I will read this series as long as Cosimano writes it. There is just something about her writing, and the characters, that makes me smile nonstop. I love Finlay and Vero's crazy antics and the ridiculous situations they find themselves in. I love murder mysteries, and every now and again it's really lovely to get caught up in a lighthearted one that makes me laugh and keeps me entertained. I hope Finlay and Vero go on forever. I also wouldn't mind if Mrs. Haggarty became the third stooge in the future.

I love this series. Author Elle Cosimano knows how to spin a tale and keep you wanting more. Finlay and Vero have yet another problem to solve, but this time the focus is on their very noisy neighbor. Could Finlay's husband be to blame? Is the neighbor more than she seems? You will want to finish this book in one sitting.

✨ Review ✨ Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano; Narrated by Angela Dawe

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

Another fabulous Finlay Donovan book – this time, after her nosy neighbor is arrested and then her ex is in trouble, Finlay needs to get involved again to solve another murder. I loved that this placed her neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, right in the middle of this story – as Finlay and Vera grapple with her staying in their house.

It's hard to add more without spoilers, but this is again full of funny shenanigans as these two try to pursue justice. This was one of my favorites in the series so far (maybe my favorite since the first or third books?)

🎧 The audio narration was once again fantastic, and made you want to keep listening for hours on end!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: mystery
Setting: Virginia
Length: 9 hours 11 minutes
Pub Date: Mar 04 2025

Read this if you like:
⭕️ cozy mysteries
⭕️ fumbling civilian detectives
⭕️ a single mom dodging danger and raising her kids

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I love this book series and was so excited that Macmillan Audio and NetGalley gave me the opportunity to listen to the fifth book in the Finlay Donovan Series early.

These books remind me the shows Good Girls or Dead To Me. If you enjoy mystery, a little romance and humor, these are for you. I have read and listened to this series, and honestly have enjoyed them both ways. The narrator, Angela Dawe, is great in this audiobook.

I definitely recommend reading these in order, because all the same characters are in them and there are quite a few parts that build off or mention previous books.

Book 5 picks up right where book 4 left off, with a body being found in their nosey neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty’s, yard. Once she is cleared as a suspect, she gets stuck living with Vero and Finlay, since her house is still a crime scene.

Since Finlays ex Steven has been involved in some questionable situations, he is next on the list as a suspect. With their usual humor and clunky detective skills, Finlay and Vero are determined to uncover the truth behind the body found in their neighbors yard and clear Steven’s name.

I always recommend these books when I get a chance and would definitely recommend this one.

Again, thank you Macmillan Audio through NetGalley for the early release of this audio!

Finlay Donovan strikes again. Oh, Finlay. I will never have enough of these books. This time around, we get some justice as fans of hating on the ex-husband. Yet somehow, Elle Cosimano reminds us that if something happens to one, the whole family shares the troubles.

I like the light tone of this book. I like the depth Finlay was burdened with this time around and how it came to fruition. I think this could easily be the end of the series—though we all know that won't happen, like, ever. I won't be mad.

Audiobook production, as always, didn't disappoint. I like the narrator and the overall delivery. Thank you for this advanced copy. I had a splendid time.

Add this (entire series) to your TBR! The 5th book in the Finlay Donovan series by @ellecosimano published this week and it does not disappoint. I was lucky enough to receive an early copy via @netgalley and read it last month. Having been a fan of Finlay (and Veronica) since the beginning, it was truly a delight to read. Each book in the series is a 4 or 5 ⭐️read for me. Quick easy reads, full of laugh out loud moments, ridiculous situations, unexpected plot twist, great characters and always with a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.

Each book does build off of each other, so if you haven’t cracked this series open before, start from the beginning.

I love this series! Once again, this was so fun to read. I read the audiobook of this book, which is my favorite way to read this series. The narrator does such a good job with the voices. As always, there are laugh out loud moments and crazy situations, but the characters themselves are what makes this series so good.

Finlay & Vero are involved in another murder case.
What situation are they going to get into now.
A fun, suspense, twists mystery.
Enjoyed the story and all the characters.
Narration was easy to listen to. Voluntarily reviewed.

4.5 stars

I had such a fun time with this book. I love the series so much and I am so excited for the next one. I loved the addition of all the characters and the growth and Finlay's story progression. Julian came back which I love. I am so excited for this book to continue.

*Thank you so much Macmillan audio for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Elle Cosimano never disappoints! As always I was laughing out loud and totally engrossed in Finlay’s shenanigans. I feel like I truly am friends with all the characters in this series, and as much as I hate to see their stories come to a close, Elle did it in the best way possible!

