(3.5 stars)
This is the fifth book in the Finlay Donovan series and they are mostly broad, almost slapstick, humor, off-the-wall lighthearted mysteries - but they often have a very dark undercurrent. After book four, I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep going with the series, but I was offered a chance to read and listen to an advance copy, so I decided to give the series one more try. I’m glad I did, because this one wasn’t as ridiculous or dark as some of the earlier books (no Russian mafia, for example). And we got to enjoy the antics of Finlay’s two small children, which I really enjoyed. I was also glad that Finlay’s relationship with Nick (“hot cop”) advanced.

We finally got to know the cranky neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, and she is much more than just a cranky neighbor! She was the heart and soul of this book.

The book ended with a cliffhanger for Vero, so I’m probably going to want to read the next book when it comes out.

I mainly listened to the audiobook version, which, as always, is beautifully narrated by Angela Dawe.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook and to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I have never been a cozy mystery reader, but I will ALWAYS live for Finlay Donovan, this series, and the antics Finlay and Vero find themselves wrapped up in.

This was such a fun read (and listen)…and watching Finlay use her own detective skills to help prove her scumbag ex-husband isn’t guilty of the newest crime he’s been accused of? Priceless.

But honestly, my favorite part of this story was watching Finlay finally feel safe enough to trust with her whole heart. And that the person she chooses to put her trust in is worth it for once. Elle Cosimano has written a complicated love story woven among numerous accidental (and some on-purpose) crimes, and to see Finlay and Nick embrace a life together—no matter what may come their way? Genuine perfection.

I have to add that while I’ve never liked Mrs. Haggerty’s character, her role in this story was wildly unexpected and I absolutely love how it unfolded! But I’ll keep the details to myself to avoid spoilers 🤭

I think the beauty of cozy mysteries is the ability to laugh, smile, and enjoy the ride even when everything is falling apart—and this series does it magnificently. I seriously cannot recommend it enough.

Gosh, I just love this series so much! I knew going into this book that I was going to be right smack back into the action with Finlay, Vero, Nick and the gang, and I was definitely right. I love that this story picks up right after the last one left off. It is incredibly seamless and was such a delight. I think maybe this was one of my favorites of the series because it involves some new characters while keeping with the same shenanigans that we have come to expect from Finlay. I thought learning more about Mrs. Haggerty was so fun, and she turned out to be one of my favorite side characters in the series. I also loved getting more romantic involvement with Nick. As a reader we get more emotions from Finlay, seeing her more vulnerable, making her such a great main character of this series. I truly think this book was best consumed via audiobook because the narrator does such a fantastic job of creating these characters. I have listened to every book in this series as an audiobook and I have to say that it is the best way to really make the story come to life! It’s obvious that another book will be coming and I can hardly wait to read it, as I will continue with this series until it (hopefully never) ends!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced reading copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

I have been a huge fan of the Finlay Donovan series from the beginning, and I think Elle Cosimano does a great job continuing the series with this book.

I was beyond excited when I was able to listen to the 5th book in this series before it officially published. And I was hoping that it wouldn't start to head into being too much or too ridiculous, which I think could very easily happen with this series.

I think book 5 does a good job keeping Finlay and Vero moving forward along the same path, without the story becoming boring, redundant, or too complicated or beyond unbelievable. I also enjoyed getting to know Mrs. Haggerty a little more and understanding where she comes from and her history. I hope people enjoy that part of this book as much as I did.

In the next book, I am looking forward to seeing how Finlay's relationship with Nick progresses and moves into the next stages.

This for me was a 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐- I think there were a couple minor things throughout the book that just kept it from being a full 5 star read for me. However, I will give it another listen later this year to see if I need to update my opinion.

