When I saw the entire series was available on NetGalley late last year, I decided it was a sign and it was time for me to read these books. I’ve read so many great reviews for each book, but I had initially passed on requesting them when this one first came out. Reading about a hot mess divorced mom solve murder mysteries sounded 1) too stressful when I was potty training a toddler while my older child was doing school online about a year into the pandemic and 2) probably not my cup of tea. I love cozies, and I like books with moms, and I like that Finlay’s an author, but I just had a feeling this wasn’t going to be for me. Turns out I was only half right, and the mystery solving part was probably the best. Everything else was mostly a miss with few hits.

Finlay Donovan is recently divorced after she caught her husband cheating with the woman he’s now engaged to. She has two young kids she seems to be struggling with wrangling, and she has looming deadlines as a romantic suspense author. With her agent, Sylvia, breathing down her neck for her non-existent manuscript, she meets Sylvia at a Panera and inadvertently gives the woman at the next table over the idea that she’s a hit woman. Things start to spiral out of control when the woman hires her to kill her husband and won’t take no for an answer. Things get dicey when she ends up with the target, drugged, in her van, and even worse when he winds up dead. With her nanny Vero on her side, the two women race to find out who actually killed the guy while keeping the corpse from the law’s eyes, but nothing’s easy when the Russian mafia is involved.

There’s a lot in Finlay Donovan is Killing It, and sometimes it made the whole book feel a little like a hot mess. There’s the divorced mother of two who is fighting her ex-husband and his fiancee for custody, Finlay trying to write her next manuscript, women who think Finlay’s a hit woman, Finlay and Vero trying to figure out who actually killed the first target, two love interests for Finlay, and the Russian mafia. Somehow, it all blends and mostly works, but it also felt a little overly bloated with things. I did like how Finlay figured out what to write about, but couldn’t help but feel a little nervous about how closely it mirrored her real life. It just looked too suspicious to me, but it neatly dealt with two of the things this novel works to handle.

I really liked the premise of this: author mistaken as a hit woman. I loved how Finlay tried to extricate herself from it and just ended up falling down a deeper hole. It did feel like it took a little long to get to the actual mystery solving, though. Finlay spent a ton of time working up to meeting the target and dealing with him. But it was kind of fun to watch her be reckless, though, as a mother myself, I kind of worried about that. After all, she is the mother of two young kids. What would happen if she were caught or if whoever killed the guy decided to get rid of her, too? There were just too many “what ifs” that should have stayed her hand, but maybe being a harried author with two young kids and an ex-husband demanding full custody would do that to a woman. It just felt like she was doing more mystery solving than mothering and instead foisting the actual care of her children onto everyone else. Then again, maybe my mothering style is just very different from hers.

Finlay’s not all terrible. I may disagree with her on the mothering part, but I did kind of like how gutsy she is. She has people to protect, and she does that. I just wish she would take more care with things instead of running with the first thing to pop into her head. She came off as a bit of a live wire to me, and I kind of grew exhausted watching her run around dealing with everything. Fortunately, she has Vero to bounce off of, though Vero often felt like even more of a live wire. She’s young and fun with some truly off the wall ideas, but she keeps things lively and entertaining. She’s also fantastic as the kids’ nanny, and I did love how she really cared for them and loved them. Her relationship with the kids was definitely a highlight. But she sometimes felt unpredictable, and I couldn’t figure out whether that was wise or foolish.

My biggest problem with this was the two love interest subplot. Julian is a law student working as a bartender. He’s young and hot and seems to get Finlay before he even knows who she is. Then there’s Detective Nick Anthony, who works with Finlay’s sister Georgia, a cop. He’s, of course, investigating the same case, and he clearly really likes Finlay. I did appreciate that he was more mature about things and seemed to understand that Finlay wasn’t quite as interested as he was, but, well, Finlay makes some steps with both men. I’m not fond of love triangles, and this one felt a little too pushy. There were times when I just wanted to yell at Finlay to get herself together before introducing a love interest into her life, because she’s definitely all over the place and often barely able to take care of herself and her kids.

