- like Steven and Mrs. Haggerty! I did find the Nick angle to get pretty unrealistic in this book (even more than prior books!!) but it didn't bother me or take away from the story.
If there is one thing that felt different in this book it would be that it felt less about Finlay and Vero as the dynamic duo I have come to absolutely love. There wasn't as much Vero humor which I missed as I got to the end so I hope we get more of that in the next one!
Overall, this was a fun ride and I cannot wait to see what happens next! As always, Angela Dawe MAKES the audio book!!!!!

Huge thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book!

Let me start by saying this: as long as Elle Cosimano keeps writing about Finlay and her crew, I’ll keep reading. Every book in this series has been an absolute page-turner—I’ve devoured each one in less than 48 hours.

In Book 6, Finlay and Vero barely have time to unpack from their Atlantic City adventure before chaos finds them again. Zach is refusing to potty train, Delia has been kicked out of preschool, and a corpse turns up in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard. After clearing herself of suspicion, Mrs. Haggerty's politically connected grandson unceremoniously dumps her at Finlay’s house, insisting she stay there while her home recovers from flood damage and police activity.

Of course, Mrs. Haggerty wastes no time making herself at home—meddling in potty training and preschool woes, running a secretive book club, and slipping cryptic notes into neighbors’ mailboxes.

As if that weren’t enough, the police set their sights on a new prime suspect: Finlay’s often-irritating ex-husband, Steve. Determined to keep her kids' father out of prison, she launches her own investigation. Between clashing with law enforcement and trying to keep her relationship with Detective Nick Santiago from falling apart, Finlay and Vero once again find themselves in a race to unmask the real criminal and protect their family.

This series continues to be a perfect mix of humor, hijinks, and personal growth. The quirky characters and even the so-called villains are endlessly entertaining, making for a fun, lighthearted, and completely engrossing read. I can’t wait for the next installment!

This was a great kind of re-set in the Finlay Donovan series and I really enjoyed it! Finlay's ex-husband is accused of murdering the man found in Mrs. Haggarty's backyard. Finlay doesn't believe it and starts to investigate while also hosting Mrs. Haggarty until her house is liveable again. Mrs. Haggarty has a lot of her own secrets and it was a fun ride/mystery. I love all of the characters and it was great to see them grow.

“Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave” is the 5th book in the series and my favorite. The series needs to be read in order. My rating is 4,5⭐️

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and ALC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In this book the story continues after there was a body discovered in the backyard of Finlay’s neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. After she is cleared by the police, she stays at Finlay’s until some repairs are done at the house.
This book, just like the others, is funny, full of twists (that are more realistic) and brings back some characters from the first one. But my favorite thing is that there is less Steven and more Nick ❤️. We even get a jealous Nick when Julian makes an appearance.

The audiobook is narrated by Angela Dawe and she manages to change her voice based on the character and uses different accents. It was fun listening to this book and I enjoyed it more this way.

Based on the ending I guess there will be at least another book which is great. I recommend this series if you like mystery with a bit of romance and a lot of funny moments.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Finlay Donovan does it again. I loved this book so much, it might be my favorite in the series. It was witty, and funny, and made me love Finlay even more, which I didn't know was possible.