When I first started this book I was in the wrong mindset. I found myself thinking okay this isn't real life. Then I remembered the joy of the first Finlay adventure and how I just had to let go of reality and enjoy the ride. Much like the magic of the first book I found myself enjoying the ridiculous antics of Finlay and Vero.

How they made the accidental hitman trope work for a second go round had me worried it wouldn't work but in the end it did. Finlay is working hard to keep her kids away from her ex=husband to keep them safe. She's also working to protect him from the hitman while unable to tell him the full story. In between it all she still needs to sort out her love life and get her agent the required words for her next novel. How she does it all can only be explained by the fact that she is a mom with a village behind her. Speaking of her village I loved her mom and her support of Finlay.

All in all I recommend this to fans of the first book. You should read the first before this to get the full experience. Be ready to set aside reality as with the first book but sit back and enjoy the hijinks.

This booked lived up to all of the hype! This is book two in the Finlay series.

Finlay Donavon once again has writers block. Her inspiration for her next book is her everyday life.. I mean you can make this stuff up! Her life is just crazy enough!

Someone has a bounty on her Ex husband Steven! The hit was a request in a moms chat and someone excepted it. She is against the clock to find out who put the hit out snd who excepted.

And of course throughout this madness Finlay is also trying to dating multiple people.. oh and don’t forget she has that nice deadline!

This is such a light fun read and honest you could probably read this without the first! I enjoyed every moment of this book!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy of this one in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the first Finlay Donovan and the second did not disappoint! What a fun story with all the same characters back again. I'm not a huge fan of mysteries but this was a good story and I wasn't bored with it. I hope there is another in the series!

Cosimano does it again! I loved following Finlay's story the second time around even more than the first! Each book is like having the best night out with friends. Every time I pick up a Finlay Donovan book, I know that I'm in for a wild adventure. There's a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, some scheming, and relatable characters at the heart of it all. This book (along with the first one) will be one that I recommend for a long time.

Thank you for the chance to read it in advance of publishing! I absolutely loved it and can't wait to see what is ahead for our beloved Finlay Donovan.

“𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔. 𝑼𝒔𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚, 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒖𝒔.”

Finlay is back y’all! I love this series, and book #2 picks up right where #1 left off. Finlay is still trying to finish her book, still juggling the two men in her life vying for her affections, still putting up with one ex-husband, while trying to find out who put out a hit on his life!

Cosimano’s writing continues to be sharp, with a plot that is quick moving, and lots of little reveals to keep the pages turning! The idea of chosen family, with Vero and Finlay’s strong friendship at the centre, is a highlight. I loved that we had a few layers peeled back in getting to know who Vero is, while still leaving questions for the next book. Usually I hate a romantic triangle, but I continue to root for Nick AND Julian; I’m not sure who (if any) I want Finlay to end up with, but I am enjoying seeing her fight with indecision! (Also melt my heart when Nick is around the kids!!) I love a good reunion with characters we know already (especially when their continued development is strong), and this time we discover many more links between them all. The comedy is strong (again, much like Netflix’s Dead to Me), with the banter between Vero and Finlay making me laugh out loud in a number of places.

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead is an engaging, funny, mysterious, whirlwind addition to the series. Having been optioned for a series, I cannot wait to see both books play out on the screen. With another cliffhanger ending, and needing to spend more time with these characters, I anxiously await the next book to see who Finally knocks dead next. Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

“𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘… 𝒂 𝒉𝒐𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏… 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒅… 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔.”

Finlay Donovan is amazing! The first book was five out of five stars and this one was 5/5 stars too! I would give Finlay Donovan and all of her cast of characters and friends 10 stars if I could! This is one of my most favorite series in the whole world. It has romance, friendship, motherhood, mystery, murder, and humor. What more could you ask for!!!!!

Finlay is back and up to bigger hijinks than last time! ⁣
⁣
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: I love this series! I picture Elle Cosimano typing away on her computer with a glass of wine and just coming up with one outlandish scheme after another, laughing to herself. I mean honestly, Finlay finds herself in the craziest predicaments and I’m here for all of them! 🤪⁣
⁣
In book 2, Finlay is in a race against time to uncover who has put a hit out on her ex-husband while also dealing with some pesky writer’s block. Never fear Finlay, your life is chock full of inspiration for your next book girl! ⁣
✅ Lies and schemes ⁣
✅ Suspects on the run ⁣
✅ Sexy men vying for attention⁣
✅ Life threatening situations⁣
✅ Trying & failing to avoid police suspicion ⁣
✅ Chopped up body pieces in your trunk ⁣
⁣
If you’re looking for a fun read full of murderous shenanigans- grab 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 ‘𝐄𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝!

Finlay and her friend/nanny/accountant/partner in crime Vero are trying to figure out who is trying to hire a hit on Finlay’s ex-husband. Like in the first book, there are acrimonious post-divorce arguments, money problems, and inconvenient deaths.

▪ The friendship between Finlay and Vero is the best thing about this series. They are so supportive of each other, and funny, and strong, and flawed. I just adore them.

