I'm late to the Finlay Donovan party, but I can say that I'm solidly in for the ride. Elle Cosimano is light and breezy in her writing, and Finlay, Vero, and the gang are all utterly delightful, so it's a joy to spend time with them. The hijinks that ensue after divorced mom and sometimes-author Finlay accidentally finds herself hired as a hitwoman - while trying to juggle two small children, a book submission that's already way overdue, and a contentious relationship with her ex-husband and his new fiancee - are absolutely absurd but in the best way. I can't wait to dive into the next one.

A story about an author being overheard talking about a book she’s writing and being mistaken for a contract killer was something I couldn’t pass up. It was entertaining and funny with some mystery thrown in, which made it a perfect light read that wasn’t all fluff. I ended up feeling immersed in a world of women involved in crime, both on purpose and accidentally.
It’s a fun read and I’d recommend it.

I’d been wanting to pick up Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donavan series for a while, so when the first book, FINLAY DONAVAN IS KILLING IT, was offered via NetGalley to get readers hooked before the release of the fifth installment, I snatched it right up.

Cosimano had me snorting and chuckling all the way through the book - her portrayal of a recently single mom who’s struggling to keep her head above water is spot on and hilarious.

Fiction writer Finlay finds herself in an awkward position when a fellow customer at Panera gets the wrong impression about her - she thinks Finlay is a contract killer, and offers her an irresistibly large sum of cash to “take care” of her husband. Who, it turns out, is not a good person. Everything unravels from there.

FINLAY DONAVAN IS KILLING IT is a fun romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The book is cute, funny and a perfect escape. I will definitely continue the series when I’m in the mood for something lighthearted - that also involves murder, mob executions and burying bodies.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press/Minotaur for the digital review copy of FINLAY DONAVAN IS KILLING IT in exchange for my honest review.

The premise of this book was wild, but it was a great read. I liked that we got to "see" the struggle Finlay was going through. I also found it wildly entertaining that a person thought she was an assassin while describing the plot of her book. The face pace and twists really added to the enjoyment of my reading.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano--This comedic crime mystery was a fun read. Struggling author (and general hot mess) Finlay is overheard in a Panera discussing plot ideas with her agent. The eavesdropper thinks Finlay is a contract killer and gives her a note offering $50,000 to kill her husband which she accidentally accepts. Lots of hijinks ensue for Finlay, her nanny Vero, her ex-husband, actual criminals, a sexy cop, and a hot bartender. This was a fun romp of a book but don't read it expecting it to be realistic. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital copy.

The following review was published on Goodreads on 2.20.25:

I've been slow to hop on the Finlay Donovan bandwagon, but when NetGalley offered up copies of all the novels in the series recently, I couldn't resist! FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT really is a fun read. It's far-fetched and absurd, of course, but it's also entertaining and hilarious. I enjoyed it. I will 100% be continuing with the series.

Although I definitely question their decision-making skills, I like both Finlay and Vero. They make an appealing team. They're strong women who have each others' backs, even when they really shouldn't. Their antics made me laugh.

Between Finlay's problems with money, book deadlines, her divorce, and her new career as a hitwoman, there's plenty going on in FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT to keep the story moving along at an engaging pace. The murder mystery isn't super twisty, but the killer's identity did take me by surprise. I whipped through the book quickly because I always wanted to know what was going to happen next.

The bottom line: FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT is as delightful as everyone says it is. If you like murder mysteries that are light-hearted, humorous, diverting, and a little outrageous, this book is definitely for you.

If this book were a movie, it would be rated: R (in my opinion, at least) for language (2 F-bombs, plus milder invectives), violence, blood/gore, disturbing subject matter, and sexual innuendo.

Overheard in a Panera discussing her novel with her agent, Finlay Donovan’s mystery plot sounds to an eavesdropper like murder-for-hire. As it turns out, the woman has a problem husband who needs to be dealt with and a bit of cash on hand. A quick note kicks off a hilarious case of mistaken identity where an author becomes a hitwoman to pay her bills and fend off her ex-husband’s attempt at taking away custody of their children. With the help of her babysitter Vero, Finlay manages to fumble her way into a felony and a whole lot of cash, but will they get away with murder?

