Finlay Donovan is BACK! I thought I might be done with Finlay after book 3, but I'm so happy I continued because this was my favorite Finlay book since book 1. The shenanigans are delightfully absurd as they should be. I loved our cast of characters and the way all of their stories moved a little farther forward despite the story wrapping up at the end of the book. And I was even surprised by the ending, which I wasn't expecting in any way so that was fun too.

I've read all of Finlay on audiobook and I highly recommend reading this series on audio if it's accessible to you. The narration adds so much to the humor.

A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

If you've followed me for awhile, then you know that with Finlay Donovan #4, I had strong feelings that this series needs to wrap up. I still stand by that statement, but I did enjoy this book quite a bit more than the last one. Finlay always offers up an entertaining mystery with lovable characters. I think I enjoyed this one more because it wasn't as far fetched and ludicrous as the last one. Is the series over.....nope.....it ends on a note that leads to more books in the series. I think this series has great characters and lots of humor, but I really want it to go out on a high note. The longer the series goes on, the less likely that it is to happen.

I find this series to be mostly slapstick humor. There are usually a lot of potty jokes, dead bodies being moved, and generally just very over-the-top humorous, but unrealistic stuff. It's a series you pick up when you are in the mood for something that is just entertaining without being serious.

Although fun, the previous books all had something that I wasn't a huge fan of. There was a little bit of a love triangle in a couple of the earlier books and I didn't love the path the series was taking with a lot of mafia connections. Although I enjoyed the books, I had originally decided not to read the most recent two installments. However, I ended up doing a buddy read with some GR friends and I'm really glad I did. I think this was my favorite of the series.

I felt this one was a little less slapstick than the previous books and I was happy that some of the older storylines were wrapped up. There was some character development and growth that was interesting and made the story feel fresh again. It had a slightly different feel than the previous books, but it was still a lot of fun. I'm curious to see if that will continue to be the case in future installments.

This book and the previous one opened up some possible storylines that could be interesting to pursue and of course ended with a teaser. I am once again looking forward to the next book in the series.

Also, I have listened to the audio of all the Finlay Donovan books and I love the narration by Angela Dawe. She absolutely nails it. The different voices, inflection, and timing are perfect. If you are an audio listener, this is a great series to listen to. I look forward to listening to the next book as well.

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. More shenanigans in this installment when Finlay’s ex-husband is arrested for a murder he insists he didn’t commit. This is my favorite one yet with more FaceTime for the “hawt cawp”, Nick.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave

Dear Reader,

WAIT!

While this book can absolutely stand alone, I highly recommend reading the Finlay Donovan Books in order:

1. FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT
2. FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS ‘EM DEAD
3. FINLAY DONOVAN JUMPS THE GUN
3.5. VERONICA RUIZ BREAKS THE BANK
4. FINLAY DONOVAN ROLLS THE DICE
5. FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE

NARRATOR:

Angela Dawe has done it again! How one person has the ability to accomplish so many different voices all with the perfect amount of emphasis is beyond me!

Great work!

AUTHOR:

A genre bender, Finlay Donovan, consistently brings us mystery, suspense, romance, comedy, and family drama!

You will fawn over Julian, fall for Nick - “The Hot Cop”, laugh at Vero ripping on Steven, love the littles - Delia and Zach, dig Mrs. H, be lookin’ out for Cam, and have a special place in your heart for Finlay’s Parents and Sister.

Trouble has a way of finding Finlay and Finlay had a way of digging herself out of the most bizarre predicaments. From the first page of the first book, you will be hooked, I guarantee it!

Enjoy!

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by @ellecosimano is a funny, unexpecting mom and nanny duo, murder light mystery. With an upcoming publication date of March 4th, 2025, be sure to pre-order your copy now! For Raleigh friends, she will be at Quail Ridge Books!

I want to thank @netgalley, @macmillan.audio for the opportunity to listen to this ARC.

Rating: 5⭐️
Pub Date: March 5, 2025
How I Read It: 🎧 📱

Synopsis
Finlay Donovan and her nanny/“accountant”/partner-in-crime, Vero, are at it again! Finlay’s elderly nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, has found herself in a little trouble. A dead body has just been found in her backyard, so she’s whisked off to jail, but then things take a turn, and Finlay’s husband Steven is arrested for the murder of the dead guy. In all the craziness, Mrs. Haggerty is released from jail and winds up on Finlay’s front porch with her nephew and drops the bomb on Finlay that she will need to stay at her house temporarily because she has no power or water. She takes over Finlay’s bedroom, because it has the best view of the neighborhood and she’s the neighborhood watch, and Finlay is stuck with her because oddly enough, Mrs. Haggerty’s nephew has gone MIA. Finlay can’t let Mrs. Haggerty’s visit bother her though because she needs to clear Steven’s name, and fast. So Finlay and Vero set out to figure out who killed the dead guy in the backyard, and of course, find themselves in trouble!