▪ Several love interests. Finlay is juggling an attraction for the hot detective her entire family is trying to push her towards while semi-dating the hot student/bartender. It creates plenty of awkward situations for Finlay to try to squirm her way out of.

▪ Everything in this series is slightly (or very) improbable, which makes it really fun to read. Don’t expect it to be too realistic and you will have as much fun as I did.

▪ It seems impossible for Finlay and Vero to get into yet another banana pants situation like tis, yet I can’t wait to read more of their adventures.

Conclusion: This novel is full of love (romantic but mostly of the friend variety), action, thrills, and twists. Another fun instalment in this series.

I absolutely loved this one. I read the first book a few months ago and couldn't wait for this one.

This one picks up from the cliffhanger of the first book. We see Finlay in the usual day to day struggles with balancing her kids and trying to write a follow up book, as well as figure out who is behind that post online.

This book took quite a few turns I wasn't expecting, some interesting reveals, and things that just make me want to read more in this series.

I flew through this book in about two days. I adored Finlay in this second book and all the new scenarios she finds herself in this time around. I loved how she related her real life to what she's writing about as well, from getting real life inspiration to romance.

I pre-ordered this book and any future books in this series will be an auto pre-order as well. Definitely planning on continuing reading books 3 and 4.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

4.5 stars - I loved it! Would re-read.

Another fantastic mystery in this series. I love these books so much - they are significantly different from any other mystery I read, in all the best ways. I love the characters, the humor, the spiral-staircase-like twists to the mysteries, and the epilogues that set readers up to HAVE to read the next book. Brilliant!

4.5⭐ rounded up - Just as fun and wild as the first book. I'm having a great time following Finlay and Vero's crazy, mystery adventures!

This book had the exact same energy as the previous one, so if the first book wasn't your style maybe this one won't be either? I will say that you absolutely have to be willing to suspend your disbelief when reading these books. If you are expecting a hyper realistic crime mystery story, you may find yourself disappointed. Personally, I'm loving the drama, the antics, and the craziness of this series. These are very fun books and I can't wait to see where the story goes.

Now to the reasoning for the half star. I didn't have any big glaring problems or issues with the book, but I did have one personal preference annoyance that keeps popping up in these books. It's getting to me is how "irresistible" Finlay seems to be to these dudes based on... basically nothing? I mean, I'm sure she's a hot mom, but its getting a little crazy how willing these guys are to do anything for her as she's getting deeper into these insane situations. This definitely might just be a "me" thing, but I'm hoping for more actual development based on her personality versus what just seems like a purely superficial attraction to her.

All that aside in the last ranting paragraph, it's not a big enough thing for me to drop the book a star. I'm loving these books and having a super time. The ending seems to be setting up more books and I couldn't be happier! The Finlay Donovan series is crazy, fast-paced, and are ultimately super fun books. I'll be checking back regularly for updates on potential sequels 🤞

Elle Cosimano does it again! I LOVED Finlay Donovan Is Killing It and I could not wait for book 2. I’ve waited this long to read it because I was nervous Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead wouldn’t live up to book 1. I was WRONG!!

It had everything I loved from book 1. I felt like I was catching up with old friends. Once again, Vero and Finlay’s friendship is the star of the show along with their crime-solving antics. Every woman needs a Vero by her side!

The love interests are fun but they don’t define Finlay and that’s what I really appreciate about this series. I hope this is made into a tv show soon because I am loving these books. Until then, I will be anxiously awaiting book 3….

Even though Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is only the second book of the Finlay series, it is already one of my very favorite series. Elle Cosimano has such a way with words, and I loved how humous, jaw-dropping, and fast-paced this installment was. Finlay and Vero are two of the best characters and having them together is fire! Vero's quick thinking and snark always make me smile, and Finlay is in a league all her own when it comes to finding her way out of messes and chasing the bad guys. I ended up doing a reread via audiobook of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It right before starting this one, and while I'm glad I did I don't think it is completely necessary. Cosimano does a great job bringing the reader up to speed, so even if you don't remember everything that happened in book one, you should be fine. I will say I think it is best to read them in order though, otherwise, you might end up having Finlay Donovan Is Killing It slightly spoiled for you.

Another thing I am loving about this series is that both books so far have had the same narrator, Angela Dawe. Dawe is the best at bringing Finlay and Vero to life, and I have never once been disappointed in her narration. I hope she will forever be the voice of these books, and I highly recommend the audiobooks to anyone who loves listening to fiction. I would definitely classify Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead as a cozy mystery, and it is perfect for readers who aren’t looking for all the blood and gore that can come in other mysteries and thrillers. There is something really refreshing about Cosimano’s writing and the storylines both books have had, and I think she hit pure gold with this series. The pacing is pretty fast and there is enough happening to keep readers interested and dying to know what will happen. I had quite a few surprises in store for me with this one, and I didn’t see any of them coming. I highly recommend checking this series out, and I loved Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead probably even more than book one! I never want it to end, so keep them coming Cosimano!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you Net Galley for a copy of Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano. I enjoyed this one. But not as well as the last one in the series. But if you like a fun, action packed novel, read this!