The premise hooked me from the first page. Genuine and heartfelt, I immediately identified with a mother who would do anything to protect her family (and as a writer, would do most things for a decent paycheck). The story unfolds seamlessly as each accident leads to either fortune or misfortune. However, I felt at points like there were a few too many coincidences. That’s not to take away from the hilarity of Finlay’s constant pivoting. She is a strong, likable, admirable main character with Vero as a perfect ride-or-die sidekick. Their chemistry as women bonded to the common cause of overcoming adversity while loving Finlay’s children is the kind of friendship on the page that women aspire to in real life—someone who would literally help you hide a body. Add a hint of romance with a couple hot guy options and a bit of danger with the Russian mob, and this one is a page-turner as the mystery unfolds of what really happened to Harris Mickler. Highly recommended for fans of gallows humor, light romance, friendship stories, and chick-lit.

Thank you to NetGalley, Elle Cosimano, and Minotaur Books for the ARC.

I loved this book! It was silly and over the top and so much fun. I was rooting for the main character so hard that she could literally get away with murder in my eyes. I despised all her enemies and 😍 both of her love interests. The characters are all on point! So pumped for 2 more books to follow Finlay and Vero’s antics 😆 - that last page though!

This was such a fun book! Finlay is a struggling author, she’s had a few books published but she’s still relatively unknown. Recently divorced, she finds herself a single mother struggling to pay the bills. To make matters worse, her cheating ex-husband has been threatening to take sole custody of their two children. With every piled up bill & missed mortgage payment (he’s her landlord), he’s one step closer to his goal. Her next book needs to be a big hit. She’s already been paid a meager advance to write her next story. She’s running out of time. Past her extension with no idea in sight, she’s cornered into meeting her agent at a Panera’s. What transpires is a huge misunderstanding by an eavesdropping patron and the start of one wild & crazy ride. This was such a fun adventure and I can’t wait to read the next in the series. The 5th in this series, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave releases 3/04/25.

Thank you to Minotaur Books, Elle Cosimano, & NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It was a fast paced, fun, intriguing novel. I loved the relatability of Finlay's attempt at writing her novel and her references she used for "inspiration". Vero was a great addition to the story and really pushed the plot around. I'm definitely excited to read the next book in the series!

I was hooked from the very first line! Finlay is a sympathetic, realistic character - she's a single mom, struggling to keep all the balls in the air with her two young kids, her house, and her job as a writer.
After a chance meeting and a misunderstanding, she gets "hired" as a hit woman, and she involves herself in a series of interesting hijinks. Because she writes mysteries, she's pretty good at the accidental crime thing.
I adored Vero, the no-nonsense nanny/accountant. I want a Vero of my own. Absolutely cheered when she put the ex husband in his place.
Excited to continue the series.

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is a chaotic cocktail of hilarity, crime, and friendship that had me flipping pages faster than Finlay could clean up her latest accidental mess. The characters are so much fun, with Finlay’s frazzled single-mom energy clashing perfectly with Veronica's no-nonsense, ride-or-die attitude. Seriously, Veronica deserves her own spin-off—her banter and quippy comebacks had me laughing.
Sure, the plot is a bit of a chain of near-misses, accidents, and wild "right place, wrong time" scenarios, but that’s half the fun! It’s like watching your favorite rom-com accidentally trip into a murder mystery. I was fully here for the madness, and the friendship between Finlay and Veronica kept everything grounded in the best way. It’s clever, witty, and just the kind of escape you need when life gets too serious. Highly recommend for a good laugh and a lot of heart!

This was my first time reading a mystery, and I'm hooked! I giggled so much! I loved how relatable Finlay was as a mother; I connected with her character so much. The mystery of how she would navigate the challenges she faced kept me engaged. The babysitter, Vero, was such a delight and a character I would love to have as a best friend. The ending left me with so many more questions but in the best way possible. I'm excited to read the next book and find out what happens next with Finlay and Vero!

What an absolutely fun mystery! Finlay Donovan is a hot mess writer who accidently becomes a hit man for hire. Full of twists ans turns, this book is a gem and I can't wait to read the next one. Highly recommend!

I had kept my distance from this book for the longest time thinking that it would not be for me and boy was I wrong. I devoured this book in 2 days. Everything about this book on paper should not be geared towards me, but I LOVED it. This is the case of the right book at the right time.

The character of Finlay is great and I want to be friends with her. She is someone I can see myself hanging out and having a beer with. I was laughing out loud a few times of the situations that she gets herself into.

I cannot wait to see what happens next in her life and where we go from here.

Finished Reading

Pre-Read notes

I know these books were a bit of a juggernaut for Booksta readers in 2023. I never picked them up, but that's because I always had so many other books to read! I enjoy well-written women's fiction, and these books were very popular! So far, I don't love the fmc, but I want terribly for rings to get better for her! That's one good way to hook a reader!

