I had read the first book in the series when it first came out and although it wasn’t a 5 star for me, I still enjoyed it! The series is considered a mystery but it still has those funny/quirky moments that make it good! This one however was a bit of a stretch and I also felt that a lot of the things that happened weren’t properly thought out. Maybe it’s just me being picky lol but In one chapter, Finlay loses her phone and gets a new one (with a new number) and Steven happens to call her minutes after she got it 🤨 That’s just an example of what was happening a lot throughout the book. Most of the characters were the same as the first one. Finlay was a hot mess like always and Steven being his natural born asshole self! Two characters that were acting a bit different this time around were Nicke and Julian. Nick was annoying and Julian was giving me some major FBoy vibes 🥴
I was a bit disappointed. Would I read the third book if it were to release? Yeah, maybe 😅 don’t judge lol I’m invested now! But I will hope that it’s better than this one.








Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an early cozpy in exchange for my honest review!

I received Finlay Donovan Knock's 'Em Dead as an ARC through Netgalley. I absolutely adored this sequel to Elle Cosimano's first book. Finlay and Vero pick up where they left off trying to figure out who has put a hit out on Finlay's ex husband Steven. All the favorite characters from book one. I loved all the twists and turns and was left guessing all the way to the end. Laughed out loud in so many parts. Hoping there will be a third because I don't think Finlay is done yet!

3.5 stars

While I did not enjoy this second book as much as the first, it was still an overall enjoyable read.

Finlay is back with Vero – her sidekick nanny/accountant/partner in crime. The duo has to figure out who took out a contract on Finlay’s ex-husband before it’s too late.

The characters are so much fun and very lovable. Just an over the top, funny, cozy mystery!

And the set up for the third book is really great and I will definitely be reading it when it comes out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay Donovan, our favorite accidental hit-woman, is back in the smash hit sequel to Finlay Donovan is Killing It. Warning…if you have not read this first book, go back and read it. This book picks up right were the last one left off and there is really no recap to the first book.

When this book picks up, Finlay has writer’s block and is still dealing with her ex-husband, raising her two kids with the help of her lovable nanny and sidekick, Vero. She is back to looking at the boards, which led her down a rabbit hole in the first book, when she sees someone requesting a hit on her ex-husband. While Finlay dislikes Steven immensely, and this would answer all of her problems, she really does not want his life to end.

What ensues is a fun romp, with body parts, hot detectives, arson and pretty much anything else you can think of. Everything that can go wrong for Finlay and her crew does, but with the help of detective Nick Anthony, who is protecting her, without having a clue what she is really up to, she might just be able to save Steven’s life after all.

This was a fun read. It did lack some of the sparkle that the first book had, but Finlay is just so fun, I definitely want to read more of what she is up to in future books.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead is the second book in Elle Cosimano’s new series “Finlay Donovan” which follows the misadventures of author and divorced single mother, Finlay Donovan. For those who haven’t read the first book yet, Finlay finds herself accidentally hired as an assassin when a woman overhears her and her agent discussing the plot of the thriller she is writing. The woman thinks Finlay is the perfect person to “off” her husband and practically starts throwing money at her. Finlay could really use the cash, and thus begins a surprisingly hilarious journey into murder-for-hire, organized crime, and all the while, Finlay is still trying to write her book.

This latest book opens with Finlay learning that someone out there actually wants to murder her ex-husband. As much as she hates Stephen, she doesn’t want her kids to lose their Dad and so she makes it her mission to find out who is responsible and convince them to call off the hit. This sends her on a dangerous yet surprisingly comical adventure, full of twists and turns, that takes her, amongst other places, way closer to the Russian mob than she would ever wish to be.

It’s hard to talk about details from the story without spoilers and I definitely don’t want to spoil the plot as it pertains to her ex-husband. I’ll just say that I adore Finlay. She’s sarcastic and funny, quirky as heck and very resourceful, and she has clearly learned a lot from writing her crime thrillers. It impresses me how she and her roommate/nanny, Vero, constantly get themselves into dangerous and often ridiculous predicaments, but somehow always manage to get themselves right back out of trouble. I’m also a big fan of Vero and was pleased that we got to learn a bit more about her in this book.

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead is well-plotted and fast-paced, so much so that I flew through the book in just a couple of sittings. The Finlay Donovan series may involve serious topics like murder-for-hire and organized crime, but it’s truly one of the funniest and most entertaining series I’ve ever read. I really hope there will be more books in this series because I need more of Finlay and Vero. What a team they are!

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is the second book in Elle Cosimano's ultra-modern and uber-witty Finlay Donovan Cozy Mystery series. I fell in love with Finlay and her best friend/nanny, Vero, when I read Finlay Donovan Is Killing It last year.

The humor was spot on for me and the storyline entertaining from beginning-to-end. Going into this installment, I didn't even read the synopsis. Frankly, I didn't care what they were up to, I just wanted to be back with these characters. Unsurprisingly, I found this second book to be just as fun as the first. I also feel even more attached to Finlay and Vero now. We've been through so much together.

