This series gets better and better!

Fin and Vero's latest adventure is a fantastic read. As always, the characters are well-rounded, the plot is a fast-paced page turner, and the mystery to romance ratio is on point. As always, the epilogue leaves us with a cliffhanger until the next installment, and I can't wait!

I would recommend this to any fans of Stephanie Plum, Myron Bolitar, or Clare Cosi - Finlay fits right into their club!

I honestly felt like the series was losing its spark, but this book was redemptive ! I liked it almost as much as the first one! Readers who enjoy the colorful cast of characters will love this installment, as characters like Mrs Haggarty and Cam get to share a bit of the spotlight. The ending was the perfect blend of resolving some ongoing plots while also ending on a great cliffhanger! I will continue to read every single book in this series so please keep em coming!

I definitely thought this series was played out but I enjoyed this one more than the last one! I really enjoyed Mrs. Haggarty as an added main character. This story didn’t focus on Finlay being a mistaken murderer or being in danger which was a refreshing change of pace. The love triangle is finally over and the cliffhanger ending was perfect.

This was one of the Better ones of the series, but the first one was still my favorite. I thought this one was Well-plotted and Humorous, and can't wait for the next installment!

Mrs Haggerty is a fun character throughout this series but she really shines in this one. She’s independent and opinionated and I love her. This book also shows Nick and Finlay get closer. Cam also makes an appearance. He honestly might be my favorite 😂
At this point, if there’s a million more Finlay Donovan books I’ll still keep reading them. Is it predictable? Yes but they’re so fun that it really doesn’t matter. I love this series!

Finlay is at it again. I love the Finlay Donovan series and this book was no exception. If you liked the other books in the series- you need to read this one!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is a spectacular end to the series-- or is it? I truly loved this series and hope there are future similar or spin off books. I thought the previous book in the series was a bit less funny than the rest. I am happy to report that this concluding novel is an absolute riot and it does justice to the series. What an end to it all! I loved it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

DNF
I loved the first two books in this series, the third book was all over the place and this one really bored me from the start. The magic the first two books had did not carry over to the last two.

I have loved the Finlay Donovan series since the beginning. They're all great but this one managed to capture some of the extra sparkle that book one had. It felt like non-stop hijinks, even more laughs, and more time with the characters that I've come to know and love. Anxiously awaiting the next one already!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this title. All opinions are my own.

4.75 out of 5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.

I love this series so much! The romance is so good, but honestly, my favorite part is the friendship between Vera and Finlay. They crack me up and make me roll my eyes in the best of ways reading about their antics and adventures! Can’t wait for the next installment.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave (Finlay Donovan #5) by Elle Cosimano – Oh Finlay, you never let me down! This is a laugh out loud mystery series that got me out of a reading slump. Audio is the way to go for this series. I am either laughing as I read or have my hand over my mouth wondering just how Finlay is going to find her way out of THIS situation. It’s also got a little spicy romance and is just the best escape when the world feels dumb. But omg, what a cliffhanger of an ending. I hope Cosimano is busy at work on book six!

Another fun continuation in this series. If you like Finlay, there's no reason not to continue with this series. If you haven't read this series, give it a shot. The characters remain interesting and flawed. You'll keep turning the page and laugh along the way.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the electronic copy.

Read If You Like:
• Cozy mysteries with a comedic twist
• Strong female friendships and dynamic duos
• Suburban settings with unexpected intrigue
• Amateur sleuths entangled in complex plots
• Stories that blend domestic life with suspenseful adventures

In this installment, Finlay Donovan and her ever-resourceful partner-in-crime, Vero, find themselves reluctantly drawn into another mystery when a body is discovered in the backyard of their nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. Cleared as a suspect but displaced from her home, Mrs. Haggerty moves in with Finlay, bringing with her a whirlwind of chaos and secrets. As Finlay juggles the demands of motherhood, a budding romance with Detective Nick, and the challenges of her writing career, she and Vero must navigate a web of lies and uncover the truth behind the neighborhood murder—all while keeping their own past misdeeds under wraps.  

What I Loved:
• The evolution of Finlay and Vero’s friendship, showcasing their unwavering support for each other
• The introduction of Mrs. Haggerty as a central character, adding depth and unexpected humor
• A well-paced plot that balances domestic life with thrilling mystery elements
• The seamless blend of comedy and suspense, keeping the narrative engaging throughout
• The portrayal of Finlay’s growth as she confronts past mistakes and embraces her role as a sleuth

Thanks to NetGalley & Minotaur Books for a digital advanced readers copy. All comments and opinions are my own unless otherwise noted.

Yes! This was the best! Five plus stars!! From the first page of the prologue to the last page of the novel – which paves the way for the next installment (and I can’t wait) – this had everything: clever writing, laugh-out-loud situations, an edge-of-your-seat thriller, twisty plot, likeable characters.

Even though author Elle Cosimano includes the characters, adventures, and plot points from the earlier books to bring readers up to speed in book number 5, I recommend that you read them in order for true enjoyment. You’re in for a treat with this fast-paced and witty series.

I just love the world of Finlay Donovan. I won’t lie, the beginning of the book was slightly frustrating to me. I felt like things were getting repetitive almost, however, as everything started to be explained and the truth came out, I was all for the plot and thought it was wonderful.

Finlay Donovan books are some of my FAVE!! I LOVE how the characters interact and are so real and they just get funnier as the series progresses!!

Finlay Donovan continues to be a delight! This mystery wasn’t about Finlay, per se, but it sure did affect her life - and her family’s. Love to see the character growth from everyone, and the epilogue has me eagerly awaiting the next book! Thanks to Minotaur for the ARC.

Elle Cosimano does it again! In this fifth Finlay Donovan book, our favorite chaotic author/mom/amateur sleuth finds herself in hot water when a body turns up in her neighbor’s backyard — and somehow, her ex ends up a suspect. Naturally, Finlay and her ride-or-die Vero dive into the mystery headfirst, and it’s as wild, witty, and unpredictable as ever.
I loved the laughs, the twists, and the way the friendships keep deepening. There’s less romance this time, but the focus on female support and clever chaos more than makes up for it. If you’ve been following Finlay’s journey, this one absolutely delivers.

I think this is where I part ways with this series. I LOVED book 1 and 2, I read book 3, book 3.5 and book 4 hoping that the magic of the first 2 books would come back. At this point, I think I keep reading these books because I feel like I have to. I think this series should come to an end, but what do I know, everyone has rated this book highly.

How do you breakup with a beloved book series?

This is a fun cute read. I didn’t know it was a series but I’ll be going back and getting the first 4 books.