Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is quirky and fast-paced with plenty of twists and humor. While the plot gets a bit over-the-top and some parts feel repetitive, it’s still an entertaining ride for fans of the series who enjoy light mysteries with a dose of chaos.

I was excited to see that there was a new installment of the Finlay Donovan series coming out, and having enjoyed the first 4 books, I was excited to dive into #5. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There's the same feel of the previous 4, the same Lucille Ball-type slapstick situations, the same solid mystery, the same snarky humor. And therein lies a potential problem with a series like this - all that "sameness" can lead to boredom over time, with readers starting to experience BTDT (been there, done that) syndrome. It's happened to me with a series or two (and I'm a huge mystery series lover, thanks to Carolyn Keene & Nancy Drew). But happily, it hasn't happened with this one yet. I listened to the audio version, and Angela Dawe's narration is a perfect fit for these books. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing copies for an unbiased review.

Finlay Donovan does it AGAIN, and she left me on a cliff hanger!! Elle Cosimano has created a fun world that I'm happy to see continue with the many intricate and comical characters she creates. Finlay and Vero are friendship goals, and this story gave so much satisfaction for Finlay between her two series love interests. Highly, HIGHLY, recommend. Especially with the narrator chosen for this series!

This series has been fun but I do think it’s grown a bit redundant and tiresome for me. While I like Finlay and her crew, I can’t help but think this world would’ve been sweeter if shorter lived.

If there is one series you absolutely must listen to the audio for, it’s this one. 🎧

I’ve enjoyed every book in the Finlay Donovan series! And I have listened to all of them on audio. The narration is so good!

This series is a mix of dark comedy, romantic suspense, and mystery, but the characters are also relatable, fun, and interesting.

Book 5 was just released earlier this month! It follows in much the same vein as the first four books, with one exception—rather than Finlay being an accidental part of the crime, this crime actually has nothing to do with her.

I thought it was interesting that so many things were tied off so neatly at the end of book 4, and it seems that allowed for more character development in this book compared to the previous one.

I loved seeing Finlay’s relationship develop with Nick. He’s a good guy and she deserves to have someone reliable and loving in her life!

I appreciated Finlay’s loyalty to Steven—not because he deserves it, but because her kids deserved to have a relationship with him outside of a jail.

Mrs. Haggerty is such a fun character! I’m glad we got to see more depth to her.

Finlay’s agent, Sylvia, is a hoot!

I want to see more of Vero and Javi in the next book.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series, and based on the cliffhanger, I know there’s more to come! I’m excited to see where these characters end up.

I gave this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, and I highly recommend listening to it!

Oh Finlay. I believe she's usually her own downfall. This story gets more and more outlandish each "episode", but it's always an enjoyable, if somewhat brainless, read. Finlay is divorced with two kids, but her previously contentious relationship with her ex has calmed down considerably. She has a babysitter, Vero, who's also her partner in crime, and she's dating a hot cop, which can put a damper on the exploits she and Vero get up to.

Finlay is also an author who owes a book to her publisher, but she does everything BUT write most days. Maybe it's because I'm not a mom, but I just don't get the level of frazzled she gets to almost all of the time. I do understand trying to juggle all the roles you play on a daily basis.

If you like reading about mom struggles, get a little spice, and maybe a bit of a mystery thrown in, you should try the Finlay Donovan series. It's a good time.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC audiobook!

Another funny & captivating book, and one of my favorites in the Finlay Donovan series. It’s a perfect mix of drama and intrigue and hilarity (Cam and Mrs. Haggarty are so great). The audio was great, like always!

5 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave delivers another delightful installment in the beloved Finlay Donovan series, blending sharp wit, heartfelt moments, and a compelling mystery that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

In this fifth book, Finlay Donovan, mystery writer and single mother, finds herself once again entangled in a real-life investigation when a body is discovered in her nosy neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard. With her ex-husband Steven under suspicion, Finlay teams up with her trusty nanny and best friend, Vero, to uncover the truth.

Cosimano's writing shines with its trademark humor and charm. The dynamic between Finlay and Vero is as entertaining as ever, with their banter and camaraderie providing both levity and emotional depth to the narrative. The addition of Mrs. Haggerty as an unexpected houseguest adds a delightful layer of complexity to the story, challenging Finlay and Vero's perceptions and fostering personal growth.

This series is an audiobook must! I love Angela Dawe's narrations throughout this whole series. I have listened to all books in the series and this is the best one yet.

