One of my most anticipated releases of the new year! Frazzled mom Finlay Donovan and her trusty sidekick/nanny Vero are back for book 5 - and more mysteries and inconvenient deaths. Their nosy neighbor Mrs Haggerty needs help and moves in when a body is unearthed in her backyard and her home turns into a crime scene. Adding even more complications, someone in Finlay’s life becomes the prime suspect and she and Vero are left to solve another crime. How much can a duo possibly face within just a couple months?! (Yes, the five books only span a few months…..crazy).
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Finlay book without tons of humor and shenanigans. I had so much fun reading this and can’t wait to see what other adventures face this duo! The narration was perfect and perfectly portrayed not only the humor, but the heightened suspense moments.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Plot: In Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, Finlay and Vero are reluctantly drawn into a murder investigation when a body is found in their neighbor Mrs. Haggerty's backyard, forcing her to seek refuge in Finlay’s home. As they navigate their complicated relationship with Mrs. Haggerty, the investigation leads them to Finlay's ex-husband, prompting the duo to uncover dangerous secrets before the police do.

Review: This book felt very "cozy mystery" to me. It's the same characters up to their same old tricks, which some readers will crave. Others may want a change. While I enjoyed it overall, especially on audio, I'm one of those readers looking for Finlay and/or Vero to go in a completely different direction next time around. It does end on a cliffhanger that leaves readers wanting more and making me think (hope) we'll get even more of Vero in the next book.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is fantastic. I love this tag line...'Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet . . . but at least there's not a body in her backyard'.
It's perfect!!! I have read all of the Finlay Donovan books in this series and listened to all the audiobooks narrated by the amazing Angela Dawe. This latest didn't disappoint and I couldn't wait to finish it to see what shenanigans those two are up to!

Finlay’s ex-husband Steven is suspected of murder after a body is found in Finlay's neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty's, backyard. Finlay knows Steven would never do this so she will do anything she needs to, to prove his innocence.
I really enjoyed Finlay and Vero's escapades in this book. Their humor, silly banter and witty comebacks are very entertaining and
laugh out loud funny. I really enjoyed Mrs. Haggerty in this story. She's a pistol and so funny! I also really loved the book club story-line.
Elle Cosimano has a brilliant way of developing her characters and these complex funny women (whose lives are full of hi-jinx and mischief) makes this book so much fun to read (and listen to).
Angela Dawe does a superb job narrating this series. I think my favorite character of hers is Sylvia!!! So hilarious!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Omg this series is one of the beat out there!

It has mystery, will have you laughing out loud and I hope the author continues it! I never want the book to end.

I love the audio as rhe narrators are exceptional!

Thanks for another fantastic book!

Latest book of Finlay series :) all the good characters Vero, Nick, Cam, Mrs Haggerty are in it. It’s similar to the other ones and just as fun! Thanks to @macmillan.audio and @stmartinspress for my advanced reader and listener copies ♥️

This book was a bit tamed compared to the previous books in the series, but it was still fun to follow Finlay and Vero and sometimes Nick investigate the this new case.Mrs. Haggety is a fun character, at times mysterious and strict enough to potty train a toddler. Finlay’s kids bring the scene stealing humor. A fun read to the continuation of the series.

Another great fast-paced read from this author, with an ending that leaves you wanting more. All the gang are back as Finlay Donovan`s story continues as the events of previous books are threaded into this one, revealing more details and character development . This series is a great cozy mystery, adventurous and comedic story that will keep you entertained. I read this ebook in random with the audiobook. The narrator of the audiobook is great at bringing the story to life with her accents and character voicing of many genders and ages.


Thanks to Macmillan Audio for this ALC. This is my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

Installment # 5 of Finlay Donovan. Again she amuses me. Love the relationships she creates with the most random of people.
Totally just for fun..... this is not a serious crime or thriller at all. Just a good time read.
Keep them coming!!

This audiobook is FANTASTIC. I so look forward to listening to these books each year because the narrator, Angela Dawe, is excellent. I have come to re-read these books in her voice because she IS the voice of those characters for me. Please never use another narrator. She helps to make this series and these characters come to life.

