
Member Reviews

Another rollercoaster rider with Finley Donovan! This time she’s trying to figure out who put a hit out on her ex husband.
I enjoyed this so throughly! I had my suspicions but I was rarely correct 🤣 this series is such a fun ride! So many funny moments, always suspenseful as you try to figure out who done it!

I received this e-book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for the copy!
As always, Finlay is struggling to finish her latest novel. In the midst of life and searching online forums, Vero finds out that somebody wants Finlay's ex, Steven, dead. Although she is frustrated with him a lot, she can't let her kids not have a father, so her and Vero set out to find out who wants him dead. Meanwhile, Nick, the detective, is still trying to talk Finlay into taking her to dinner and more....How will Finlay get herself out of all of these different messes?
I am not sure how Finlay Donovan gets herself into these messes, but she has done it again! And Elle Cosimano, yet again, does an excellent job sharing Finaly's story in an exciting way that keeps your attention. If you want to get hooked on a mystery/comedic series, this one is for you! I found myself laughing so many times throughout the story!
Please note: This is fiction and authors are allowed to have fun with it! Does what happened in the story seem like something that would happen in real life? No, but this also isn't non-fiction, so of course it's allowed! Lighten up people!

Finlay returns with her life in its eternal mess. She still is late getting her edits into her publisher, her kids are still young and messy, her ex is still cheating, and she probably has a new contract offer or two. While investigating the contract killer offer, she finds a women’s forum where it looks like there’s a contract offer for killing her ex. Finlay’s not enamored with her ex but he is a father to their 2 children. This book is even more fun than the first. #netgalley

I really enjoyed revisiting Finaly and her sidekick Vero after ther first book in the series. They are both so funny and although the storyline is pretty unrealistic, it is nice to sometimes be able to set aside what life is really like and jump into a book that is a little off the wall-in a good way. I love the love triangle in this one and I also enjoy reading about women coming together to get things done. A fun read for sure! Can't wait for the next one!

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead, by Elle Cosimano, is the second installment in the author's Finlay Donovan Series. 31-year-old Finlay Donovan's life is still a mess. Not only hasn't she finished the book that she promised her agent, but her daughter's goldfish just died and she's trying to keep it from her ex-husband. Finlay is hoping that the goldfish is the only dead body she has to deal with this week. She then learns someone is offering a whole lot of money to kill Steven. It seems as though there is a Mom's Support Group where grievances are posted against men like Steven, who left Finlay for a younger woman.
Finlay hates her cheating, lying husband as much as the next woman, but he's been a good father to their kids, and she doesn't want them to lose their father. A reminder: A month ago, after a woman named Patricia Mickler had overheard Finlay plotting a novel with her literary agent in a crowded sandwich shop. She’d offered to pay Finlay $50,000 to murder her husband, a horrible man who happened to launder money for the Russian mob. Finlay later got involved with yet another unhappy wife whose husband is as dangerous as they come thanks to his relationship with the Russian mobster.
Finlay's day-to-day life isn't quite as much of a dumpster fire, but she keeps getting in over her head (with Vero's help) with very bad dudes and contract killings. Finlay has to figure out who would want to kill the father of her children, and fast. In an attempt to figure out who this person is, she poses as an assassin for hire and goes head to head with someone else trying to get the job. Who wants Steven dead? Before they know it, Finlay and Vero are thrust into a complex story involving the Russian Mafia, a chopped-up body, Molotov cocktails, and a whole lot more.
To make things even more twisted, Finlay has two men on her mind and needs to make up her mind about who she really belongs with. The Detective who seems to honestly care about her, or the younger bartender wannabe lawyer who makes her blood run hot. Some of the shenanigans that Finlay and co. get into aren’t completely realistic, just like in the first book. Also, some plot points were hard to follow as the book tackles quite a variety of topics, scenarios, and bad guys (and gals).

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is the second book in the Finlay Donovan series, and it definitely takes Finlay's shenanigans and entanglements up a notch. The plot thickens (ha!) with more bad guys, more misunderstandings, and more mom life humor. The romance subplot also gets more interesting and complicated in this second installment. Overall, I adore the Finlay Donovan series and eagerly await the next book!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for gifting me with a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

This was so much fun! I received a review copy from NetGalley but already had it on my radar. I’m not sure if I was in Finlay’s shoes if I would have tried so hard to save my ex. The ending was a bit silly, but that’s kind of the point.
Overall, great time and I’m excited to continue.

