Unfortunately, I DNF this book. I have loved this series, but feel it’s dragging out too long at this point and I’ve grown tired of the characters.

I love this series. I am already looking forward to the next book/ audiobook. Fun mystery/ romance/ bestie story line. How can Finlay constantly find herself around another dead body, through no fault of her own? And her cop boyfriend never seems to know what’s going on. Nevertheless, the cast of characters are charming and hilarious. Thanks to NetGalley #NetGalley and Minotaur Books for sharing an advanced copy. I usually listen to the audiobook as well as the text version of this series. A very fun listen. Angela Dawe as the narrator is tremendous. Thanks to NetGalley #NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance listen #MacmillanAudio.

Finlay does it again!

I enjoyed this book; it wasn't my absolute favorite of the series, but it was still a super fun ride. If you love books that are a little chaotic, have good humor, a dash of romance, and a small murder mystery... you’re gonna have a blast with this one!

When a body is found in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard, she has nowhere to go until her property is no longer a crime scene. Her grandson asks Finlay if she can stay at her house while he is out of town and she has no choice but to agree. Finlay and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with the elderly Mrs. Haggerty, who is the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch, but now that she is living in Finlay's home, actually taking over her room, they decide they need to solve the crime to get her out. Once again, Finlay's ex-husband, Steven is a suspect. The poor guy is always on the police radar, but maybe it's time for his infidelity to finally cause him some pain. Who is really responsible for the murder? Is it Mrs. Haggarty? What about the dead guys wife? There is something suspicious about Mrs. Haggarty's book club, what do they know?

I always enjoy tagging along as Finlay and Vero try to solve a murder. Although Mrs. Haggarty was an unwelcome lodger, she did Finlay a favour when it came to her children. She whipped them into shape and even got the younger one toilet trained. That as a humorous adventure in itself. During the investigation, Finlay and Vero end up finding out things they weren't ready for. A secret operation causes some angst for them both. There is some light romance between Vero and Javi as well as chemistry between Finlay and Nick, that adds a bit more to the story. Get ready for chaos, mischief, banter and laughter as Finlay and Vero share their crazy, messy lives. I am already looking forward to the next book, as Vero's past has caught up with her and we are left wondering what is going to happen. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Angela Dawe. She does an awesome job with the various voices in this series. Male, female, older, younger, and accents are all realistic and allow me to picture all the characters. I will continue to listen to this series, as it is so enjoyable.

Solid 4 stars! Books 1 and 4 are still my favorites in the series, but this one was a wild ride that falls just under them. *Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave* gave me exactly what I needed—chaos, comedy, and crime-solving. These books are the ultimate palate cleansers: fast-paced, hilarious, and never too serious (even with dead bodies involved).

Finlay and Vero are back with their usual amateur sleuthing shenanigans, and this time a very *nosy* neighbor joins the party. I laughed, I cringed, and I’m already counting down to book 6.

Special shoutout to the narrator, Angela Dawe. She nails every character voice (and there are *a lot*). Always a fun time with this crew!

Another stellar addition to the Finlay Donovan series! I really enjoyed getting to see a different side of Mrs. Haggerty, and of course see Finlay and Vero go through more crazy times. Cannot recommend this series enough!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is quirky and fast-paced with plenty of twists and humor. While the plot gets a bit over-the-top and some parts feel repetitive, it’s still an entertaining ride for fans of the series who enjoy light mysteries with a dose of chaos.

I was excited to see that there was a new installment of the Finlay Donovan series coming out, and having enjoyed the first 4 books, I was excited to dive into #5. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There's the same feel of the previous 4, the same Lucille Ball-type slapstick situations, the same solid mystery, the same snarky humor. And therein lies a potential problem with a series like this - all that "sameness" can lead to boredom over time, with readers starting to experience BTDT (been there, done that) syndrome. It's happened to me with a series or two (and I'm a huge mystery series lover, thanks to Carolyn Keene & Nancy Drew). But happily, it hasn't happened with this one yet. I listened to the audio version, and Angela Dawe's narration is a perfect fit for these books. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing copies for an unbiased review.

