Another wonderful Finlay romp! After the chaos in Atlantic City, loved that in this installment, Finlay is pulled into drama that is NOT of her own making. There is plenty of mystery, hijinks, and questionable decisions, but with an added side of vengeance and snark. The last "gasp" ,moment at the end promises more to come, and I'll still be along for the ride.

3.5 stars

In this 5th book in the comical 'Finlay Donovan' series, Finlay's ex-husband is arrested for murder.

*****

Finlay Donovan is a divorced mother and novelist who has a knack for getting in and out of trouble. For instance, when the scoundrel Harris Mickler was killed in Finlay's garage, Finlay and her friend/nanny Veronica Ruiz (Vero) knew what to do. They buried Mickler on Finlay's ex-husband's farm and pinned the whole thing on the Russian mob. Unfortunately, this set off a chain reaction that had Finlay and Vero finding bodies, hiding bodies, and trying to figure out who murdered those bodies.

Finlay adapted her true crime adventure into a novel, and now that the 'Russian mob caper' is done and dusted, Finlay hopes to have breathing room. But it's not to be. Finlay's neighbor, 81-year-old Mrs. Margaret Haggerty, is arrested when a plumbing emergency reveals a dead body under her rose garden. The victim is identified as mortgage broker Gilford Dupree, who disappeared five years ago. Finlay isn't too distressed about Mrs. Haggerty because the elderly woman, who's in charge of the neighborhood watch, is the nosybody who exposed Finlay's (now) ex-husband Steven as a cheating rogue last year.

Finlay's carefree attitude is short-lived though, because she soon sees a news report stating, 'All charges against Margaret Haggerty have been dismissed in light of new evidence'. This leads to a double whammy: Mrs. Haggerty invites herself to be a houseguest in Finlay's home while her plumbing is being fixed; and Finlay's ex-husband Steven is arrested for murder. It appears five years ago, when Gilford Dupree vanished, Steven was sleeping with Dupree's wife AND delivering mulch to Mrs. Haggerty's home.

Finlay knows Steven is a no-good cheater, but he's the father of her children, and (in Finlay's view) NOT a murderer. So Finlay and her friend Vero set out to find the real killer. This leads to a number of dangerous, but amusing, escapades.

The Finlay Donovan novels are comical mysteries, and there's plenty of fun in this story. For instance, Finlay's five-year-old daughter Delia is suspended from school when a boy pulls her hair and Delia 'kicks him in the tentacles' just like Vero showed her. Then there's the time Mrs. Haggerty raids Finlay's fridge and takes pot brownies to her book club meeting. Smelliest of all, a clothing mishap forces Finlay to stuff an oversize bra with wet socks scented with lavender.

On the personal side, Finlay is still dating Police Detective Nick Anthony, and hiding her criminal history from him - though that's getting more and more difficult. Nevertheless the duo are getting closer, so who knows what lies in store.

The usual recurring characters appear in the book, including Finlay's mother - who babysits when necessary; Vero's boyfriend Javi - who has all kinds of skills; teenage scamp Cam - who Venmos money from Finlay's account for his Uber rides; Sylvia - Finlay's literary agent, who's trying to broker a TV deal; and more.

All in all, an entertaining addition to the series.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Angela Dawe, who does a fine job.

Thanks to Netgalley, Elle Cosimano, and Macmillan Audio for a copy of the book.

This was another classic Finlay Donovan mystery. Shenanigans, a mom trying to do it all, and random dead bodies. I enjoyed the neighbor aspect and the ongoing mystery. Listening to the banter between all of the characters. I hope Finlay gets a break soon....and poor Vero!

This series is always fun to read--the dialogue sharp and witty. However, this particular book in the series did not feel as well thought out as the earlier books--it felt stretched to add another novel to the series.

LISTEN! This book gave. I was starting to get tired of the insane antics that went on for four books. This gave more mystery without dragging Finlay and Vero through to some ridiculous scenario that they needed to dig their way out of. I’m usually not an audiobook girl. I’ve listened to a few and some worked and some didn’t. I loved this one. Needless to say this is my first FD audiobook and also first Angela Dawe audiobook. She was amazing at the all the voices. Were they all perfect? No… but she was great at differentiating each character and acting out the book. I found it very entertaining.

