I'm so disappointed I didn't love this book more. The premise was so promising - a hilarious, misunderstood conversation at a Panera, a hot mess of a mom just trying her best. But those funny bits that you read on the back of the book happen in the first two chapters... and then it's just not that funny afterwards. I think that this story would play out so much better on TV, a la Desperate Housewives, but I'm not sure if the funny bits really came across on paper.

There was also just a lot going on in the story, that didn't flow together too well. There were characters that we didn't get enough information on, like Stephen and if we were supposed to feel sympathy for him or not, Julian and how he was a fun love interest that disappeared for half the book, or the nosy old neighbor who we didn't get to have a conversation with until the very end of the book. I would have loved more banter, outrageous moments, more giant gleaming mistakes.

While I really did love the idea of the book and the fresh, modern attempt at a cozy/not-so-cozy mystery/thriller, there is no one more disappointed than me that it just didn't live up to the hype. I am intrigued by the possibility of a second book, and Cosimano definitely has the potential to make up for the lack of funny in this one!

Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

More Like 3 and ½ Stars!

I liked this one!

A huge thank you to Minotaur Books, NetGalley and Elle Cosimano for my advanced copy.

I failed to read this one by pub day so I chose to go the audiobook route.

The audio was fantastic. It was fun to listen to and probably bumped up the star rating.

Finlay was an amazing main character. She was hilarious, kick ass and very relatable. I also loved Vero.

I loved the idea of this book. The plot and the cover drew me in.

Why It Wasn't a Five Star-

A lot of people have loved this book. I didn't love it as much as I was anticipating. There were times when I wasn't invested in the story. There were times when I thought this was too over the top.
It wasn't a bad book.

Overall- Ok. I'd give this author another try. If there is a sequel I might read it.

This was my kind of book! Finlay is a writer of romance novels who has major writers block.. She is, also, broke, getting a divorce and has 2 small kids. When she meets her agent in Panera to go over her new book, a woman next to her overhears her conversation and thinks she's a contract killer. One thing after another happens, but the author dishes it all with a great sense of humor. The book races along. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

A thoroughly enjoyable romp, Finlay Donovan is Killing It is the newest release from Elle Cosimano, author of thrillers for teens and adults. This title is aimed toward an adult audience, but older teens might enjoy it as well. Dismayed by her current circumstances, Finlay Donovan is a single mom whose life is on the brink of collapse. Her middling literary career is stalled out, she is in danger of breaching the contract on her next book and is already deeply in debt despite her small advance. To add to her troubles, her ex-husband and his enviable fiancé are threatening to sue for custody of their two young children. It is no surprise then, that her desperation leads her to contemplate an outrageous offer of a job as a contract killer. A woman overhears Finlay’s description of her latest work-in-progress and jumps to the conclusion that Finlay might provide the solution to her dangerous marriage. Even though she explains that the woman is mistaken, Finlay’s insatiable curiosity leads her to stake out the proposed target. Through a series of unlikely events, this decision drops Finlay right into a murder mystery that rivals her wildest literary imaginings. All the tropes are here: the inept “fish-out-of-water” heroine whose bravery and luck alternatingly places her in danger and saves her; the side-kick Nanny who comes to her aid, but also becomes overly enthusiastic; the cop and the bartender who vie for her affections; and the one-dimensional stereotypical bad guys that menace but underestimate her. To Cosimano’s credit, these well-worn roles are refreshingly depicted, and wholly engaging despite their familiarity. Fans of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum or Lisa Lutz’ Izzy Spellman would be delighted to discover this book, as well as devotees of the old “I Love Lucy” escapades. Finlay Donovan is Killing It is a truly enjoyable read, with a main character who is relatable and fun to watch in a “train-wreck” sort of way. It would not be surprising if this title were swooped up to be developed into a movie or series that would be a huge success if given the right treatment and casting.
Thanks to the author, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is a darkly humorous and ridiculous murder mystery about a recently divorced struggling mom who gets offered to become an assassin while meeting her publisher at Panera. Just a delightful read.

I buddy read this with a friend and we both truly enjoyed the experience and I'm so excited that this is a series! I loved the mix of comedy, chick lit, mystery/suspense, and a touch of romance. I'm not gonna lie, Finlay got on my nerves just a little bit and there were a couple of characters that I wanted to smack around a little bit. But Vero and the kids and the whodunnit of it all kept me hanging on and looking forward to the next installment.

Every read that book that you don't know what you're in for, and then when you start, you're so glad you're here? Yeah, that's this book. Finlay Donovan is Killing It is hilarious and warm and generous with its love and it's so so good. I asked for it on Netgalley based on the COVER and holy hell, I'm so glad I did because otherwise I might have truly passed by on a great book.



Our main character accidentally becomes a woman-for-hire. That's all I'm telling you because that's all you need to know. READ THIS BOOK. If you like a little awkward comedy, a little romance, and saying "oh good lord", then yes, this is the book for you.



You won't regret it!