I have been enjoying this series! So well done! Lots of great fun. Lots of thrill!
On to the next! Thanks so much!

'Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead' is the next installment in a hilarious murder mystery series. This story takes place immediately after the first, when Finlay discovers that someone has put a hit out on her ex-husband. I think that these books are perfect if you want a fast-paced and entertaining read. The many twists throughout this story never fail to catch me off guard! Elle Cosimano knows how to write a novel that's going to keep you on your toes.
There's also a love triangle... kind of? And it adds so much to the story and the plot line, I still don't know who I'm rooting for and I'm curious to see how it unfolds throughout the rest of this series.
I love how the epilogue always gives you a sneak peek into the set-up of the next book, making this series that much harder to put down. I recommend picking up a copy of Finlay Donovan and her adventures if you're looking for your next great cozy book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review several books in the Finlay Donovan series. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Elle Cosimano's "Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead" seamlessly blends suspense, humor, and heartfelt emotion to create a truly engaging read.
This novel follows Finlay Donovan, a single mom and struggling writer who finds herself entangled in a series of dangerous and comical situations, all while trying to navigate her chaotic personal life.
Cosimano's writing is sharp and witty, with a perfect balance of tension and levity. She masterfully crafts a plot filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Finlay is an incredibly relatable and endearing protagonist, whose flaws and vulnerabilities make her all the more compelling.
The supporting cast of characters adds depth and richness to the story, each bringing their own quirks and complexities. The novel's blend of dark humor and suspense is reminiscent of classic noir, yet it feels fresh and modern.
"Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead" is a delightful and thrilling ride, showcasing Elle Cosimano's talent for storytelling. It's a must-read for fans of mystery and humor, offering a unique and entertaining perspective on the struggles and triumphs of an unlikely heroine.

As the second book in this series, I highly recommend you first read the first, Findlay Donovan Is Killing It, as this is a continuation of that story. Finlay, having written a bestselling mystery which mirrors her adventure as an assassin who is trying to find the real killer and also has a romantic interest with a hot cop, continues in her adventures and unlikely association with the Russian mob. Hijinks and mystery surround this tale as Finna and her nanny/confidante friend Vero try to figure out just who wants to hire them to kill Finn's ex-husband Steven, as they discovered a mysterious posting on an online women's gripe session website. Truly, they want to keep him safe. But first, they have to discover who their competition is that also accepted the job. Meanwhile in her day job, she still has a deadline to meet to write her next book. I am loving this series which are great for a rainy day.Many thanks to #NetGalley, #finlaydonovanknocksemdead #ellecosimano #stmartinspress for the opportunity to read and review this book.

4/5 stars
Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead" is an entertaining sequel filled with humor, suspense, and unpredictable twists. The quirky characters and fast-paced plot keep you engaged, while the witty dialogue adds a lighthearted touch to the darker themes. Finlay's chaotic life as a struggling author-turned-amateur sleuth is both relatable and hilarious. However, the storyline occasionally feels a bit far-fetched, and some plot points are resolved too conveniently. Overall, it's a fun and engaging read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a comedic edge.

The second book in the Finlay Donovan series, Finlay Donovan Knocks ’Em Dead, was just as addictive and entertaining as the first! Finlay is back with her relatable, down-to-earth charm, somehow managing to balance single mom chaos, her writing career, and… getting caught up with the mob. The absurdity of her situation had me laughing out loud while keeping me hooked with every twist and turn.
I’m absolutely loving Nick and rooting hard for that relationship to develop—it’s so fun to see Finlay navigate her growing feelings amidst all the craziness. And the deepening friendship between Finlay and Vero is a highlight of the book for me. Their partnership is the perfect mix of loyalty, banter, and some seriously questionable problem-solving skills.
Elle Cosimano delivers another brilliant mix of humor, suspense, and heart. This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, and I can’t wait to see what Finlay gets herself into next!

