I was SO excited to get this eARC after absolutely LOVING Finlay Donovan is Killing It! This book absolutely did not disappoint. I really enjoyed getting more of Finlay and Vero's crazy adventures and them dealing with the new life they had stumbled into. I will say that this book felt a little slower than the first, but still full of nail biting suspense and laugh out loud moments. I loved getting a little more of Vero's story as well as some of the other new character developments throughout the story. I hope to get to read more of their story in the future!

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy to read in advance! FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS 'EM DEAD was another fun installment in this series, and I can't wait to see where these two heroines go next! Keep your eye out for this book which publishes on February 1, 2022!

Finlay Donovan is struggling to write her next book, and has found a post on a forum issuing a contract kill on her ex-husband Steven. She and Vero take matters into their own hands to find out who issued the hit and stop the contract from being fulfilled. This decision brings back some of our favorite characters, as well as some unsavory ones. Can Finlay and Vero keep one step ahead of both the mob and the cops?

Dynamic duo Finlay and Vero are back for round two! The first book was such a fun read, that I was really excited for a chance to read the second. The characters of Finlay and Vero keep a lot of their endearing behaviors, and I was pleased that no one drastically changed. And I was very excited that we do get to learn a little more about Vero. There were moments that had me chuckling as I read, although maybe not quite as much as the first. I really enjoyed the storyline even with some of the darker humor elements the author included. Finally, the twist at the end was a little off for me, but not enough that it spoiled the book. I would read a third installment if there was one, and would recommend this to someone looking for a funny, light, palate-cleanser type of read.

It's also important to note the fantastic job Elle Cosimano does at recapping FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT in the beginning of this book! It was very helpful as it has been several months since reading the first one. If you choose to skip FINALY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT and read this as a stand alone novel (first off, why???), I personally feel like you would probably miss some of the jokes and character development.

CW: sex, divorce, language, dead bodies

If I could spend all my time in the world and words of Finlay Donovan, I would! I just love this story line and these characters so much.

I was eagerly awaiting this book, and it did not disappoint. Compared to the first book in this series, there are of course slightly less hilarious, accidental mishaps on Finlay’s part, but I think that just comes from her newfound experience and confidence in herself as a mother, writer and expert assassin.

This plot also felt more complicated, I think mainly due to Finlay’s actions resulting out of mainly intentional purposes rather than the continuous accidents of the first book. It was still easy to keep up with, and it was just as easy to fall in love with the love interest!

I also really appreciate the way the open ending was set up, and the more I thought about it, the more the identity of FedUp hilariously made sense in the world of Finlay.

I highly recommend this series!

Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book will be published on 2/1/22

I finished this book early on the morning of my 30th birthday and cannot think of a better book to kick off this next year of my life with.

Elle Cosimano sucessfully created one of the most endearing casts I've ever read with the Finlay Donovan series. The chemistry is remarkable and compelling from start to finish. Finlay, you are my favorite. I want to be your best friend, I want to solve mysteries with you, but realistically, I want to read every book ever written about you! While the storyline itself feels a liiiittle far fetched for my suburban stay at home mom life, the people in this book feel 100% real, and that's what matters to me.

From start to finish I was equally cracking up and enthralled with this masterpiece. I was so invested in every aspect of the storyline and also felt that Cosimano wrapped up JUST ENOUGH to make it satisfying, but also left enough loose ends that we NEED book three!

All in all, this book knocked me dead. I love it and want to read the first again just so I can fall in love with Finlay all over again! Pick up your copy when it releases in February, you won't regret it!

I wish nothing more than for NetGalley and GoodReads to provide half star ratings, because this would've been a solid 4.5 for me. Alas, while I really really loved it, there were just a few... plot and consistency/congruency issues (?) that I couldn't overlook, so we're going with the 4, but know it's really a 4.5.

Our favorite mess-of-a-life mystery writer, sometimes contract killer, queen is back in book two of this trilogy. Finlay is so much more enjoyable in this second book versus the first. While she's still a bit of a mess, she seems to have more confidence, takes control of things a bit more, and just all in all was a more enjoyable mind to be in this time around.

FInlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is funny, quick paced (much more than book one, I didn't feel any lags in pacing), and a wild damn ride. I absolutely loved the ending when we find out who actually put the hit out on Steven because - without giving anything away - it's honestly so believable.

What I'm mostly left with now is how much more I need to know about Vero. I've had questions about that one since day one, and while I love her, I can't help but feel she is super sus. Also, Julian. Julian feels sus to me as well. And here lies some of the congruency issues. Aside from the agent demanding 20,000 words of a novel from her client within a weekend (I think, the timeline got a little muddled for me to be completely honest, another negative), which as a writer feels super unrealistic, I worry that there are undertones being brought up that will never actually amount to anything. I worry that the foreboding will not come to light and I'll be left feeling a bit... disappointed. However, we have another book still, and I am eagerly awaiting it's arrival!

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur books for this eARC of Finlay Donovan Knocks 'em Dead; highly recommend!!

