NEED TO KNOW
- Elle Cosimano is returning to her beloved Finlay Donovan mystery series
- Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line will be published in spring 2026 by Minotaur Books, and spotlights Finlay’s friend Vero, who is framed for a crime she didn’t commit
- “Readers who have followed these characters from the beginning will finally uncover Vero’s secrets,” the bestselling author says of the novel
Elle Cosimano’s fan-favorite detective is back!
PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at the newest novel in the author’s hit mystery series. Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line will be published by Minotaur Books, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers, next spring.
Cosimano debuted her adult mystery series in 2021 with Finlay Donovan is Killing It. The book follows novelist and single mother Finlay Donovan, who unwittingly finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Since then, Cosimano has published four other books in the series.
In Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line, Finlay finds herself adrift when her nanny and friend Vero is facing criminal charges for a theft crime, in which she claims she’s innocent. As such, Vero leaves Virginia and is sent to live with her mother and aunt in Maryland.
But when Vero begins receiving threatening messages, and a malevolent stalker enters the picture, Finlay books a trip to Maryland to help clear her friend’s name, before it’s too late.
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Despite the success of the six previous Finlay Donovan books, Cosimano tells PEOPLE that she was always interested in exploring Vero’s story in more depth.
“One of the greatest joys of my career has been watching readers fall in love with this cast of characters, none more than fan favorite, Veronica ‘Vero’ Ruiz. Finlay’s ride-or-die partner-in-crime is brilliant, sassy, hilarious and fearless,” the author says of the beloved side character.
“I’ve been teasing out Vero’s history through each installment, letting the details of her backstory slowly unfold as her friendship with Finlay deepens,” she continues. “But Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line brings Vero face-to-face with her checkered past, forcing her to confront the people — and the theft charges — she’s been running from since the prequel [short story], Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank.”
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Cosimano also teases that her latest book is perfect for both diehard and new fans alike.
“Readers who have followed these characters from the beginning will finally uncover Vero’s secrets, and as they solve the mystery right alongside Finlay and Vero, will discover even more reasons to love these irresistible amateur sleuths,” Cosimano says.
Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line hits shelves on March 10, 2026 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.
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