This was another fun, funny and light hearted Finlay Donovan book! I still think the first 2 are my favourite but I always enjoy listening to what trouble they get themselves into. Vero makes the books in my opinion! Overall a really fun read.

I love this series with my whole heart — honestly, it might be my favorite series I’ve read. I was SO excited Macmillan Audio shared an advance reader copy with me through NetGalley, and it absolutely lived up to my high expectations. It has everything I love: the humor, the mystery, the thrilling moments, well timed twists, and the lovable characters that make it so much fun.

One of the best things about these books is how they remind me why reading for fun is actually fun. They’re entertaining, binge-worthy, and just make me happy. Getting back into reading in 2023 was such a great decision, and books like this are exactly why.

This one felt a little more grounded than the last two, which definitely went off the rails in the best way possible. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the chaos but I really liked how this one was more dialed back while still being just as engaging. It almost felt like Elle Cosimano knew readers had noticed how wild things had gotten and decided to rein it in a bit, but without losing any of the heart that makes these books so great.

I loved the direction she took with this story and these characters, and I already can’t wait to hear Angela Dawe's voice in my ears once again when the next installment drops!

This was a classic, fun Finlay Donovan adventure. Always quirky, funny, and bringing out the best in this unique cozy mystery genre. Definitely recommend reading this series in order since it picks up exactly where the last left off. Narration was great and made it an easy listen.

Finlay Donovan’s latest adventure is just as chaotic and fun as ever! Mrs. Haggerty steals the show with her antics, and Cam’s storyline adds a sweet, grounding touch. The book keeps up its signature mix of humor and suspense, making it hard to put down. My only slight gripe is the fast-moving timeline—five books in, I want more overall progress with Finlay and Nick, but then remember they’ve barely had time to breathe! Still, this series never fails to entertain, and this installment is no exception.

Ok, yes!!! We went back to basics here and it’s good to be back! I’ll be honest, the last one almost lost me. It was still entertaining, and I really love the characters, but I was missing the spark that drew me in. It’s hard to put in words, but I feel like this book is more closely a sequel to the first book than the others. I love this series, and it feels like it’s maybe coming towards the end, but it feels like it’s heading towards a really satisfying place- with good direction. Vague- I know! Sorry, but I just can’t spoil it for you. Read it. If you’re on the fence- this is your sign. Read it. It’s like welcoming home an old friend.

P.S. Zach finally get’s potty trained and low key was like such a major factor in my enjoyment because hearing about him peeing and popping all the time in every book is stresssssssful. And I am a boy mom. So I know the pain. IYKYK 4 ⭐️

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this arc, in exchange for my unbiased review!

This is such a fun series and I really enjoyed this book! I love the characters and the shenanigans they get up to. It was an easy listen and the narrator was fantastic!

4.5 stars

Another fun & ridiculous Finlay & Vero adventure. Maggie (Mrs. Haggerty) & Cam were ridiculous but also a lot of fun!

I loved seeing Maggie & Nick's relationship finally developing & some more trust being built between them!

Oh man - the ending!! When's book 6 coming?

Angela Dawe's narration of the Finlay books is perfect 🤌🏻

Huge thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press & MacMillan Audio for advance copies!

I will never complain about a new Finlay Donovan book nor the audio being narrated by Angela Dawe. The two are one and the same and I love it!

I had no idea how this book was going to play out on lots of plot twists and a whole host of new characters. Finlay and Vero’s antics where they find themselves in true crime felt a little anticlimactic most of the book until the very end. I love Cam!

This book starts off really different too which threw me for a loop but I don’t know if it’s super realistic. And if this has the beginning of a spin off series I am here for it!

This book releases next week and is the 5th book in the series and it should be read in order.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the alc. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

Content: murder and death, medium language and some F 💣, mild violence (not seen but mentioned), closed door romance but fade to black, small mention of drugs by adults

This book is part of a series featuring a single mom with two precocious kids and a partner-in-crime nanny. I did not have the opportunity to read previous books in the series and felt a little lost when some of the previous content was mentioned in this book. So, I'd definitely recommend reading these in order. In this episode, Finlay's home is "invaded" by her elderly neighbor when the neighbor's house becomes a crime scene. And, Finlay's ex is accused of the murder of a man found buried in her neighbor's back yard. So, Finlay and her nanny Vero work to try to find the truth.

I found this mystery both funny and addicting. The supporting characters, in particular Cameron and Vero, add lots of fun to the story. The narrator makes it come alive. The only fault I can find is that vague referrals to previous book content were confusing to me as a new reader of this series. A little more explanation could be useful in attracting new fans to this series!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.

This was such a fun read! I've loved reading this series from the beginning, and while the previous book wrapped up a lot of the stakes that had been building, I loved what this book did, and what it set up for book 6! I've just has such a fun time reading this series, though it does feel like it's coming to a close soon.