Finlay Donovan does it AGAIN, and she left me on a cliff hanger!! Elle Cosimano has created a fun world that I'm happy to see continue with the many intricate and comical characters she creates. Finlay and Vero are friendship goals, and this story gave so much satisfaction for Finlay between her two series love interests. Highly, HIGHLY, recommend. Especially with the narrator chosen for this series!

This series has been fun but I do think it’s grown a bit redundant and tiresome for me. While I like Finlay and her crew, I can’t help but think this world would’ve been sweeter if shorter lived.

If there is one series you absolutely must listen to the audio for, it’s this one. 🎧

I’ve enjoyed every book in the Finlay Donovan series! And I have listened to all of them on audio. The narration is so good!

This series is a mix of dark comedy, romantic suspense, and mystery, but the characters are also relatable, fun, and interesting.

Book 5 was just released earlier this month! It follows in much the same vein as the first four books, with one exception—rather than Finlay being an accidental part of the crime, this crime actually has nothing to do with her.

I thought it was interesting that so many things were tied off so neatly at the end of book 4, and it seems that allowed for more character development in this book compared to the previous one.

I loved seeing Finlay’s relationship develop with Nick. He’s a good guy and she deserves to have someone reliable and loving in her life!

I appreciated Finlay’s loyalty to Steven—not because he deserves it, but because her kids deserved to have a relationship with him outside of a jail.

Mrs. Haggerty is such a fun character! I’m glad we got to see more depth to her.

Finlay’s agent, Sylvia, is a hoot!

I want to see more of Vero and Javi in the next book.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series, and based on the cliffhanger, I know there’s more to come! I’m excited to see where these characters end up.

I gave this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, and I highly recommend listening to it!

Oh Finlay. I believe she's usually her own downfall. This story gets more and more outlandish each "episode", but it's always an enjoyable, if somewhat brainless, read. Finlay is divorced with two kids, but her previously contentious relationship with her ex has calmed down considerably. She has a babysitter, Vero, who's also her partner in crime, and she's dating a hot cop, which can put a damper on the exploits she and Vero get up to.

Finlay is also an author who owes a book to her publisher, but she does everything BUT write most days. Maybe it's because I'm not a mom, but I just don't get the level of frazzled she gets to almost all of the time. I do understand trying to juggle all the roles you play on a daily basis.

If you like reading about mom struggles, get a little spice, and maybe a bit of a mystery thrown in, you should try the Finlay Donovan series. It's a good time.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC audiobook!

Another funny & captivating book, and one of my favorites in the Finlay Donovan series. It’s a perfect mix of drama and intrigue and hilarity (Cam and Mrs. Haggarty are so great). The audio was great, like always!

5 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave delivers another delightful installment in the beloved Finlay Donovan series, blending sharp wit, heartfelt moments, and a compelling mystery that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

In this fifth book, Finlay Donovan, mystery writer and single mother, finds herself once again entangled in a real-life investigation when a body is discovered in her nosy neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard. With her ex-husband Steven under suspicion, Finlay teams up with her trusty nanny and best friend, Vero, to uncover the truth.

Cosimano's writing shines with its trademark humor and charm. The dynamic between Finlay and Vero is as entertaining as ever, with their banter and camaraderie providing both levity and emotional depth to the narrative. The addition of Mrs. Haggerty as an unexpected houseguest adds a delightful layer of complexity to the story, challenging Finlay and Vero's perceptions and fostering personal growth.

This series is an audiobook must! I love Angela Dawe's narrations throughout this whole series. I have listened to all books in the series and this is the best one yet.

Here’s a review you can use or adapt:

⸻

Review: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

This series is seriously so much fun! Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave continues the wild, hilarious, and fast-paced adventures of Finlay and her ride-or-die sidekick, Vero (aka the world’s most entertaining babysitter/nanny/crime accomplice). I laughed out loud more times than I can count while reading this book—Elle Cosimano has nailed the blend of mystery and comedy in what I like to call a perfect “mom-com.”