After the contract killer fiasco of book one, you would think that horrendous and dangerous chapter in Finlay's life would be ancient history. Alas, it is not. Now she fears someone may have put a hit out on her ex-husband, Steven. Granted, he's pretty terrible, but her children are with him a lot and they love him. She needs to keep him safe.

As if that weren't stressful enough, she also has her literary agent breathing down her neck wanting her next book, as well as two handsome, eligible-men circling her like sharks. Finlay's life is non-stop chaos and I'm telling you, it is so much fun to go along for the ride!

Reading through Finlay's perspective is hilarious. She has such a dry, matter of fact way of relaying what's on her mind. You can tell she is a Mom who is juggling a lot. She doesn't have time to beat around the bush. I love her relationship with Vero. Even though they were sort of thrust together, they're committed to one another and I love that type of unconditional friendship.

I have no idea how many books are currently slated to be in this series, but you better believe I will be picking up every single one. I am personally hoping for maybe ten or twenty...

Thank you so much to the publisher, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I love this series with my whole heart. If you haven't picked the first book up yet, now is the time to do so!!

Not every book can hit back to back home runs but trust this reader, Finlay Donovan is back and it's another fantastic read. It was so good that I wasn't bothered by being snowed in and dealing with Covid isolation. I was having a blast with Finlay and her sidekick, Vero. They have another mess to sort out. Somebody in a woman's forum has, pretty much, put out a contract on her ex, Steven. Now, he is a jerk, and so much worse but he loves his two children and what he lacks as a decent human being he makes up for as a father. If Finlay and Vero can't figure this mess out, there goes Steven.
From the first chapter with the goldfish to the very end I was hooked. The laughs kept coming and I finished it all too soon. I want the third book now if not sooner, this series is that good.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I am sold and totally in love with the character of Finlay Donovan. The second installment in the series is full of the same fun and excitement and resumes the story where book one ends. In a way, Finlay reminds me of Stephanie Plum in how she has a complicated romantic life and stumbles into clues. I enjoy this series very much! Highly recommend.

Definitely enjoyed this second book in this series. I enjoyed getting back to reading about Finlay and Vero. I love them together and seeing what they are up to next. The story had so much going on. So much drama and suspense. Each chapter had something going on which was good and kept the book entertaining. Now for this one leading off from book one, someone is after her ex Husband Steven and Finlay is determined to find out who is behind the person wanting to kill her ex. Finlay goes through so many different things and situations in this book and makes many mistakes along the way but at least she had Vero on her side the whole way! And not only does Finlay deal with all the ex husband drama, she also has to deal with two lovers. Julian and Nick. Both are after her yet she cant make up her mind. Clearly Nick wants her but I dont think Finlay likes him as much as he likes her. Definitely a good read. I think many will enjoy this one just as much as the first book.

Finlay and Vero are back at it! Picking up where book 1 left off, our favorite duo are still getting into shenanigans. At the end of the first book, Finlay discovers that someone wants to kill Steven, her ex husband. Now Finlay and Vero are trying to figure out who wants this and also why.

Finlay has a knack for always being in the wrong place at the right time. She is great at finding clues almost by accident. I love that the Russians are back and even bigger. I was happy Finlay got to wear some wigs!

This has the same style as the first book and Finlay is still bouncing between Julian, the young stud lawyer, and Nick, the handsome cop. I love her romantic life, even with juggling two small kids. She’s also finishing another book for her agent and it’s pretty close to her real life story. We learn more about Vero, but it also gives us more questions about her.

We didn’t clear up everything in this book, which makes me think there’s a book 3! I love this series and would definitely keep reading for Vero alone! Their friendship is hysterical and so genuine.

Thank you to @minotaur_books and @ellecosimano for my gifted copy. Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead is out Feb 1!

It’s hard to read a sequel and not compare it to the first. And I LOVED the first book, but the second was also so great! While lacking as much humor and romance as the first, it gave us MORE mystery and thrill. I loved the continuation of the love triangle even though it lacked the steam we were previously used to in book 1.
The entanglement of all of the thrill and crime happening is mind boggling that Elle was able to wrap it up so nicely! I loved how some characters that you wouldn’t expect to do much ended up being major players in the story! The ending made me laugh out loud at the Christmas dinner scene… I never saw that one coming, but also what a hilarious mix up! Way to go Elle! I loved this one.

Finlay and Vero are back at it! Picking up where book 1 left off, our favorite duo are still getting into shenanigans. At the end of the first book, Finlay discovers that someone wants to kill Steven, her ex husband. Now Finlay and Vero are trying to figure out who wants this and also why.

Finlay has a knack for always being in the wrong place at the right time. She is great at finding clues almost by accident. I love that the Russians are back and even bigger. I was happy Finlay got to wear some wigs!

This has the same style as the first book and Finlay is still bouncing between Julian, the young stud lawyer, and Nick, the handsome cop. I love her romantic life, even with juggling two small kids. She’s also finishing another book for her agent and it’s pretty close to her real life story. We learn more about Vero, but it also gives us more questions about her.