A great follow up. While this slowed at times the last 30% of the book brings it home. I appreciated the continuation of the storyline from book one. I’m looking forward to seeing how things play out in book three. Solid reads when you want entertainment without needing to think too deeply.

Thank you netgalley for a free copy of this Finlay Donovan series. This book came out a few years ago but a new addition has been added to the Finlay Donovan series. Finlay is a divorced mother of two. Her ex husband Steven got himself into some trouble and Finlay ends up having to deal with the fallout. Someone is after Steven and is trying to kill him. While Finlay doesnt love him anymore she doesnt want the father of her children dead. She has a lovely helper Vera who keeps her sane: This series is a great way to lose yourself in fiction. Well written and crazy. Highly recommend this series. Four stars

Finlay Donovan is—once again—struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish.
On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of hit-women disguised as soccer moms, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like. Meanwhile, Vero's keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay's first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes... and if that means bending a few laws then so be it.
Another excellent tome from Elle Cosimano. These books alternately crack me up and have me turning pages to find out what's going to happen next. This series is unique, and Finlay and Vero hit a home run with this one!
I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

There’s no doubt I’m becoming a huge Finlay Donovan fan and thereby a Elle Cosimano fan as well.
Finlay and her sidekick Vero are caught up in a wild ride as her ex-husband has a hit on his head. The journey of these characters as they are caught up in this madcap mystery intrigued me. Who other than Finlay would want Stephen dead? Things are also hilarious because that’s just how things roll wherever Finlay is concerned especially when you add Vero into the mix. Add in the decidedly dangerous turns that follow and I’ve found the perfect rom/com/suspense/thriller.
This is the second book in the series and while it has characters that we met in the first book, this story could stand alone. However, I suggest you read the first book so you are aware of all the dynamics between characters despite some background having been shared in this book.

This mystery series is full of hilarity and absurd hijinks and I am definitely here for it. I’m so glad I’m ending the year with discovering this series because I needed this positive end to my reading year. Finlay is avoiding working on her second book and obsessively checking the forums to see if anyone has taken a bite from the post requesting someone take out her ex-husband. While some things would be easier in her life she doesn’t want the father of her children to be murdered. Unfortunately this leads her further down the crazy path where the mob thinks she’s a high level assassin. She is also trying to figure out her feelings for her two love interests and I like the way she’s having the heroine in her book focus on herself instead of the men. This one I gave 4.5 stars rounded up because I truly enjoyed this one.

Finlay Donovan gets roped into another crazy scheme... Only this time, she's trying to PREVENT a murder. Her ex-husband's! Someone is out to get him, and has put up a post on the dark web asking for a hitman-type person to help. Finn and Vero start looking for the contract killer "EasyClean," so they can stop Steven's murder.
The was the book blurb sounds, it almost sounds like Finn thinks Steven is all sunshine and rainbows now, but it literally opens with her talking about how he's gotten MORE aggressive over the custody of the kids instead of less, especially since he broke it off with his fiancé. So no worries there.
I do have to say that the desire to stop her ex from getting offed makes sense to me. No matter how much I might have a problem with someone, I definitely don't ever wish anyone dead. Physically and/or emotionally cut off, sure. Literally murdered? Not so much.
This series is delightfully messy, and written so well. The comedy factor is right on the nose with a bunch of dark humor, and you're 100% NOT going to guess who put EasyClean up to the task.
This series is a lot of fun. I'm glad I finally jumped in.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!

Book #2 in this entertaining series. We pick up right where the first book ended, someone has put a contract out on Finlay's ex-husband, Steven. Most people would agree that it couldn't happen to a nicer person, but Finlay wants her kids to have a dad, preferably their own, so she and Vero spend the majority of the book tracking down the person who put the contract out......and I have to say, it's a huge surprise when you find out who it was....and trying to stop would be assains from killing Steven, especially if the kids are with him.
This series has been one of the most, original, entertaining to the point of comical, set of stories. But it also has an outstanding cast of characters who give readers lots of "oh no" and "aahh" moments. The story moves quickly from one mishap to the next. It will keep you guessing what's going to happen next and why she won't let someone kill Steven. Read, enjoy, share. That's one of the best things about books like the Finlay Donovan series, you get to pass the enjoyment on to your reading circle.