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Finlay Donovan #5
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave
10 hours, 18 minutes
From New York Times bestseller and Edgar-Award nominee Elle Cosimano, comes Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave—the hugely anticipated next installment in the fan-favorite Finlay Donovan series.
Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet . . . but at least there's not a body in her backyard.
Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.
Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case—or sacrificing either of their bedrooms. After all, they’ve dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else.
From New York Times bestseller and Edgar-Award nominee Elle Cosimano, comes Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave—the hugely anticipated next installment in the fan-favorite Finlay Donovan series.
Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet . . . but at least there's not a body in her backyard.
Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.
Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case—or sacrificing either of their bedrooms. After all, they’ve dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 4, 2025
1150 people are currently reading
32353 people want to read
About the author
Elle Cosimano
18 books8,028 followersUSA TODAY and New York Times bestselling author, Edgar® Nominee, Bram Stoker® Nominee, & ITW Thriller Award winner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,283 reviews
March 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
AUDIOBOOK:
9 hours 11 minutes at 1x, 6 hours 7 minutes at 1.5x or 5 hours, 15 minutes at 1.75x
How apropos that Janet Evanovich promotes this book on the cover~I have always said that these books were perfect for fans of her Stephanie Plum stories!
If you haven’t read any of the Finlay Donovan books yet- I do recommend that you read them in order-but you can click on my spoiler free review for the first book to get a hint of what to expect!
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Each book ends with a cliffhanger, so we pick up right where we left off last time…
Finlay Donovan has just submitted her latest book-so she should have some time to relax, and maybe get to know her “hot cop boyfriend Nick” just a little bit better. But when a dead body is discovered in her nosy neighbor’s backyard, the neighbor-Mrs. Haggerty-will need Finlay and Vero’s help.
Initially, Mrs. Haggerty is the prime suspect.
Although SHE is quickly cleared by the police, her house, unfortunately, remains an active crime scene. With nowhere else to go she ends up moving into Finlay’s house temporarily-since she is right across the street-despite the fact that the two have not always seen eye to eye on things!
Instead of being a grateful guest, she is demanding grocery runs, and rides to her book club meetings, but she does chip in on home schooling and childcare while staying with Finlay and her scenes with Finlay’s children are some of the funniest in the book!
I have to admit, I haven’t had this much fun reading a Finlay Donovan book since the first one, and I wasn’t sure that I wanted to continue the series. It had become too slapstick for me with all of the caricature mafia characters in books two through four-but once I heard that Mrs. Haggerty would be back-I was all in and she didn’t disappoint! (She is a SCENE STEALER !)
As always-we have a cliffhanger at the end-so it does look like this series will continue…
I paired my reading with the AUDIOBOOK, narrated (as always) by the fabulous Angela Dawe-This happens to be a series that I prefer LISTENING TO! 🎧
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Macmillan Audio for the early listen provided through NetGalley Shelf! As always, these are my candid thoughts!
AUDIOBOOK:
9 hours 11 minutes at 1x, 6 hours 7 minutes at 1.5x or 5 hours, 15 minutes at 1.75x
How apropos that Janet Evanovich promotes this book on the cover~I have always said that these books were perfect for fans of her Stephanie Plum stories!
If you haven’t read any of the Finlay Donovan books yet- I do recommend that you read them in order-but you can click on my spoiler free review for the first book to get a hint of what to expect!
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Each book ends with a cliffhanger, so we pick up right where we left off last time…
Finlay Donovan has just submitted her latest book-so she should have some time to relax, and maybe get to know her “hot cop boyfriend Nick” just a little bit better. But when a dead body is discovered in her nosy neighbor’s backyard, the neighbor-Mrs. Haggerty-will need Finlay and Vero’s help.
Initially, Mrs. Haggerty is the prime suspect.
Although SHE is quickly cleared by the police, her house, unfortunately, remains an active crime scene. With nowhere else to go she ends up moving into Finlay’s house temporarily-since she is right across the street-despite the fact that the two have not always seen eye to eye on things!
Instead of being a grateful guest, she is demanding grocery runs, and rides to her book club meetings, but she does chip in on home schooling and childcare while staying with Finlay and her scenes with Finlay’s children are some of the funniest in the book!
I have to admit, I haven’t had this much fun reading a Finlay Donovan book since the first one, and I wasn’t sure that I wanted to continue the series. It had become too slapstick for me with all of the caricature mafia characters in books two through four-but once I heard that Mrs. Haggerty would be back-I was all in and she didn’t disappoint! (She is a SCENE STEALER !)
As always-we have a cliffhanger at the end-so it does look like this series will continue…
I paired my reading with the AUDIOBOOK, narrated (as always) by the fabulous Angela Dawe-This happens to be a series that I prefer LISTENING TO! 🎧
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Macmillan Audio for the early listen provided through NetGalley Shelf! As always, these are my candid thoughts!
February 25, 2025
You know that feeling when life has been going rapid fire for awhile and things finally start to calm down a little for you to catch your breath? That’s what the newest book in the Finlay Donovan series feels like. Don’t get me wrong … all the crazy is still there - it’s just a little bit LESS and that’s not a bad thing!
This time around Finlay’s busybody neighbor Mrs. Haggerty is under suspicion regarding a dead body found buried in her rose garden. However, the investigation soon shifts to someone else close to Finlay … her ex-husband Steven! He may be a cheater, but Finlay knows he’s not a murderer. Can she prove his innocence before the police throw the book at him?
Here are some of my favorite things about this book:
✦ The audio was amazing as always. Angela Dawe truly IS every character in this story, and I can’t imagine the series without her!
✦ The story is simpler this time around. I love all four prior books, but it was a nice change of pace to have a less convoluted story to follow. It felt like a needed breather.
✦ It was fun to see more of Finlay’s kids, Delia and Zach, who sometimes get lost in all of Finlay and Vero’s shenanigans. It’s a welcome throwback to the series opener, and they both stole the show a few times. I’m still lol’ing at the potty training scenes!
✦ Mrs. Haggerty. What a character! Peel the layers of that ‘onion’ and you may be surprised what you find. Ironically, just like an actual onion, I loved her and was irritated by her simultaneously!
✦ It was nice to see some growth in Finlay and Nick’s relationship arc. I really loved the thread about trust and seeing the choice Finlay made regarding it.
✦ Cam. The kid is hilarious … and well fed. IYKYK
A couple things that I didn’t like as much:
❋ I didn’t hate but didn’t love the mystery. It was unbelievable on so many levels and the resolution felt too easy. Luckily the story around it made up for it.
❋ A little heavy on the women as victims theme, which isn’t a favorite for me.
❋ Vero wasn’t QUITE as present this time. I always love as much Finlay and Vero interaction as possible, but it seemed like Finlay and Nick took some of that previous focus. Maybe it was just me.
All in all, another delightful and fun outing with Finlay, Vero and the crew. I think I may get my wish for more Vero in the next installment, as the epilogue shines the spotlight her way!
★★★★
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books, NetGalley and author Elle Cosimano for the digital ARC and Macmillan Audio for the ALC to honestly review! It’s out on March 11, 2025.
This time around Finlay’s busybody neighbor Mrs. Haggerty is under suspicion regarding a dead body found buried in her rose garden. However, the investigation soon shifts to someone else close to Finlay … her ex-husband Steven! He may be a cheater, but Finlay knows he’s not a murderer. Can she prove his innocence before the police throw the book at him?
Here are some of my favorite things about this book:
✦ The audio was amazing as always. Angela Dawe truly IS every character in this story, and I can’t imagine the series without her!
✦ The story is simpler this time around. I love all four prior books, but it was a nice change of pace to have a less convoluted story to follow. It felt like a needed breather.