As for the book? AMAZING, as usual. The Finlay Donovan series is incredible, heartwarming, and funny. I have grown to feel like these characters are family and I always eagerly await the next installment to get new insight into what funny adventures the characters will get up to.

In this book, Finlay and Vero work overtime to make sure Steven doesn't take the blame for the murder of Gilford Dupree, the many whose body was found in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard at the end of book 4. Finlay isn't overprotective about Steven because she loves him, but because she needs to ensure her own name remains clear. If Steven goes under, it is likely that Finlay will too.

Book 5 has the same wit and excitement as all of the prior books and I love that this book develops Finlay and Nick's relationship further (maybe we will see a wedding in a future book?!!?). Also, Mrs. Haggerty?! I have grown to seriously love this character in this book as she has become so well developed. She is more than just the nosy neighborhood watch.

This book leaves on a juicy cliffhanger, so we all know that I now have to count down the days until book 6 comes out.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this one early. The production on this series is always 5 star and I recommend them to anyone who enjoys listening to a good story and a great narrator!

ELLE HAS DONE IT AGAIN! This has quickly become one of my most favorite series. They're fun, amusing, with engaged characters that feel tangible and real. Thank you so much for letting me read this!

Audiobook was so much better than I'd expected.

I love Finlay! I can't believe this is the fifth book! However, it wasn't the best in the series. It seemed short and forced. It was an easy listen but wasn't as funny or as interesting as the others. It was just ok. I will read the next one if there is one but honestly Finlay should've stayed a stand alone book because the story is getting old.

I absolutely love Finlay Donovan and I feel they are better on audio! Angela Dawe does such a great job that it makes me feel that I’m right there with them.

Don’t worry the whole gang is back! All the craziness with with Vero, Stephen and even hot cop Nick 🔥.
But they threw the 80 something nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty in the mix!

While I don’t feel this one was as laugh out loud funny as the others and it was easy to figure out what was going on, it was still a great read. Not going to lie though the ending leaves you for the feeling of needing the next book like right NOW!!!!! So can’t wait for the next one!

This series is always a win! I’m so invested in Finlay and Vero’s lives at this point, and every book has had moments that genuinely make me laugh out loud. I loved that this installment focused on the irksome Mrs. Haggerty, and the storyline made for a fun and exciting read. I could guess what was coming early on, but it didn’t make the book any less enjoyable. The storyline was so well done and clever as always. The audiobook narrator also does a fantastic job.

Thanks to the author, #Netgalley and #Macmillanaudio for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and MacMillan Audio for the digital copy of this book and audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily. Really, I need to thank the publisher for the entire Finlay Donovan series, which was offered with this forthcoming novel. It was great to read the back catalog to a series I was always curious about.

This is such a weirdly fun series, even though it usually involves murder. And even though I think this book could be enjoyed without having read the previous books, you should at least read the prior novel, because this book picks up immediately after the end of that book.

This time around, Finlay is trying to prove her ex-husband’s innocence in a murder. The body was found in the yard of Mrs. Haggerty, the neighborhood Gladys Kravitz (people of a certain age will get that reference), and at first, police suspect the old lady, then shift their focus to Steve, who, quite frankly, has done some shady stuff in his past. Because the neighbor’s house is a crime scene, she has nowhere to go, so Finlay takes Mrs. Haggerty in despite her misgivings. The lady keeps notebooks of the goings-on in the neighborhood. Yeah. Finlay, you better watch your back!

All the characters from the prior books are back for this installment, including Finlay’s younger sidekick, Veronica Ruiz, as well as her little kids, who make for some interesting scenes. Also back is Finlay’s police officer boyfriend, Nick.

Probably the best thing about this book is that the overarching theme is about women who get revenge on the men who give them the shaft. And if you’ve read the previous Finlay Donovan books, you know that both she and Vero know plenty about that topic. Women are just not going to put up with that stuff any longer.

Angela Dawe is back as the audiobook narrator and as always, does an excellent job. She really has the characters’ personalities down by this point, so it was a delight to listen to while following along with the ebook.