Here’s a review you can use or adapt:

⸻

Review: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

This series is seriously so much fun! Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave continues the wild, hilarious, and fast-paced adventures of Finlay and her ride-or-die sidekick, Vero (aka the world’s most entertaining babysitter/nanny/crime accomplice). I laughed out loud more times than I can count while reading this book—Elle Cosimano has nailed the blend of mystery and comedy in what I like to call a perfect “mom-com.”

One of the coolest parts for me personally? This story takes place super close to where I live, and some scenes are set basically in my own neighborhood. That added such a fun, surreal layer to the experience—it made the story feel even more immersive.

It was also great to get to know Mrs. Haggerty better in this installment. She’s been a quirky side character in earlier books, and I loved seeing her play a bigger role here.

The book is fast-paced with short, punchy chapters that make it nearly impossible to put down. It’s action-packed without ever feeling chaotic, and Cosimano continues to keep the stakes high while giving us plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and relatable parenting chaos. I seriously identify with Finlay’s constant juggling act—she’s such a great blend of overwhelmed mom and reluctant amateur sleuth.

I switched between the ebook and audiobook, and both formats are excellent. Angela Dawe narrates the audiobook, and she is honestly one of the best in the business. Her range is incredible—she gives every character a distinct voice and captures the humor, tension, and heart of the story perfectly.

If you’re looking for a fast, fun, laugh-until-you-snort mystery series with heart, strong female friendships, and just the right amount of chaos, this book—and the entire Finlay Donovan series—is escapist fiction at its best. Highly recommend!

ALC REVIEW:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finlay Donovan has once again found herself tangentially connected with another murder. After barely escaping convictions in a handful of cases, a body discovered across the street from her residence has landed her ex-husband (Steven) behind bars. Convinced he has nothing to do with the case, she takes it upon herself to prove his innocence. But in her efforts to do so, she draws suspicion to herself. Will Finlay be able to clear Steven’s name, or will she go down with him?

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the fifth installment in the cozy mystery series (Finlay Donovan). Setting the book in a typical suburban area, Elle Cosimano created a true cross section of the American population. Heading up the quirky cast of side characters is none other than Mrs. Haggerty. As the president of the neighborhood watch, the elderly, no-nonsense woman has once again inserted herself into Finlay’s life at the worst possible time.

As a longtime fan of the Finlay Donovan Series, I was excited to see Mrs. Haggerty play a more dominant role. While she has been a polarizing character, Mrs. Haggerty has always been one of my favorites. Therefore it was exciting to learn about her backstory. Always one for the dramatics, she graced the pages with her scene stealing sass. However this time, she showcased support and strength for the marginalized women she came into contact with.

I highly recommend listening to this as an audiobook. Angela Dawe does a fantastic job narrating. Not only does Dawe’s voice acting skills bring Elle Cosimano’s entertaining story to life, but the pair will have you seeing your neighbors in a whole new light.

Special thanks to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and Elle Cosimano for allowing me to listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read If You Like:
• Cozy mysteries with a comedic twist
• Strong female friendships and dynamic duos
• Suburban settings with unexpected intrigue
• Amateur sleuths entangled in complex plots
• Stories that blend domestic life with suspenseful adventures

In this installment, Finlay Donovan and her ever-resourceful partner-in-crime, Vero, find themselves reluctantly drawn into another mystery when a body is discovered in the backyard of their nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. Cleared as a suspect but displaced from her home, Mrs. Haggerty moves in with Finlay, bringing with her a whirlwind of chaos and secrets. As Finlay juggles the demands of motherhood, a budding romance with Detective Nick, and the challenges of her writing career, she and Vero must navigate a web of lies and uncover the truth behind the neighborhood murder—all while keeping their own past misdeeds under wraps.  

What I Loved:
• The evolution of Finlay and Vero’s friendship, showcasing their unwavering support for each other
• The introduction of Mrs. Haggerty as a central character, adding depth and unexpected humor
• A well-paced plot that balances domestic life with thrilling mystery elements
• The seamless blend of comedy and suspense, keeping the narrative engaging throughout
• The portrayal of Finlay’s growth as she confronts past mistakes and embraces her role as a sleuth

Thank so much to the publisher for my AlC and ARC!

Although I have not read any of the previous books in this series, I found it very enjoyable and it made me want to read the rest of the books. This was almost like a cozy mystery, but not quite. It had the cozy mystery feel because the characters are likeable and not overly complicated, and takes place in a nice little neighborhood. Also, there is a murder but its not over the top graphic. I found it funny and relatable.

FINLAY is back!! I love this series so much. I just laugh and then get caught up and tangled in every time. It is a just a fun series. Chaotic but fun.