✦ It was fun to see more of Finlay’s kids, Delia and Zach, who sometimes get lost in all of Finlay and Vero’s shenanigans. It’s a welcome throwback to the series opener, and they both stole the show a few times. I’m still lol’ing at the potty training scenes!
✦ Mrs. Haggerty. What a character! Peel the layers of that ‘onion’ and you may be surprised what you find. Ironically, just like an actual onion, I loved her and was irritated by her simultaneously!
✦ It was nice to see some growth in Finlay and Nick’s relationship arc. I really loved the thread about trust and seeing the choice Finlay made regarding it.
✦ Cam. The kid is hilarious … and well fed. IYKYK
A couple things that I didn’t like as much:
❋ I didn’t hate but didn’t love the mystery. It was unbelievable on so many levels and the resolution felt too easy. Luckily the story around it made up for it.
❋ A little heavy on the women as victims theme, which isn’t a favorite for me.
❋ Vero wasn’t QUITE as present this time. I always love as much Finlay and Vero interaction as possible, but it seemed like Finlay and Nick took some of that previous focus. Maybe it was just me.
All in all, another delightful and fun outing with Finlay, Vero and the crew. I think I may get my wish for more Vero in the next installment, as the epilogue shines the spotlight her way!
★★★★
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books, NetGalley and author Elle Cosimano for the digital ARC and Macmillan Audio for the ALC to honestly review! It’s out on March 11, 2025.
March 5, 2025
***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***
All of the main characters are back including Finlay, Vero, Javi, Nick and her nosy and irritating neighbor Mrs.Haggerty!
Finlay and Vero haven’t always gotten along with Mrs. Haggerty but . . “when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.”
We are off and running through the next fiasco of Finlay and Vero trying to find out who is really responsible for the dead body in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard.
Finlay’s ex-Steven is a suspect - because we all know the things that he has been mixed up in. However Finlay is sure that someone else is the murderer!
There is the usual humor provided by Finlay’s children, Vero and Mrs. Haggerty as we try to untangle the mystery.
-Who is the real killer?
-Why is the body buried in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard?
-There is something suspicious about Mrs. Haggety’s book club . . . .what’s going on there?
-Will Finlay and Nick finally commit to each other?
-Is Steven really innocent?
As with all Finlay books you have to go with the flow and suspend believability with some of her antics!
I liked this book but it wasn’t my favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the ongoing antics of this engaging group of characters.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
All of the main characters are back including Finlay, Vero, Javi, Nick and her nosy and irritating neighbor Mrs.Haggerty!
Finlay and Vero haven’t always gotten along with Mrs. Haggerty but . . “when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.”
We are off and running through the next fiasco of Finlay and Vero trying to find out who is really responsible for the dead body in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard.
Finlay’s ex-Steven is a suspect - because we all know the things that he has been mixed up in. However Finlay is sure that someone else is the murderer!
There is the usual humor provided by Finlay’s children, Vero and Mrs. Haggerty as we try to untangle the mystery.
-Who is the real killer?
-Why is the body buried in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard?
-There is something suspicious about Mrs. Haggety’s book club . . . .what’s going on there?
-Will Finlay and Nick finally commit to each other?
-Is Steven really innocent?
As with all Finlay books you have to go with the flow and suspend believability with some of her antics!
I liked this book but it wasn’t my favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the ongoing antics of this engaging group of characters.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
March 4, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded down. On "Outlier Island" here again, as everyone else seems to just love this one. But it was just okay for me and really kind of a slog some of the time. I did like that the plot involved Mrs. Haggarty & her bookclub ladies which was better than gangsters and I also enjoyed seeing Fin & Nick get closer, plus ol’ Stephen getting some very just desserts. Did NOT like the ending, I strongly hate cliffhangers done that way - but YMMV.
July 5, 2025
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the 5th-installation of the well-loved Finlay Donovan Mystery series.
I have listened to all of these books on audio, and this was no exception. Not only does Angela Dawe do an incredible job bringing these stories to life with her engaging narration, but her voice is Finlay to me at this point.
In this story, Finlay and Vero are back home after their wild adventures in Atlantic City, which were chronicled in the 4th-book. They're looking forward to life returning to normal, or as normal as it can ever be for Finlay and Vero.
Unsurprisingly, it doesn't take long before they are smack-dab in the middle of another mystery, after a body is discovered buried in the backyard of their busybody neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty.
Finlay and Vero have had a bit of a contentious relationship with the elderly-Mrs. Haggerty over the years. She's always watching, making her the perfect head of the neighborhood watch, but not that fun of a neighbor.
As the police start investigating, Mrs. Haggerty immediately falls under suspicion. After she is cleared though, she still can't return to her house as it's an active crime scene. That's when she shows up on Finlay's doorstop.
Begrudgingly allowing the older neighbor to stay at her house, Finlay needs this case wrapped up soon rather than later. Worried the police are heading in the wrong direction, Finlay and Vero decide to look into the case on their own.
Yet again, I had so much fun reading this book. I love, love, love Finlay and Vero. Their friendship is perfect and I love investigating mysteries with them.
The mystery of the body in the backyard was quite intriguing. I had a great time trying to solve it. I wasn't sure who to suspect, and I believe I started to figure it out just when Cosimano wanted me to, so that's a plus.
Mrs. Haggerty plays a huge role in this one, and I liked getting to know her more. She's grumpy and opinionated, and frankly, hilarious to have around. I loved her interactions with not just Finlay and Vero, but also with Finlay's kids; so good.
We also got quite a bit more of Finlay's agent, Sylvia, in this one, which was a hoot. She's wild in such a fun way, pushing Finlay out of her comfort zone every chance she gets.
Overall, I was so happy with this story. The conclusion also gave me hope that we'll definitely be getting another book, which I am so on board for. As far as I'm concerned, this series needs to continue for as long as humanly-possible. A go-to Mystery series for me.
Thank you to the publisher, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I adore these mysteries with my whole heart. 10-out-of-10 recommend for all Mystery Readers!
I have listened to all of these books on audio, and this was no exception. Not only does Angela Dawe do an incredible job bringing these stories to life with her engaging narration, but her voice is Finlay to me at this point.
In this story, Finlay and Vero are back home after their wild adventures in Atlantic City, which were chronicled in the 4th-book. They're looking forward to life returning to normal, or as normal as it can ever be for Finlay and Vero.
Unsurprisingly, it doesn't take long before they are smack-dab in the middle of another mystery, after a body is discovered buried in the backyard of their busybody neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty.
Finlay and Vero have had a bit of a contentious relationship with the elderly-Mrs. Haggerty over the years. She's always watching, making her the perfect head of the neighborhood watch, but not that fun of a neighbor.
As the police start investigating, Mrs. Haggerty immediately falls under suspicion. After she is cleared though, she still can't return to her house as it's an active crime scene. That's when she shows up on Finlay's doorstop.
Begrudgingly allowing the older neighbor to stay at her house, Finlay needs this case wrapped up soon rather than later. Worried the police are heading in the wrong direction, Finlay and Vero decide to look into the case on their own.
Yet again, I had so much fun reading this book. I love, love, love Finlay and Vero. Their friendship is perfect and I love investigating mysteries with them.
The mystery of the body in the backyard was quite intriguing. I had a great time trying to solve it. I wasn't sure who to suspect, and I believe I started to figure it out just when Cosimano wanted me to, so that's a plus.
Mrs. Haggerty plays a huge role in this one, and I liked getting to know her more. She's grumpy and opinionated, and frankly, hilarious to have around. I loved her interactions with not just Finlay and Vero, but also with Finlay's kids; so good.