My Thoughts
This was probably my favorite Finlay Donovan book yet! It was hilarious, and I finally got my Finlay and Nick relationship I was looking for - they felt more connected than ever. The banter in these books is always great, and the characters are so great too, each with their own very distinctive personalities. Mrs. Haggerty just makes you crack up with her brutal honesty, and she develops a friendship with Cam of all people, which is hysterical, and the shenanigans don’t stop there! There’s book club meetings with pot brownies, and the book ends with the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers, and I’m patiently (ok, not really patiently) waiting for the next book!

One more thing to note. The narrator for this series is AMAZING, so if you enjoy audiobooks, definitely listen to this one in audio. You will not be disappointed. It’s worth it for Vero alone! I love Angela Dawe’s Vero voice!

Ratings
Characters: 5 ⭐️
Pace: 5 ⭐️
Enjoyability: 5 ⭐️
Narrator: 5 ⭐️

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!

Finlay Donovan never disappoints! Back with all of our favorite characters, Finlay and Vero are here solving crimes, writing books, selling tv shows, potty training, and making us laugh.

When a dead body is found across the street buried in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard, Finlay is on the case. Mrs. Haggarty is the prime suspect, initially. When she is found innocent and released from prison she has nowhere to go, her heat has been shut off and her house is inhabitable. So naturally, she stays with her favorite neighbors, Finlay, Vero and the kids.

But now with her off the hook who becomes the prime suspect? None other then Steven, Finlay’s ex. Problem is she’s certain he is innocent. A fun, fast read full of humor, Hijinx, and a bit of mystery.

Thank you to Macmillian Audio for my copy of FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE. This one publishes on March 4.

I really enjoyed this next installment of Finlay Donovan. These books are like candy to me and I just can't get enough of them. I highly recommend this series for anyone needing an escape. I love the settings, characters and how this series keeps growing. If you haven't already joined in on this wild ride, what are you waiting for?

Thank you to @macmillanaudio @stmartinspress & @minotaurbooks for the ARC & ALC of the latest adventures of Finlay Donovan!

Finlay, Vero, Steven, Nick & Javi are back for more witty adventures, but this time Finlay’s nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, is the center of the shenanigans! The relationship between Finlay, Vero and Mrs. Haggerty has been a unique one since the first book, so seeing Mrs. Haggerty’s story get to play out, while simultaneously throwing wrenches into Finlay & Vero’s life, made for a fun read.

From potty training escapades to bodies buried in backyards, to framing ex-husband’s for murder and neighborhood watch, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave brings its standard wit, banter & adventure to life!

I really enjoyed how this book hopped right into the action from the beginning, which hooked me from the start & aided in how fast I read it too! Even though there is a good number of characters in these books, Elle Cosimano makes it easy to follow, while also building tension, suspense & humor - which is much appreciated! It also makes for a gem of a listen via audiobook too! Narrated by Angela Dawe, who gives a stellar performance, complete with different character voices and details, I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook version of this gem as well - and honestly, it made reading this book seem like it all happened in a blink of an eye!

Thank you Elle Cosimano for bringing us the world of Finlay Donovan - this series is a joy to read & is one I look forward to with each new release!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave
By: Elle Cosimano
Narrator: Angela Dawe
Publisher: Macmillan
Published: March 4th 2025
Finlay and Vero are back with the 5th book in the series. This time Finlay’s neighbor Mrs. Haggerty is the main focus of the story. When a dead body is unearthed in her backyard she’s arrested and spends several days in jail. When she’s cleared as a suspect she needs a place to stay after the police went through her home with a search warrant. She ends up moving in with with Finley and Vero.
But the story really heats up when Stephen, Finlay‘s ex husband is arrested for the murder. Finlay suddenly needs to figure out what actually happened in order to protect her own secret and get Stephan out of jail.
This series has really become a favorite of mine. Not only are they action packed, but they are so funny and well written.
#ellecosimano #finlaydonovandigsherowngrave #mystery #funny #arcopies #romancereads #advancereaderscopy #booklover #readersofinsta #igbooks #bookclub #fiction #womensfiction #historicalfiction #contemporaryromance #read #readers #bookaholic

BOOK REVIEW: FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE🪦

I love the Finlay Donovan series because each book is such a fun, entertaining cozy mystery that allows you to suspend your belief in reality for a bit to enjoy these crazy situations that Finlay gets herself into!

This book returns back to Northern VA (which I loved, being a native to this area myself!) and Finlay and Vero have a situation on their hands when a body is found in their busybody next door neighbors backyard. Mrs. Haggerdy really steals the show in this book and I was so here for it!

I think besides the first book, this one may be a fav for me since it felt a bit more realistic than some of the others, which while fun to read were pretty over the top🤣 I alternated between reading and listening to this one and the audio was so great!

If you’re a fan of the series, you won’t want to miss this one!! And based off the cliffhanger ending, I’m hoping there will be more Finlay books to come!🤞🏼


DO NOT READ THIS BOOK…until you treat yourself to the first four installments. Finlay and Vero get sucked into yet another murder investigation, and this time the cranky neighbor Mrs. Haggerty is in the thick of things. There's a (not) book group, a brash NYC literary agent, and (of course) the hot cop who wonders what Findlay is hiding. (So, SO much!)