And not only is Finlay back but we get quite a bit of Mrs. Haggerty as well. Who doesn't love a nosy, elder neighbor airing everyone's dirty laundry about the town?? AND she gets to temporarily LIVE with Finlay and family?! And a glimpse into her slightly suspicious book club.

We also get Vero, Javi, Cameron, and Hot Cop Nick. The kids are back and funny as ever.

My favorite part about this series is that Finlay just accepts and cares for everyone that rolls into her life. They become family.

I also loved that this one was not so much. It calmed a bit from the last four books and I kinda loved it. We got to catch our breath and and enjoy the chaos that ensues this woman and her people. This book brought us right back in and reminded me why I love this crazy crew so much and why this series is a favorite of mine.

If you love to laugh and enjoy a good time please start at book 1 and go on this ride with these people.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

I really liked this one! It’s the same fun, quirky romps as the previous books but keeps Finley and her crew close to home. Although the adventures of the previous two books had been fun, seeing Finley in her element and returning to suburban intrigue was a nice change of pace. The audiobook narrator continues to be THE BEST.

I loved jumping back in to Finlay & Vero’s world and see what shenanigans they got into next ! I love that the author reminds us enough of what’s happened before so that I don’t have to re-read the previous books that are foggier in my memory. This series is so funny and entertaining, and I look forward to seeing what’s next !

I will read this series as long as Cosimano writes it. There is just something about her writing, and the characters, that makes me smile nonstop. I love Finlay and Vero's crazy antics and the ridiculous situations they find themselves in. I love murder mysteries, and every now and again it's really lovely to get caught up in a lighthearted one that makes me laugh and keeps me entertained. I hope Finlay and Vero go on forever. I also wouldn't mind if Mrs. Haggarty became the third stooge in the future.

I love this series. Author Elle Cosimano knows how to spin a tale and keep you wanting more. Finlay and Vero have yet another problem to solve, but this time the focus is on their very noisy neighbor. Could Finlay's husband be to blame? Is the neighbor more than she seems? You will want to finish this book in one sitting.

✨ Review ✨ Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano; Narrated by Angela Dawe

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

Another fabulous Finlay Donovan book – this time, after her nosy neighbor is arrested and then her ex is in trouble, Finlay needs to get involved again to solve another murder. I loved that this placed her neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, right in the middle of this story – as Finlay and Vera grapple with her staying in their house.

It's hard to add more without spoilers, but this is again full of funny shenanigans as these two try to pursue justice. This was one of my favorites in the series so far (maybe my favorite since the first or third books?)

🎧 The audio narration was once again fantastic, and made you want to keep listening for hours on end!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: mystery
Setting: Virginia
Length: 9 hours 11 minutes
Pub Date: Mar 04 2025

Read this if you like:
⭕️ cozy mysteries
⭕️ fumbling civilian detectives
⭕️ a single mom dodging danger and raising her kids

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I love this book series and was so excited that Macmillan Audio and NetGalley gave me the opportunity to listen to the fifth book in the Finlay Donovan Series early.

These books remind me the shows Good Girls or Dead To Me. If you enjoy mystery, a little romance and humor, these are for you. I have read and listened to this series, and honestly have enjoyed them both ways. The narrator, Angela Dawe, is great in this audiobook.

I definitely recommend reading these in order, because all the same characters are in them and there are quite a few parts that build off or mention previous books.

Book 5 picks up right where book 4 left off, with a body being found in their nosey neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty’s, yard. Once she is cleared as a suspect, she gets stuck living with Vero and Finlay, since her house is still a crime scene.

Since Finlays ex Steven has been involved in some questionable situations, he is next on the list as a suspect. With their usual humor and clunky detective skills, Finlay and Vero are determined to uncover the truth behind the body found in their neighbors yard and clear Steven’s name.

I always recommend these books when I get a chance and would definitely recommend this one.

Again, thank you Macmillan Audio through NetGalley for the early release of this audio!

Finlay Donovan strikes again. Oh, Finlay. I will never have enough of these books. This time around, we get some justice as fans of hating on the ex-husband. Yet somehow, Elle Cosimano reminds us that if something happens to one, the whole family shares the troubles.

I like the light tone of this book. I like the depth Finlay was burdened with this time around and how it came to fruition. I think this could easily be the end of the series—though we all know that won't happen, like, ever. I won't be mad.

Audiobook production, as always, didn't disappoint. I like the narrator and the overall delivery. Thank you for this advanced copy. I had a splendid time.