Happy pub day to Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by @ellecosimano—the only series I read religiously! I’m so grateful to @minataur_books for a e-arc and to @macmillan.audio for an ALC of this one. If you’re a Finaly fan, you’re absolutely going to want to grab a copy. And if you’re not a fan yet, I’d still recommend grabbing a copy, but not until you’ve read the other books first.

It’s so hard to talk about this series without spoilers, but I’ll try to be as vague as possible. This installment of writer turned amateur detective Finlay and her best friend/nanny Vero involves a body found buried in their crochety neighbor’s Mrs. Haggerty’s back yard. When a person close them is suspected of being the killer, Finlay and Vero must figure out how to solve the case without drawing too much (or any) attention on their past crimes.

This book is just as funny as the rest of the series. We have Mrs. Haggerty—whose house is still a crime scene—moving in with Finlay and Vero. She criticizes everything they do, but is also surprisingly helpful with Finlay’s kids. We have all the usual antics that make this series so fun. Wigs, other disguises, breaking and entering, a book club, Finlay’s over-the-top agent Sylvia, run-ins with police from different departments. And we get a huge step forward in Finlay’s romance with hot cop Nick which I absolutely loved.

While this book really wouldn’t work well as a stand-alone, I also really appreciated that the central mystery in the story was pretty self-contained. I didn’t have to remember details from the other books to follow anything and the mystery wraps up at the end of the book perfectly. Which is not to say there isn’t the kind of cliffhanger I’ve come to expect from this series, because there absolutely is. And as soon as I finished the last page, I was already dying for book number six.

Angela Dawe is back narrating which is perfect because her voice has become synonymous with Finlay’s quick wit and worrying. This series is such a blast to listen to. I highly recommend the audiobook, but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed however you read the newest installment.

I love the Finlay Donovan series. It never gets old and I’m always excited when a new book comes out. This one didn’t disappoint. Where it may have been a little less action packed than normal it was still every bit as interesting. Mrs. Haggerty is such a fun character. I was annoyed at first but I really did like her by the end.

Thanks to Minotaur Books, St Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for early (and pub day!) access in exchange for my honest opinions.
One of the times each year that I reflect on how long I’ve been reviewing books is when a new Finlay Donovan book releases. I remember reading and reviewing Finlay Donovan Is Killing It in 2021 and falling in love with the characters and revisiting the Loudoun County area, where the books are set and where I’d lived from 2005-2007. And I’m thrilled that my original book is now personalized and signed by the author, after meeting her about a year ago at Porter Square Books in Cambridge, MA!
I love the way Finlay and Vero care for each other and Finlay’s kids, and even Stephen, Finlay’s ex-husband. Although Vero is always making threats to hurt him, I still think she cares about their family unit and doing what’s best for the kids. And in this book, Finlay felt like even more of a mama bear, taking care of Cam along with her neighbor. But she still gets to have her fun, too! There is just as much hilarity and there are just as many hijinks as you’d expect in a Finlay book, but to me it seemed a bit more realistic and believable than some recent drama and shenanigans. I didn’t start reading my ebook until this past weekend, when I read the first 1/3 in one sitting, and I sadly figured I wouldn’t finish it by pub day, due to work obligations limited my reading during the week. I was so excited to receive gifted access to the audiobook version today, and I jumped right in listening on my walk home from work, and I finished while making dinner. I have listened to a few of the others, and Angela Dawe does a fantastic job again here. Do check this one out, especially if you’ve read the others - I think the whole series (5 books and 1 novella) is worth reading if you haven’t yet!

The series has been resuscitated!!! Girly was flatlining during books 3 and 4, but Elle Cosimano has brought it back to life! Finally, Vero and Finlay are back to their usual “whoops, how did we get here?” shenanigans instead of whatever confusing, fully questionable situations they were getting into in the last two books. I loved the murder mystery and was dying over the relationship developments for Finlay.

