I received a copy of this book by NetGalley for review.

This is the 5th Book of the Donovan Finlay series... Donovan & Vero ALWAYS seem to get wrapped up in some type of murder investigation. In this book, a body is found in Donovan's elderly neighbor's yard (Mrs. Haggerty). And while the police is carrying out their investigation, there is nowhere for Mrs. Haggerty to go, except Donovan's house.

Meanwhile, Donovan's ex-husband & father of her children is being looked at as the main suspect for these killings. So, Donovan & Vero set out to prove his innocence while hiding what they are up to from Mrs. Haggerty. While Donovan & Vero are trying to prove Steven's innocence, Nick (Donovan's law officer boyfriend) is attempting to do the same, only for Donovan. He is working to keep any suspicion off of her.

Another kick ass book for this kick ass series! I enjoyed it a lot. It’s funny, witty and the banter are just perfect. And… neighbour? Oh my God, hilarious! Mrs. Haggerty has a place in my heart, I have to tell you.
Can’t wait for the next one, seriously.

Thank you Netgalley and St Martin Press for the arc.

Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard floods & a body is discovered, only for Steven to be framed for the murder. It works out since he was always cheating on Finlay. Through the expected twists & turns of Finlay & Vero, the truth is discovered. This is the best Finlay Dovovan book yet. Sisterhood, found family & romance. Knowing yourself & your friends have your backs. I was fantastic.

Fans of the Finley Donovan series will relish this installment full of your favorite characters getting themselves into all sorts of trouble

When Finley’s ex husband is framed for the dead body found in the busybody neighbor’s backyard. With her house a crime scene she is forced to stay with Finley et al.

Now Finley and Vero must find the real culprit to exonerate her ex and return the meddlesome Mrs Haggerty back to her own home.

The ensemble cast of characters from past books make cameos as this plot takes fun and unexpected twists and turns! Highly recommend!

Oh no - neighbors! We all know what they are like - keep them at a distance. Well it's not possible in this installment. Sit down and enjoy!

This is the fifth book in the Finlay Donovan series and I really enjoyed it. The series is one of my favorites and I love Finlay and Vero! Book 5 picks up where book four left off. When Finlay‘s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, finds a body in her backyard and becomes a suspect, she needs Finlay and Vero‘s help to find the real killer.

I loved seeing all the characters again, the laugh out loud moments, and the trouble they get into. The series reminds me of the Stephanie Plum series and never fails to make me laugh. If you like mysteries with zany characters you will love this one! I highly recommend. Thank you to St Martin’s Press, Minotaur, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an early copy and give my honest opinion.

This might be my favorite installment of the Finlay Donovan series yet! It was SO FUN and kept me on my toes! Mrs. Haggerty was a great side character and I loved learning more about the book club and its role in the plot. Nick, Sylvia, and the whole crew add so much depth to the book to keep it entertaining throughout.

I’m also excited for the next book with the cliffhanger setup at the end of this one. I continue to be a huge Finlay Donovan fan and this book is no exception!

This book was given to me early through NetGalley. I liked this book better than the last two books, but I do think it’s time for Finlay to get herself out of this lifestyle. I liked this one because she wasn’t the main one in trouble. I also think if there was spice in it, that might make it better.

After the first book in the series, this is my favorite. I feel like it brought back the same vibe as #1 whereas 2-4 (which were still good, don't get me wrong!) didn't quite live up to #1. Where is felt like 2-4 we're dragging out the story and almost repetitive, this one felt fresh. I also liked the developments in Finlay's relationship with Nick. Their growth seems realistic and organic, not pushed or too quick.

Predictable story line. If you are ok with another book that follows all the same themes from others in this series you won’t be let down. If you are looking for a fresh new adventure you might look elsewhere. This book left me frustrated and really questioning the characters ability to make great choices. There are ways to keep the series going but abandon predictability. Highlight is that the ending gave me hope of there being shift in the story character focus for the next book.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Thank you to the publisher, Net Galley, and the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Finlay Donovan series just keeps getting better. I just love the dark underworld that lurks below Finlay's suburban life, the constant twists and turns she's forced to navigate, and her authenticity as a mom who just wants the best for her kids. And Vero is the best friend everyone needs! This story brought new depth to Ms. Haggerty and Finlay's relationship with her nosy neighbor - who is now a character I can't wait to read more about. I've turned multiple friends and family members onto Finlay's adventures, and I'm thrilled that I can enthusiastically recommend the latest book in this series!