I knew the girls would end up in Maryland at some point and I’m so glad we’ll get that next!!

I don’t even need to say it, but I am… Nick is daddy. Mai gawddd.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a review.

At this point I don't think Elle Cosimano can do any wrong. Her Finlay Donovan series is madly addictive if you're in the mood for a silly murder book that could never happen, but is extremely addictive and hilarious. There were multiple scenes where I laughed out loud to the point where I was asked what I was laughing at.

I was a little nervous to come back to this series because I read the last book right after it came out and I wasn't sure how much l'd remember, but Elle does an amazing job of reminding you where all the characters are from.

I would read anything this author writes.

I really enjoyed this book. The story felt like going home again because you know the characters so well now. I love that the author does a great job of reminding you of what happened in the previous stories so even though I read it last year I was able to remember and keep up. The story moved a little slow and it took me a little while to read it. Happy about Finaly's love interest. I was wondering how the author was going to go about it. Love also getting to know Mrs. Haggerty better. She's a great character so is Cam. I am still grappling with the ending. It wasn't what I expected.

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of the audible. I really love the narrator Angela Dawe. Her pacing is great. There is an accent that seems to come in sometimes, but it doesn't affect how you hear the story. The voice she does for the kids are great. I had to take a double take because it sounds like a child. I love her Vero voice too. She makes you feel like you are apart of the story. Adds the right inflection at the right time.

Overall, love this story and hoping for another.

Finlay's least favorite neighbor, Ms. Haggerty, is her new roommate until the police can figure out who buried the body in Ms. Haggerty's backyard. Besides Ms. Haggerty pulling a gun on Finlay's detective boyfriend, Nick, things decline when Finlay's ex-husband, Steven, becomes the prime suspect in the investigation. Nothing can go wrong for Finlay while trying to find the murderer and keeping secrets from Steven, Nick, her publisher, and Ms. Haggerty, right? 🙃

Ever since I read the first book in the series, @ellecosimano has been my #autobuyauthor . "Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave" is the fifth installment in the series, and it's not losing any traction. I loved Ms. Haggerty's involvement in Finlay's investigation and the excellent progression between all the characters. I'm glad we get to see more honesty (and spice) between Finlay and Nick, and I know the next book will have deeper moments for both of them. Cosimano does a great job of building tension and humor in the story without going over the top with the drama. The entire series is fun, and if I were to read it all over again, I would. 💁

Thank you, @netgalley , for sending me an advanced copy of this audiobook. You can send me the author's grocery list, and I would happily read it and post a review about it. I would also like to thank the narrator, Angela Dawe, who delivers the best writer turned wannabe mercenary turned wannabe private investigator. 🕵️‍♀️

Here are some of my favorite things about this book:

▪️The audio was amazing as always. Angela Dawe truly IS every character in this story, and I can’t imagine the series without her!

▪️The story is simpler this time around. I love all four prior books, but it was a nice change of pace to have a less convoluted story to follow. It felt like a needed breather.

▪️It was fun to see more of Finlay’s kids, Delia and Zach, who sometimes get lost in all of Finlay and Vero’s shenanigans. It’s a welcome throwback to the series opener, and they both stole the show a few times. I’m still lol’ing at the potty training scenes!

▪️Mrs. Haggerty. What a character! Peel the layers of that ‘onion’ and you may be surprised what you find. Ironically, just like an actual onion, I loved her and was irritated by her simultaneously!

▪️It was nice to see some growth in Finlay and Nick’s relationship arc. I really loved the thread about trust and seeing the choice Finlay made regarding it.

▪️Cam. The kid is hilarious … and well fed. IYKYK

A couple things that I didn’t like as much:

▪️I didn’t hate but didn’t love the mystery. It was unbelievable on so many levels and the resolution felt too easy. Luckily the story around it made up for it.

▪️A little heavy on the women as victims theme, which isn’t a favorite for me.

▪️It felt like Vero wasn’t QUITE as present this time. I always love as much Finlay and Vero interaction as possible, but it seemed like Finlay and Nick took some of that previous focus. Maybe it was just me.

All in all, another delightful and fun outing with Finlay, Vero and the crew. I think I may get my wish for more Vero in the next installment, as the epilogue shines the spotlight her way!