Elle Cosimano delivers another hilarious and fast-paced mystery as Finlay and Vero get dragged into yet another murder—this time involving their nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. Determined to stay out of it, they’re forced to dive in when Finlay’s ex-husband becomes a suspect. Full of witty banter, unexpected twists, and laugh-out-loud chaos, this installment keeps the series fresh and entertaining. Fans will love the dynamic duo’s latest misadventures!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave. I listened on audiobook and couldn’t stop listening. As a fan of the Finlay Donovan series, I was very much looking forward to another installment of laugh out loud moments, zany antics and pure fun. This audiobook did not disappoint. Elle Cosimano wrote another great story with all of the same great characters that have been in the Finlay Donovan series. Angela Dawe, as in past books, narrated with such great voices for these very unique characters. These books are just fun. If you haven’t read the previous books, a lot is explained in the first few chapters, but you are missing out on a fun series that is pure escapism. Read the series and just have fun with it.

I look forward to the.next installment of Finlay and Vero’s antics and adventures.

5⭐

Published today!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is the 5th book in the Finlay Donovan series. Although these books all have their own mysteries, there are larger overarching arcs, characters, and relationships that make it beneficial to read the books in order.

In this installment, the events pick up right after book 4 (Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice), where a body is discovered in her neighbour, Mrs. Haggerty's, backyard.
When Mrs. Haggerty is released from custody, and her house is still a crime scene, she decides that she will be moving in with Finlay.
When Steven becomes the prime suspect, Finlay and Vero have to investigate or potentially become suspects themselves.

This was a wonderful 'read', I listened to the audiobook narrated by Angela Dawe, who as always, did a wonderful job. Her character voices were consistent and largely distinct, and she has a beautiful voice and has a lovely cadence to her narration.
My top highlight is the development of Mrs. Haggerty's character, who up until now has been the nosy neighbour. Her interaction with Cam and Finlay's children were particularly amazing - who knew Mrs. Haggerty could be so charming!
Another highlight was seeing Nick and Finlay's relationship actually progressing! His interaction with Delia's interactions were adorable!

Length of audiobook: 9 hours 11 minutes
Ending: Cliffhanger

I'm very excited to see how Finlay and Vero are going to tackle the next challenge in book 6!

Thank you to Elle Cosmiano, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

I came across the Finlay Donovan series about this time last year and finished all the available books (in audio form) in just over a week. They are just a great entertaining read that’s not too serious but also has the listener wondering what on earth could Finlay and Vero get themselves into next. i’m curious what the next book (because there has to be with the ending) will expose. I didn’t expect the interesting twist that came about near the end of this book ...

Thank you @ellecosimano & @macmillan.audio for the gifted ALC!

Book 5 in the Finlay Donovan series.

I've devoured this series over the past month and I'm really enjoying it. The previous books took us on some wild adventures, but this one brought us back to familiar territory, which I appreciated more. It had a relaxed vibe that enhanced the cozy mystery atmosphere.

This book features a storyline involving the elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. She is an absolute hoot. The connection Cam develops with her had me cackling.

I love witnessing the growth of all the characters throughout the series. This narrator floors me! She is every single one of these characters. Somehow she's able to bring them each to life and make them so distinctive with big personalities. She is killing it. And of course this one ends with a cliffhanger that is going to seamlessly throw us into the next of the series that I can't wait for.

The Finlay Donovan series never disappoints! This latest installment delivers everything I love about the series—sharp humor, engaging mystery, and the undeniable power of female friendships. Watching Finlay and Vero’s dynamic evolve, along with the growth of other familiar characters, makes for such an enjoyable read. If you’re looking for something modern, witty, and full of fun twists, this one is definitely worth picking up! Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the opportunity to listen to this book!

In this fifth installment of the Finlay Donavan
series, Finlay's ex-husband has been
accused of murder and it's up to Finlay and
Vero to find the true culprit Surprises and
plenty of laugh out loud moments abound in
this edition


This book was a delight! In my opinion,
Finlay Donavan Digs Her Own Grave is the
best book in this series yet. Elle Cosimano
has quite outdone herself. Now that some of
the loose ends have been tied up and the
earlier mafia storylines have been resolved,
the focus shifts more to Finlay's personal life
and the people closest to her.


When a body is found in Mrs. Haggerty's
backyard the action is uncomfortably close
to home, and this time around, Finlay has
nothing to do with the murder. Trouble still
finds its way to her door. Steven ends up
being accused of murder, her nosy neighbor
Mrs. Haggerty moves in, Delia gets
suspended from school, and Zack hasn't
exactly made potty training easy. Finlay and
Vero have their hands full in this one.


