Another fun installment in the Finlay Donovan series! I love that we're getting to see Finlay and Nick's relationship develop. And I loved that Mrs. Haggerty played a bigger role in this one, too. It had all the drama, action, and humor that have become signature elements of the series, and it delivered them all perfectly. I'm so glad it ended on a cliffhanger promising more to come!

I adore this series, it is so much fun. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave begins with police investigating a body found in Finlay's nosey neighbour's, Mrs. Haggarty's backyard. The trouble is Finlay's husband did landscaping on that yard and is a suspect in the murder. It's up to Finlay and Vero to prove Steven is innocent. This was a great story, it kept me laughing and guessing. Mrs. Haggarty really added to all of the hijinks. Thank you to St. Marins press for the advanced reader copy. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it. 4.5 stars

Edited to add a review of the advanced listener copy I received from Macmillan Audio and Netgalley. The audiobook of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is amazing. As always, Angela Dawe's narration is perfection. She has voices each and every character in this book, and is delightful.

I was HOOKED on this series the first 2 books.. the series then got really unrealistic and unbelievable and it lost me a little. I really struggle not to finish a series once I start.. so here I am.

This one was definitely more believable than book 3 and 4. Mrs. Haggerty made this book better in my opinion.. she is a HOOT. I didn’t love this one… but I also didn’t hate it? So that’s a win.

Thank you Netgalley & Macmillan audio for the opportunity to listen to this ARC!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave {Audiobook} by Elle Cosimano
This is a great addition to the Finlay series. I may be biased because there is a quirky book club involved, and I really enjoyed it!
Mrs. Haggerty, the neighborhood gate keeper, is at the center of this debacle. A dead body is found buried in her yard. She is the first suspect and when she is cleared, the only place to go is to room with Finlay and Vero. Of course Stephen, Finalay's ex, shows up in the suspect list because of his past.
There is a load of humor in this one! A buried body, a quirky book club with questionable activities, and an ongoing love interest with Nick, will have you glued to this volume!
I will admit I laughed out loud a few times. I love how Elle Cosimano tied the previous volumes into this one and pulled things together.
You'll have to read this one!
This was just good writing, the characters are likeable and entertaining. The story makes you laugh and feel like you are with the characters. The author invites you in from the first page and just carries you through with Finlay and Vero on another hysterical adventure.
The narrator is masterful with representing each character with individuality and personality! The audiobook was a complete delight to listen to! I really enjoyed it!
It was a pleasure to review an ARC from NetGalley. The whole series is just wonderful. It's not serious, it's entertaining and that's the best part of enjoying a story! 5/5⭐

I was so excited to see what Finlay was going to get up to this time. I really enjoyed that in this installment there was less a focus on Finlay trying to stop and write a book during all of the craziness. I enjoyed that aspect in past books but really enjoyed the break from that in favor of a heavier focus on the main story/mystery. I also loved how this story took Finlay out of the hot seat a bit and took time to introduce us to new characters. Overall, I enjoyed the pacing, the storyline, and the new characters in this installment. I hope the author continues to change things up a little bit with each new book so that we can continue to enjoy Finlay and Vero’s antics without feeling like we’re getting the same formula each time.

And as always, Angela Dawe knocked the narration out of the park. I can only read this series with my ears because Angela Dawe IS Finlay Donovan and all the other characters who have a voice in this series!

Thank you to the Elle Cosmiano, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the free audioARC in exchange for an honest review!

The narration is perfect! I flew through this audio and did not want to put it down. I highly recommend the audio for a more immersive reading experience.

Finlay, Vero, Nick and the kids are back! Finlay’s older neighbor, Mrs. haggerty, was arrested at the end of the last book when a dead body was exhumed from her backyard. Finlay and Vero work to exonerate the last person Finlay ever expected to want to save, her ex husband Steven.

Another hilarious installment of Finlay Donovan. I couldn’t stop listening to this and I was laughing out loud throughout. This installment was a lot more straightforward than some of the other books, although still a total suspense of reality. I love what an escape these books are, and this one might just be my new favorite. Mrs. haggerty was a delightful addition to the comical cast, and she might be my favorite character. If you are in need of some comedic relief, grab this immediately!

I absolutely love this series! Author Elle Cosimano has continued to creatively put her characters into interesting situations and developed them so they are even more relatable and believable. While Finlay Donovan continues to be at the center of the series, the cast of supporting characters fills the story with humor and action. Vero is one of the best sidekicks in fiction today. And even Mrs. Haggerty has a bigger role in this novel.