Oh, Finlay and Vero strikes again!!! These two keep me laughing and make me tired all at the same time. They are quite the pair and oh, the messes that they get themselves into always keep me flipping to the next page as fast as I can. The 5th book in the series is probably my favorite so far!! Bring on book #6 Elle Cosimano because I can't wait to read more of Finlay and Vero's shenanigans!

Thank you Net Galley and publisher for an advanced eARC of this book!

Once again Angela Dawe gives an impeccable performance as our favorite mom turned amateur sleuth. Entertaining, humorous and witty this audiobook hits all the marks!

Finlay Donovan and her partner-in-crime/nanny, Vero, are no strangers to having conflict with Mrs. Haggerty, their elderly neighbor and community busybody. When a dead body is discovered in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard, she's initially considered a suspect, only to be cleared by the police later. When Mrs. Haggerty is dropped off to stay at Finlay's house while her's is being fixed after the murder, Finlay and Vero further investigate to try and solve this mystery to protect their own secrets from being brought to light. As the investigation expands to include Finlay's ex-husband, Steven, Finlay and Vero are forced to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty in order to uncover her secrets before the police do.

This is my first read in the Finlay Donovan series, and I’m really looking forward to reading the other installments. It such a genuinely enjoyable mystery, a cozy and clever whodunit that kept me hooked from start to finish. The characters were fun and likable, and the comedic elements involving Finlay’s children were consistently hilarious, making for heartwarming, and silly, moments.

I believe if you've never read the series prior, you may appreciate knowing more about the backstory, but even without prior knowledge, this book is a delightful introduction to the story. The mystery was engaging, with plenty of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. While the focus isn’t on any big political intrigue or high stakes espionage, it’s an extremely fun and lighthearted read. Highly recommend for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a dash of humor!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: LOVED the book and I'll be thinking about it for a long time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Definitely a good read and would recommend it for most people.
⭐️⭐️⭐️: It was a decent book, but something about it didn't meet expectations.
⭐️⭐️: Didn't really enjoy it.
⭐️: Did not like it at all and probably wouldn't recommend.

review will be available on March 4, 2025

Thank you so much to Elle Cosimano, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for an ARC of this awesome book!

Another wild adventure for Finlay & Vero! This time they are trying to figure out who is responsible for the body found in Mrs Haggerty’s backyard. The usual crew is back - Javi, Nick, Cam & of course the kids (Delia & Zack) for the shenanigans that always surrounds them!

I’ve read the other 4 books in the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano. They are a fun read and the cliff-hanger endings leave me wanting to start the next book asap. Angela Dawe always does an excellent job with the narration for this series.

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If 2021 Kasey knew 2025 Kasey would be getting an ARC of her favorite series, she would never believe the journey that books would take her on and the worlds she would venture into and the characters she would meet.

If you have never picked up a FD book, please do yourself a favor. Each book leaves off on a cliff hanger and the following book picks up exactly where the cliff hanger leaves you. Each book I fear I will forget what happened in the previous book and be lost but the ability Elle has to remind the reader what happened while not making it feel repetitive is uncanny and greatly appreciated.

In this book we are following the crew navigating human remains being found in Mrs. Haggerty's yard. While she is quickly cleared by police as a suspect, her house is an active crime scene and so she is forced to take residence at Finlay's house with Vero and the kids. She is as demanding and broody as ever. I was never a fan of Mrs. Haggerty's character until this book, and I know why Elle did that. This is truly her redemption arc. The humor was funny as usual, the characters were messy and real, the drama... oh the drama, and even at the end pulls on your heart strings a little. This is becoming a little bit of a found family trope as well.

4 solid starts for our Finlay Donovan. I truly believe when reading these books that FD is a real author, and these are real characters. And for me, that is the recipe for a good book is having to take myself out of the story and second guess whether or not they are real.

Thank you NetGalley for sending me this ARC in exchange for me honest thoughts :)

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the latest installment in Elle Cosimanos’ Finaly Donovan series about a writer who keeps getting tangled up in unsavory business. I am addicted to this series, and Digs Her Own Grave is one of my favorite novels in the series.

I adore Finlay and her nanny/bookkeeper sidekick, Vero. Their hilarious banter and friendship are pure magic. They play off each other’s personalities and strengths. Their respective love interests, Detective Nick and Javi are charming additions to the series. I love the building tension between Finlay and Nick.