I just loved this audiobook! Angela Dawe
does an amazing job bringing these
characters to life.


I'm looking forward to more adventures and
hopefully more romance for Finlay.


Thank you, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley,
for this ALC. Opinions expressed in this

Finlay and Vero are hoping their troubles are behind them just as a body is found in nosy neighbour Mrs. Haggerty's yard. This time, Finlay has nothing to do with it, but that doesn't mean she can stay out of trouble! Before she knows it, Steven is accused of the murder, Mrs. Haggerty is moving in, Delia is in trouble at school, and Zack's potty training regime involves finding new uses for duct tape! 

It's incredible just how much trouble one suburban mom can get into. I wondered if it was possible to top the first adventure, and I think Cosimano has done it with Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, or at the very least has tied it up with this refreshingly fun mystery. I was delighted, often laughing at the hijinks with the kids, and loving the tag teaming hilarity between Finlay and Vero. I was pleasantly surprised in finding there is more depth to old Mrs Haggerty, and she turned out to be a very fun addition to the chaos of the Donovan household. Add in Nick, Javi, Sylvia, Cam, and his new doggy pal for a fun, cozy mystery that had me hooked. 

Just when I thought everything was tying up nicely, there's a knock at the door that drops the cliffhanger bomb 💣, and now...we wait!

🎧 I enjoyed this audiobook experience to the fullest, Angela Dawe does a fantastic job, as always, bringing Finlay and Vero to life.

ARC REVIEW : AD-PR PRODUCT

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is another wild, fun ride in the Finlay Donovan series! This time, Finlay and her chaotic crew are back with more small-town secrets, amateur sleuthing, and hilarious antics. The mystery kept me hooked, and the perfect blend of charm and chaos made this a really enjoyable read. I listened to the audiobook while reading along on my Kindle, and it was such an immersive experience!

Tropes you’ll find include:
Amateur sleuth
Small town secrets
Mystery
Wild antics

I gave Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave 4 stars because it’s a super fun, fast-paced mystery that’ll keep you on your toes. If you love quirky mysteries with heart, this one’s a must-read!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for providing an e-ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review!

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"I want you. Not part of you. All of you. You can't ask me to only fall in love with the pieces you're willing to show me "

"Tell me something that scares you."
"It might be too late to order pizza."

"What scares you the most?"
"You."

From the hilarious meeting in the principal's office to what really happens at nosy elderly neighbor Mrs.Haggerty's book club, I could barely breathe from laughing so hard listening to Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, by comedic romance cozy mystery genius author, Elle Cosimano. The fact that this is the most romantic and twistiest of the 5 books is just a delightful bonus.

Barely calming down from their last adventure, Finlay and her BFF live in nanny Vero find themselves sneaking around again, but this time it's to clear Finlay's ex-husband Steven from murder charges. Seems the body the police dug up in Mrs. Haggerty's garden is the husband of someone Steven may have cheated with a while back. Finlay knows he's a cheater but also knows he's not a murderer. The problem is the cops consider it a closed case, her sexy detective boyfriend Nick is confused by her defense of her cheating ex, and, because Mrs. Haggerty's property is a crime scene, she's moved in with Finlay, Vero and the kids!

The hysterical craziness felt like a reunion as characters from the previous books popped up including gorgeous bartender lawyer Julian. The best return was voice actress Angela Dawe who once again gives stellar comedic timing performances; especially Vero's "I'm Batman" scene that was comedy gold.

The best parts for me were Nick and Finlay's vulnerable honest talks. It was real, sweet, a bit swoony from Nick, and just made me happy for them. If you haven't started this series now's the time to dig in and make your heart smile.

I received a copy of this audiobook from #Macmillan Audio via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE
Elle Cosimano

The Finlay Donovan series really could go anywhere to infinity and beyond. But to keep things fresh, it may be time to change things up or move on from the series.

FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE is the fifth installment in the series. It involves a nosy neighbor, a love interest, and of course a murder mystery. It has everything you could want in a cozy mystery.



This series is one of my favorites. FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT opened the door to cozy reads for me. I realized I liked the genre, and it led me to explore other cozy titles.