We also got quite a bit more of Finlay's agent, Sylvia, in this one, which was a hoot. She's wild in such a fun way, pushing Finlay out of her comfort zone every chance she gets.
Overall, I was so happy with this story. The conclusion also gave me hope that we'll definitely be getting another book, which I am so on board for. As far as I'm concerned, this series needs to continue for as long as humanly-possible. A go-to Mystery series for me.
Thank you to the publisher, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I adore these mysteries with my whole heart. 10-out-of-10 recommend for all Mystery Readers!
February 26, 2025
3.75 stars! 🌟 Huge thanks to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for the ARC! 💌
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is FINALLY here, and let me tell you, it's another whirlwind of chaos, mystery, and side-splitting laughs! 😂 The plot kicks off with Finlay and her partner-in-crime Vero finding themselves in the midst of yet another murder investigation. This time, the body is discovered in none other than their busybody neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard. Talk about adding drama to the neighborhood! 🏡 Mrs. Haggerty ends up needing a place to stay (because, surprise surprise, her house is a crime scene). And who’s the lucky host? You guessed it—Finlay! 🙈
🕵️♀️ Amateur Sleuth
📚 Romantic Subplot
🕵️♀️ Small Town Secrets
📚 Unlikely Partnership
🕵️♀️ Elderly Character with a Secret
📚 Humorous Detective Mystery
Now, I’ve gotta say, this series has been a rollercoaster, and this book was no exception. From laugh-out-loud moments with Finlay’s kids (Delia and Zach seriously stole the show! 😍), to the ridiculous antics of Mrs. Haggerty, who is basically a walking chaos machine 🌪️, it's pure fun. But hey, it wasn’t all just giggles—there was a legit mystery to solve 🕵️♀️. Is Finlay’s ex, Steven, guilty? Who buried the body? And what’s going on with Mrs. Haggerty’s book club? 📚
Now, don’t get me wrong, there were some things that didn’t totally work for me. First off, the mystery felt a bit... too easy? 🤔 Like, there was some serious suspension of disbelief going on. And, while I ADORE Vero, she wasn’t as front and center in this one as I hoped. We got more of Finlay and Nick (who's so hot cop, by the way 😍🔥). Plus, a certain someone’s very suspicious late-night escapades had me laughing and groaning at the same time. 😂
But let’s talk about Mrs. Haggerty... Holy smokes, this woman is a scene stealer! 🎭 She’s irritating, hilarious, and, honestly, I kinda loved her this time. Layers, people! Layers! 😆
The ending? Of course, we’re left hanging on a cliffhanger 😱, which means we’re all anxiously waiting for book 6. 📖⏳ Why do they do this to us?!
So, yeah, I really enjoyed it! It wasn't my absolute fave of the series, but it was still a super fun ride. If you love chaos, humor, a dash of romance, and a tiniest bit of murder, you’re gonna have a blast with this one! 💥
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is FINALLY here, and let me tell you, it's another whirlwind of chaos, mystery, and side-splitting laughs! 😂 The plot kicks off with Finlay and her partner-in-crime Vero finding themselves in the midst of yet another murder investigation. This time, the body is discovered in none other than their busybody neighbor Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard. Talk about adding drama to the neighborhood! 🏡 Mrs. Haggerty ends up needing a place to stay (because, surprise surprise, her house is a crime scene). And who’s the lucky host? You guessed it—Finlay! 🙈
🕵️♀️ Amateur Sleuth
📚 Romantic Subplot
🕵️♀️ Small Town Secrets
📚 Unlikely Partnership
🕵️♀️ Elderly Character with a Secret
📚 Humorous Detective Mystery
Now, I’ve gotta say, this series has been a rollercoaster, and this book was no exception. From laugh-out-loud moments with Finlay’s kids (Delia and Zach seriously stole the show! 😍), to the ridiculous antics of Mrs. Haggerty, who is basically a walking chaos machine 🌪️, it's pure fun. But hey, it wasn’t all just giggles—there was a legit mystery to solve 🕵️♀️. Is Finlay’s ex, Steven, guilty? Who buried the body? And what’s going on with Mrs. Haggerty’s book club? 📚
Now, don’t get me wrong, there were some things that didn’t totally work for me. First off, the mystery felt a bit... too easy? 🤔 Like, there was some serious suspension of disbelief going on. And, while I ADORE Vero, she wasn’t as front and center in this one as I hoped. We got more of Finlay and Nick (who's so hot cop, by the way 😍🔥). Plus, a certain someone’s very suspicious late-night escapades had me laughing and groaning at the same time. 😂
But let’s talk about Mrs. Haggerty... Holy smokes, this woman is a scene stealer! 🎭 She’s irritating, hilarious, and, honestly, I kinda loved her this time. Layers, people! Layers! 😆
The ending? Of course, we’re left hanging on a cliffhanger 😱, which means we’re all anxiously waiting for book 6. 📖⏳ Why do they do this to us?!
So, yeah, I really enjoyed it! It wasn't my absolute fave of the series, but it was still a super fun ride. If you love chaos, humor, a dash of romance, and a tiniest bit of murder, you’re gonna have a blast with this one! 💥
April 5, 2025
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is Book #5 in the Finlay Donovan Series!
Finlay has never seen eye to eye with her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, a busybody who keeps snooping around and peering across the street into Finlay's business. Now, the tables are turned, and she may need some help from Finlay.
A dead body was found in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. She has been cleared of any charges, but her house remains a crime scene. Since Finlay's house is directly across the street, Mrs. H. makes herself at home, moving into Finlay's bedroom, where she has a clear view of her house.
Then, Finlay hears the familiar name of a new suspect in the case, which triggers her immediate interest in the investigation...
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, like all previous books, picks up where the last book left off. I was on the fence about continuing this series, as I felt it had lost its original appeal. I wanted more Finlay and Vero, less wackiness, and fewer one-dimensional characters. This one delivers all that and a deeper dive into Finlay and Nick's developing relationship.
Mrs. Haggerty is quite the character and one of the best parts of this story. Come to find out there's more to her than meets the eye. I hope we see more of her in the future.
This was an immersion read; the audiobook is narrated by Angela Dawe, whose voicing of Finlay and Vero is so familiar to me that I can read the ebook alone and still hear their voices in my head. I'm not sure what that says about me, but I continue to be impressed by Ms. Dawe's talent.
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave ends in another cliffhanger, meaning another book is in the works. I'm excited for book #6 and more of Finlay and Vero's shenanigans!
4.5⭐
Thank you to St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and Elle Cosimano for the DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Finlay has never seen eye to eye with her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, a busybody who keeps snooping around and peering across the street into Finlay's business. Now, the tables are turned, and she may need some help from Finlay.
A dead body was found in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. She has been cleared of any charges, but her house remains a crime scene. Since Finlay's house is directly across the street, Mrs. H. makes herself at home, moving into Finlay's bedroom, where she has a clear view of her house.
Then, Finlay hears the familiar name of a new suspect in the case, which triggers her immediate interest in the investigation...
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, like all previous books, picks up where the last book left off. I was on the fence about continuing this series, as I felt it had lost its original appeal. I wanted more Finlay and Vero, less wackiness, and fewer one-dimensional characters. This one delivers all that and a deeper dive into Finlay and Nick's developing relationship.
Mrs. Haggerty is quite the character and one of the best parts of this story. Come to find out there's more to her than meets the eye. I hope we see more of her in the future.
This was an immersion read; the audiobook is narrated by Angela Dawe, whose voicing of Finlay and Vero is so familiar to me that I can read the ebook alone and still hear their voices in my head. I'm not sure what that says about me, but I continue to be impressed by Ms. Dawe's talent.
