As we pick up after Finlay is finally ready to leave her divorce in the rearview and embrace a fresh start and with a younger, handsome soon to be lawyer boyfriend by her side. But before she can fully move on, there are a few lingering threads from the last installment that need tying up. Most pressing? Figuring out who wants her ex-husband dead… and stopping them before it’s too late.
Following Finlay is always a wild and entertaining ride. She’s a woman in her prime, juggling life as a writer, mom, friend, and accidental sleuth. And doing all this while also rediscovering her confidence and spark. I absolutely adore this series and can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes her!

*Thank you to Elle Cosimano, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

The second of the Finlay Donovan series and I flew through this one! I am so enjoying this series. It’s in the thriller/mystery genre mainly, but has comedic elements as well as a tiny bit of romance. Enough to add to the storyline of our main character, but not enough to detract from the actual plot which I appreciate. I’m anxious to see what happens with Finlay next!

Whoever thinks sequel is never better than the first book, think twice! I loved the second installment of Finlay Donovan series even more than novel one. In this read, Finlay and Veronica investigate a plot to "dispose" of Finlay's ex. The chase takes these ladies down the rabbit hole, as usual, while mafia is still on their tail.

This story was all twists and turns and I couldn't wait to find out who Easyclean and Fedup were in the online blog turned murder-for-hire chat thread. Danger was looming from so many directions that the novel turned into quite a page-tuner! It was also super fun to read because events took place during Christmas season, so I would definitely recommend getting this book on your November-December tbr ASAP.

Loved, loved this book two in the series! Definitely excited for the next one. The two main heroines are like close friends now and I can't wait to follow them on their next adventure!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback

I had so much fun with this one! Finlay Donovan is back—and somehow even more chaotic (in the best way). Between juggling mom life, writing deadlines, and accidentally diving headfirst into another crime mystery, I couldn’t stop reading.

This book is like if Murder, She Wrote had a chaotic Gen Z cousin who runs on caffeine, sarcasm, and bad decisions. I laughed out loud more times than I care to admit, and the plot twists? Deliciously unhinged. Finlay and Vero are the ride-or-die duo I didn’t know I needed, and I’m fully invested in their crime-adjacent adventures.

Elle Cosimano, you mad genius—keep the mess coming. I’m ready.

Much like book one, I didn't know what to expect next. Finlay has a way of getting into real trouble and then also getting out of it - for now. It's all very entertaining.

*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

Once again Finlay Donovan manages to write her novel and solve a real mystery. In real life Finlay learns that there is a hit against her ex-husband. Yes, he is a jerk, but her kids love him and they would be devastated if he were killed. Finlay, and her nanny Vero, agree to accept the assassination but only so they can determine who is out to get him and stop it.
Mayhem, mistakes, and more ensues as they continue to be involved with the Russian mob, a handsome young law student, and a dashing police office that would like to do more than serve and protect Finlay.

Can't wait to read what happens next.

Fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series will enjoy this series. It even has the key female character being torn between two great men who want her for her. There are other interesting characters in her life and lots to learn about her, her partner in crime / crime solving, and their families.

Thank you NetGalley for an opportunity to read this book in return for an unbiased review.

I unfortunately did not connect with this story so after about 25% i decided to put it down. There was a slight disconnect between the writing, the characters and the plot and for that it just did not work for me.

I really enjoy this series and this has been one of my favorite characters to come out of reading. I’m always intrigued to see what the next adventure is going to hold if you’re looking for a good cozy crime book the series is for you.

This was a great story. I honestly think I enjoyed this one more than the first. At times there was A lot happening, but all in all it was fantastic! It's definitely a fun, worthwhile read.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a e-book copy of this book!

I scooped this up when the series was available as read now. I am absolutely obsessed with Finlay Donovan and the whole series. I love how the series continues so well between books, however each story is tied up neatly within each separate book. The characters all make me laugh out loud constantly. The writing makes me unable to put the books down! I can not think of one bad thing to write about this series. I hope there are so many more books to come!

In Finlay Donovan Knocks ’Em Dead, Finlay is juggling single motherhood, a looming book deadline, and a threat against her ex-husband’s life. With the help of her loyal (but secretive) nanny Vero, she dives into a world of suburban hit-women and brushes up against the Russian mob. As chaos unfolds and a hot detective resurfaces, Finlay must bend the rules to protect her family in this hilarious and suspenseful sequel.

Elle Cosimano’s writing blends humor with suspense, making for an addictive read. The characters are lovable disasters, and the story’s twists keep you turning pages. This book is a fun, memorable ride that leaves you eager for the next installment.