Finlay was a bit of a badass in the previous book, with how she managed to work all these different threats against each other, so she could get her desired outcome. So I really enjoyed seeing her having to deal with just a little bit less-just having the nosy neighbour having to live with her while her own place is getting fixed. Said neighbour a reason why she found out about Steven's infidelity, so that's an uncomfortable position.

Between having Mrs. Haggerty in her house, and then having Steven become a suspect, yeah, I really enjoyed watching Finlay investigate! That a book club became involved, and that there was something going on with them, was a delight to read!

This book wraps up a lot of the threads from the previous books, with the secrets that Finlay is keeping. There is going to be at least 1 more full length book, with what the last lingering thread to tie off, with the way that this book ended. I can't wait to see how that's going to play out!

This was another really wonderful read, and I can't wait to read more by Elle Cosimano!

I'm stunned.... Fully stunned! #5 in the Finlay Donovan series is as amazing as the rest. I might even say this is the best one yet! Maggie and Cam cracked me up! The podcasters were sufficiently annoying. OMG - NICK IS THE BEST!!

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to listen to this book pre-release.

I love a good cozy mystery book! I had no idea that this one was the fifth in the series. I do think for the most part it could be read as a stand alone but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the others first. I think the narrator did a wonderful job!! I’m definitely going to go back and read/listen to others in the series.

Thank you NetGalley, Elle and Macmillian Audio for the e-ALC!

Publication Date: March 4 2025
Rating: 🔎🔎 🔎

Another great book in the Finlay Donovan series!

Our last book left off with a body being found in Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard. After a short stint in the clink, Mrs. Haggerty shows up on Finlay’s doorstep to stay with her while her house gets utilities back on, cleaned up, etc.

Somewhere along the way, Finlay’s ex is arrested for the murder so she sets out to find out who really killed the man in Mrs. Haggerty’s back yard.

Finlay and Vero’s shenanigans make me laugh out loud and this book is no different! I love how this story tied in so much from the first four novels. I also liked the vulnerability Finlay showed in opening up to Nick at the end.

I recommend these books to everyone because of their humor and unique story! Another hit from Cosimano and I hope we get Finlay and Vero stories for years to come!

Thank you Net Galley for the advanced audit copy of this book!

A body is found in Finlay’s neighbor’s (Mrs. Haggerty) yard. After her release by the police into Finlay and Vero’s care (oh boy!), they decide that they have to find out what happened to not only get Mrs. Haggerty out of their house, but also exonerate Finlay’s ex, Stephen who’s now been accused of the murder. There’s no rest for this weary mother of two mystery author turned sleuth by way of mistakenly being taken for a mercenary for hire.

I loved it! I was curious what direction this book would take as things got a little darker and more serious in the previous book. The consequences of Finlay and Vero’s actions, adventures, and secrets are catching up to them. The big question now is is there a future for her and hot cop, Nick if she can’t be completely truthful and trust him, or does being truthful and placing her trust in him erase any future?

Highlights:
🔦 Mystery, suspense
🔦 Finlay & Vero’s friendship
🔦 Humor, sarcasm, wit
🔦 Hilarious side characters
🔦 Single mom, life after divorce, new relationship, trust
🔦 Low spice, closed door

Dawe’s narration is perfect! She gets the tone and humor just right. And her voices! She brings all the characters’ personalities to life. Her take on Vero and Mrs. Haggerty always crack me up.

Cosimano is my comfort author, and this is my comfort series. I like that she interposes real life family drama in between all the chaos. I’m grateful that she draws one aspect of Finlay’s story to a close while opening another, making room for more shenanigans and adventures. Fans of this series will enjoy all the familiar things as well as the slight shift. I loved every moment of it!

Thank you @macmillan.audio & @minotaur_books for my ALC & ARC in exchange for an honest review. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲 is available March 4th!

I really enjoyed this one and this is now my second favorite book in the series, after the first one of course! I love this series and this felt like it wrapped things up nicely, though I don't know if there will be another book given how Vero's story ended. So much happened in the first couple of books that in books 3 and 4 I was confused a lot of the time while trying to remember all the details from the prior books, but I didn't feel that way with this one. There was enough of a recap on prior happenings that I wasn't confused and was able to just flow with the storyline. I love how over the top these books are and how they serve as escapism from reality. Nick is such a good love interest and I loved Finlay's agent in this one as she added a lot of humor. I love grumpy old people so Mrs. Haggerty playing a larger part in this book was extremely welcome - I loved how sassy she was! A great addition to the series!