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave ends in another cliffhanger, meaning another book is in the works. I'm excited for book #6 and more of Finlay and Vero's shenanigans!
4.5⭐
Thank you to St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and Elle Cosimano for the DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 10, 2025
Finlay Donovan is back, and while she still can’t get a quiet moment to write her novel, at least this time the body isn’t in her backyard. It's in Mrs. Haggerty’s.
Yes, that Mrs. Haggerty—the neighborhood snoop, HOA tyrant, and walking, talking alarm system. But when a corpse turns up in her rose bushes, she’s suddenly less "nosy neighbor" and more "homeless homicide suspect." Naturally, she moves in with Finlay.
Because what’s one more houseguest when you’ve already got a full plate of chaos?
Finlay and her ride-or-die nanny Vero aren’t exactly thrilled. They’d really prefer to solve the mystery of their love lives rather than another murder. But when bodies drop and secrets unravel, they’re pulled right back into amateur sleuthing (and occasionally felonious) mode.
This fifth installment starts with a bang, keeping up the witty charm and banter we’ve come to love. But halfway through, the pace sputters a bit, like someone forgot to top off Vero’s margarita blender. It’s got great character moments and wraps up a few dangling plot threads, but the formula is definitely starting to wear thin. Déjà vu, anyone?
Still, it ends on a cliffhanger, hinting at more hijinks to come—and if this is the final stretch for Finlay and Vero, let’s hope they go out with a bang (and maybe fewer bodies).
It’s fun, fast, and full of Finlay flair, but maybe it’s time to consider early retirement from the neighborhood watch drama. For fans of cozy chaos, slightly criminal besties, and suburban noir with a splash of wine.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC ride-along—I’ll still be buckling in for the next one!
Yes, that Mrs. Haggerty—the neighborhood snoop, HOA tyrant, and walking, talking alarm system. But when a corpse turns up in her rose bushes, she’s suddenly less "nosy neighbor" and more "homeless homicide suspect." Naturally, she moves in with Finlay.
Because what’s one more houseguest when you’ve already got a full plate of chaos?
Finlay and her ride-or-die nanny Vero aren’t exactly thrilled. They’d really prefer to solve the mystery of their love lives rather than another murder. But when bodies drop and secrets unravel, they’re pulled right back into amateur sleuthing (and occasionally felonious) mode.
This fifth installment starts with a bang, keeping up the witty charm and banter we’ve come to love. But halfway through, the pace sputters a bit, like someone forgot to top off Vero’s margarita blender. It’s got great character moments and wraps up a few dangling plot threads, but the formula is definitely starting to wear thin. Déjà vu, anyone?
Still, it ends on a cliffhanger, hinting at more hijinks to come—and if this is the final stretch for Finlay and Vero, let’s hope they go out with a bang (and maybe fewer bodies).
It’s fun, fast, and full of Finlay flair, but maybe it’s time to consider early retirement from the neighborhood watch drama. For fans of cozy chaos, slightly criminal besties, and suburban noir with a splash of wine.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC ride-along—I’ll still be buckling in for the next one!
March 3, 2025
Finlay Donovan is back, and I was there for every single second of it! Seriously, if you have not picked up this wonderfully entertaining, fun, witty, and clever series, you are missing out BIG TIME. ! I love that Finlay Donovan, Vero, her ex-husband, Steven, her boyfriend, Nick, and even her nosey neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty are all involved in the action in Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave!! I have been listening to the audiobooks in this series, and they are absolutely fantastic and wonderfully narrated!! I highly recommend them!
A dead body has been found buried in Mrs. Haggerty's back yard. Mrs. Haggerty, the president of the neighborhood watch, is Finlay's nosey, busy body, neighborhood. The neighborhood is shocked and scandalized with the deadly find but Mrs. Haggerty is soon cleared of the crime and soon Finlay and Vero find themselves becoming involved in Mrs. Haggerty's antics as a question loom over their heads -- how did a body end up in Mrs. Haggerty's back yard?????
Fun, fun, fun!!!! It bears saying again, this is such a fun, entertaining and engaging series. I am often smiling while listening as I shake my head at the characters’ antics, banter, zany situations they find themselves in, and their realistic feelings and vulnerabilities. There is never a dull moment as the whole gang finds themselves knee deep in some ridiculous and crazy situations. I enjoyed the twists, the revelations, the tension, the antics, and the fun characters!
As with the previous books, this one left me wanting more and wondering what was going to happen in the next book!
Wonderfully written, well thought out, clever dialogue, and gripping!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
A dead body has been found buried in Mrs. Haggerty's back yard. Mrs. Haggerty, the president of the neighborhood watch, is Finlay's nosey, busy body, neighborhood. The neighborhood is shocked and scandalized with the deadly find but Mrs. Haggerty is soon cleared of the crime and soon Finlay and Vero find themselves becoming involved in Mrs. Haggerty's antics as a question loom over their heads -- how did a body end up in Mrs. Haggerty's back yard?????
Fun, fun, fun!!!! It bears saying again, this is such a fun, entertaining and engaging series. I am often smiling while listening as I shake my head at the characters’ antics, banter, zany situations they find themselves in, and their realistic feelings and vulnerabilities. There is never a dull moment as the whole gang finds themselves knee deep in some ridiculous and crazy situations. I enjoyed the twists, the revelations, the tension, the antics, and the fun characters!
As with the previous books, this one left me wanting more and wondering what was going to happen in the next book!
Wonderfully written, well thought out, clever dialogue, and gripping!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Want to read
June 27, 2024Ugh. I *just* finished book four, I didn't love it, and then I see book five already!? And here I am adding it to my TBR...
March 5, 2025
Finlay Donovan and sidekick nanny Vero return in FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE, the fifth book in the widely popular Finlay Donovan series by Author Elle Cosimano. Fans of the series will love catching up with these characters again as they bumble their way through yet another murder mystery, digging themselves out of a hole not entirely of their own making. Prepare for all the chaos, mischief, banter and laughter as Finlay and Vero take readers on another wild ride through their crazy, mixed-up lives!
Finlay Donovan is happily working on her next book and going through the daily routine of being a single mom when trouble arrives at her door in the form of neighborhood busybody, the dreaded Mrs. Haggerty. It's a known fact that the pair of neighbors are not friendly, having clashed previously, so imagine Finlay's shock when Mrs. Haggerty's grandson dumps her and her suitcases in Finlay's living room and announces she needs a place to stay because her house is a crime scene and has no heat. A body discovered buried in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard threatens to draw attention to things Finlay and Vero need to stay buried. If they want to keep their own skeletons under wraps, they need to get Mrs. Haggerty out of their house and hair as soon as possible, so once again, they slap their detective disguises on and start digging into the case in an attempt to uncover the identity of the killer. The stakes are raised when Finlay's ex-husband is arrested for murder, and late-night escapades by dear old Mrs. Haggerty make it clear she has a few dark secrets of her own. With shady pasts threatening to land them in hot water, Finlay and Vero navigate murky waters while trying to solve the case and stay out of jail themselves. At the same time, Finlay's relationship with a certain sexy police officer is yet again in jeopardy because of the secrets she can't share. It can't possibly get any more complicated, right?
FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE is a perfect blend of mystery, slapstick style comedy and romance all rolled into a delightfully entertaining romcom mystery that's highly addictive. Well-developed, larger-than-life main characters are likable and easy to identify with. While plot lines are a little over the top, Cosimano manages to make it work with lots of drama and humor interspersed with scenes designed to touch the heart. Include the promise of a sizzling romance on the side, and readers are guaranteed to love this addition to the series where the action and laughs never stop. I can't help but compare it to the old I Love Lucy shows featuring Lucy and Ethel and all their shenanigans. This one is good old-fashioned fun! I highly recommend FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE to fans of mysteries and romcoms.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books for a complimentary arc of this title which is scheduled for release March 4, 2025. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
Finlay Donovan is happily working on her next book and going through the daily routine of being a single mom when trouble arrives at her door in the form of neighborhood busybody, the dreaded Mrs. Haggerty. It's a known fact that the pair of neighbors are not friendly, having clashed previously, so imagine Finlay's shock when Mrs. Haggerty's grandson dumps her and her suitcases in Finlay's living room and announces she needs a place to stay because her house is a crime scene and has no heat. A body discovered buried in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard threatens to draw attention to things Finlay and Vero need to stay buried. If they want to keep their own skeletons under wraps, they need to get Mrs. Haggerty out of their house and hair as soon as possible, so once again, they slap their detective disguises on and start digging into the case in an attempt to uncover the identity of the killer. The stakes are raised when Finlay's ex-husband is arrested for murder, and late-night escapades by dear old Mrs. Haggerty make it clear she has a few dark secrets of her own. With shady pasts threatening to land them in hot water, Finlay and Vero navigate murky waters while trying to solve the case and stay out of jail themselves. At the same time, Finlay's relationship with a certain sexy police officer is yet again in jeopardy because of the secrets she can't share. It can't possibly get any more complicated, right?
FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE is a perfect blend of mystery, slapstick style comedy and romance all rolled into a delightfully entertaining romcom mystery that's highly addictive. Well-developed, larger-than-life main characters are likable and easy to identify with. While plot lines are a little over the top, Cosimano manages to make it work with lots of drama and humor interspersed with scenes designed to touch the heart. Include the promise of a sizzling romance on the side, and readers are guaranteed to love this addition to the series where the action and laughs never stop. I can't help but compare it to the old I Love Lucy shows featuring Lucy and Ethel and all their shenanigans. This one is good old-fashioned fun! I highly recommend FINLAY DONOVAN DIGS HER OWN GRAVE to fans of mysteries and romcoms.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books for a complimentary arc of this title which is scheduled for release March 4, 2025. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
February 5, 2025
Fun continuation of the series. Feels a little fillery. I preferred the second half to the first. Cozies are hard for me, but I generally enjoy the pacing of these. I don't get the obsession with the cop. I would never date a cop. Give me a hot lawyer any day.
🥃 Take a shot every time the fetus lawyer is hotter than the cop
🥃 Take a shot every time Mrs. Haggerty is the best character
🥃 Take a shot every time you should punch your school bully
🎧 Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
🥃 Take a shot every time the fetus lawyer is hotter than the cop
🥃 Take a shot every time Mrs. Haggerty is the best character
🥃 Take a shot every time you should punch your school bully
🎧 Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
November 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️stars I wanted to love this one like I loved all the others in this series. I had the highest hopes. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. It was just okay.
Book 5 in the Finlay Donovan series. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave was decent. It fell a bit short of all the prior books. This one just didn't have the same pizazz . One thing that I really loved about the prior books was all the humor. This one had humor, but I guess I just didn't connect with like the others.
This story picks up where we left off in the prior books with the aftermath of what happened at Mrs Haggarty's house. We see all our prior main characters. It looks like this one ends with a book 6, so stay tuned!! I did enjoy the backstory with Mrs. Haggarty after she gets out of jail and her stay with Finlay.
I'd like to thank netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Expected publication March, 4 2025.
Book 5 in the Finlay Donovan series. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave was decent. It fell a bit short of all the prior books. This one just didn't have the same pizazz . One thing that I really loved about the prior books was all the humor. This one had humor, but I guess I just didn't connect with like the others.
This story picks up where we left off in the prior books with the aftermath of what happened at Mrs Haggarty's house. We see all our prior main characters. It looks like this one ends with a book 6, so stay tuned!! I did enjoy the backstory with Mrs. Haggarty after she gets out of jail and her stay with Finlay.
I'd like to thank netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Expected publication March, 4 2025.
February 19, 2025
In book 5, when Finlay's elderly neighbor discovers a body buried in her backyard, she moves into Finlay's house while the police investigate her home. At first Finlay and Vero are dismayed Mrs. Haggerty has moved it (as she is the neighborhood busybody). They also have no interest in being tied to a murder investigation. But as time goes by, Mrs. Haggerty turns out to be a great childcare provider and not as bad as they thought...
The Finlay Donovan series was one I fell in love with quickly, books 1 and 2 being among some of my favorite cozy mysteries. I didn't love book 3, and 4 was a big letdown. So when I saw a review of this book saying it was a return the beginning books, I had to see for myself. I am so glad I read that review because I had pretty much given up on this series. The plot where it was grand and convoluted in book 4, has returned to a simpler, more believable structure and we are back to spending more time with the main characters. Mrs. Haggerty and all her shenanigans were a lot of fun and I'm grateful the author went back to the basics of the series. Makes for much more enjoyable reading.
An ALC was provided via the librarian ALC program on Libro.fm
The Finlay Donovan series was one I fell in love with quickly, books 1 and 2 being among some of my favorite cozy mysteries. I didn't love book 3, and 4 was a big letdown. So when I saw a review of this book saying it was a return the beginning books, I had to see for myself. I am so glad I read that review because I had pretty much given up on this series. The plot where it was grand and convoluted in book 4, has returned to a simpler, more believable structure and we are back to spending more time with the main characters. Mrs. Haggerty and all her shenanigans were a lot of fun and I'm grateful the author went back to the basics of the series. Makes for much more enjoyable reading.
An ALC was provided via the librarian ALC program on Libro.fm
February 17, 2025
It is always a good time when a new Finlay Donovan book comes out. I always look forward to seeing trouble what Finlay and Vero will get into and I book 5 it is a whole lot! These books are just so much fun to read, to get lost in the pages of a book is the best therapy, and to have a laugh along the way helps so much.
With each book ending on a cliffhanger, you are always guaranteed a great opening for the next book. Last time elderly neighbour Mrs Haggerty was arrested when a body is found in her backyard. Now she has been released and police are looking elsewhere for the killer. It hits a it too close to home for Finlay so she sets out to find the real perpetrator with her trusty sidekick Vero.
Chaos ensues of course and the pair find themselves in all sorts of hilarious situations, completely crazy and entertaining.Hot cop Nick is there too and things are starting to get serious.
Another wild cliffhanger to end the book and leave us all wanting more from book 6 already!!
Thank you so much to Headline for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on March 4th.
With each book ending on a cliffhanger, you are always guaranteed a great opening for the next book. Last time elderly neighbour Mrs Haggerty was arrested when a body is found in her backyard. Now she has been released and police are looking elsewhere for the killer. It hits a it too close to home for Finlay so she sets out to find the real perpetrator with her trusty sidekick Vero.
Chaos ensues of course and the pair find themselves in all sorts of hilarious situations, completely crazy and entertaining.Hot cop Nick is there too and things are starting to get serious.
Another wild cliffhanger to end the book and leave us all wanting more from book 6 already!!
Thank you so much to Headline for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on March 4th.
February 5, 2025
Finlay and Vero are at it again and I couldn't be happier! The madcap duo of Thelma and Louise meets Lucy and Ethel once again find themselves in the middle of one tricky situation after another. This fifth installment is the perfect mix of suspense and humor. The narrator, Angela Dawe masterfully brings the story to life with laughs and intrigue sprinkled throughout. The cliffhanger conclusion leaves me anxiously waiting for the next book in this addictive series. Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my audiobook.
