This book is very easy to read. It’s quick with short chapters and the plot moves pretty quickly. She’s a single mom but I feel like the kids are barely spoke about. I know it’s not really about them but just seems a bit strange to me. Also everything is too easy for her like everything falls into her lap. However I still enjoyed it.

Finlay Donovan is Killing it and Knocks ‘em Dead (Books 1 and 2) by Elle Cosimano
Writing: A-
Story: A-
Characters: A
Setting: A-
Best Aspect: Well done story that is farfetched but totally believable.
Worst Aspect: Could you a little more emotion from each character.
Recommend: Yes.

This, the second Finlay Donovan adventure begins when she finds out someone has put a hit out on her ex-husband. Her attempts to protect him and solve the mystery of who wanted him dead lead her into wild and outrageous escapades, which is what Finlay’s world is all about. Another wonderful and hilarious story.

DP Lyle, award-winning author, lecturer, story consultant

In this follow-up to Elle Cosimano's hilarious and whipsmart mystery series Finlay Donovan is Killing It, Finlay and her nanny bestie Vero are back at it again, this time protecting Finlay's ex husband from contract killer.

Picking up right where the the first book ended, Cosimano wastes no time bringing the action and a bit of romance. This one is strictly a cozy mystery, despite the body count. The romance is white girl spicy in that there is some kissing and implied sexy time, but nothing is descriptive. At all. That being said, the storyline more than makes up for the multiple love interests. I read this one in a day and couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the revolving cast of characters and getting more background information on Vero. Their friendship is adorable in how supportive the two are of one another despite their criminal tendencies.

What I appreciate about Cosimano is that she alludes to actions in previous books, but we don't have an entire chapter devoted to basic background details like some mystery authors do (looking at those whose character may or may not have the last name of a fruit). There is just enough of a reminder in a sentence or two of what happened in the previous novel, but then quickly moves on to the main plotline. I'm hoping the trend continues and I won't have to adjust my take in future reviews.

Is the sequel as good as the first book, well...no. There are some jumping the shark plot points that seemed too neat and tidy for my liking, but this is a cozy mystery and it doesn't all have to logic. It just has to be entertaining and on that spectrum, Finlay Donovan defiinitely delivers the goods.

Recommended for fans of quirky, fun mysteries with little to no romance as of the second book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Elle Cosimano for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

A solid second book, but not as fun and exciting as book #1. I'll continue the series because I love Finlay's calamities and Vero.

The second in the series, this one keeps up with the humor while Finlay tries to find out who ordered a hit on her ex-husband.

I enjoyed this book almost as much as the first. Finlay & Vero are just as entertaining as ever, I enjoyed how the dynamics with Steven ended up. Something about this one didn’t hold my interest as well as the first book, but that’s okay. Looking forward to reading the next one.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is the second book in Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series. I listened to this book on audio and I think I even enjoyed it more than the first one. As with the first book, much of the storyline is so far-fetched that much of it is unbelievable but it is still entertaining and enjoyable. I laughed out loud several times. This is a great escape from everyday life and once again I was rooting for Finlay.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I always enjoy reading books about books being written. This edition of Finlay was another home run. The humor, the mystery and the crime involved were perfection. I always find myself laughing out loud when I am reading Finlay books.

Finlay Donovan is back, & this time she’s got to prevent a murder.

Intercepting whoever wants her ex-husband dead is a big addition to the To Do List of a single mom/author, but since a hit was put out on him & she’d rather not have her kids lose their father, she & her live-in nanny/BFF Vero set out to save Steven…

This follow-up to the start of the series featured many returning characters (including the mob) & an equally unbelievable series of events, but was a fun ride! There were some parallels when you hold this one up to the first that I really liked (but no spoilers!). I enjoy reading a thriller infused with aspects of a rom-com, & am looking forward to continuing to follow along with the adventures & impossible situations our lovable MC finds herself in.