As for the narrator - I hate to say it (again because I think I said this with the 4th book) but I really don't like this narrator. Her voice is perfectly fine when she narrates Finlay, though she does have a slight Scottish accent sometimes, which is just weird. It's when she narrates Vero and men that really irk me. She makes Vero sound like a man and when she narrates actual men she makes her voice so low and hoarse, kind of like how woman imitate their husbands when they're trying to be obnoxious. It's kind of hard to listen to - I know you can't change narrators in the middle of a series but I do wish either someone else narrated these or there was a different narrator for the other characters.

4.5 Stars

Just like all of the previous Finlay books, I could not put this one down. The stakes were high, the laughs were plenty, and the car wreck of a life that Finlay and Vero are navigating gets even more complicated when the geriatric lady and suspected murdered of their neighborhood moves on in despite the protestations of Finlay and Vero…why? Because her power is out and she needs to stay close to prove her innocence. Nick is back, so is the ex, AND EVEN BABY ATTORNEY! The story ended on a big cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see where we head next!

Fun, Fast-Paced, and Full of Laughs! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This latest installment in the Finlay Donovan series is a wild ride from start to finish! A fun, fast-paced cozy mystery with a splash of romance and just the right amount of spice, it delivers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Finlay and Vero’s antics never disappoint, and their reluctant involvement in yet another murder case makes for a highly entertaining read. The mystery keeps you hooked, the banter is top-notch, and the chemistry—both romantic and comedic—adds to the charm. A quick and easy read that’s perfect for anyone looking for a cozy mystery with a bit of an edge. Can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Here we go again picking up where we left off from the last book. All the same characters Finlay, Vero, Javi, Nick and the extermely annoying old lady neighbor Mrs. Haggerty. Finlay just submitted her latest book, and she thought she would get time off, or get to know Nick her new hot cop boyfriend. But here we go again with Finlay getting involved in another hot mess of a predicament, when a dead body is found in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. Finlay and Vero get dragged into the drama when Mrs. Haggerty is cleared rather quick as a suspect. But problem is, Mrs. Haggerty doesn't have anywhere to go right n0w because her electric and water are shut off and remains a active crime scene. Mrs. Haggerty ends up on Finlays door for a place to stay, despite Finlay and Vero's protests. Mrs Haggerty becomes a pesky guest, always asking for rides to book club and the grocery store. Althought Finlay and Mrs Haggerty do not always see eye to eye they do make things work and the old lady keeps alot of things shes seen in her neighbor hood watch quiet.

I love this series so much, they are always fun to listen to and Elle Cosimano grabs you in early on of every book and keeps you on the edge of your chair. However I dont like being left on a cliff hanger at the end of every single one of the books in this series. As always Angela Dawe the narrator is amazing.

Read this series if you like:
Mystery
Humor
Romantic subplot
Small town Secrets
Neighborhood Watch Secrets
Amateur Sleuth
Old Lady with a secret

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and a production Minotaur Books
I reviewed this voluntarily

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan publishing for this ARC. Finlay Donovan has been a comfort read of mine since her first escapades and this one did not disappoint. I love trying to figure out the puzzle introduced at the end of the previous book and all the crazy antics of the characters. While one of my favorite things about this book (and series) is that no matter what goes down it always seems to work out for Finlay and her nanny (best friend, financial advisor, ect), Vera, I know some people who like a more gritty realistic thriller/mystery and find it disappointing (or unrealistic). It doesn’t quite fall into the cozy mystery category but it’s close with a little more crazy antics, comedic relief, and (mostly) accidental murders. There were a few new characters introduced in Finlay Donavon Digs Her Own Grave but a lot of the previous characters made appearances as well. Overall exactly what I’ve come to know and love from this series. I’d say more but I don’t want to give anything away. If you have enjoyed the previous books in this series I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

This is one of my favorite series! What keeps me glued to it is that I’ve become so attached to the characters. Finlay and Vero are like old friends (friends I wish I had) whom I get to revisit with each new book—and they are hilarious together. I was so glad that many of the familiar faces returned here, Nick, Javi, and especially young, sweet Cam, who was still part of Finlay’s life.

And yes, don’t worry, Finlay and Vero get themselves mixed up, sleuthing another murder again. Seems Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, has a dead body buried in her backyard. So, while the house is being treated as a crime scene, Mrs. Haggerty insists on staying with Finlay and Vero. You know this will become a tangled mess! From Finlay’s ex becoming a suspect to Finlay having to tell Nick the truth about her past, this felt like it tied up loose ends and caught us up - until the next book. 😉

I love that while each story is a fun and entertaining mystery, it also discusses family life, friendship, and, of course, Finlay and Vero’s wild antics. I’m definitely hooked.

🎧 I love listening to Angela Dawe's narration. She has become Finlay Donovan to me. She did an excellent job with the entire cast.

Thank you @minotaurbooks @stmartinspress and @ellecosimano for the gifted eARC via NetGalley.
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook via NetGalley #macmillanaudio #MacAudio2025 #audiobooks