I fell in love with Finlay after the very first book and have eagerly anticipated each new adventure. I admit that the last few in the series have felt a little bit too far out there, so I started with some skepticism when listening to this audiobook. I was pleasantly surprised. The narrator was great and the consistency in all of her characters made for some solid entertainment. This book was true to Finlay's roots and it was so fun to see characters from previous story arcs all coming together here to better understand what was unfolding in Finlay's own town and neighborhood. I found myself loving the Mrs. Haggerty storyline and seeing the deeper side to this nosy neighbor as she was dumped on Finlay and became an unwelcome house guest. This book was comedy, spy, action, and some sweet romantic nods as Finlay has to learn how much she can trust the "hot cop" that she has fallen for. I loved it!

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me an ARC of the Audiobook!

Another great installment in the Finlay Donovan series!

This time, Finlay and Vero have their hands full when Finlay's ex-husband is accused of murder and their cranky next-door neighbor Mrs. Haggerty moves in. While her presence throws a wrench in the works, Finlay and Vero scramble to clear Steven's name by finding the true killer and dealing with the chaos at home.

But will this be the case that makes or breaks Finlay's relationship with Nick? You'll have to read it to find out!

I love the wild and crazy storylines the author comes up with for this series, and this particular installment has hints of The Orient Express all throughout it.

Thank you to Elle Cosimano, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an advance review copy. I can't wait for the next installment!

4.25 🌟

I really enjoyed this latest installment of the Finlay Donovan more than most of the recent books. I liked that this was a bit more slower paced and more believable story that seemed to be a bit of a transition novel before the next one in the series. It wasn’t as action filled but more character development. I appreciated it but I can see how some fans might be disappointed. Overall, still loving this series and it’s wonderful on audio! Still one of my favorite series to recommend as there is really nothing like it!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this title!

Once again, Finlay finds herself in over her head—but what else is new when chaos is just part of your everyday life?

This time, there may not be a body in Finlay’s backyard, but there is one in her neighbor’s, Mrs. Haggerty. Mrs. Haggerty steals the show for me with her senior sass, stubborn charm, and surprising heart. Every scene with her is a gem—I laughed out loud more than once. I loved every minute of her!!

But don’t worry—Mrs. Haggerty hasn’t replaced Vero. She's back and just as mischievous and loyal as ever. It’s also great to see more of her love interest, Javier, appear in this story.

The chemistry between Nick and Finlay is definitely heating up, and I love how their relationship is developing—sweet, swoony, and full of potential. Of course, we still get a few glimpses of Julian, just enough to stir up memories of their old spark.

Angela Dawe continues to shine as the voice of Finlay in the audiobook. She is Finlay at this point—her narration perfectly captures the chaos, wit, and heart that define the series.

If you’re already a fan of Finlay Donovan, this book won’t disappoint - a good mystery with laughs, heart, and a little romance!

Oh how I missed this world!! I admittedly have branched off from reading a lot of mystery books but I will always come back for Finlay Donovan!! This series always hits the mark of being fun and mysterious while also being so cozy. Something about this world feels like a hug. and the accidental I love you!!

Another fun edition to a fun mystery series which focuses on Finlay, a single mom who writes suspense romance novels. In the first book she finds herself wrapped up in crime and that continues in new ways in this edition, this time involving her elderly next door neighbor. There was a good balance of mystery, humor, and romance in this book, which is something the author excels at throughout this series. What makes this book stand out among the series is that her mistakes are getting harder to hide from her loved ones and the law.

This is definitely a great pick for lovers of mystery who enjoy added elements to the plot and morally grey characters. Be sure to read the series in order, as the plots link together.

Elle Cosimano delivers another witty, fast-paced mystery as Finlay and Vero stumble into more chaos—this time involving a body next door. Packed with humor, heart, and sharp twists, it’s a fun, clever ride from start to finish. A must for fans of smart, comedic crime capers!

Finlay Donovan always seems to have a hand in a little bit of trouble. I found this book in the series not a funny as the others, but still kept me intrigue.

Another great adventure with Finlay and associates. I am really am enjoying this series! Can’t wait to see where the next adventure takes us.

Did I wait about a month to start this… yess only because I don’t want this series to end!! I’ll be in a cozy mystery slump until next year waiting to see what Finlay & Vero gets into next. I love how the author brings us right back to the huge cliffhanger she leaves us on in the previous book & as I stated before in other reviews I love the audiobook !! Angela dawe has finlay & this world living in my head rent free for years.

In this book we get more scenes with characters we met before & some we haven’t. Things happens to Steven & ms. Haggerty that have me just guessing like how they could be linked? If they are ?

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for this arc! You guys stay blessing my chaotic reading & a huge thank you to Netgalley for the access to these amazing books!