4.5 stars

This is my favorite Finlay Donovan book so far! I love these books so much because I know I will have a good laugh and be entertained, and this book delivered! I enjoyed how elements from the other books came together, it was so satisfying. We need more Mrs. Haggerty from here on out, it was so fun to have her be more involved in this book. Can't wait to see what happens next!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

very good! I love this story because there's a lot more open communication and less of that. I can't tell you trope. The characters have grown so much in this series and I love how this lines up for another one

Elle Cosimano is an absolute sorcerer! How can the FIFTH book in this series be just as fun, engaging, and downright hilarious as the first one? I’m telling you - I have lived ever last one of these books and there has not been a single lull in the series. That never happens!
🤯
I loved it from beginning to end and I will absolutely be in the front row, with my popcorn, anxiously awaiting book six in the Finlay Donovan series.
🍿
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a free audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
🫶🏻

This book continues where the last book ended with a body found in the neighbors yard.

Finlay has just finish up with her latest book and is looking forward to a break after the past few months. However, after her elderly and very nosy neighbor was arrested for murder and released, Finlay finds herself letting Mrs. Haggerty stay for the week while her house gets put back together.

When the case turns to Finlay’s ex husbands as the prime suspect, Vero and Finlay work to solve the case.

The plot picked up toward the end of the book and became more engaging. Overall it was enjoyable, but needed more pizazz in the middle. I really thought the daughter staying home would have more lines and wittiness, but she didn’t and the whole beginning scene felt like a filler.

Thank you @netgalley and @Macmillian Audio for the advanced audiobook

Full disclosure this is my first Finley Donovan book which definitely had an impact but in a positive way.
Things the 5th full length book in this series and I wanted to see if it can be read as a stand alone. In my opinion it absolutely can.
Author Elle Cosmiano did a great job laying out the current story with giving enough information to have the reader glean information from past books. Now, I don’t k so if this information may have been too much and this repetitive so you’ll have to take a peak at other reviews. But, it seemed fluid and reasonable to me.
Now, after reading some other reviews I think I probably enjoyed it even more than possibly a fan of the series as these formulaic cozy mysteries can be a let down come book five. It’s just the nature of serials.

If I had to sum up the book in one thought it would be that it is a “Moderna Day Murder She Wrote.” So the author isn’t creating anything new with the author turned amateur sleuth with the kooky cast of denizens in a small down. But she does it in an entertaining way that allows the reading to enjoy the unrealistic situations our FMC gets into.


I am thankful to have gotten the audio ALC for free from MacMillian Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

The narrator, Angela Dawe did a good job with the material and all the different voices needed. I will say that at times her “non accent” slips into a midwestern Great Lakes dialect at the end of phrases often. Having a spouse from Michigan I would bet money that she is from that area, However, speeding up the listen rate a bit all but makes this disappear.

The book comes out on March 4th 2025!

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

This book kills. It’s a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud mystery that digs deep into trouble, burying our favorite crime-solving duo, Finlay and Vero, in yet another hot mess they never plotted to be part of.

This time, the case literally hits home when Finlay’s nosy, elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, finds herself caught up in a real-life murder investigation—thanks to a grave discovery in her backyard. One would think a retired Neighborhood Watch Leader might enjoy a little crime-solving, but instead, she’s evicted from her own home and crashes at Finlay’s, bringing a suitcase full of opinions, complaints, and unsolicited advice. Now, Finlay and Vero must juggle a surprise houseguest, an actual dead body, and their usual assortment of questionable life choices. As if that weren’t enough, book clubs get a lot more interesting in this latest Fin Don installment, and let’s just say—you’ll never look at the eggplant emoji without thinking of old women and tricked-out cars again.

Cosimano’s writing is to die for. The dialogue is razor-sharp, the humor is delightfully dark, and the suspense will have you turning pages faster than Fin or Vero can make a bad decision (which, as we know, is alarmingly fast). The addition of Mrs. Haggerty only adds to the chaos, proving that even senior citizens can have a killer sense of humor. Her unlikely friendship and chemistry with Cam is both heartwarming and hilarious.

New readers may want to start at the beginning of the series, but honestly, this book is such a delight that even if you jump in now, you’ll still have tons of fun. It’s equal parts murder mystery and comedy, with just the right amount of romantic tension. And for those already invested in the series, the ending sets up a perfect segue into the next book—leaving just enough intrigue to keep readers dying for more. If you’re looking for a book that will have you gasping one moment and laughing the next, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is buried treasure.

A huge thanks to Macmillan Audio for the early listen through NetGalley!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy of 'Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave'!
Just like the 4.5 Finlay books that came before, I loved listening to this newest adventure.
All of my favorite characters are back and the new ones are just as memorable. I love listening to the chaos that these mysteries serve up. Elle Cosimano expertly portrays the minutiae of being a mother of small children and the silliness and loyalty that comes with adult friendships, alongside the criminal shenanigans that are constantly surrounding Finlay and Vero.
Angela Dawe does a beautiful job of bringing the whole gang to life, just as she has throughout the series. Her narration is an added bonus that only amps up the story.
It's exciting to know that there will be at least 2 more in the series, even though now I don't want to wait another year to learn what happens next.