And since I listened to the audiobook, I have to mention series narrator Angela Dawe. Her talents do a great job bringing the characters to life. She does a great job with both male and female voices. Her voice helps elevate this series.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I always know what to expect in this cozy mystery, a lot of laughs and Finlay and Vero getting into shenanigans. This time we have Mrs. Haggerty, the noisy neighbor that ends up staying with Finlay because there was a dead body in her backyard. Finlay and Vero it not connected to the dead body as in the previous books but somehow is tangled in it.

Mrs Haggerty is canky and really stole the show. The story is entertaining and I do recommend that you read the other books to know what is going on. This also leaves you on a cliffhanger like the other books.

Anglea Dawe did a great job with bringing all the fun on
the story.

Thank you @macmillan.audio @stmartinspress for a copy of this.

Many thanks to NetGalley and MacMillion for allowing me to receive this ARC. I love this series. We find ourselves in book five and you feel like you’re hanging out with old friends picking up right where you left off. This book keeps you in touch with familiar characters and deepens your love and understanding of a few more. The unfurling of the character development in this book was engaging and enticing, though I admit I figured it out quickly. Fret not, it didn’t ruin it. This series has become an all time favorite. It reminds me of the early (good) Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. These are quick brain sugar reads with just the right amount of “meat” and “spice”. I would love to go on one of the adventures with Finlay and Vero! The ending lets your know there is more to come.
The narrator is PERFECT for this series. I’ve done audio for all of them and know that the voice behind Finlay is the icing on the cake. Looking forward to the next one!

Note: I originally reviewed the e-book edition. The following review of the audio edition has slight additional information. I bookmarked at least a handful more nuggets during my second reading. Will I discover even more in subsequent rereading(s)? It says a lot for the quality of the writing and story that I could be so delighted in two complete readings just over a month apart. When I find a book so satisfying, I tend to purchase it (having originally read it prepublication or having borrowed it from the library) in multiple formats to enable future on-demand rereading.

This fifth installment in the Finlay Donovan series is so funny—bursting with banter and silliness! The series continues to be relationship-heavy, as well, with deepening relationships for some of the recurring characters, and new, interesting relationships between combinations of characters that one wouldn't expect.

Both of Finlay's children—school-age Delia and preschooler Zach—play bigger roles than in previous books. Other characters returning with medium or large roles are ex-husband Steven, nosy neighbor Mrs. Haggerty, hacker Cam, agent Sylvia, nanny/partner in crime Vero, hot cop boyfriend Nick, and even more—I'll keep a few cameos a secret, just for fun. There's a new animal companion with a hilarious name. I'm counting on that feature continuing.

It's hard to believe that the action in all five books takes place within just four months. As I have in the past, I strongly recommend that the series be read in order.

Just like in Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice (book 4), Cosimano ties everything up nice and neat before hitting us with a whammy at the very last minute. She is the Queen of Cliffhangers.

Finlay Donovan never fails to delight and entertain me, and this installment is the best yet! My longtime book buddies know I almost never give 5 stars. Even shocking confusion around how to make poached eggs (Chapter 10) isn't going to deter me from awarding the full score in this case. [Funny story: I don't cook to speak of (though I do bake), but poached eggs *are* in my repertoire. I'm happy to give lessons.]

Angela Dawe continues to be the perfect narrator for Finlay and friends. I hope she and Cosimano have a long, fruitful working relationship!

I'd like to thank Netgalley for an advanced listener copy. In exchange, I am providing an unbiased review.

I feel like the more I through this series, the more I enjoy it. In the earlier books, I felt like too much was going on, but with each book, it feels like Cosimano gets a tighter grip on her storylines.

This series is fun. It's not particularly serious or deep, but the characters are charming. There are moments of levity and wit, and it's just what I need around this time of year.

The audiobook narrator was excellent. Well worth a listen.

This series is so fun! I wouldn't say this was the my favorite in this series, but it was exactly what I hoped it would be. It was fast paced and funny full of characters I love reading about. I enjoyed this role Mrs. Haggerty played in this book. I have yet to read one of these books without laughing out loud. I will read about Finlay until Cosimano decides to stop wrting about her and her crew. Big fan!

4.5 Stars :)

I love this series and the narrator knocks it out of the park again. I can't imagine anyone else voicing Finlay.

We are back in Finlay's chaotic life as her ex-husband is being accused of murder. Her and Vero set out to find the truth and uncovers a secret group.

With each book Vero and Finlay add to their group and manage to get out of any pickle they put themselves in. This author writes the best cast of side characters that keep the story interesting and engaging.

I do recommend reading the books in publication order because the timeline is continuous.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was initially hesitant to read this book because I had grown tired of Finlay and Vero’s hijinks and the Russian mob plot line. I DNF the previous book but I’m so glad I stuck with it and read this one.