We didn’t clear up everything in this book, which makes me think there’s a book 3! I love this series and would definitely keep reading for Vero alone! Their friendship is hysterical and so genuine.

Thank you to @minotaur_books and @ellecosimano for my gifted copy. Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead is out Feb 1!

I loved this book and the first book so much. Finlay and Vero are just the best. I also got the audio to these because these characters are just so much fun.

Watch my live interview with Elle: https://amazon.com/live/broadcast/4911c521-8de5-4037-bf80-3f96b19127fc?ref=social&tag=erinmbransco-20&linkCode=ilv

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

Author Finlay Donovan and her live in sitter/BFF Vero once again get involved in a hitman for hire scenario, this time for her ex-husband Steven. I enjoyed the second Finlay novel slightly more than the first one.

—Coming Soon Book Review—
Title: Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead
Author: Elle Cosimano
Publisher: Minotaur Books
@minotaur_books
Genre: Humorous Fiction/Women Sleuths

Do you need a binge-able book!? Well, look no further then Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead. Finlay is back with her side kick Vero and it felt like I was back on a certain big orange couch seated around friends. I will admit while I did binge this in 24 hours it did take me a little bit to get back into the story. I was worried that after a whole year had gone by I wasn’t remembering some of the characters. But really it was just the names. And mostly secondary characters like the the ex-girlfriend. The Russian Mob. The detectives…

So if you remember the end of Finlay Donovan # 1, Finlay and her babysitter, Vero, got away with mayhem. And letssss just leave it at that! Except she receives word that someone wants her ex-husband Steven dead! Steven may be crap to her, but he’s still her children’s father. Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead is all about the antics to keep Steven safe. I do not want to give any spoilers away. It’s more fun that way. There are also secrets that Vero is keeping and a little bit of a love triangle for Finlay. Detective Nick Anthony is determined!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 This book was so much fun! Please keep this series going! Minotaur do no let me down!!! Finlay Donovan is the modern day Stephanie Plum. And I’m not made about that.

Thank you to the publisher @minotaur_books for honoring my request to read and review via @netgalley This one comes out this Tuesday February 1st and I highly, highly recommend you add this to your #tbr #tbrpile

This book was an absolute disaster in the best possible way. I couldn’t believe how many things went wrong for poor Finlay! I loved the mystery in this one and could not put it down. The love triangle that Finlay found herself in on top of everything else also added a cute layer to the plot which is always something I’m looking for.
Finlay and Vero are such a dynamic duo, they’re so funny and relatable and I love their relationship. Everyone needs an accountant/babysitter/BFF who has their back this way!
The ending of this book really sealed the deal for me. It was so unpredictable how everything came together and similar to the first book, the last line has been dying for the next one!
I loved the first book in this series and this one was just as good.Definitely pick it up before this one - the story is so much better with all of the background you’ll get there first!

Finlay Donovan returns in the newest installment of Elle Cosimano’s hilarious series. As she tries to prevent her ex-husband’s murder, write the hit novel her agent is demanding, keep her tiny humans somewhat safe and healthy, AND figure out which of the two hot guys pursuing her she wants to sleep with more, she somehow manages to dig herself into one nail-biting misunderstanding after another. Partnered up with her live-in nanny and best friend, Vero, these two are non-stop fun, laughter, and intrigue.

This book, just like its predecessor, was great. Cosimano is clever and witty. Vero and Finlay are the best friends I never knew I needed. Even the secondary characters are developed well. Finlay’s love interests, Nick and Julian, her ex-husband, Steven, even her mom - all well-done and so much fun.

This comes out Feb. 1, 2021 and I would advise grabbing a copy for a quick weekend read. I can’t wait for the third book!

Thanks to Elle Cosimano, St. Martin’s press and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.

I cannot say enough good things about Finlay Donovan! I am so, so happy to say that Finlay Donovan Knocks "Em Dead is just as good, if not better, than the first! The story picks up where Finlay Donovan Is Killing It leaves off, when Finlay and Vero discover that Steven has a hit out on him. Finlay might not love Steven anymore, but she's worried about the father of her children, and their safety when the kids are with him. Finlay and Vero set out to solve the mystery of who wants Steven dead, and their usual antics ensue. Finlay juggles writing her next book, her complicated love life, and Vero seems to be keeping a secret (or two). I love the friendship these two share, the slightly over the top shenanigans, and doses of suspense throughout the story. Cannot wait to see if Finlay strikes again!

I tried to read this book but I couldn’t get into it. Finlay is not likable at all and I felt like she complained too much. I ended up not finishing the book. I even tried the audiobook and couldn’t get into it.

This was a nice sequel to the first and had lots of twists and turns. Some of the events were almost too unbelievable even with suspending my disbelief. I missed hearing about the kids and felt like they just kept getting shuffled around. Overall, it was good and I look forward to the next one.