April 19, 2025
I was excited to be back in the tumultuous life of Finlay Donovan and her sidekick nanny/friend, Vero.
Trouble finds them—this time, with a knock at the door. Finlay’s neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, has nowhere to go now that her house is a crime scene. A man’s body was found murdered and buried beneath her roses. Who was he, and who killed him?
The clues keep pointing to Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, but Finlay refuses to let her children’s father go to jail. Convinced of his innocence, she sets out to uncover the truth. With help from Vero, Cam, and Javi, Finlay has a better shot at unearthing the real killer than she would alone, all while juggling her two kids and her neighbor living with her.
I firmly believe this series shines brightest in audio form. Angela Dawe does an incredible job with the characters’ voices, capturing the perfect essence for each one.
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is another triumph in this series. I love the characters, the humor, and how I’m always entertained by the messes Finlay stumbles into without ever seeking them out..
Cliffhanger: Kinda
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Trouble finds them—this time, with a knock at the door. Finlay’s neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, has nowhere to go now that her house is a crime scene. A man’s body was found murdered and buried beneath her roses. Who was he, and who killed him?
The clues keep pointing to Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, but Finlay refuses to let her children’s father go to jail. Convinced of his innocence, she sets out to uncover the truth. With help from Vero, Cam, and Javi, Finlay has a better shot at unearthing the real killer than she would alone, all while juggling her two kids and her neighbor living with her.
I firmly believe this series shines brightest in audio form. Angela Dawe does an incredible job with the characters’ voices, capturing the perfect essence for each one.
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is another triumph in this series. I love the characters, the humor, and how I’m always entertained by the messes Finlay stumbles into without ever seeking them out..
Cliffhanger: Kinda
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
November 2, 2024
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 Minotaur Books & NetGalley for my ARC!
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 Minotaur Books & NetGalley for my ARC!
May 6, 2025
Excellent audiobook! The narrator for this series is amazing! I loved this story. Good humor, action, and adventures. It's about time Finlay deal with her old nosy neighbor. The neighbor was definitely filled with surprises!
This story, Finlay's ex-husband is blamed for murdering a dead man found in the neighbor's backyard. His infidelity caught up to him. It was used as an excuse that he had relationship with the dead man's wife along with his work at the neighbor's backyard. The nosy neighbor had to stay at Finlay's house because her house had some problems. Finlay was not fond of the arrangement but the nosy neighbor made sure she got what she wanted. Soon it came in handy that she was there. She took care of Finlay's kids' troubles. As much as Finlay disliked her ex for cheating on her while they were married, she was determined that he was innocent of murder. She and Vero took the investigation into their own hands. They had unexpected adventures that lead them to discover a secretive operation.
Definitely a reread series. I think there may be another book because Vero's trouble past caught up with her in the end..
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook!
This story, Finlay's ex-husband is blamed for murdering a dead man found in the neighbor's backyard. His infidelity caught up to him. It was used as an excuse that he had relationship with the dead man's wife along with his work at the neighbor's backyard. The nosy neighbor had to stay at Finlay's house because her house had some problems. Finlay was not fond of the arrangement but the nosy neighbor made sure she got what she wanted. Soon it came in handy that she was there. She took care of Finlay's kids' troubles. As much as Finlay disliked her ex for cheating on her while they were married, she was determined that he was innocent of murder. She and Vero took the investigation into their own hands. They had unexpected adventures that lead them to discover a secretive operation.
Definitely a reread series. I think there may be another book because Vero's trouble past caught up with her in the end..
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook!
March 2, 2025
I just knew that Cosmiano’s newest Finlay Donovan book was going to be a good one! I mean, based on her previous ones I assumed #5 would be just as hilarious and it is! In the best way!
I laugh out loud at the craziness and shenanigans that Finlay and Vero get up to while trying to keep out of prison and just simply stay alive!
I was taken aback by Mrs. Haggarty putting herself in the middle of Finlay’s business but pleasantly surprised at how it all worked out. What a character!
Everyone has a secret and it seems that they all suspect one another of having secrets but are not sure. And I mean EVERYONE! It’s hilarious!
I love that the kids are along for the ride. The story wouldn’t be the same without them!
I also liked seeing Finlay and Nick’s relationship evolve. Now it seems like in the next book Vero is going to be in the hot seat! I’m glad I found a series that keeps me looking forward to the next book!
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books for the ARC via NetGalley
I laugh out loud at the craziness and shenanigans that Finlay and Vero get up to while trying to keep out of prison and just simply stay alive!
I was taken aback by Mrs. Haggarty putting herself in the middle of Finlay’s business but pleasantly surprised at how it all worked out. What a character!
Everyone has a secret and it seems that they all suspect one another of having secrets but are not sure. And I mean EVERYONE! It’s hilarious!
I love that the kids are along for the ride. The story wouldn’t be the same without them!
I also liked seeing Finlay and Nick’s relationship evolve. Now it seems like in the next book Vero is going to be in the hot seat! I’m glad I found a series that keeps me looking forward to the next book!
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books for the ARC via NetGalley
June 10, 2025
I mean it was fine whatever. idk why I keep checking these books out at the library
February 26, 2025
Finlay Donovan is a full time mom who finds herself short on resources after her attorney husband leaves her for someone else. In the first episode, she finds herself with a corpse that she may or may not have killed; fearing the worst, she disposes of it, and the next thing she knows, her name is on some sort of dark web list of killers for hire. By the time she realizes she’s innocent, it’s too late to put the toothpaste back in the tube.
Other things have happened since then, of course, as we find ourselves now on the fifth installment. Present and accounted for is her nanny and close friend, Vero Ruiz, a woman with the kind of street smarts that can come in handy when the chips are down. In this episode there are several recurring characters, and the reader is strongly advised to go back and read the first Finlay before diving in. It’s not as if you can’t just start with this one, but you’ll be missing half of the jokes and jibes if you do.
My great thanks go to St. Martin’s Press Early Readers program and NetGalley for the review copy. This book will be available March 4, 2025.
Finlay’s nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, assumes a central role this time around when a body is exhumed from her backyard. Her home is declared a crime scene, and before Finlay even has time to react, the woman has installed herself in Finn’s guest room. A beat or two later, Stephen, Finlay’s ex, husband of her two children, is arrested for murdering the corpse that’s been found!
One of my favorite parts of this series is watching the dynamics between Finlay and her ex. On the one hand, the guy is philanderer, and he’s kind of a weasel. Yet, though Vero urges Fin to let justice take its course and stay out of it, Finlay has to defend him. Stephen is the father of her children, and they don’t need to grow up being told their daddy is a murderer. Also? The child support will dry up quick as a whistle if Stephen no longer makes money. And part of what I love about this, is that, in broad strokes, it outlines a dilemma that any number of women with children face. Life is full of nuance, and although this is not literary fiction, not intended to be known for its depth, it does honor the shades of gray faced by so many women. It makes the whole story more relatable.
Mrs. Haggerty also proves to be far more interesting than we previously believed, and that’s all I’m going to say about that. However, I do admire Cosimano’s capacity to juggle a million tiny, moving parts without creating inconsistencies. Once or twice I have seen what looks like an inconsistency, but then it turns out to have been written that way for a reason, usually to expose someone or something.
As the series progresses, I see more critics howling that the series isn’t what it was. Of course they’re right, in a way; when the series grows, the author has to make changes to prevent becoming a one trick pony. But I admire the way Cosimano handles the growth.
