Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano (book #5 review)

GENRE: Adult Cozy Thriller

LENGTH: 305 pages

PLOT

This is the fifth installment in the Finlay Donovan series. Finlay and Vero must solve the mystery of who murdered the man whose body was found in Mrs. Haggerty’s yard when Finlay’s ex-husband Steven is implicated.

CHARACTERS

Pretty much every prominent side character from the previous four novels makes an appearance in this novel. I liked seeing them again as it gave me feelings of nostalgia like seeing an old friend. I think they were all well incorporated into the novel in terms of plot, so it didn’t feel like they were there just for the sake of being there.

I was worried there would be an excessive amount of Steven in this novel given he is the accused. Thankfully, that is not the case. Unlike the characters, I understand why Finlay works so hard to exonerate him even though he’s a cheater and overall pathetic. He is the father of her children and him being a good father is his sole redeeming quality. He isn’t actually present much on page in this novel - something I’m sure Vero and Mrs. Haggerty were grateful for as well.

Speaking of Mrs. Haggerty, it may be Finlay’s name in the title, but this was Mrs. Haggerty’s book. I have historically not liked Mrs. Haggerty. She’s always been the overly nosy, annoying neighbor. In this book, we spend a lot of time with her and get to know her better. Her character is given so much more depth and at the novel’s conclusion I actually, gasp, realized I LIKE her now?!?

Without spoiling much, there is also a good amount of development in Finlay and Nick’s romantic relationship (Finlay’s mom should surely be happy).

WRITING

As with all the previous novels, this one is told from Finlay’s perspective. Finlay and Vero get into all of the hilarious hijinks and crazy, chaotic situations that we readers have become accustomed to. I was entertained and stressed out in equal measure.

Theses novels are best consumed with a high suspension of disbelief. The first time I read the first book I took it way too seriously. Upon reread I just let myself be swept away by the characters and the story and I had a blast. These novels are just so fun and I hope this series continues for a long time.

This novel was the first one that broke away from the initial storyline of Feliks the mob boss, though its plot was set up at the very end of the fourth book. Likewise, this novel also ends on a cliffhanger with something that has long haunted the characters coming into fruition. I wish I didn’t have to wait until next year for book six!

One complaint I have is that the story would often break away to remind us of who characters were and the past events in which Finlay and Vero met them. I suppose this is done for new readers who haven’t read past books or even to remind those who have read the series but it’s been a while and they haven’t reread it. Regardless, for a rereader like me it was mildly annoying.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If it wasn’t already evident, I love this series. I feel attached to the characters and the stories never fail to make me laugh. These are the kind of books I can’t put down yet I also hesitated to pick this one up because you can only experience reading a book for the first time once. I’ve found I never want that experience to end with the books in this series! I just wish these books weren’t so darn short!

TRIGGER WARNING for guns.

FINAL RATING: 4.75⭐️