Elle Cosimano does it again! Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is a funny, fast-paced sequel that's part rom-com, part murder mystery.
⠀
Last year, I read Finlay Donovan is Killing It and became obsessed with Finlay, her best friend Vero, and the unbelievable messes they found themselves in. Well, I'm here to say, the two best friends are at it again in the second installment.
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The duo have to figure out who took out a contract for Finlay's ex-husband before it's too late. In the meantime, there's antics galore: a love triangle with a hot cop and a young almost lawyer, the Russian mob, a dead body, and of course, the police showing up at the wrong time.
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This book ends on a cliffhanger that sets us up for book #3 and I am so ready to see what's in store for this dynamic duo! 😱
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With that being said, I adored the first book and had high expectations going into this one. It was an enjoyable, quick read, but I didn't love it as much as the OG book. The storyline felt a bit absurd and I wanted more Vero.
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If you need something to help you escape, laugh out loud, and that includes a bit of mystery and mayhem, then the Finlay series is for you!
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Definitely read book #1 before diving into this one- otherwise, you'll miss a lot of the backstory.

BOOK REVIEW: Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano
Series: Finlay Donovan | Book 2
Publication Date: February 1

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️

T.I.M.E. Favorite Books To Read
T.I.M.E. Recommended Books By Genre | Thriller
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books of 2022

CONNECT WITH THIS BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Keep your friends close... And your enemies closer... ✨😎✨

T.I.M.E. Book Review: A perfect title for Book 2 of the Finlay Donovan Series that truly delivers a knockout punch! One of my favorite thriller series laced with tons of humor... And three of my favorite female characters of all time... Finlay, Vero & Finlay's daughter, Delia... I recommend you start with Book 1 in this series. Just like with an unforgettable meal, you will not want to miss any delectable detail in this "fiction feast"!... Bonus: Rumor has it that Finlay Donovan has been optioned for an upcoming TV Series!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 368
Genre: Thriller
Sub-Genre: Funny Fiction
Time Period: Present Day
Location: Virginia (South Riding)

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano (Finlay Donovan | Book 1)
Movie: Veronica Mars

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All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Love the Series! The plot of the first book was so creative. This follow-up continues the antics of Finlay and Vero. It did not disappoint. Its a fun book to read with many twists in the plot. Can't wait for the next.

Finlay and Vero are back! This is book number two in the series.and while I think you could read book two without reading book one, I feel like readers would enjoy book two a lot more if they read book one first. That being said, it was great to be back in the crazy life of Finlay Donovan. I found this book took me longer to read than the first because there is a lot going on in the story line. A lot! Finlay and Vero manage to keep everything straight, which just amazes me, and working together they are a fantastic partnership. Yes, this series is funny and has humor, but it is the friendship, dedication, partnership, intelligence, and luck that Finlay and Vero have that keeps me coming back for more. Reading this book felt like returning to home. Even with all that is going on the story line, I felt comfortable and safe, and the book was a wonderful escape for me. I look forward to the next book in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a fun little sequel. I really enjoy Finlay, her antics and all the mysteries & drama she gets into on accident. I did have some confusion with characters and I think if I would have read the first and this closer together it would have been easier to follow. There were a lot of secondary characters from the first that had more of a staring roll in this and I just simply could not remember their storyline from the first book lol. Luckily @a_rich_read ‘s dream cast for the first book lives rent free in my head so that did help me keep things straight. I did hear the first book(and probably this one I’d assume) is being turned into a series and I will be highly disappointed of Anna Kendrick is not Finlay. The ending of this book was…. something lol. Fans of miscommunication trope BEWARE. Literally everything could have been avoided if people just talked to each other but then I guess we would have no sequel to read lol.

FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS 'EM DEAD
(Finlay Donovan #2)

rating: 4/5
author: Elle Cosimano
genre: cozy mystery

Finn & Vero are back again and, MAN, was i so happy to see it. after a home run debut last year i had this sequel high up on my "Most Anticipated" list this year, and Cosimano brought it! FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS 'EM DEAD picks up right where book 1 left off, except this time their murderer for hire adventures hit a little close to home...

just like the first FINLAY i found the sequel to be a hoot - it's a true cozy mystery to it's core. i thought Cosimano did a great job reminding the reader what happened in the first book (bc let's be serious, it has been over a year for some of us) while setting the scene for the new plot. it was definitely slower up until the half way point, but the last half had me speed reading to find out what the heck was going on. don't get me wrong - i still thoroughly enjoyed the story cover to cover, but for those who felt the first Finlay was very fast paced should adjust their mindset for this one.

anyone else have a love/hate relationship with cliff hanger endings?? love because you have that glorious "WTF" moment but hate when you have to wait months for the next book... this one will leave you begging Elle Cosimano in her DM's for book 3 ASAP. can't wait for the next installment in Finn & Vero's journey!!