One small moan: yes, yes, yes. We can see that Finlay is hot for Nick, her cop boyfriend (the only trite element so far.) And yes, yes, yes, we can see that Vero is madly in love with her sweetheart, a fellow who she’s adored since her teens. We get it. Finlay and Vero are not a couple. We don’t need it hammered in any further, or at least, I don’t. For that matter, I wouldn’t be all that disturbed if they were. But the increased emphasis on their two romances bears just the tiniest whiff if hysteria. It’s not necessary. Finn’s love for Vero and vice versa, is not a lesbian love, but about the family we choose. So, let it rest already. Relax! The lesbian role is fulfilled by Finlay’s cop sister, Georgia, who stays firmly in the background where, apparently, some in the industry believe lesbian characters belong.
Sheesh!
That wee rant aside, I enjoyed this book very much. I heartily recommend it to you, and I cannot wait to read the next in the series.
Other things have happened since then, of course, as we find ourselves now on the fifth installment. Present and accounted for is her nanny and close friend, Vero Ruiz, a woman with the kind of street smarts that can come in handy when the chips are down. In this episode there are several recurring characters, and the reader is strongly advised to go back and read the first Finlay before diving in. It’s not as if you can’t just start with this one, but you’ll be missing half of the jokes and jibes if you do.
My great thanks go to St. Martin’s Press Early Readers program and NetGalley for the review copy. This book will be available March 4, 2025.
Finlay’s nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, assumes a central role this time around when a body is exhumed from her backyard. Her home is declared a crime scene, and before Finlay even has time to react, the woman has installed herself in Finn’s guest room. A beat or two later, Stephen, Finlay’s ex, husband of her two children, is arrested for murdering the corpse that’s been found!
One of my favorite parts of this series is watching the dynamics between Finlay and her ex. On the one hand, the guy is philanderer, and he’s kind of a weasel. Yet, though Vero urges Fin to let justice take its course and stay out of it, Finlay has to defend him. Stephen is the father of her children, and they don’t need to grow up being told their daddy is a murderer. Also? The child support will dry up quick as a whistle if Stephen no longer makes money. And part of what I love about this, is that, in broad strokes, it outlines a dilemma that any number of women with children face. Life is full of nuance, and although this is not literary fiction, not intended to be known for its depth, it does honor the shades of gray faced by so many women. It makes the whole story more relatable.
Mrs. Haggerty also proves to be far more interesting than we previously believed, and that’s all I’m going to say about that. However, I do admire Cosimano’s capacity to juggle a million tiny, moving parts without creating inconsistencies. Once or twice I have seen what looks like an inconsistency, but then it turns out to have been written that way for a reason, usually to expose someone or something.
As the series progresses, I see more critics howling that the series isn’t what it was. Of course they’re right, in a way; when the series grows, the author has to make changes to prevent becoming a one trick pony. But I admire the way Cosimano handles the growth.
One small moan: yes, yes, yes. We can see that Finlay is hot for Nick, her cop boyfriend (the only trite element so far.) And yes, yes, yes, we can see that Vero is madly in love with her sweetheart, a fellow who she’s adored since her teens. We get it. Finlay and Vero are not a couple. We don’t need it hammered in any further, or at least, I don’t. For that matter, I wouldn’t be all that disturbed if they were. But the increased emphasis on their two romances bears just the tiniest whiff if hysteria. It’s not necessary. Finn’s love for Vero and vice versa, is not a lesbian love, but about the family we choose. So, let it rest already. Relax! The lesbian role is fulfilled by Finlay’s cop sister, Georgia, who stays firmly in the background where, apparently, some in the industry believe lesbian characters belong.
Sheesh!
That wee rant aside, I enjoyed this book very much. I heartily recommend it to you, and I cannot wait to read the next in the series.
March 4, 2025
Update 3/4/25: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me an ARC of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave in exchange for an honest review.
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave picks up a week after Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice. Soon-to-be-breakout author Finlay and her best friend and literal partner-in-crime Vero are trying to settle back into their routine after their last adventure. But their nosy neighbor Mrs. Haggerty needs to temporarily move into their home after a missing man’s body was found buried in her garden. And then Finlay’s ex-husband Steven is taken into custody on suspicion that he killed and buried the man. Finlay is determined to prove Steven’s innocence, her hot cop boyfriend Nick is determined to make sure the police’s attention doesn’t turn onto Finlay, and Mrs. Haggerty seems to have a secret agenda all her own ….
The Finlay Donovan series is telling one long story, and Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a continuation of the first four books. And the novel ends on a cliffhanger that guarantees that the next book will tell the next part of the story—apparently focusing on Vero. As with the earlier entries in the series, it is not gritty, realistic crime fiction, though there is a surprisingly emotional core to this story, both in the main plot and between Finlay and Nick. This book has a smaller cast than the last couple of entries, which makes sense as it’s telling a tighter story. One of the better books in the series. Recommended.
“Maybe you need to stop thinking about this as a case and start thinking about it like a story. Maybe it’ll make more sense to you that way.”
“What do you mean?”
She turned sideways on the bench seat to face me. “You’ve got all these little random plot threads, right? All you have to do is figure out how those plot threads connect. Ask yourself, what do Mrs. Haggerty and Penny Dupree have in common with that book? Figure it out, and that’s the solution to your mystery. Anything else is just a red herring.”
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me an ARC of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave in exchange for an honest review.
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave picks up a week after Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice. Soon-to-be-breakout author Finlay and her best friend and literal partner-in-crime Vero are trying to settle back into their routine after their last adventure. But their nosy neighbor Mrs. Haggerty needs to temporarily move into their home after a missing man’s body was found buried in her garden. And then Finlay’s ex-husband Steven is taken into custody on suspicion that he killed and buried the man. Finlay is determined to prove Steven’s innocence, her hot cop boyfriend Nick is determined to make sure the police’s attention doesn’t turn onto Finlay, and Mrs. Haggerty seems to have a secret agenda all her own ….
The Finlay Donovan series is telling one long story, and Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is a continuation of the first four books. And the novel ends on a cliffhanger that guarantees that the next book will tell the next part of the story—apparently focusing on Vero. As with the earlier entries in the series, it is not gritty, realistic crime fiction, though there is a surprisingly emotional core to this story, both in the main plot and between Finlay and Nick. This book has a smaller cast than the last couple of entries, which makes sense as it’s telling a tighter story. One of the better books in the series. Recommended.
February 23, 2025
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.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with complimentary electronic copies of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with complimentary electronic copies of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 9, 2025
Having read the previous books to this one and enjoyed the premise, spin on Lucy/Ethel and unique style of mystery, this is no exception
Once again we find Finlay and Vero in the middle of another 'dead body' mystery, along with her nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. As the plot plays out, we learn that Mrs H and the deceased widower manage to 'finger' Finlay's ex-husband, Steven for the unusual back yard burial. Nick Anthony, Finn's detective BF questions this assumption while doing his best to get Finn to trust him, which is a monumental task in itself. Parallel to the A-plot, Finn's agent Sylvia alerts her about a TV producer wanting to option her books for a series due to its combination of mystery and romance. And with Nick being the BF, the producer wants him involved as well. Mrs H is part of rather 'interesting' book club and as the plot unfolds we learn why its important.
The book is rather slow out of the gate and as momentum builds, I found the plot predictable though like the others, enjoyed Vero's comedic sarcasm that's threaded throughout the story. And while I realize the 'sappy' element of Finn and Nick were important I felt it took away from the momentum. But writing is art, and tastes will vary
As with all my reviews, I hold plot/character and twists close to the chest since it ruins the reader experience by divulging them. If you enjoyed the others, you'll find this one equal. Well written and paced, Elle is skilled author and I expect to see others with the 'dynamic duo' soon.