But the mystery kept me hostage. I couldn’t wait to figure out what was really going on and what actually happened. With the Russian mafia involved, it felt like anything was possible. There are some really interesting characters linked up with them, including some ties a little closer to home for Finlay. It made things twisty and dangerous. I often found myself frustrated when Finlay was dealing with her real life because I just really wanted to get back to the mystery. I loved trying to figure out what happened and how, and I certainly couldn’t guess every part of it, which was really nice. This was probably my favorite part of the book, and I’m glad it didn’t disappoint.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It has a fantastic premise, but everything else was hit or miss for me. I found there just might have been too many things going on in this, but I loved the mystery and I loved watching Finlay and Vero run around madly trying to figure it out before Finlay ended up in really hot water. The addition of the Russian mafia was a nice touch, and I loved the complications Finlay’s personal life threw in. But I wasn’t a fan of Finlay, I didn’t like how it felt like she was foisting the care of her kids onto other people, and the two love interests just didn’t do it for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I liked this book but couldn't quite bring myself to love it. It's a silly and often unrealistic story about a struggling writer and newly single mom who unwittingly becomes a hitwoman.

Finlay and Vero make quite the team and their friendship was fun to watch develop throughout the book.

I grew tired of reading about sagging diapers and sticky hands. I get it—I'm a mom, too, and I know how hectic life can be with small kids. But take the time to tend to your kids. I know she has wet wipes in her purse because she gave them to Julian to clean his hands.

It was an easy read, if not a bit long at times.

This book is about a writer who is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel. She is mistaken for a contract killer and the shenanigans begin! A fast, easy, entertaining read to start the new year. My only critique is that I didn’t really like the romance parts, but that’s just personal preference. Guess I’m not a fan of the “suspense romance” genre. 3.5 stars.

This mystery offers a refreshing and unique perspective. The protagonist is delightful and amusing to read. Her sidekick is equally entertaining, and their banter had me laughing out loud multiple times. The plot is clever and unexpected, keeping me engaged from beginning to end. The writing is exceptional and strong.

This review is entirely voluntary, and all opinions expressed reflect my personal views.

I really enjoyed this book and I laughed out loud at many parts. Finlay is a struggling author, soon to be divorced from her cheating ex who thinks she’s killed someone.
3.75 stars

What a lovely stressful funny sad story! Finlay is so down on her luck you don’t know how she’ll get out of the mess she finds herself in. Elle Cosimano has you guessing until the end on how Ginlay will fair. I’m so excited to read the next four in this series and find out what shenanigans Finlay gets into to break writers block.

The first in a popular series, FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT, introduces readers to a writer/murder-for-hire/desperate divorcé that uses her strange experiences to solve her writer’s block. Author Elle Cosimano writes a breezy, funny, bizarre tale of how to make money when nothing else appeals. Love interests and unexpected details drive the plot as Finlay establishes herself as best she can post-divorce. I read this book as an introduction to the series. But it’s not quite my cup of tea. I received my copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

The first book in the Finlay Donovan Series and it did not disappoint. A stressed-out mother and novelists gets tangled up in a real-life murder investigation and realizes that she would rather stick to the fictional crime.

Giving this 5 stars because I just really enjoyed the funny plot twists and the main character getting tangled up in a murder mystery (I mean, accidentally getting in the mess of mafia business would be terrifying)but I really enjoyed the woven storyline and the untangling of information along the way. Comic relief, budding romance post-divorce, loving family characters and a devoted sidekick, plus dogs and Panera throughout. Just fun!

eARC gifted by NetGalley. This was such an enjoyable little romp. So easy to binge in one sitting. If anyone tries to come at this book calling it unrealistic
1) it’s fiction
2) the entire point of the cozy mystery sub genre is that it’s supposed to be an unlikely hero with no experience solving the crime.
This silly heroine just happens to also be the murderer lol

"Finlay Donovan Is Killing It" has officially made me a die-hard fan of this series—I can’t wait to dive into book 2! This was pure, unfiltered fun from start to finish. Somehow, it manages to be laugh-out-loud hilarious while also nailing the suspense. How does Elle Cosimano do it? I have no idea, but I’m hooked.

Here’s the deal: Finlay Donovan is a single mom, a struggling writer, and a pro at barely keeping it together. She’s got writer’s block, bills piling up, and a custody battle with her jerk of an ex-husband. Things go completely off the rails when she has a lunch meeting at Panera with her agent, Sylvia, to brainstorm her next thriller. In a totally bonkers twist, someone overhears their conversation and mistakes Finlay for a hitwoman. Yes, you read that right. A HITWOMAN. What follows is chaos, comedy, and a whole lot of trouble as Finlay, desperate to make ends meet, decides to at least look into the “job” offer. (Because why not, right?)

