Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line

Finlay Donovan #6

by Elle Cosimano

From New York Times bestseller Elle Cosimano comes Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line—the highly anticipated next installment in the beloved Finlay Donovan series.

Life hasn’t been easy for Finlay Donovan lately, but it just got a whole lot harder. Her nanny and partner-in-crime, Vero, has been extradited from Virginia to Maryland, where she’s facing criminal charges for a theft she swears she didn’t commit. A prisoner to an ankle bracelet as she awaits her trial, Vero is forced to live with her overbearing mother and nosy aunt. Threatening messages keep arriving on her mother’s door, demanding Vero “turn over the money . . . or else.” And if she doesn’t figure out who really stole her former sorority’s treasury funds, her next home might be a prison cell.

But proving her innocence might be an impossible feat. Vero was the treasurer of her sorority when the money went missing—one of the only people who had access to the cash. And her alibi is a date who ghosted her. With her court date quickly approaching, and her mysterious stalker on her tail, Vero needs to clear her name fast.

Finlay decides a trip to Maryland is in order. After all, Vero stood by her through her darkest moments, and Finlay will be damned if she lets her best friend and children’s nanny be convicted for something she didn’t do. She sets off on a mission to sus out the real thief and bring Vero home.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Humor, Thriller, Romance

368 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 10, 2026

About the author

USA TODAY and New York Times bestselling author, Edgar® Nominee, Bram Stoker® Nominee, & ITW Thriller Award winner.

Reviews

[Trisha]

FINLAY DONOVAN AGAIN!! YES!!! I'M SO IN!!

[Iris]

More? Finlay plz stay out of illegal shenanigans 🙏
Change your name, your kids' names, and your nanny's name and move to the Netherlands or something, and get a very safe boring job. Like an accountant.* Be a law-abiding accountant.

*No offense to accountants

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve Chapter Samplier! WHAT. A. TEASE!!! Note to self: read the book blurb before you request a NetGalley book! I guess I only have myself to blame, I was so looking forward to the next Finlay Donovan book that I was so twitterpated to find it up on NetGalley that I neglected to read past the title to the small print. This is such a shameless, self-serving marketing ploy aimed at getting early positive reviews for this book that, frankly, I feel used and abused by the publisher.

Anyway, here are my thoughts on this early teaser for the book: I Love It! And I can't wait to see where this plot finally ends up. Vero has always been a crafty character. She has shady friends and family and connections that have saved Finley's bacon on more than one occasion. Now, Vero is in trouble, and it is Finley to the rescue. At least I hope she is the rescuer and doesn't end up in a jail cell next to Vero. There is also a little something, something that Finlay is up to . . . To Be Continued . . .

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.

[Sunny Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny silly nonsense copaganda as usual

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

**this review is for the chapter sampler (1-12) ONLY!**

I love Finlay Donovan SO MUCH and i'm so glad that we finally get a deeper look into Vero's life before book 1!! Thus far the balance between mystery/suspense and comedic relief is *chef's kiss* and I really have no inkling about what the ultimate outcome will be. patiently awaiting the release of the book in March 2026 😩

**thank you to St. Martin's Press for the Chapter Sampler ARC**

[Christina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved both reading and listening to every book in this series so far. Even within the first 12 chapters in book 6, this book reminded me why Finlay and Vero are such a winning duo. Their dynamic is just as sharp, funny, and chaotic as ever, and I loved seeing the new situation they find themselves tangled in this time.

This sample left me wanting more in the best way possible. The pacing is strong, the humor is on point, and the story already hints at another wild ride ahead. While this was only a preview provided by the publisher and NetGalley, it did exactly what it was supposed to do and hooked me completely.

I’m counting down the days until the full book is released in March and can’t wait to see how everything unfolds!!!

[Rian *fire and books* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series remains entirely unserious, entertaining, and full of the love of a found family. Do all of the hijinks make the most sense? No and I’m sure some tech gurus have some comments about signal hacking. But sometimes you just gotta suspend a little disbelief and go along for a hydraulic fueled ride in an Eggplant. Handcuffs not included.

[skhye ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the teaser ARC 📖💫

I was so excited to get my hands on the next installment of Finlay Donovan, only to realize it was just the first twelve chapters. Despite that, I found it so easy to dive back into the world containing Finlay Donovan and Vero’s antics. Reading this series is like continuing a conversation with an old friend and feeling like no time has passed.
It’s a fast paced, easy read that’s full of fun. I’m so eager to get my hands on the rest of the book when it releases March 17 because I have questions that need answers!

[Jill]

I’ve only read the first twelve chapters of Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line, but I already know I’m going to love this one. Elle Cosimano delivers the same hilarious, fast-paced charm that has made this series such a standout for me.

From the very beginning, the banter is sharp, the situations are delightfully absurd, and Finlay’s inner narration is as entertaining as ever. Vero’s predicament immediately raises the stakes, and I was completely hooked by the mystery surrounding the stolen sorority funds and the increasingly ominous threats. The dynamic between Finlay and Vero remains the heart of the story—funny, loyal, and deeply endearing.

Even in these early chapters, the plot feels layered and well-paced, balancing humor with genuine tension. The setup is compelling, the characters feel as lovable and chaotic as always, and the story already has that “just one more chapter” pull. Based on this strong start, I expect this will easily land as a 4–5 star read once I’ve finished the full book.

Fans of the Finlay Donovan series will feel right at home here, and anyone looking for a cozy mystery with laugh-out-loud moments and heart will want to pick this up.

[Lauren Kotrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no secret that I love this series and that getting an arc is very exciting- but it only being a “sample” of 12 chapters is cruel. Cannot wait until March to finish!!

[Katy Kontopodias · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC of the first 12 chapters of Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line.