Once again we find Finlay and Vero in the middle of another 'dead body' mystery, along with her nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. As the plot plays out, we learn that Mrs H and the deceased widower manage to 'finger' Finlay's ex-husband, Steven for the unusual back yard burial. Nick Anthony, Finn's detective BF questions this assumption while doing his best to get Finn to trust him, which is a monumental task in itself. Parallel to the A-plot, Finn's agent Sylvia alerts her about a TV producer wanting to option her books for a series due to its combination of mystery and romance. And with Nick being the BF, the producer wants him involved as well. Mrs H is part of rather 'interesting' book club and as the plot unfolds we learn why its important.
The book is rather slow out of the gate and as momentum builds, I found the plot predictable though like the others, enjoyed Vero's comedic sarcasm that's threaded throughout the story. And while I realize the 'sappy' element of Finn and Nick were important I felt it took away from the momentum. But writing is art, and tastes will vary
As with all my reviews, I hold plot/character and twists close to the chest since it ruins the reader experience by divulging them. If you enjoyed the others, you'll find this one equal. Well written and paced, Elle is skilled author and I expect to see others with the 'dynamic duo' soon.
March 4, 2025
I really enjoy this series and was excited to get a copy of this audiobook to read and review. The narrator did a good job, except I didn’t like the voice they did for Vero. The rest really brought the story to life. These books for a while were getting more and more crazy and I was really ok that this one dialed the crazy back a few notches. Don’t get me wrong I have enjoyed the wild ride, but this one felt more believable. When Finlay’s neighbor has a body discovered in her backyard Finlay is content to let the police manage it until it appears her ex-husband is being framed for the crime. While Finlay is trying to move on with Nick she doesn’t want the father of her children to be in prison and she and Vero set off to investigate. The only downside to getting a copy when I did is that I now have a long way to wait for the next book.
May 27, 2025
3.5 ☆
Finlay Donovan's romance / crime thriller novels have caused a sensation. For they have secretly been based on real-life disappearances and deaths that had ensnared Finlay and Vero, her madcap nanny / "accountant" / the Lucy in their Lucy-and-Ethel partnership.
Their escapades had been featured in the preceding four installments as Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is book number five. And with each zany adventure, Finlay has understandably been fretting about being caught. She already has an annoyingly observant busy-body neighbor who is the self-appointed head of the Neighborhood Watch. But now her literary agent Sylvia has found a producer who wants to adapt her novels as "true crimes." The fear of being caught is crushing the pleasure of her success.
Finlay's novels have also caught the attention of Detective Tran who has identified her ex-husband Steven as a murder suspect. That is just one detective too many in her life as her romance with the very attractive Detective Nick Anthony is approaching the figurative fork-in-the-road -- the moment when deeper truth is required or the relationship withers.
Oh, ouch! With so many interested parties watching her, Finlay can scarcely avoid digging her own grave.
Author Elle Cosimano had nailed it when she launched her series with Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. It was laugh-out-loud funny. Then the antics became even more improbable in the subsequent novels. But in this fifth installment, it feels like Elle Cosimano might have found her groove. There actually is more of a mystery investigation than just a series of unlikely coincidences. But for fans of the dynamic duo of dames, rest assured that they're still ready to throw themselves into the breach.
"That book you were writing..." Detective Tran flipped a page in his notebook."Sinister Regrets? ... I managed to get through quite a few of your books, and I noticed some intriguing parallels."
Finlay Donovan's romance / crime thriller novels have caused a sensation. For they have secretly been based on real-life disappearances and deaths that had ensnared Finlay and Vero, her madcap nanny / "accountant" / the Lucy in their Lucy-and-Ethel partnership.
Their escapades had been featured in the preceding four installments as Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is book number five. And with each zany adventure, Finlay has understandably been fretting about being caught. She already has an annoyingly observant busy-body neighbor who is the self-appointed head of the Neighborhood Watch. But now her literary agent Sylvia has found a producer who wants to adapt her novels as "true crimes." The fear of being caught is crushing the pleasure of her success.
Finlay's novels have also caught the attention of Detective Tran who has identified her ex-husband Steven as a murder suspect. That is just one detective too many in her life as her romance with the very attractive Detective Nick Anthony is approaching the figurative fork-in-the-road -- the moment when deeper truth is required or the relationship withers.
[Nick's] eyes snapped to me. "When are you going to start trusting me?"
The silence stretched between us.
Oh, ouch! With so many interested parties watching her, Finlay can scarcely avoid digging her own grave.
Author Elle Cosimano had nailed it when she launched her series with Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. It was laugh-out-loud funny. Then the antics became even more improbable in the subsequent novels. But in this fifth installment, it feels like Elle Cosimano might have found her groove. There actually is more of a mystery investigation than just a series of unlikely coincidences. But for fans of the dynamic duo of dames, rest assured that they're still ready to throw themselves into the breach.
December 31, 2025
Maybe it's because I've read some real clunkers lately, but I don't think that is the whole reason I just loved this book. I am an escape reader. I don't want reality to intrude when there is a really funny scene and there are some doozies in this book. There is also a very good cozy-mystery to solve. The characters are just wonderful too. I'm still on the fence about Mrs. Haggerty, but the miracle she worked with Zack may have tipped my opinion. She says that Finlay reminds her of herself, and I can see that. The setup for the next book has me so excited for the further adventures of Finley and Vero. I can't wait.
When a broken pipe floods her backyard, and a body is discovered Finlay and Vero are not all broken up when Mrs. Haggerty is taken into custody. That woman is soooo nosy and what she is constantly writing down in her neighborhood watch diary, well, that could be very, very bad for Finlay and Vero. But the police didn't keep her! Now she's in Finlay's house and taking over Finlay's life.
Finlay wants no part in trying to solve who killed the body in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. At least she didn't until her ex-husband, Steven, is arrested for the crime. Finlay is not about to let the father of her children be sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit. Someone killed this guy, and all Finley and Vero have to do is figure out who.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
When a broken pipe floods her backyard, and a body is discovered Finlay and Vero are not all broken up when Mrs. Haggerty is taken into custody. That woman is soooo nosy and what she is constantly writing down in her neighborhood watch diary, well, that could be very, very bad for Finlay and Vero. But the police didn't keep her! Now she's in Finlay's house and taking over Finlay's life.
Finlay wants no part in trying to solve who killed the body in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. At least she didn't until her ex-husband, Steven, is arrested for the crime. Finlay is not about to let the father of her children be sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit. Someone killed this guy, and all Finley and Vero have to do is figure out who.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
January 9, 2025
1 Sentence Summary: When a dead body is found in Finlay Donovan’s neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty’s backyard, the old woman has nowhere else to stay but with Finlay—roping her and Vero into another murder investigation.
My Thoughts: I don’t know, I kind of feel like the series is just dragging on. The first book was super funny and entertaining, but after a while it’s like, how many unfortunate murders can one person get mixed up in?!?
It was still entertaining, I still don’t like the romance, and of course, it still ended in a cliffhanger. It wasn’t bad, but I don’t know if I have it in me to read a sixth book, lol.
Recommend to: Fans of the Finlay Donovan series.
(Warnings: swearing; sexual content; death)
***
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review
My Thoughts: I don’t know, I kind of feel like the series is just dragging on. The first book was super funny and entertaining, but after a while it’s like, how many unfortunate murders can one person get mixed up in?!?
It was still entertaining, I still don’t like the romance, and of course, it still ended in a cliffhanger. It wasn’t bad, but I don’t know if I have it in me to read a sixth book, lol.
Recommend to: Fans of the Finlay Donovan series.
(Warnings: swearing; sexual content; death)
***
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review
October 24, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
i love finlay 😭 why was this one so good
i love finlay 😭 why was this one so good
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