Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle CosimanoFinlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano
Series: Finlay Donovan $5
Published by Minotaur Books on 03/04/2025
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 320
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley
Purchase on: Amazon// Barnes & Noble// BookBub
Add to: Goodreads // StoryGraph

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.



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.

five-stars

review

Obviously spoilers for the previous books in this series

Oh my god, the way the previous book ended in the series had me DESPERATE for Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano to be released. This absolutely has been the best book of the series, and definitely the one with the most heart. The story grew away from the bumbling messes of accidents and misunderstandings and into something deeper while keeping the levity of friendship.

While the friendship between Finlay and Vero has been at the forefront of the series, this book really emphasizes the importance of female friendships and solidarity. We have Mrs. Haggerty added to the mix, and we see Finlay and Vero’s hesitation at having to lodge her. It’s so indicative of how younger generations can be so dismissive of the older generations of women and their experiences. Watching them forced to interact with her, to figure her out and understand that she was a person and not just an old, nosy woman with nothing better to do, was so fulfilling. The ending especially was so needed and appreciated, especially in the times we find ourselves in.

Another thing I truly appreciated in this latest book in the series is that we’re finally pivoting away from Finlay’s initial accidental murder. We’re moving more over toward general investigation work, which I really love as a mystery reader. It also seems like Finlay is starting to grow up and mature. She’s finding herself again. And while she still hasn’t really found her voice, and is still unable to really stand up for herself against her agent or even Mrs. Haggerty, she is learning how to communicate. This is what honestly? Made the book for me.

One last note, this does end on a bit of a cliffhanger which is killing me because we are so far away from the next in the series and I want to know what is going to happen. But, I’m so glad that we’re moving the plot forward and the progression of each of the characters trajectories. I think this is the best Finlay Donovan we’ve had yet and if you’re this deep into the series, I think you’ll finally start to see the payoff.

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