Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano
Publishing date - 03/04/25
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Netgalley, publisher, & Elle Cosimano for this e-ARC. I have loved this entire series and book 5 is no different! Vero and Finlay are a dynamic duo and they always leave me laughing and wanting more.

That cliffhanger though … 😮 I can’t wait to see what comes next for Finlay and Vero!

This book started off so strong, picking up right where book #4 left off. I was captivated, I was intrigued, and then about half way through I got bored. There was so much exciting action in the previous book and a new setting, that this one felt a little lackluster in comparison.

Was it fun to spend more time with Mrs. Haggerty, yes. Did I laugh at Finlay and Vero’s endless and ridiculous shenanigans? Also yes. I think this book had too many side plots going on, that the main story got lost. Regardless, I’m still excited for (hopefully) another book and will always be down for Finlay and Vero’s adventures.

Thank you Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

In this latest installment of the Finlay Donovan series, Finley and Vero find themselves investigating a case involving a dead body found buried in her nosy neighbor's yard--and Finlay's ex-husband, Stephen, is a prime suspect! Despite her negative feelings for her ex, Finlay is convinced Stephen isn't to blame. In the meantime, her nosy neighbor has temporarily taken up residence in Finlay's home while she waits for her grandson to finish work on her house.

I loved this book! It moved quickly, contained the humor I've grown to love in previous books from the series, and sent the plot in a new direction from the previous books. I was pleasantly surprised by some growth in Finlay's character too. For readers unfamiliar with the series, I recommend starting with the first book as there are numerous spoilers in this novel.

Another laugh out loud funny and suspenseful Finlay Donovan novel that kept me on my toes until the very last moment. This story like the others in the series was full of heart and strong supporting characters from Vero the plucky sidekick to her cutie pie kids and an increased role from nosy Mrs. Haggerty. The romantic portions were sweet and relatable and the ending was both not what I expected but also more satisfying than I could’ve hoped for. I’m already looking forward to the next one! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Elle Cosimano has done it again with Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave! This latest installment of the Finlay Donovan series had me laughing so hard I was crying. The humor is sharp, the stakes are high, and the action is non-stop. Cosimano has a talent for blending comedy and suspense in such a way that you’re constantly on the edge of your seat, while also wiping away tears from laughing at the absurdity of it all.

What I love most about this series is the incredible character growth. Each book feels like watching these characters grow and evolve right in front of my eyes. Finlay, the protagonist, is always getting herself into wild situations, but it’s so enjoyable to see her trying (and often failing) to stay out of trouble. I can’t help but root for her, even when she’s digging herself deeper. It’s a journey of personal growth, and I feel like I’m watching her and the other characters grow in leaps and bounds with each new book.

Speaking of characters, Vero is hands down my favorite. I adore her sass and her unapologetic, no-nonsense attitude. She is absolutely someone you do not want to cross, and I love how she adds such a fierce dynamic to the story. Her friendship with Finlay is such a fun and essential part of the book, and their chemistry together is a highlight.

The plot itself is as engaging as ever. Cosimano knows how to keep the story moving, and the pacing flows beautifully from start to finish. The in-between moments, where the characters interact and navigate their personal lives, add so much depth to the overall story. Those moments were some of my favorites, as they gave the book a heart and warmth beyond the thrilling crime-solving.

My only complaint? I wanted more! The conclusion came a little too fast for my liking. I was so invested in the journey that I didn’t want it to end, and I wish there had been more time to savor the final moments. And of course, more hot cop, please! Fingers crossed that we get more of him in the next book.

All in all, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is another winner from Elle Cosimano. It’s a perfect blend of humor, heart, and suspense, and I can’t wait to see what trouble Finlay will get herself into next.

I'm so thankful to Netgalley for this arc. I have loved this entire series and book 5 is no different! Vero and Finlay are a dynamic duo and they always leave me laughing and wanting more. I loved the switch in the storyline and can't wait to see where the end of the series takes us.
If you haven't read this series yet, start!

I absolutely adored Finlay and was so thrilled when Minotaur and NetGalley gave me access to read this book. It’s been on my list forever.

This might be my new favorite Finlay Donovan book! I'm not sure if it's just the timing of books or the content but sometimes I have a hard time getting into some books but this one hit the mark at the perfect time. I'm not sure if authors quite understand how important their books are to people. I've been going through medical stuff that is scary but I always had this book waiting for me to take my mind off it all. It drew me right in from the beginning and was very easy to follow. I've loved all the Finlay Donovan books but there were a few times throughout the series that things got a bit confusing since so much happens, but this one was just perfect. I loved every bit of it and would highly recommend it. I've been waiting for a story about the nosy neighbor too! I knew that eventually she would come in to play in one of the books. The part with the kids is always a delight too and yep, potty training is not for the faint of heart and especially hard to do while you're trying to solve a murder!

This book was amazing! I love reading about Finlay and I cannot wait until the next installment! It’s always fun to watch what Vero and Finlay will get up to!

The Finlay adventures never disappoint!
I never tire of the chaos and confusion Finlay and gal-pal Vero find themselves trying to overcome and this fifth adventure is a wonderful continuation of their zany saga.