Another fun Finlay Donovan read! Somehow, she keeps getting herself in situations that are out there. This time, a dead body is discovered in her neighbor’s backyard. Perhaps I’m getting tired of all of the situations Finlay keeps finding herself in. This one of the series, number 5, was probably my least favorite. I did love that Finlay’s kids were showcased a bit more in this book than in the previous ones. There were still many laugh out loud moments, but I think I am done with the unbelievable plot and mystery that was presented. I listened to the audiobook and as always, the narrator for this series was perfection. She really makes it worth continuing on.

I am a dedicated Finlay fan and I never miss a release. I have always (eyeball) read the books but this is the first time I have listened to the narration. I am not sure if the narrators have stayed consistent throughout the series but the voices threw me off because it was not how I pictured Vero sounding or to some extent, Finlay too. The accent was so hard to place. So as I write this review, please take what I say under this lens.

I actually was getting a bit apathetic to the series towards the last book. I was over the Felix storyline and more curious about Vero’s incident that transpired in Maryland (I even read her previously released short story to get some context). I was happy that there were no mob-related storylines in this but disappointed that we were not getting into Vero’s back story…(yet)…it feels like we're dragging out the intrigue until we get to it.

That being said, I actually really enjoyed this novel. Yes, it’s completely outrageous and such a predictable caper but getting to know the nosy neighbor more in the context at which it was presented was a delight. Thank goodness the characters are so lovable because sometimes you cannot believe what is even happening from Cam’s car to Nick’s involvement and everything in between. It’s just a feel good book that keeps you entertained and makes you feel like you could be like Finlay, solving crime in the most ridiculous, but relatable way. I do wish there was more clever dialogue (much like the ones in the first two books) but I do like how the author has moved on from messy, anxiety prone Finlay to one that is actually quite put together and dare I say, bad ass! (She was honestly always a bad-ass mom but seeing her come into her own more here was awesome!).

Moving forward, I will continue to do audio. While the voices weren’t what I was expecting, I found myself laughing out loud at the ridiculousness (but the very best kind of ridiculousness).

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

A great step on Finaly’s journey with lots of satisfying resolutions and questions answered. Don’t worry, there’s definitely room for more to come from your favorite accidental serial killer/detective/author!

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy. These opinions are my own.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave continues the fun and chaos with even more hilarious moments and unexpected twists. The mystery in this installment is layered and unpredictable, keeping readers on their toes, while the characters we’ve come to love—especially Finlay and her quirky crew—make the shenanigans even more entertaining. The relationship development between Finlay and Nick adds a sweet touch to the story, though the romance is never the primary focus. What really shines is the bond between Finlay and Vero, whose friendship remains the emotional heart of the series.

The fifth book in the series delivers everything fans love: sharp dialogue, a delightfully unrealistic plot, and a support network of morally questionable but lovable women. Mrs. Haggerty is a standout, stealing every scene with her antics. The audiobook takes the experience to the next level, making the humor and chaos even more engaging. If you’re looking for a book packed with humor, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of romance, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a must-read—and even better as a must-listen!

I have to confess that initially Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave didn't initially grab me. I was starting to wonder if this series had run its course for me, but I also was lucky enough to have the audio version, and Angela Dawe is a phenomenal narrator. I kept listening and reading, and once again I fell into the fun that is Finlay and Vero. Their friendship, the snarky dialogue, and the scrapes they get into along the way keep me coming back for more, and, with the cliffhanger ending, I'm already anxiously awaiting the next installment.

I love the Finlay Donovan Series! Honestly these books just keep getting better and better. Each installment that comes out I am more invested in the characters and enjoy seeing what trouble Finlay and Vero are going to get into. I liked getting to know Mrs. Haggerty more and I loved her book club and would like to see more of them in upcoming books. I can’t wait to see where Nick and Finlay relationship goes, and I am glad they were able to trust each other. This book had me laughing out loud and the end had me wanting to bet up Cam. I think this is one of my favorite audio narrators. She does a fantastic job, and I caught myself waiting for the audio book to come instead of wanting to read the book. These books are a ray of sunshine and my guilty pleasure I can’t wait for the next one! i am obsessed!