Finlay Donovan Knocks ’Em Dead ate just as hard as the first one—no sophomore slump here, besties. Elle Cosimano somehow managed to level up the chaos and the comedy, while still keeping that murder-mystery-meets-mom-life vibe that made me fall in love with book one. Finlay and Vero are the ultimate unhinged duo, and I swear every time they get dragged deeper into crime, I’m both howling and stress-laughing through the pages. The pacing? Snappy. The twists? Ridiculous in the best way. If you loved Killing It, this sequel absolutely delivers—like a body in a rug, but make it campy and fun.

The second installment of Finlay Donovan's adventures was PACKED with excitement and action. It picked up right where book one left off with Finlay accidentally stumbling into a new career as a contract killer? I loved the dark humour and craziness that Finlay and Vero brought to this story. Their wit and sarcasm are top-notch and kept me chuckling throughout the book. I enjoyed the mysterious twists and turns throughout and loved seeing more of our hot detective, Nick. I've already got book 3 queued up and ready to go!

Book Two in this series kept the quality of the writing, the humor, and the delight in reading about this hit-mom-for-hire. This book added to the charm that the first book delivered on by making this book a much more grown up read with some great innuendos and comedy befitting a woman of Finlay's age and situation. Again this is an absolute gem of A book and an effortless read. Literally I read this book in one day and am still chuckling at the slapstick elements and sparkling dialogue that held me captive.

I just started reading this series this year, and I’m so glad there are more books (and a short story!) for me to devour.

Finlay Donovan is our heroine. A recently divorced single mom just trying to keep it all together and take care of her two young kids. Luckily she has a great support system in her family and in her children’s nanny, Vero.

But caring for her kids isn’t her only job. She’s also a mystery writer on deadline. And she has to use her sleuthing skills to figure out who put out a hit on her ex husband.

And did I mention she’s trying to get back into the dating world?

This series is as funny as it is mysterious. Finlay and Vero are a fantastic crime solving duo. There are so many scenes that had me rolling with laughter. I know this is a book series that I will want to read over and over again.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is book 2 in the series and i definitely recommend reading them in order because you will be very lost. I really loved this one also. I love how it starts with a super dramatic scene that ends up being funny and then delves into the real world crises. This one centers around someone wanting her ex husband dead and Finlay/Vero need to find out who, stop them, and oh continue to deal with the Russian mob. I cannot wait to read the next one.

Yet another perfect romp from talented writer, Elle Cosimano.

Finlay is yet again struggling to meet deadline on her latest book. Then life proceeds to handover the goods as Finlay discovers that someone is out for her ex-husband. He may not be worthy of her affection, but he is still the father of her two dear children. In digging into the matter, she runs across the Russian mob and other nefarious characters. Goodness, what has her ex gotten himself into?!! Again Finlay and her sidekick, Vero do their best to save his skin.

Author Elle Cosimano is brilliant in her writing of this series. The characters are hilarious in their dialogue and cutting remarks. The women are strong and clever while many of the men are rather morally challenged. That is until the dishy detective Nick Anthony has entered the frame. Finlay Donavan and her nanny, Vero, make for a dubious duo in this series and their antics keep the reader chuckling. It's a wild ride for sure and nowhere near believable, yet oh so fun!

I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: February 1, 2022
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 978-1250242181

i absolutely loved book one. i was so excited for this one. Bad things happen, so Finlay has to find a way to fix them, and in the process, more bad things happen. i cant wait to read book 3.

Favorite quotes:
“No one liked to be reminded that the pricey grass that covered their manicured lawn had been seeded in the same dirt as organized crime. And this post felt like more than an expression of solidarity. It reeked of ill will, the coded language of illicit business.”

“Dino porn.” I choked on my coffee. “I am telling you, Finlay, I have run all the numbers, and dino porn is the next big thing.” I turned to gape at her. “How is that even possible?” “I wondered about that, too, so I downloaded a few samples.” She bent her elbows into tiny T. rex arms. “Apparently, the dino-hero’s hands are pretty small, but our heroine doesn’t mind, because he more than makes up for it with his super-enormous—” “Stop!” I covered my eyes, determined not to picture it. “I don’t want to know.” “Fine. But when everyone starts buying up velocirapterotica, don’t say I never told you.”

love this series so much!!
however this one was missing some of the humor that the first book had so it's not a full 5 stars. but i love these characters so much I would read about them doing anything
cozy