Enter Vero, her ex-nanny and new partner-in-crime. These two are hilarious together. Vero is the ride-or-die bestie Finlay didn’t know she needed, and their dynamic is full of sass, snark, and surprisingly sweet moments. Together, they navigate one wild situation after another—think botched plans, near-misses, and a whole lot of WTF moments. It’s ridiculous in the best way possible.

There’s also a sprinkle of romance to keep things extra interesting, and the ending drops a major bombshell that has me itching to start the next book ASAP. If you’re into fast-paced plots, over-the-top fun, and twists you won’t see coming, this is your next read. Seriously, go grab it. Finlay Donovan is a vibe, and I am 100% here for it.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and Elle Cosimano for the gifted ebook arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ever wonder what would happen if an suspense author becomes an accidental hitwoman? Well if you have then Finlay Donovan is Killing it is the book for you. Because it tackles that very question with humor.

This is a fun story about a woman who is so financially desperate that she explores a murder-for-hire scheme and gets caught up in a crazy set of events surrounding the subject! The story kept me reading even though I didn't like Finlay are first because of her poor decision making and several moments that are way too improbable. In the end, I think I will try the sequel and see how it goes!

Finlay Donovan is an icon. The humor in this book is unmatched and the plot is so different from the type of books that I normally read. I cannot wait to continue reading this series!

In retrospect, this has the same "feel" as Janet Evanovich's "One for the Money." Our heroine is a loveable somewhat incompetent goofball. She should be dead/in prison/disabled for life/running for her life/all of the above in the first fifteen minutes but instead she is insanely lucky and things work out for the best in the end. If you like the loveable goofball trope, you will love this book. If, however, you get tired of someone who doesn't learn from her mistakes, this may become tiring to read.

I have been wanting to read this series and I’m so glad I did! Each Finlay Donovan book is full of shenanigans and humor with a mystery that keeps you guessing along the way. Miscommunication cause a heap of trouble for single mom Finlay.
I hope they never stop making this series! Many thanks to the author, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

3.5 stars. The first Finlay Donovan book was funny, witty, and wonderfully chaotic! It had a Good Girls vibe with its blend of humor and crime, making for an entertaining and engaging read. Perfect if you enjoy a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and suspense!

A friend recommended this series to me, having read it as it came out. When I was offered the opportunity to review the series before the latest is released, I jumped at the chance. Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano is wild and frenetic in its storytelling, throwing so much into every page it left me in a whirlwind. But, it adds to the charm for this first book in the series, letting me relate to the chaos our protagonist lives with daily.

The initial setup for the mystery seemed simple. Desperate for money and a misunderstood conversation prompting a possible murder for hire. Things quickly go off the rails. This was full of humor and hijinks, with a wild sidekick (whom I understand the necessity of, but STRONGLY dislike.) Most of the other characters are great. I loved the bartender/law student Julian, but I don’t see how it can work longterm. Not only does he feel too young, but he and Finlay met under nefarious circumstances. Hell, he didn’t know her real name until much later. Now, Detective Nick? Delicious. I love him. I want to see more of him. Though, I don’t know how that will work considering Finlay’s escapades.

The crimes were interesting but I honestly didn’t buy the explanation for one of them. How did he just know where to go and what to do and the specifics? It didn’t make sense. It also seemed just too wildly coincidental, but this is a comedic mystery. Things never get too deep and despite the murder, things feel light.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano is a chaotic debut to a new series. Having already delved into the second book, I will say if you’re put off by how crazy things are in this first book, stick with it! It gets SO much better! If you like contemporary literature and cozy mysteries but want something lighter, funnier, with a strong focus on trying to find a work life balance as a newly single mother of two, this is absolutely the book for you!

I very much enjoyed this book. It had me laughing right from the start, which is never bad. Finlay is a relatable mess which made me like her from the start. Is the situation in the book realistic? Nah... its fiction. However, it is fast moving, humorous, and as unlikely as this is to happen to someone in real life, you can still imagine it happening as one accidentally rolls their way through life, one oops at a time. I hope the rest of the series is as enjoyable. I needed a good laugh recently and this sure provided it. If you're looking for a laugh and a break and like murder mysteries... I'd recommend it.

What a unique way to setup a mystery novel! I enjoyed the journey and the humor added into the story.