Thank you, Net Galley, the author, and the publisher, for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Angela Dawe is my favorite narrator. She really does bring life to the characters. This Finaly book really got me hooked again. Sometimes books like this can stuck in the same formula and this series was starting getting to this point. But this book has me excited again. That last chapter has me foaming at the mouth for the next book.

My goodness I never want this series to end. I LOVE Finlay & Vero and this one may be my second favorite (nothing will ever beat the first) of the series.

Finlay’s ex-husband Steven is suspected of murder after a body is found across the street from Finlay’s house, and she will do anything she can to prove his innocence. This one is LAUGH OUT LOUD funny and super entertaining.

It’s hard to say too much since this is book 5 and I don’t want to spoil anything but there are lots of cameos back to book one - some things I had forgotten and I love how she reiterates it just enough to spark a memory (it’s been a year since I read book 4 so minor details had been lost but came back to me 😜)

If you haven’t read this series yet, what are you waiting for?!

Elle, please never end this because I just love it so much.

HUGE thanks to MacMillan Audio & NetGalley for my ALC

#MacAudio2025

Finlay and Vero are back, and though this entry is a little less funny than previous ones, author Elle Cosimano goes a little deeper this time with the emotions as first Mrs. Haggerty then Finlay's ex Steven need the amateur sleuths' help.

Finlay and Vero have just returned from their adventures in Atlantic City, when their very nosy, elderly and unfriendly neighbour Mrs. Haggerty is arrested by police after a body is discovered in her backyard.

Once cleared by police, Mrs. Haggerty cannot return to her home as the heat is off, the grounds are a mess, and her home is still a crime scene, so Mrs. Haggerty's grandson begs Finlay to take his grandmother in, until he can get things fixed at her place.


Very, very reluctantly, Finlay agrees, and Mrs. Haggerty proceeds to take over Finlay's bedroom and life, forcing Finlay to take her to book club meetings, but Mrs. Haggerty also takes it upon herself to teach Delia (after an incident at school forces the principal to suspend Delia) and to potty train the younger Zach.

The book club meetings prove to be weirdly suspicious to Finlay, and once Steven is next seen as prime suspect, Finlay begins paying closer attention to Mrs. Haggerty's comings and goings, and to the members of the book club.

She's also come to a point in her relationship with Nick that she's wondering how she can continue to juggle all her lies and prevarications.

Though I said this was a little less funny than previous instalments, that doesn't mean this was boring or slow moving. Quite the contrary. Lots happens, and Finlay and Vero get themselves in and out of predicaments while Finlay is trying to prove Steven is not guilty of murdering then burying the man found in Mrs. Haggerty's yard.

In the process, we learn much more about Mrs. Haggerty, and she emerges as a smart, sympathetic character with rough edges.

What was surprising was I actually felt ever so slightly more sympathetic towards Steven by the end of this story, despite him still being a liar and cheater.

I also liked how Finlay resolved the dilemma she had about Nick; this sets the relationship on a slightly different course, but more stable.

The audiobook was a pleasure to listen to, and voice actor Angela Dawe keeps the characters' interactions amusing, but also brings the anger and sadness Finlay feels as she reexperiences how Steven broke her heart and trust and Dawe's interpretation of Mrs. Haggerty was such a hoot!

And that ending means Finlay has more sleuthing ahead of her. Can't wait!

Thank you to Netgalley and to Macmillan Audio for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read and review Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, a novel,
by Elle Cosimano on NetGalley.

Published: 03/04/25
Narrator: Angela Dawe

Stars: 4

Tying up loose ends with a twist while not advancing the characters storyline is how I would describe book #5.

The under story is clever and the ending impressed me. I was "oh my" when I figured out where the book was going. Cosimano drew me back into the craziness with opened eyes. I was waxing and waning and bored.

The bantering is okay, that is the style of Finlay Donovan; it's the cheating, the spousal ridiculousness, and playing the Detective for a fool that just doesn't sit well with me.

The ending went on into the epilogue and could have been reduced. They were both way too long.

