In this fifth book in the Finlay Donovan series, Finlay finds herself taking in her elderly neighbour, Mrs. Haggerty, after a body is discovered in her garden. Despite Finlay and her nanny-turned-partner-in-crime Vero not looking to get involved in another murder investigation, they have no choice when Finlay’s ex-husband Steven finds himself caught up in the investigation.

I love this series, and this book is right up there as a favourite. It’s entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny but without being overly ridiculous, as some of the more recent books have been. It gave off similar vibes to the first book which first drew me in to the series, and it was great to get back to a slightly more traditional murder mystery.

It was interesting to get more of Mrs. Haggerty’s background in this book and it definitely helped explain her actions in some of the earlier books. I also really enjoyed the chance to explore some of the other relationships in this book: while Javi had only a few small cameos in the book, his and Vero’s relationship raised some interesting questions, as did Finlay and Nick’s. After all, just how much can you progress a relationship when you can’t let someone fully in? I’m excited to see what’s next for the couple after some of the revelations in this book.

Finally, that ending! Elle Cosimano is a master of the cliffhanger and I’ll be on tenterhooks waiting for the next book. While you can read this as a standalone, I recommend reading the whole series to get the full experience, particularly as it’s looking like we will be pulling together some longstanding threads in the next.

Another great outing for Finlay and Vero which I flew through in one sitting. These really are compelling and entertaining reads. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

With thanks to Headline and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review ahead of publication.

Thank you to @netgalley and @HeadlinePub for this ARC. Book 5 of the Finlay Donovan series though can always be read alone. Finlay and her nanny, sidekick Vero are on another case. The nosy neighbor across the street had been arrested for a body that washed up in her yard but when Mrs. Haggerty was released, Finlay's ex-husband was promptly arrested. In order for the father of her children to not spend the rest of his life in jail, Finlay must prove his innocence. I love this series and this one was as good if not better than the other 4. #FinlayDonovanDigsHerOwnGrave #ElleCosimano #MinotaurBooks #HeadlinePub #March2025

This series cracks me up - it’s funny and smart and mysterious and ridiculous! I am so lucky to have gotten an advance copy from NetGalley to read and review. Thank you!

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is another fantastic addition to this endlessly entertaining series. These books are such fun reads and serve as the perfect palate cleanser between heavier books.

I love Elle Cosimsno’s cold opens for this series, where we are misdirected briefly before the real scene is made clear (this time, a parent teacher meeting for Delia). Finlay and her nanny-turned-partner-in-crime, Vero, are then reluctantly pulled into yet another murder mystery when a body is discovered in the backyard of Finlay’s nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. Initially a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared but ends up moving in with Finlay while the investigation continues, bringing more chaos to Finlay’s already complicated life. Determined to avoid another murder case, Finlay and Vero must navigate this latest round of suburban crime while trying to keep their secrets intact.

One of the things I love most about this series is the ragtag found family that Finlay has assembled. I was living for the progression of the relationship between Finlay and Nick because I’ve been rooting for them.

This book also gave us a deeper look at Mrs. Haggerty, a character who has been present since book one but remained somewhat mysterious until now as the nosy neighbour. I enjoyed learning more about her backstory and her relationship with Cam was cute, as was her homeschool for wayward children.

As always, the shenanigans in this book are over-the-top in the best way. Finlay’s knack for getting into absurd situations and somehow managing to survive them never fails to entertain.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave continues to deliver the humour, heart, and chaos that make this series so delightful. I can’t wait for the next and final book of the series (that cliffhanger!!!).

I recieved an advanced reader copy from Headline and Netgalley. I really adored this book, it was such a good edition to the series. Vero is still the best character in the series and I really hope it isn't long before the next book is out. I will 100% be recommending the entire series to everyone.