The first book is so good that IMO all the books after fell off hard, maybe except the second book. But definitely after that the books were chores to get through. I was tired of the mistaken assassin storyline and the mob fallout. And there were too many characters to keep track of. I feel like I needed one those cardboard walls and string to connect everyone.

Thankfully this book went back to basics. A simple storyline, fewer characters and most importantly, there were recaps and reminders of the previous books sprinkled in when necessary. I really liked that Cosimano included those refreshers because I feel like the other books would just keep plowing forward without readjusting you back into this world.

The wit and humor hit this time. Loved Mrs. Haggerty as a character. The mystery is basic but I don’t look for complex mysteries when I read this series.

Loved that the story didn’t revolve around the mob. THANK GOD!

I don’t know if I will continue with the series. Even though this entry was overall enjoyable, it’s probably time to say goodbye to Finlay and Vero. And the way the book concludes it left me satisfied if I officially decide not to continue. Of course it does setup a plot for the next book.


Narrator continues to do an AMAZING job!

When I read the first Finlay Donovan book I was hooked. Finlay and her sidekick Vera were funny, refreshing and made me laugh out loud. The last three books though became more outlandish and implausible which had me rolling my eyes more and more. I was almost ready to give up with this series but I am glad I didn't.

I really enjoyed this 5th book in the Finlay Donovan series. It was refreshing, funny and was a nod to what I loved in the first book. Finlay and Vera find themselves in another situation as a body is found in the backyard of their neighbors home and it's up to Finlay to find out what happened and if her neighbor really is a murderer. If you have read any for Cosimano's earlier books you know we are in for a fun time trying to solve this murder. We are also treated to some fun character development. I loved getting to know Cam better, and the Eggplant kept me laughing. Mrs. Haggerty added some great moments with her sassiness and I appreciated that Finlay and Nick were finally able to move their relationship forward.

If were at all hesitant about this series after the last book, just give this one as read - you may be surprised.

While I love the Finlay Donovan series, this one fell a little flat for me. In this installment, we are following Finlay and Vero as they work to solve another murder that is much closer to home this time.

There were still moments of humor and the shenanigans they typically get up to, but this read closer to a cozy mystery for me. We spent less time on the plot and more time developing relationships that have been building throughout the series. For me, I wanted more of the fun that we are used to getting and a compelling mystery. Unfortunately this book felt like a filler book to launch us in to the next events which become evident in the final few chapters.

Overall, I enjoyed it and will definitely continue on, but it wasn't my favorite book of the series. I think if you are a reader who was on the fence about if you'd continue on in the series, I don't think this one will necessarily convince you to stay for more books.

Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for gifting me an audiobook arc!

I cannot say how much I love the Finlay Donovan series and this book was just amazing! I loved how all the other books came together in this one and tied up some loose ends. I really hope this is not the last book in this series!

I loved the hijinks that Finlay and Vera get themselves into in this book while trying to clear Steven's name! Their friends is goals for everyone!

I loved the expansion of Mrs Haggerty's character! She is a force to be reckon with! Her involvement in this story definitely brought some humor to Finlay's chaotic life!

I listened to the audiobook and I love that Angela Dawe has narrated the whole series! Her performance is always stellar!

What a fun, twisty-turny mystery! I love Finlay and the balance between being an accidental detective and just a normal mom trying to potty train her toddler. Vero is quite possibly my favorite character ever written. Their interactions between her and Finlay are humorous and memorable. I also really enjoyed the cameos from past books. Very enjoyable!

When I started this book, I didn't realize it was part of a series and when I did eventually find out, it didn't make a difference. This book was perfectly enjoyable as a stand alone!

I really did enjoy the characters however, so I may go back and read the previous books now to see how Finlay got where she was when I found her. For the record she's a bit beat down but spunky and inquisitive and the kind of person you could see meeting and becoming fast friends with over a mystery novel or comparing notes about how annoying the nosy neighbor across the street is.

The story itself drew me in, I was pulled along through the whole book it's a somewhat traditional mystery story with modern elements (cell phones don't magically disappear) and they balance it all very well. By the end, I felt the story was sufficiently and satisfyingly wrapped up!

I listened to this book on audio and the narrator was excellent, she added pep to the story without at all detracting from it which is exactly what you want! She had the right tone all along and was easy to listen to.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

How is it possible that every time I finish a book in this series I think it’s the best one ever?!? But seriously this one’s the best (for now) all our favorite characters and some new ones. Loved the kids were in this one more.

Could you read this as a standalone? Technically, yes but you would be missing so much. Do yourself a favor and start with book 1! You won’t be disappointed!!!

I LOVE this narrator! She is amazing!