Elle Cosimano has done it again—this was yet another Finley Donovan hit! Somehow, she masterfully blends the unexpected twists and turns I love in thrillers with just the right amount of humor, creating a mystery that feels both lighthearted and full of suspense. Finley and Vero are back at it, knee-deep in chaos as they try (and hilariously fail) to avoid committing murder, only to find themselves tangled up in it anyway—along with some mob dealings, of course. Their antics are as outrageous as ever, making for a wildly entertaining read from start to finish.

What I love most about this series is how effortlessly it balances comedy with mystery. One moment, I'm on the edge of my seat, eager to see how the latest twist unfolds, and the next, I'm laughing at the sheer absurdity of Finley and Vero’s situation. It’s fast-paced, funny, and packed with intrigue, making it another absolute knockout. If you love a mystery with sharp wit, unpredictable turns, and a duo that constantly finds themselves in over their heads, this book is a must-read!

Finlay Donovan finds herself in another situation! She’s got Vero to help her and she is going to do what she has to do! Another great read with lots of laughs and suspense.

Another fun romp. Finlay is back and just as much of a hot mess as ever.

Somehow, she manages to stay relatable while still living the craziest life.

I was on edge during the last part of the book. The climax was a crazy one.

I liked seeing her and Vero's friendship/partnership deepen.

With the ending on a bit of a cliffhanger, I'm ready to jump into book 3!

Our favorite characters are back and let the hijinks begin. When we last left Finlay, she found out there was a bounty on her ex's head. What to do? I mean, she could just take the job right? I mean he IS a thorn in her side but darn it, her kids love him. She and Vero must now sus out who wants him dead and how to stop it. As per the usual, trouble finds Finlay in so many different ways. Dead bodies seem to be part of her life these days and living a quiet writers life in definitely not in the cards. Mobs, hot guys, crazy as heck women and men make for a truly fun ride. At times quirky, silly and emotional, often times a ride on the edge of your seat, this story ticks all the boxes.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | A Fun, Fast-Paced Sequel with More Chaos and Charm

Elle Cosimano delivers another wildly entertaining ride with Finlay Donovan Knocks ’Em Dead, the second book in the Finlay Donovan series. Picking up where the first book left off, Finlay finds herself once again tangled in a hilarious yet dangerous web of crime, deception, and unexpected alliances—all while juggling single motherhood and a messy love life.

The humor and wit that made the first book so enjoyable are still very much present, and Finlay remains a relatable, chaotic, and lovable protagonist. The mystery is engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep the pages turning. Vero, Finlay’s fearless and snarky sidekick, shines in this installment, adding both comic relief and unwavering loyalty.

However, while the plot is undeniably fun, it occasionally stretches believability, even for a book that thrives on its over-the-top premise. Some moments feel a bit convoluted, and the romantic subplot—while entertaining—feels secondary to the action-packed main storyline.

Overall, Finlay Donovan Knocks ’Em Dead is a fantastic sequel that delivers humor, suspense, and plenty of surprises. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll definitely want to continue Finlay’s wild misadventures.

4.5. I enjoyed this installment in the series even more than the first. Again, it is just a silly, fun time. I enjoyed how it built on the previous book in the series without feeling too repetitive. I also just adore our cast of characters and love coming back into the story with them every time.

4.5 stars, a great pick me up read. I found myself comparing it to the mystery guest and I wish. I had not done that as this sequel was done so well and did not feel like a sequel for the sake of sequels sake.

Finlay is back, with another book due, Vera acting weird, and someone has a target on Stephen's back, and her children are NOT visiting their dad until it is safe to do so, and only Finlay seems likely to make that happen - especially as she can't tell anyone how she came by this nefarious information.... This means more investigation by a non-investigator, more offers for her special hit woman skills, more interaction with Detective Nick, and overall general mayhem and chaos. A great time is had by all. Well, except for the bad guys. With a priceless little twist toward the end.
This was fun, but not quite as funny as the first in the series. All the popular characters are there and show growing development rather than falling into caricature, but the humor here is leaning more toward slapstick. Great action scenes and burgeoning romance. Looking forward to the next one.

I look for a good time when I read these books and I get it every time. Although dang Finlay makes way too many excuses for that dirtbag Steven!!! I am a Vero supporter 110%.

iFnlay Donavan is trying to save her ex from being offer by a stranger while also working on her writing deadline that is looming over her. This book was better than the first. I love the character of Finlay. She's such an original hilarious character that brings the reader along on her crazy hair brain schemes.

I absolutely loved Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead. The story continues but there is enough review that you can read it as a standalone (but you should definitely not do that). We get to know the characters even better. Finlay and Vero get up to more hijinks and hilarity, and they're once again unraveling mysteries, trying to outsmart the Russian mob, and keep everyone alive and fed in the process. Some mysteries are solved, some the plot thickens, but one thing remains the same - when I finished it, I was immediately ready for more.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this stunner of a book. All opinions are my own.

5 out of 5 stars.

This series is pure genius. I can’t get enough of Finlay and Vero. The author puts them in the funniest and scariest situations, and yet they manage to come through it all ok. Reading the book is an adventure with many laugh out loud moments.

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

Thanks to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for copies of the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It
Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice

I have wanted to read this series for a while, and when I saw that the series was Read Now on NetGalley I decided it was time to give it a go. Finlay Donovan is a writer who is mistaken for a hitman and hijinks ensue with her nanny Vero. These books were perfect popcorn mysteries for me. I laughed, I was intrigued by the mystery aspect and I had a good time reading them! A perfect read when I needed something I didn’t have to think too hard about!

#bookstagram #mysteryreads #finlaydonovan

Another fantastic installment in this fun series! The twists and laughs kept coming, and the character growth was spot-on. This book is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a dash of humor.

Fun quick read. Thanks for the advanced reader copy Netgalley! Enjoying this author and series! Will be reading more.

Finlay and Vero are trying to find out who wants Finlay's ex-husband, Steven, dead. Between the Russian Mob, Steven's ex-girlfriends, chest freezers, and avoiding the police, a lot is happening throughout the story.

True to the first book in the series this one is full of chaos and ridiculous events. Finlay continues making questionable choices, but it seems to work out for the most part.

Another quick and easy read. On to book #3!

Finally Donovan Knocks "Em Dead has Finlay in even more outlandish situations. In the second book of the series, Finlay, is trying to protect her no good ex-husband from contract killers while trying to write a book, care for her children, stay on the right side of the law, and juggle her love life. The characters are well written and the plot keeps you turning the pages. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the gifted copy.

I continue to enjoy this series and laugh out loud at the ridiculous situations Finlay and vero get themselves in. Continuing to accidentally find dead bodies and putting themselves in situations where they can get killed.
3.75 stars

3.75⭐️
This series is such a hit for me. The mix of always seeing the things Finlay gets into and how she gets out, the mystery, and the romance is always just perfect. I’m laughing, I’m intrigued, I’m yelling. It’s just always a good time. Her husband in this book though. I’d have probably slapped him across the head for being so blind to what was going on around him lol. Interested to see how the rest of the series plays out and who "easy clean" is. And the ending of the last book where we find out who "fed up" was, did not see that one coming.

Book 2 in the Finlay Donovan series and Elle Cosimano does it again. Finlay has to work to keep her ex-husband alive while writing her next book and being a single mother. Make sure to read it!