One of the coolest parts for me personally? This story takes place super close to where I live, and some scenes are set basically in my own neighborhood. That added such a fun, surreal layer to the experience—it made the story feel even more immersive.

It was also great to get to know Mrs. Haggerty better in this installment. She’s been a quirky side character in earlier books, and I loved seeing her play a bigger role here.

The book is fast-paced with short, punchy chapters that make it nearly impossible to put down. It’s action-packed without ever feeling chaotic, and Cosimano continues to keep the stakes high while giving us plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and relatable parenting chaos. I seriously identify with Finlay’s constant juggling act—she’s such a great blend of overwhelmed mom and reluctant amateur sleuth.

I switched between the ebook and audiobook, and both formats are excellent. Angela Dawe narrates the audiobook, and she is honestly one of the best in the business. Her range is incredible—she gives every character a distinct voice and captures the humor, tension, and heart of the story perfectly.

If you’re looking for a fast, fun, laugh-until-you-snort mystery series with heart, strong female friendships, and just the right amount of chaos, this book—and the entire Finlay Donovan series—is escapist fiction at its best. Highly recommend!

ALC REVIEW:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finlay Donovan has once again found herself tangentially connected with another murder. After barely escaping convictions in a handful of cases, a body discovered across the street from her residence has landed her ex-husband (Steven) behind bars. Convinced he has nothing to do with the case, she takes it upon herself to prove his innocence. But in her efforts to do so, she draws suspicion to herself. Will Finlay be able to clear Steven’s name, or will she go down with him?

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the fifth installment in the cozy mystery series (Finlay Donovan). Setting the book in a typical suburban area, Elle Cosimano created a true cross section of the American population. Heading up the quirky cast of side characters is none other than Mrs. Haggerty. As the president of the neighborhood watch, the elderly, no-nonsense woman has once again inserted herself into Finlay’s life at the worst possible time.

As a longtime fan of the Finlay Donovan Series, I was excited to see Mrs. Haggerty play a more dominant role. While she has been a polarizing character, Mrs. Haggerty has always been one of my favorites. Therefore it was exciting to learn about her backstory. Always one for the dramatics, she graced the pages with her scene stealing sass. However this time, she showcased support and strength for the marginalized women she came into contact with.

I highly recommend listening to this as an audiobook. Angela Dawe does a fantastic job narrating. Not only does Dawe’s voice acting skills bring Elle Cosimano’s entertaining story to life, but the pair will have you seeing your neighbors in a whole new light.

Special thanks to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and Elle Cosimano for allowing me to listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

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

Thank so much to the publisher for my AlC and ARC!

Although I have not read any of the previous books in this series, I found it very enjoyable and it made me want to read the rest of the books. This was almost like a cozy mystery, but not quite. It had the cozy mystery feel because the characters are likeable and not overly complicated, and takes place in a nice little neighborhood. Also, there is a murder but its not over the top graphic. I found it funny and relatable.

FINLAY is back!! I love this series so much. I just laugh and then get caught up and tangled in every time. It is a just a fun series. Chaotic but fun.

And not only is Finlay back but we get quite a bit of Mrs. Haggerty as well. Who doesn't love a nosy, elder neighbor airing everyone's dirty laundry about the town?? AND she gets to temporarily LIVE with Finlay and family?! And a glimpse into her slightly suspicious book club.

We also get Vero, Javi, Cameron, and Hot Cop Nick. The kids are back and funny as ever.

My favorite part about this series is that Finlay just accepts and cares for everyone that rolls into her life. They become family.

I also loved that this one was not so much. It calmed a bit from the last four books and I kinda loved it. We got to catch our breath and and enjoy the chaos that ensues this woman and her people. This book brought us right back in and reminded me why I love this crazy crew so much and why this series is a favorite of mine.

If you love to laugh and enjoy a good time please start at book 1 and go on this ride with these people.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

I really liked this one! It’s the same fun, quirky romps as the previous books but keeps Finley and her crew close to home. Although the adventures of the previous two books had been fun, seeing Finley in her element and returning to suburban intrigue was a nice change of pace. The audiobook narrator continues to be THE BEST.