Final Review

Theoretically, Noone should need a recipe to throw together a chicken soup or a simple meatloaf, but certain things about motherhood had always eluded me. Cooking had been one of them. Apparently , marriage had been the other. (4:22:20)

Review summary and recommendations

I liked this! The plot was too coincidental, but the characters made it fun. I really enjoyed what avmess the fmc was, though again, she was really *a lot* at times. But if you come to this book for a good time, you will likely find it.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy what I call a crime caper, fmcs who seem to stumble through a pole of trouble and into some sort of success, and family drama.

Reading Notes

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. This book really reveals the challenges of raising two little kids. Forget the big stuff, the minute to minute stress sounds like torture! It builds really good tension throughout the book.

2. At about the time that the secondary fmc sniffs fistful of cash, I realized I might be enjoying my read!

3. I really get this character on a day to day level, struggling to make basic life work. I don't like her job, but I really want things to get better for her! She just needs to get out of her own way.


Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. I'm really not a fan of hero mom narratives. They struggle to distinguish themselves and they're overly sentimental. This one is better because she's such a mess as a mom!

2. I'm not a fan of writer main characters. They are in part an easy opportunity for moments of meta, but the are weak in my estimation.

3. The premise is slightly ludicrous, but the humor is good and helps the absurdities go down easier.

4. The fmc has some very fuzzy morals. When she kills her first human, this time on accident, she has a freak out moment...about being caught...but never really expresses any emotions about being a murderer. I found this unbelievable at best, and icky at worst.

5. I hate it when an audiobook narrator ruins the audiobook with their speech quirks. This reader upward inflicts most of the sentences. *edit She tries to give a character a Russian accent, and it does not go well. It would have been better if she had not used an accent, and instead just lowered her vocal register.

Rating: ☠️☠️☠️ /5 dead men
Recommend? yes
Finished: Feb 6 '25
Format: digital arc, NetGalley; accessible (audiobook) copy, Libby
Read this book if you like:
👮‍♀️ crime capers
🫄 hero moms
🔫 accidental criminals
🤥 unreliable narrator
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 family drama

Thank you to the author Elle Cosimano, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of Finley Donovan Is Killing It. I found an accessible (audiobook) copy on Libby. All views are mine.
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Book 1 of 6

I can’t believe I took so long to read this series. Once I started I couldn’t stop till I read all the ones available

My husband was the third person to recommend this book (series) to me, so I finally took the time to read it. Overall I enjoyed the twists and turns and it fit the bill for a humerou suspense novel with likable characters and a good set-up for sequels/series. For me personally, though, I found it too far-fetched and silly, and I felt myself rolling my eyes and wrinkling my nose at each more proposterous turn of events. Fans of Janet Evanovich will likely really enjoy this series as well.

Well, I finally read this book - thank you NetGalley - and understand all the hype surrounding this book when it first came out. I was definitely laughing out loud many times in the book. I will absolutely continue this series!

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕚𝕤𝕥:
Stressed-out single mom and struggling novelist Finlay Donovan's life is in disarray—she's behind on her book, her ex-husband has fired the nanny, and she had to send her daughter to school with duct-taped hair after a scissor mishap. While discussing her new suspense novel with her literary agent over lunch, Finlay is mistakenly identified as a contract killer and inadvertently agrees to dispose of a problematic husband to make some extra cash. However, she quickly realizes that navigating crime in real life is far more complicated than writing about it, as she becomes embroiled in a genuine murder investigation that turns her chaotic life upside down.

𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤:
😂 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘵-𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘰𝘳
🔎 𝘊𝘰𝘻𝘺 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺
💞 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮
📚 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳

𝕊𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕝𝕒𝕣 𝕍𝕚𝕓𝕖𝕤:
📚 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗪𝗼𝗻𝗴'𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗿𝘀 ʙʏ ᴊᴇssᴇ ǫ sᴜᴛᴀɴᴏ

𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘁 had me laughing out-loud from the very first chapter. I found Finlay to be such a relatable character. When a misunderstanding quickly entangles Finlay in an actual murder mystery, a combination of hilarious misunderstandings and nail-biting twists kept me turning the page and engaged throughout the whole story.

I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters and felt like they all brought something to the story. The banter was top notch and I adored the friendships and relationships.

Fans of 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗼 𝗠𝗲 will love this series. I can’t wait to read more of Finlay’s adventures!

𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (𝟺/𝟻)