Was this a necessary chapter in the Donovan series? I don't think so. This feels more like a striking while the iron is hot book.

The narrator works for me. I can keep up with the characters by her voice. She is the reason I will pick up book #6 (which is what I expected book #5 to be.)

A good mystery, but this is a middle of series entry and some of the plot points need explaining. The story does explain them, though, and it helps tie the previous books into this one. The MC has a nice circle of family and friends, and the obligatory evil ex husband. A crotchety neighbor provides some comic relief and there is plenty of investigatory sneaking around.

I enjoyed the narrator like I usually do! I will say that the production was a little bit different than before. It did not feel very smooth but rather a bit crunchy in my headphones and speaker. However, I loved all of the shenanigans that happened in this book. I could predict what was happening but that did not take away from my enjoyment. I cannot wait for the next one!

I loved the wild ride of the audio book! I've enjoyed the entire Finley Donovan series and the 5th book didn't disappoint. Things that set this book apart for me included more time with the kids, further developments in Finley's romantic life, and her evolving relationship with her ex husband. I found this one to have a slightly more realistic feel than some of the others and I really enjoyed that as well. Highly recommend!

📚🔍 Happy Pub Day to the Queen of Cozy Mysteries Elle Cosimano 🔎📚

Thank you, Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the #gifted copies of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Is this latest adventure in the Finlayverse my favorite in the series? It's truly a close contender to the police academy moment in the third book.

There's just something extra fun about these characters creating havoc in their own neighborhood in this one. Maybe it's the nostalgia of the chaos that happened in the very first book that instantly flooded back into my soul.

Finlay books are the best kind of cozy and thrill ride that helps touch my funny bone yet makes me emotional all in three hundred plus pages. I love that we have powerful women sprinkled throughout the entire series. Even better... these fictional people will always feel like home.

Seriously, though... I don't know how to review this without spoiling all the goodness. To keep it vague. I appreciate the theme of friendship and women sticking together.

These books always bring me so much joy, and I am so grateful for Elle's imagination bringing Finlay and Vero into the world. They mean so much to a lot of us, and I am so happy that the chaos continues to unfold.

🎧 I always love listening to these audiobooks. The woman who narrates is perfect and never disappoints. She embodies Finlay and these stories so well... the Dani stamp of approval & recommendation has a permanent spot on these ear worms

I always know Finlay Donovan will deliver! This latest installment, once again, had me reaffirming just how much I love this series as I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book. Mrs Haggerty was the best character and though I doubted her at the start, I could only admire her by the end. Highly recommend listening to this book on audio if you can. The story brought to life just makes it all the more fun I think!

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for access to this audiobook ARC! These opinions are my own.

I devoured books 1 through 4 of the Finlay Donovan series in under a week and a half, so, of course, I did the same with this installment in about 2 days.

I highly recommend the audiobook editions; the narrator is absolutely incredible, & her performance really elevates the reading experience for me. She does an amazing job differentiating the characters and embodying their vibes.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave was a bit more character driven than the first four books. The plot felt less intense, lower-stakes, and a bit more straightforward/predictable, especially given the larger plots & players introduced in Finlay Donovan Is Killing It (book 1) and wrapped up in Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice (book 4). So there is a bit of a pacing shift here, especially given that we started out with [spoilers redacted]; this definitely feels like a de-escalation in comparison.

Book 5 focused a lot more on character relationships and development, and it has some really wholesome & precious moments 😭. I felt a lot more of a full found family vibe alongside themes of trust, connection, vulnerability, home, community, and safety. Plus, we see some true reflection from Finlay + growth in both Vero's and Finlay’s relationships with their respective partners.

Shoutout to Cam also -- I love his character.

I will definitely be continuing with this series (the audiobooks 100% — I love them)! I’m invested in the characters & the world, and I always have a fun time reading these books! I do hope the next installments have some higher-stakes/more intense/complex plots.

Regardless, I’m here for the fun humorous mystery vibes & the wholesome precious ones too!