Book Review: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

 

From the publisher:

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.

When the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, though, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets . . . before the police start digging up theirs. But who will solve the mystery first?

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano was published March 4th, 2025 by Minotaur Books. This is book 5 in the series.

My thoughts: I was really looking forward to this book. I was not disappointed. There is a really good mystery. A little less Vero than I would have liked, but more Mrs. Haggerty. Mrs. Haggerty is often a scene stealer, but this book couldn't have happened without her.

Characterizations were well done. Finlay continues to grow in her relationship with Nick. Vero and Javi are struggling to grow as a couple. Mrs. Haggerty is gradually revealed as the plot goes on.

The story moves along at a good pace. It kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. As in the other books some of the goings on are a stretch of the imagination, but overall it's a fun read.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. I wasn't crazy about the cliffhanger at the end of the book, but I was happy with the way the mystery was resolved. I would recommend this series to people who enjoy humorous cozies. And it's better read from book one on. This series would make a great beach read.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #561: The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World by J.R. Dawson

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World is a powerful and poignant contemporary Queer fantasy perfect for fans of Hadestown and Under the Whispering Door

At the edge of Chicago, nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, there is a waystation for the dead. Every night, the newly-departed travel through the city to the Station, guided by its lighthouse. There, they reckon with their lives, before stepping aboard a boat to go beyond.

Nera has spent decades watching her father—the ferryman of the dead—sail across the lake, each night just like the last.

But tonight, something is wrong.

The Station's lighthouse has started to flicker out. The terrifying, ghostly Haunts have multiplied in the city. And now a person—a living person—has found her way onto the boat.

Her name is Charlie. She followed a song. And she is searching for someone she lost.

"Gorgeous, lyrical, heartfelt, and true in all the ways that matter! This is an achingly beautiful book that is as much about life as it is about death."—Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop

The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World by J.R. Dawson is expected out July 29th, 2025 from Tor Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? It sounds like a lot of things potentially: touching, scary, interesting, and well-written. I think the location for the waystation for the dead is interesting. The stories of both Nera and Charlie sound touching. And the Haunts in the city sound scary. I'd like to see how it's resolved. And I like the comparison to Under the Whispering Door.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

 

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR! You can also just share what you are currently reading. We make it very easy to play along, it is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Ambrosia at the Purple Booker.

1: Grab your current read 2: Open to a random page 3: Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! Everyone loves Teaser Tuesday.

“I’m covered in tree sap, there’s a pinecone jabbing my ass, and a dead dude in fishnets is lying on top of me. Please tell me you have a plan!”

p. 250

I'm still reading Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano. I'm about 80% through. It's really a good and fun read. If you're looking for light reading for the summer, this series could be just the ticket.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #560: Salem's Fall by Rektok Ross

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher: A hotshot young attorney. An enigmatic billionaire accused of murder. To uncover the truth, she’ll have to play his game—and try not to fall in love with the devil.

James Woodsen is used to being underestimated. Top of her class at Harvard Law, she’s brilliant, beautiful, and now the youngest female associate at Boston’s most elite criminal defense firm. But after a devastating misstep on her first case, she has one last shot at redemption. Her assignment? Defend Damien Blackhollow—a dangerously charming billionaire accused of murdering his fiancée.  

When James follows the trail to a small New England town with a dark history, she realizes this case is far more twisted than she ever imagined. Alone in Salem’s Fall with her trusted black cat, she uncovers Damien’s haunting family legacy with ties to a secret society and a pattern of ritualistic murders. James begins to wonder if she's defending a monster... or worse, falling for one. As Halloween looms and the bodies pile up, James fears that losing this case doesn't just mean her career—it means her life.

The Silence of the Lambs meets Labyrinth in this dangerously addictive blend of twisty psychological thriller, legal suspense, and gothic dark romance—perfect for fans of Verity, Haunting Adeline, and The Housemaid.

Salem's Fall by Rektok Ross is expected out August 5th, 2025 from Ic13 Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? It sounds like it has an interesting, strong female main character. And I'm partial to books that take place in small New England towns. I want to know if she will fall for the man and if he is really monstrous. And I want to know what's going on in that town as Halloween approaches. It sounds like it will make for a good October read even though it comes out in August.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: The Wit and Wisdom of Discworld - Terry Pratchett

 

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR! You can also just share what you are currently reading. We make it very easy to play along, it is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Ambrosia at the Purple Booker.