4/5 Stars

Finlay Donovan is writer of mystery romance novels who is mistaken for an assassin. Since she needs the money she might as well look into the job offer given to her via a hand written note left under her plate at Panera. When someone kills her mark in her garage Finlay needs to find out what is going on.
This is a hilarious story of life imitating art. It was a great twist in the mystery novel that is enjoyable and difficult to put down. I highly recommend to all readers.

3.4 stars, rounded down to 3.

This book is EVERYWHERE. I kept seeing in on lists of books to read this spring and I was so excited when I noticed it as an option for request on NetGalley.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It is the first book by Elle Cosimano that I have read. She has a fun, quirky writing style that reminds me of Janet Evanovich. In fact much of the story and the specific mix of haphazard anti-heroine protagonist pitted against veteran hardened criminals makes for a light but engaging read.

Finlay Donovan is a struggling writer, a newly single mom and everything is crashing down around her. Her ex is cutting her off financially and putting on pressure to take custody of her kids. He's fired her nanny so she does not have time to write. She is behind on her editor's deadline, and her bills. So the electricity gets shut off. If she can't get something written, she will have to repay her Editor's advance. Over lunch with her Editor at Panera, as Finaly attempts to explain herself, a woman at the next table overhears and misunderstands...thinking Finaly is a contract killer. She slips her a note with the name of a man and $50,000 written on it.

$50,000 could go a long way to solving her problems. But of course, she's not a contract killer. But maybe she should just see who this guy is?

A series of madcap, unlikely events keep Finlay embroiled in mess after mess. Add in a hot cop, her charming nanny and cartoonishly villainous bad-guys and you have a fun beach read.

This story was laugh out loud hilarious and completely ridiculous in the best ways possible. I read a lot of this at my desk at work during down time and it was a great way to pass the time and put a smile on my face. Finlay’s an awesome character and I loved her and Vero’s friendship. Vero is the definition of a ride or die friend, sticking by Finlay through it all, and sticking up for her when her ex is being a total douchebag. An unlikely pairing but they complimented each other so well!

The main plot point of the story wrapped up a little too nicely for my liking. I wanted a little more friction but the last page and ending gave me what I was looking for. It totally creates a perfect setup for book two and I can’t wait to see what Finlay will do next!

If you’re looking for an easy read with lots of laughs and mystery, definitely give this one a shot!

This really took suspension of belief to a new level. I think it would have made a better movie but as a book I couldn't buy into it at all. So cliche and absurd.

I am not usually a mystery kind of girl, but I loved this book. Best part about it-it's totally plausible! I have recommended it to multiple patrons and friends. I am looking forward to her next one! It's witty, well-plotted and the characters are really fun.

Finlay Donovan is a stressed out mom. Her ex-husband is flaunting his fiancé and talking about filing for custody of the children. She has been paid for a book that she just can't start and then she has a little duct tape incident with one of the children.


Calm down. It doesn't hurt the kid and it was funny.

Finlay goes to lunch with her editor and ends up somehow with a 'job' to kill a woman's rich husband.

Killing people is some hard work so she teams up with her babysitter for a women dream team.


This was a fun little book. It did tend to drag in places and I almost rated it lower because of that. Then that ending popped up and slammed me over the head.


And now I want more.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review

Funny, clever, and reminiscent of A SIMPLE FAVOR, Finlay Donovan is a great read for anyone who loves both thrillers and comedy.

PSA: Stop what you are reading and pick up this book now because it's unputdownable!

I LOVED this audiobook and could not stop listening. Finlay is an authentic and likable character and I kept cheering for her during every new challenge. Honestly all the characters were well developed. I have not been this entertained with a mystery in a long time. It was the perfect balance of suspense, romance, hilarity, and family relationships.

Do yourself a favor and stop delaying reading this book. I highly recommend the audiobook because the narration added another element of this story. I’m so grateful there will be a sequel!

Thank you NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Mcmillian Audio for my gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a fun title. I wound up listening to the audio and really enjoyed it. I laughed, it lept my attention, felt original and fresh.

Mystery, murder, cheesy romance, comedy, the mob, fights with the ex, money issues - Finlay faces it all and more in this story. A little slow in some parts, but trying to figure out the mystery in this murder for hire will keep you reading. 3.5 stars.

This was so much more than I realized it would be! Finlay gets herself into quite a predicament but this was a great story that kept you turning the pages to see what would happen next! I am excited that there will be a second one!

I was fortunate enough to get this as an advanced copy and I'm so glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Just to imagine how an overheard conversation that was misunderstood could turn so uproariously funny. Part of this book were laugh out loud funny and others so immensely relatable, perhaps that's why I enjoyed it so much. I do hope there will be sequel.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. It was hilarious and tense and fun and imaginative. The entire book had me on the edge of my seat! I was rooting for Finlay and her unfortunate series of circumstances. I did predict a lot of what was going to happen in the book, so some of the twists weren't all that surprising, but the way the story was told was so well done! Every detail laid the groundwork for something later in the story. The plot was complicated in the best possible way. Every aspect was interesting and believable while still being unbelievable at the same time. I enjoyed the sexual tension between some of the characters. I just loved every aspect of this book and cannot believe this is the author's first book for adults! I hope she writes more in this universe because I absolutely adored it and want more of Finlay Donovan in my life!