It feels like sitting in a well-worn chair. The characters feel like friends and their adversaries, mine. It reminds me of the Evanovich and Grafton series, both of which I love. And if it can invigorate itself, it could have either of those series’ success and longevity.

It is a series I recommend all the time, and I will continue to do so.

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies

FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finlay Donovan and Veronica Ruiz are two frazzled, sarcastic women that I adore with my whole heart. This book is the fifth in their series, and I’ve enjoyed every second of the wild ride. Book 4 took the whole gang to Atlantic City, but they’re now safely back home. For literally a second, then a dead body is discovered in their nosy neighbor’s backyard, and Finlay’s ex-husband becomes a prime suspect.
I love Finlay’s reluctant acceptance of what her life has become, and Vero’s determination to protect their life at any cost. I also love the recurring characters like Cameron, an 18-year-old hacker with a love of small dogs, and Finlay’s sister and parents. Combined with annoying ex-husband Steven, hot boyfriend and detective Nick, and the ever-crazy kids, the plot almost doesn’t even matter!
I really enjoyed the addition of Mrs. Haggerty into Finlay and Vero’s already hectic lives. She was equally annoying and needed, and her grumpy back-and-forth with the two women cracked me up. As always, Finlay and Vero’s hijinks are hilariously executed, and there was enough suspense to have me on the edge of my seat. I really liked the “mystery” featured in this book, and felt like I was putting together clues at the same time as the characters!
Overall, this book is just a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts cozy mystery and balls to the wall insanity, this is a perfect pick!
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the free advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

Author Elle Cosimano can always be counted on for a lighthearted, hysterical, and chaotic read. Voiced with hilarious precision, Finlay and Vero make quite the pair in this neighborhood drama. As an early fan of Janet Evanovich works, Cosimano sets herself apart as she connects wholeheartedly with parents of toddlers, single mothers, book clubbers, or anyone with a sense of humor. With her most intriguing cliff hanger yet, "Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" is a roaring read.

I’ve been a huge fan of “Finlay Donovan” since the first book released in 2021 and have gobbled up every new installment since. In “Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave,” single mom and reluctant amateur sleuth Finlay Donovan and her sassy sidekick/nanny, Vero, are at it again. Filled with the witty dialogue, suspenseful scenes, and romantic stolen moments we’ve come to know and love, the fifth book in the Finlay Donovan series does not disappoint!

Written by the talented Elle Cosimano and expertly narrated by Angela Dawe, who has an amazing ability to create the perfect voice for each member of the cast of characters, I was hooked once again and drawn into Finlay’s world of balancing single motherhood and her career as a romance novelist with her irrepressible urge to solve crimes, despite her police officer boyfriend’s warnings. The characters in this series are so relatable and endearing, you’ll feel like they could be your best friends in real life.

Thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. I loved every minute and can’t wait for the next one to release! If you’re looking for a fun spring break read/listen that has you literally laughing out loud one minute and on the edge of your seat the next, you need Finlay in your life! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars)

FInlay and Vero return for book #5! One thing about me is I love a Finlay Donovan audiobook. The narrator is SO GOOD and keeps me engaged from beginning to end.

FInlay and Vero return to being in trouble again (shocker) when a body is found in their neighbors yard and Steven is a prime suspect. What this book includes is found family, suspense, and a love story. This is the definition of a cozy mystery for me, and I hope to get many more Finlay books. Also, Mrs. Haggerty = QUEEN.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Elle Cosimano for the advanced listening copy.

Another wild and crazy installation to my favorite series!! The ride that Finlay and Vero take you on every single time has you wondering if this is the book that they will finally get caught 🫣 There is SO much going on in this book that there is never a dull moment and you finish it extremely fast and are always left wanting more 😅

I love that each book leaves you with a cliff hanger, but the next one picks up immediately where the last one left you. There is no time missed (except for the time you have to wait for the next book to be released 😂). But once again, Mrs. Haggerty is causing problems, but not the kind that you might think 😉

Finlay Donovan is a must read for me every single time!! It’s an added bonus to read about places in NOVA where I grew up. I cannot wait for the next one!!

A special thank you Elle Cosimano, Netgalley, and MacMillan Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review!