This go round, Mrs. Haggerty , their nosey neighbor , railroads her way into their home , turning an unconventional situation more upside down - yes, it's possible.

the pair of women are trying to keep sane while trying to juggle all of the balls that life keeps throwing ; potty-training Zach, Delia's suspension, co-existing with an octogenarian, complicated love lives, a dog of an ex-husband and trying to stay on this side of prison bars.

I will always recommend this series. Wherever Finlay and Vero take their ratty van, I'll be happy to follow.

Thanks to Netgalley and Minotar books for allowing me to get an early look at this hilarious novel.

I love this series and it just keeps getting better. This was so good because it connected all the other loose threads from the other books and provided a satisfying explanation. And of course it was hilarious.

4 stars These characters are ingrained in my core at this rate. 5 books in the series and I never want the books to end. Thanks netgalley & the pub for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When Finlay’s ex is accused of murder, she sets out with the help of Vero (of course!) to exonerate him.

I loved this one! It felt a little different from previous Finlay books since Finlay and Vero weren’t the ones who found themselves in trouble, but it still was funny with an outlandish “bookclub” thrown in the mix.

Oooooooh! The last page will have you wishing for the next book to be published!

Phew! That was a ride!

I was ready to be let down by this book: nervous over the deviation from the original storylines that kept me captivated, worried that putting the main characters through too many experiences would start to feel artificial (like many series eventually do). Finlay’s new adventure, however, was a breath of fresh air.

The book starts off with Mrs. Haggerty’s murder arrest and deep dives into a profound, witty and hilarious narration of how desperate actions can lead to unimaginable consequences.

Consequences was a heavy theme throughout this novel. Because, while the main mystery was not centered around Finlay and Vero, the fallout from their previous ones weighed heavy throughout the novel as both women tried to navigate a past that keeps catching up with them even if they’d rather leave it in the grave!

The 5th installment to the Finlay Donovan series is an example of how to move a series forward with the same protagonists while also changing the narrative to keep the story fresh.

Cosimano takes us back to South Riding and it’s the reunion we’ve all been hoping to read: all the favorite characters are back! The mystery is thrilling, but the real sparkle comes from all Finlay’s hilarious moments with daughter Delia, nanny Vero, and neighbor Mrs. Haggerty. The laughs, chuckles, and outright spit-take guffaws are all here in abundance.

The spice is spicy, and the romance doesn’t disappoint. As always, these books are about motherhood, the writer life, and female friendship. Mix in the hot cop, the gray areas of the law, and suspense, and we get a homecoming worthy as a stand alone, but dazzling as the fifth installment in the Finlay Donovan series.

4.5⭐️
Ugh one of my favorite series!!! I love Finlay and Vero so much & I love how they’re surrounded by so many people who love them as well. I loved seeing all the relationships form and grow throughout this one and I loved the character development. Excited to see what’s next😉

I love everything about this series, It's laugh out loud funny, suspenseful, with a bit of romance mixed in. In the latest installment in the Finlay Donovan series, the titular character finds herself solving another murder, while also potty-training her toddler son, writing her new book, negotiating a TV contract, and exonerating her ex-husband, I highly recommend this series. Cosimano is becoming a must-read author for me.

It can be really hard to keep up a good series. Fortunately for us, book number 5 of this series is just as good as the first one. All our favorite characters are back with their dead pan humor and witty banter. I liked how this one didn’t have any mofia hits taking place but still had mystery and intrigue. Even if you aren’t familiar with this series, you could easily start with this book. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book! As a fan of the series, I find the mix of mystery, humor, and well-developed characters so entertaining. This book had a compelling plot with plenty of twists, and the murder mystery kept me hooked from start to finish. I loved the dynamic between Finlay and Vero, and their shenanigans are always a highlight. Even though the plot is serious at times, the humor lightens everything up, making it such a fun read.

The addition of Mrs. Haggerty’s storyline and the involvement of her grandson, Brendan, really added another layer to the mystery. I liked how the book explored Finlay’s developing relationship with Nick too—definitely an interesting twist in her personal life! The moments of comic relief, especially from Cam, were perfect and had me laughing out loud.

While the book was an absolute blast to read, I’d say the pacing felt a bit slower in certain parts. However, the character development and the mystery more than made up for it. Overall, I’m already excited for the next installment and can’t wait to see what’s in store for Finlay and her crew. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good mystery with a side of humor!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book didn’t disappoint it was an exciting installment of Finlay’s woes as she juggles parenting, solving murders, staying out of jail, & getting her next book published! 📚
I really enjoyed the extra Nick of this book! I hope the future books have more of him and Finlays relationship ❤️
This series is such a guilty pleasure read for me!🥰
I adore Vero - her & Finlay make an awesome duo! 👯‍♂️
In this installment, you see them get caught up in Mrs. Haggerty’s drama.
👟 👀 🫖 🍆 🪩
I enjoyed this one just as much as the previous books!
This books ending cliffhanger has me impatiently waiting for the next book!🥹
Huge Thanks to St. Martins Press &NetGalley for this advanced copy!!
Set to publish 3/4/25