If you have been following Finlay and Vero since the beginning, you will love finding answers to all of the unresolved questions we have about Vero’s backstory. The sixth books of the series picks up right where we left off in Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave. I felt like I was catching up with friends I haven’t talked to in a while. I cannot wait to read the rest of this book and figure out who stole the money!!

[Roxana · Rating 4 out of 5]

rtc! Another fun Finlay adventure - and long may they continue.

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual to read part of a book, though it was a
quick and fun story. I would not do it again.

[Robyn A.-C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC recieved from NetGalley, based on first 12 chapters provided.

I have yet to be disappointed by a Finlay Donovan book, and this one is no different. Is it a bit ridiculous and repetitive? Yes. Is it still hilarious and entertaining? Also yes.

I keep waiting for the book in the series that makes me not want to read the next one, but I can honestly say that I loved what I've read so far and can't wait to see how it ends!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy and let me tell you, you’re in for a ride! Once again Finlay and her crew find themselves ensnared in a crime with so many layers. Elle Cosimano expertly peels them back, slowly revealing all the details you need to solve the crimes. I really enjoyed getting to dive deeper into Vero’s story again. You won’t be able to put this down. The cliffhangers already have me desperate for book 7!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to get an ARC of this book, only to be left hanging!!! Only the first 12 chapters, why do you torture us so?

Finlay and her hilarious crew of friends and neighbors are back with another crime on their hands. Vero has been falsely accused and of course it’s up to them to prove her innocence. All the fun and humor you would expect from Finlay and friends.

I can’t wait to finish the book in March!

[Ashley W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to get the next installment of Finlay Donovan, only to realize it was just the first twelve chapters. Cue that strange mix of thrill and letdown. Things pick right back up from the last novel. Finlay is back, trying to help Vero before she goes to trial. Nick steps up with the kids while Finlay is away. I really enjoyed seeing that side of their relationship and how he interacted with the kids. The excitement was just getting started, right before the sample came to an end.

Fortunately, Finlay still feels like an old friend you slip right back into conversation with, and she’s absolutely worth the wait. I’ll definitely be picking up the full version when it publishes on March 17.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Hannah Orb · Rating 5 out of 5]

providing a rating based on the 12-chapter preview!!

I'll admit, I did not read the description at first, I had no idea what I was in for! I love the concept of this one - Finlay, Vero, Javi, and Ramon must band together for another problem ... solving a crime from Vero's past.

I love this mismash of characters, Finlay going on adventures and also Vero's sass.

can't wait for the rest 🥹

thank you netgalley for this e-arc!

[Lindsey Domokur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a full copy of this book and I have to say, this is one of my favorites of the series. This book never had a slow moment and it was great to finally get justice for Vero. I loved the addition of new characters (her mom and aunt) and the steadfast nature of old ones (Nick). I liked seeing the relationship between Javier and Vero blossom even more and I can't wait for the next installment. I eat these books up. They are some of the easiest reads for me and they go by so quickly. I am left wanting more and more!

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapters 1-12 review. Ahhh I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of this book. As always, Finley, Vero and the gang are highly entertaining, way over the top and SO MUCH FUN!! Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review.

[Bee]

Ahhh!! I need this yesterday!!

[Jenny]

Finlay does it again! This is another funny mystery with family and friends all mixed together. Finlay alwaay keeps readers laughing.

[Savanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun installment of the Finlay Donovan series! Not my most favorite of the series but still an enjoyable little mystery. Received from the Libro.FM librarian alc program.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatively tame for Finlay, but still a great time! This is becoming one of my comfort series!

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐As I was only able to read the first 12 chapters, this rating may change.

This book is the sixth in the series and feels promising. The storyline is getting better as the series goes on, the first 3 books were the weakest but I did enjoy the two that followed. Vero' s predicament is the main subject in this installment and Finley, Jack,and Ramon are all helping her to clear her name for a money theft from the previous year. How has only 1 year passed since the series started? Nick is as charming as ever and I am looking forward to reading the rest.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Libro.fm and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book.

I love Finlay and Vero’s friendship, and was happy to delve deeper into Vero’s story in this installment. True to form, there were many slapstick moments with the two of them that made me laugh. I enjoyed the addition of Vero’s mom and aunt, as well as her 4 hilarious senior neighbors in Maryland.

The ending left me excited to see what’s next for both of them, especially Vero. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a humorous read with a focus on female friendship and strong women.

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

Hard to say! The publisher only released a 12 chapter sampler (curses) and just when things were finally getting interesting, the sampler ended.

Look forward to reading the rest! Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!

[Kelli Sumner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for the 12 chapter sample. This series has become a guilty pleasure of mine. Finlay and Vero’s shenanigans and comedic timing are always entertaining and make for a fun read! Chapter 12 ended just when the story was picking up pace, so I’ll be anxiously awaiting the release of the book!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for access to the ARC sample!

[Amy Goffinet · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW FOR CHAPTERS 1-12 ONLY!

Thank you NetGalley for a sample of the first 12 chapters of the book. I am hooked and cannot wait until March to read the rest of Finlay and Vero's shenanigans.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thanks to NetGalley for this ARC sample, I was so glad to jump back into the world of Finlay Donovan and her partners in crime early!

I’ve said before - I’ll never get tired of reading about Finlay, Vero, and all the shenanigans they get up to. The premise of this book is similar to others in the series - but this time, Finlay and friends are attempting to solve a crime to clear Vero’s name, and even just in 12 chapters, I’m fully hooked and can’t wait to read more about what happens. I’m already loving some of the new characters in this one, like Vero’s mom and auntie. I’ve always loved Elle Cosimano’s humor and particularly the banter between Finlay and Vero. I have so many questions and can’t wait for March to read the rest!