Cam, the teenaged hacker, has a bit more than a cameo in Digs Her Own Grave. Ms. Cosimanos truly captured the heart and mind of a teenaged boy in her characterization of Cam. Mrs. Hagerty, the nosey old lady who lives across the street from Finlay, is featured in this latest installment. She stays true to her cantankerous image, making her easy to dislike, and yet, the character is impressive in her ability to get things done. She is not to be underestimated!

Digs Her Own Grave is so fun! Finlay and Vero are a dynamic duo with snappy banter. I’m very invested in these two strong, interesting characters (and their love interests). Each book in the series presents more twists for Finlay and Vero as they both work toward digging themselves out of the messy, tangled situations they accidentally find themselves in. The book ends with a cliffhanger of sorts that provides a captivating segue to the next installment.

The audiobook is fabulously narrated by Angela Dawes.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the early listening copy!

I've followed Finlay Donovan's shenanigans since the first book when I got a digital ARC of the first book. After the third book, I stopped reading but picked it up again after checking out an audiobook from my library. And I'm hooked once again! Angela Dawe is an amazing narrator-- it's such a treat to listen to the audiobook. The varying voices she adapts really help the book come to life. I'm just hooked on her narration, I can't stop listening.

This book picks off right at the end of the last book, with a body being found in Mrs. Haggerty's yard. As always, the story is fast-paced with twists and turns, and a dash of hot romance. All of our favorite characters are back-- Finlay, Vero, Nick, Mrs. Haggerty, and my personal favorite Cam! Somehow Finlay gets tied up in a lot of shenanigans and you just wonder how she'll inevitably get past it. Old storylines were wrapped up but new ones opened up, one that surprised me especially. Overall, a great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next one!

I have loved all of the Finlay Donovan books so far! This one did not disappoint. From laugh out loud moments to unpredictable plot twists, this book has everything you hope for in a comedic murder mystery. I think moms everywhere can relate to Finlay. Vero is the world’s best friend and sidekick. The audio for these books is truly fabulous!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan
Audio for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review. 🎧

I didn’t really enjoy the third book of this series, however, decided to stick with it and I’m glad that I did. Book 4 was alot better for me. The second half is where it’s at. Mrs. Haggerty completely stole the show in this book and honestly would’ve loved to have seen alot more of her personality early on in the series. Also, the struggle is real with wanting Finlay to end up with the cop vs the lawyer.

I’ve been looking forward to reading this book since I finished the FINLAY DONOVAN ROLLS THE DICE. This book is just as wild and crazy as the this whole series has been. I love how Cosimano writes these characters. Each book, she stay true to this world she’s created. This series has been so fun. These books are definitely made to read one after the other, so you can get a sense of the whole crazy, page-turning picture.

In this book, Finlay and Vero are trying to figure out who framed Steven for the body found in Mrs. Haggerty’s back yard. And it takes the story down a road I wasn’t expecting. So many twists and turns! And I loved every second. There were characters that surprised me. One I won’t say because that would blow the whole thing and spoil too much. But where the story goes is unexpected and I enjoyed how Cosimano developed all five of these books and ties them all together so well.

Angela Dawe is the narrator for the Finlay books and I love how she plays these characters. She does such a great job with the variation of voices. From a potty training toddler, to the older Mrs. Haggerty. I always each character, but I think my favorite is Nick. It could also be that he is one of my favorite characters. Dawe brings Cosimano’s words to life each time.

I received a NetGalley copy of both the ebook and the ARC. Huge thank you to the publisher for the Read Now and approval!

I look forward to the new Finlay Donovan book every spring and none of them have disappointed. It’s always very entertaining to see what Finlay and Vero are up to, and the fifth book in this series had the fun addition of Mrs, Haggerty, the neighborhood watch.

Summary: Finlay Donovan and her partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and neighborhood watch, but when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. Her house remains an active crime scene even after she is cleared as a suspect and she has nowhere to go, except Finlay’s house, right across the street. Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case—or sacrificing either of their bedrooms, but when the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets before the police start digging up theirs.

Readers have to suspend a bit of reality with this entire series, and if youre able to, you’re in for a wild ride with this duo. Highly recommend! Thanks for sharing it with me!