Thank you very much to NetGalley & Minotaur for making the entire series (thus far) briefly available for download in exchange for honest reviews!

In the second book of Elle Cosimano's *Finlay Donovan* series, our determined heroine, Finlay Donovan, is still trying to make her mark as an author. She's also caught up in a tricky romance with a young law student while doing her best to be a great mom to her kids. And just when you think her life couldn't get any more complicated, she learns there's a hit out on her ex-husband.

This book is pure escapism, packed with crazy twists and fun absurdities. It's the perfect read for anyone willing to leave common sense at the door and enjoy the ride.

Finlay Donovan is a hoot! I read two books in a row: Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead and Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice. They follow each other in time which was lovely. Finlay is a divorced mom of two, a writer who is always behind on deadlines and when she does write, uses her own crazy, sexy life for inspiration. She is one of those women who is street smart and dumb with men--until this last book (we hope!) Her ex is unbelievably
obnoxious and stupid and one wonders how she ever.....If she says 'boo', he is suspicious of her motive.

She has managed to get mixed up with the mob in three books, finagles her way out of being killed many times, often with the aid of her 'babysitter/nanny' who she knows little about but has a temper on her that could set a house of fire. The two are 'bad buddies' like Robert Redford and Paul Newman. One can only hope they have a better future.

These books are well written and fun to read. Perfect for an evening when you want to forget the world and step off. The plots are good and you don't care that they often don't make sense because Finlay is fun and the books are fun.

I adored the first Finlay Donovan book and couldn't wait for the second. It did not disappoint. The same quick and quirky pace I loved the first time around. Ends with a cliffhanger as well. If you ae looking for a quick funny mystery Finlay Donovan is it.

Such a fun book! I was new to the Finlay Donovan universe and picked this up while I was on vacation -- what a perfect vacation book! Highly recommend reading this if you need something fun and light with strong female protagonists.

Finlay Donovan Knock's Em Dead is the #2 book in the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano. As much as I did enjoy the 1st book the second book just did not catch my interest need as much. I would still recommend to others, because I realize not everyone enjoys the same books.

I received and ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Of course I loved another Finlay Donovan romp! I’m just a little disappointed that I have to wait till 2023 for the third book 😥

Once again, Finlay and Vero’s hijinks make for some great entertainment. I love that this second novel went deeper into their female friendship and knocked it out of the park! Again, not totally realistic, but definitely entertaining if you want a book that is like a breath of fresh air and will make you laugh or giggle!

Another enjoyable Finlay Donovan. These stories are unrealistic and complicated but so fun watching this character, an author and mom, interact with the mob. Excited for the third one!

This series continues to be entertaining and binge worthy! Another fun read with twists and unexpected turns, humor and comedy, danger, mystery and suspense, this book has it all! Finlay is a still a wreck, someone who doesn't have it all together and that is what we love about her! She takes us on a wild goose chase, one that is far fetched at times and often a little ridiculous, but always so much fun.! We meet additional characters in this book which I'm looking forward to hearing more about. This series is addicting, I'm hooked and so excited to find out what's up next for Finlay Donovan!

Finlay is at it again and I’m here for it! This series is an adventure of a read. I can never guess what predicament Finlay and her best friend Vero are going to get stuck in next. There’s almost a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter.

This time around a situation arises that I just can’t believe the ladies treating it the way they do, but I reminded myself that this murder/mystery series is comedic and full of unbelievable happenings!

TW: violence/murder

Thanks to Minotaur Books for the free ebook!

"Finlay Donovan Knocks' Em Dead" is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud read that masterfully captures the trials of motherhood, the absurdities of life, and the lengths to which one will go for family. With a blend of mystery, humor, and heart, this book is a testament to Cosimano’s knack for storytelling. It leaves readers eagerly anticipating what twists and turns Finlay's life will take next, all while reminding us that sometimes, bending the rules is just part of the game. Highly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries with a dash of comedy and heart!