Fair warning: the book ends on a cliffhanger, so expect more from Finlay, Vero, and the rest, in another installment of this series in the future.

The Finlay Donovan series just keeps getting better, and Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is no exception! This book delivers everything I love about the series—laugh-out-loud humor, edge-of-your-seat mystery, and plenty of chaos as Finlay and Vero find themselves in yet another mess.

Finlay is constantly juggling a million problems (and possibly a few literal skeletons), and I love how Elle Cosimano masterfully ties in elements from previous books while keeping the story fresh and fast-paced. The quirky cast of characters is as entertaining as ever, from Finlay’s adorable kids to the ever-swoon-worthy hot cop.

I listened to the audiobook, and Angela Dawe’s narration was perfection! She truly brings Finlay to life, capturing her wit, stress, and charm effortlessly. Her ability to voice all the supporting characters—even the hot cop—so distinctly makes the audiobook an absolute must-listen.

If you’re a fan of this series, you’ll love this latest installment. And if you haven’t started it yet, what are you waiting for?

I'm thrilled to see Finlay and Vero's dynamic duo back in action! This series has been such a fun ride, and I'll definitely miss it when it comes to an end. While the last installment was probably my least favorite, I'm delighted that this one hit the mark and brought the excitement back.

The chemistry between Finlay and Vero is unmatched, and their adventures never fail to entertain. Here's to enjoying the rest of the series and savoring every moment with these beloved characters!

Thanks so much to NetGalley for letting me listen to this hilarious audiobook! I've been reading Finlay's adventures for a while and I think they're just getting better.
This latest mystery is close to home-- a body is discovered in a neighbor's yard, and Finlay's ex is a suspect. But as usual, there's a lot more going on. My favorite parts were the descriptions of her children's antics-- I've known kids with this kind of spunk-- and the neighborhood watch lady, who ends up staying with Finlay temporarily.
Of course, I also loved catching up with Vero and seeing how Finlay's relationship with Nick is progressing. The narrator was perfect really bringing out the humor.

This was my first Finlay Donovan book even though it’s the 5th in the series. I received an ALC and ARC from NetGalley and Macmillian audio and St Martins Press MinotaurBooks so I listened to and read the book together.

The audiobook was really good! The narrator did a great job!

I loved the Donovan family right away!! Finlay at the school with her daughter who stood up to a bully and did some serious damage! The whole thing was hilarious! Humor was sprinkled throughout the book. But there was a murder and a body found in a neighbors yard. Finlay and Vero, her nanny and sleuthing partner, are on the case! Such a fun and engaging read!

I am definitely going to read the previous books!

I always eagerly await the latest installment of Finlay and her gang of entertaining characters. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave didn’t disappoint! Fans of Finlay, Vero, and Nick will LOVE this installment as they highlight predominately. This book has something for everyone, comedy, suspense, mystery, family drama and romance. Elle Cosimano has once again weaved a hilarious, mysterious and adventurous story.

Angela Dawes does an excellent job narrating the creative adventures.

Thanks NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an early copy. Looking forward to the next installment. All opinions are my own.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave
Pub Date - 3/4/25
Rating - 4/5
Summary - Finlay and her nanny/best friend Vero are back in this new action packed mystery where a body is found in her busybody neighbor, Mrs. Haggarty's backyard. Initially Mrs. Haggarty was the prime suspect in this crime, but she was soon cleared. Having nowhere else to go, she stays with Finlay and Vero as the investigation continues. Finlay and Vero want to stay as far away from this case as possible, but when the suspect suddenly becomes Finlay's ex husband, she springs into action to prove his innocence.
Thoughts - This is one of my favorite series' ESPECIALLY to listen to on audio! Thank you netgalley and MacMillan Audio for this advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review. I was so excited to listen that I ended up finishing this story in less than 24 hours. I loved the narrator just like all the other stories. This is a great palate cleanser in between extremely serious thriller books where I know I will laugh and my mood will be elevated, while still solving a mystery. While this story was slower than her other installments, I still enjoyed the ride it took me down. I loved the plot, the writing, the characters, and everything about this book! I can't wait for the next one!