1: Grab your current read 2: Open to a random page 3: Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! Everyone loves Teaser Tuesday.

“You don’t understand!” screamed the tourist, above the terrible noise of the wingbeats. “All my life I’ve wanted to see dragons!” 

“From the inside?” shouted Rincewind.

location 139 of 5213

Book Review: Death of a Legend by Caleb Wygal

From the publisher: 

Clark Thomas returns, ready to embark on a new chapter in Myrtle Beach. But everything is not as normal as he hoped.

Clark takes his visiting friend, a huge country music fan, to the Legends Theater to watch her favorite musician perform – Dolly Parton. Except, this Dolly isn’t the real Dolly. She’s an incredible impersonator who travels the country entertaining legions of fans who believe she’s the next best thing.

The theater is hosting a special concert series featuring fan-favorite celebrity impersonators, such as Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis Presley. What starts out as a great evening goes awry when one performer collapses on stage during the concert. In the aftermath, rumors of foul play arise, throwing Clark into an investigation to uncover if the collapse wasn’t driven by natural causes.

As Clark’s search for answers unfolds, he questions the other performers and discovers that deceased had enemies. When the police get involved Clark must navigate an insular cast and a police investigation, while trying to entertain his friend and her son.

Once more, the case leads to Clark facing a life-changing moment where he must figure out what happened and what to do next to protect the ones he loves.

“Death of a Legend” promises a thrilling blend of mystery, suspense, and depth, showcasing the masterful storytelling that fans of the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series have come to love.

My thoughts: Death of a Legend by Caleb Wygal is a well-written mystery. The chapters are told from either Clark's point of view or Gina's. This really works out well for the readers because it allows twice as much information to be passed onto them. 

There are many suspects. It seems like almost everyone has a motive. And the method of murder is interesting. I had only heard of it being used for assassinations before, but it is believable here as well, especially in the end.

There are a fair share of red herrings because of the number of suspects and how long they'd known each other. The plot progresses at a good pace. I was surprised in the end when the big reveal is played out. This is a good thing.

I gave this book 5 stars out of 5. It's well written. The alternating point of view is handled in a good way and adds to the book. It's well paced. And the ending was unpredictable for me. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy a good mystery. Be aware, though, that the epilogue gives a possible set up for the next book in the series. I'm interested to see where the author will go with it.

Thanks to the publisher for an e-arc. This did not affect my opinions or my review.

Death of a Legend by Caleb Wygal was released May 6, 2025 from Franklin/Kerr Press. It's book 8 in the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #559: Van Helsing’s Guide to Monsters and Dating by Ben Crew

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher: Meet Jefferson Van Helsing, descendant of the greatest vampire hunter of all time, as he faces horrifying monsters and even more terrifying first dates in Portland, Oregon.

Polite conversation is quite limited when you’re a descendant of the man who hunted Dracula, and it makes going on nice dinner dates damn near impossible. But Jeff, Portland's local monster hunter, revels in the gore of his not-quite-day job.

In this guidebook, Jeff teaches the reader how to face an encounter with the most evil creatures of darkness, be they an 800-year-old blood-sucking fiend or a finance major who only has "coffee!!!" listed as their interest. He may still be learning the ins and outs of romantic etiquette, but killing monsters is in his blood.

Van Helsing’s Guide to Monsters and Dating is an illustrated monster/dating companion where readers will learn how to identify and fight ghouls, ghosts, vampires and more. In this harrowing debut by Ben Crew, Jeff stumbles into true love, discovers the importance of bro-time, and accidentally triggers a century-old prophecy all in a good-natured attempt to better the world by bettering himself.

Van Helsing's Guide to Monsters and Dating by Ben Crew is expected out September 9th, 2025 from CLASH Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? It sounds like it could be both horrifying and funny. The last sentence of the last paragraph of the synopsis clinched it for me.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

 

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR! You can also just share what you are currently reading. We make it very easy to play along, it is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Ambrosia at the Purple Booker.

1: Grab your current read 2: Open to a random page 3: Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! Everyone loves Teaser Tuesday.

"Speaking of cops. does your new boyfriend have any idea when they're going to take down the police tape across the street? I know it's only been a week since they found the body at Mrs. Haggerty's place, but the Patels are getting ready to put their house on the market and they're worried the whole crime-scene vibe will make it harder to sell."

-- page 13

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano was released March 4th, 2025 from Minotaur Books. It's the fifth book in the series.