My favorite in the Finlay Donovan oeuvre so far. Finlay and the gang are back home where they belong and this time nosy neighbor Mrs Haggerty is the culprit! Or is she? Classic Finlay & Vero hijinks abound, refrigerator trucks and funny brownies come to mind. Everyone seems to have grown up considerably since the first book. Cam is still my favorite character—and now he comes with accessories: Arnold Schwarzenegger & Eggplant Ecstasy, anyone?

Loved the newest instalment of these series!! I feel so at home with these characters and Elle always impresses me with her creativity as it relates to the storyline of each book. Finlay and Vero are two of my favourite book characters and I will continually come back to these series! I love how this book had a plot that included some more of the supporting characters, and I always live how Elle makes all of the moving parts connect! I will always recommend the Finlay Donovan series, and I can’t wait for the next one - especially given how this ended!!!

I never want this series to end and this book just proves my point. A masterpiece. The quotes in this one hit so much harder for me because of how casimano writes.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author Elle Cosimano and St. Martin's Press/ Minotaur books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All of the books in this series are funny, adventurous and mysterious all wrapped up into one book! This story was middle of the road good for me but I had to keep up on the series as I overall enjoyed the journey. I will definitely continue to read Elle's books in the future!

I enjoyed this book but ultimately felt like not much happened. I didn’t find the conclusion surprising or intriguing like in the earlier books in this series, unfortunately. I still adore Finlay and Vero and will definitely keep up with this series in the future, though this wasn’t my favorite.

I have been a fan of Finlay Donovan since discovering the first book on the new release shelf at my local Barnes & Noble, and this installment fits right in there with the rest of the series. Lots of humorous situations and clandestine activities (some related to the mystery and some not). The regular players are all here, including those you love to hate. There are nods and references to previous books in the series, so you'll get some spoilers if you start here (but do yourself a favor and start at the beginning! Trust me!). Here's hoping Finlay Donovan keeps getting into trouble for a long time coming.

I received an ARC of this book; opinions are my own.

In the fifth installment of the Finlay Donovan series, a body has been discovered in Finlay’s neighbor’s yard. That neighbor happens to be staying with Finlay and the prime suspect is none other than her ex husband. Finlay, Vero, and Nick are determined to investigate the mystery.

I have really enjoyed this series as a cozy mystery read. I love Nick and Finlay as a couple and Vero and Finlay’s friendship. Several side characters were fun additions to this book. Although the book started and ended strongly, it dragged for me in the middle. This mystery was not as action-packed or high stakes as some of the others. It does seem to be set up for a sixth book, though!

Thank you to Elle Cosimano and Minotaur books for the arc and chance to be an early reader and reviewer.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave
Elle Cosimano
Publication Date: 3/4/2025
4/5 stars

Finlay and her nanny, Vero, are on another adventure when a body is found Finlay’s neighbor’s backyard. This book is the fifth in a series I would classify as a cozy mystery with a lot of humor. I will always recommend this series especially to moms (lots of mom humor). It also takes place in northern Virginia which is fun if you are familiar with the area since a lot of local areas are mentioned. Can’t wait for the next Finlay book!

Thank you Elle Cosimano, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my review. This is another story in the Finlay Donovan series. This takes place pretty quickly after the last book in the series. It is focused on Finlay's neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty and a body found in her yard. It has all of the silly antics of the other Finlay books, but it goes back to more of a mystery aspect. Who killed that person? Is someone being framed? Plus there's still hot cop Nick, fun Vero, and others. I really liked this book in the series. I thought I was out after the gang murder/cop training camp from the last one,but this one brought me back into the series.