I was lucky enough to receive a physical copy of this book and I loved the first Finlay book so much! This one was a very fun read. It followed Finley and Vero as they try to figure out who put a hit on Steve, Finley's x-husband. And oh boy there were some hijinks in this book! It was funny, clever, and also suspenseful here and there. Was it a bit over the top? Absolutely. But I expected it because the concept of this book is just hilarious. So if you go into it realizing it is not a standard thriller you will definitely enjoy it. It did seem like Vero and Finlay were not phased by anything in this book which was a bit surprising to me. I am definitely excited to see where things go. And I am 100% team Nick.

The first Finlay Donovan book has easily been one of my favorite stories- not just of 2020 but of all time. The second did not disappoint. Elle Cosimano's writing is so engaging and funny. Finlay and Vero, ever the unlikely duo, came together so well in this book. I loved the deeper dive into Vero's life and history. I wanted even more! And Julian. Sigh. I'm happy with the way that played out and glad that Finn got her some of his biscuits. Speaking of biiscits- the tension between Finn and Nick is KILLING me. I'm ready for a spicy scene in book 3, Elle. Because who wouldn't want a single mom in her thirties with 0art of a thawing dead body in her washing machine? 😏 Absolutely knocks me dead. Finlay for the win!

Elle Cosimano is the queen of cliffhangers, and I need more of this series all the time, forever. With that ending of book 1 (Finlay Donovan is Killing It) making me want access to book 2 IMMEDIATELY, and so I was thrilled to be asked to read an advance reader's copy as the story continued.

Much like the first title, the relationships of the characters, especially Finlay + Vero, were incredible. I could not get enough of how the happenings kept the story moving, while tying up the little details in the most surprising, fun, and twisty ways. At the core of it all, Finlay was still writing a novel (the post-it notes that she used to tie together a pitch were everything for me) and still managed to take care of her kids - even as she was caught in a love triangle that any romance reader would be jealous of, caught up in a web of crime that just keeps getting more and more involved.

Will someone manage to kill her ex-husband? Or will she & Vero figure out who's placing the hit and take them down before it's too late?

This one will keep you guessing until the very end, full of humor and fun that makes the build-up to each event that much more worth the wait! Pick this one up if you're someone who loves to read cross-genre titles, that knows how to blend suspense, romance, and women's fiction all in one staring a mom who would do anything for their children (even if it means keeping your ex-husband alive) with a partner in crime who not only helps you get through the break-up but helps you bury the body when needed.

Cheers to another great book from Elle Cosimano, thanks to the author herself and Minotaur Books for my ARC, and allowing me to read and review this one, a 4.5 star read for me and a fantastic follow up! I'm already looking forward to book 3, and impatiently awaiting news on it hitting the big screen.

I loved this story so much! This author pulled me right in from the beginning and I felt I just couldn't put this down. I loved the main character and how much personality there was throughout. Definitely will be recommending this one to my friends!

Finlay Donovan is Killing It was one of my favourite books this year so this was certainly one of my most anticipated reads! While I do believe it was lacking of little of the magic from the first one, it was still such a fun, refreshing and lighthearted mystery thriller that I couldn’t put down!

I devoured the book in a day and was totally engaged throughout! I relished in the witty and smart dialogue and premise and can’t wait to see what Cosimano does next! I’m hoping for many more adventures with Finlay and Vero and I’m anxiously awaiting the TV show adaptation!

Finlay Donovan is back and this time she is trying to help her ex-husband, who is wanted dead by someone.

Like the first Finlay Donavan book, Knocks "Em Dead is fun and fast-paced, making it a great book for a lazy weekend. Starting off with a quick start, the story twists and turns through plenty of suspense and mystery.

My only complaint with the book is that it seemed to get bogged down with secondary characters, making it hard for me to keep track of who was who. I would have much preferred a narrower reach on who was in the book.

The story did wrap up nice and neatly, and of course, all is well in Finlay's world....maybe...

Another wonderful story by Elle Cosimano. Finlay Donovan is back, and the stakes are even higher with her ex husband in the crosshairs of a killer. Finlay juggles motherhood, dating, writing a new book, and saving her ex husband with all the grace she’s known for….which isn’t a whole lot. I loved this continuation, it had all the humor of the first, but with the same pressures and stresses that make me relate to the single mom just trying to make it. Read this novel if you are a fan of Stephanie Plum, mystery, humor, and romance.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It was one of my favorite books of the year - it was chaotic, hilarious, stress inducing and just so much fun. I wanted to be BFFs with Finlay and Vero, and at the same time it made me feel like I really have my life together. I have been anxiously awaiting the sequel since I finished the first and while I did like this one, I think my expectations may have been unfairly high going in.

This book picks up where the last one ended - with that crazy cliffhanger!! And while I expect nothing but chaos from Finlay and this definitely delivers, I wish there was a little more method to the madness. It felt discombobulated but in a way that had me saying, “Wait, what?” a bit too often. This book felt rushed and more like it was setting up a much longer future series (which, like, YAY!) than a standalone book on its own.

The ending of the first led to two main questions that Finlay was trying to answer in this book, and by the end, we had an answer to…half of one of those questions, which was a bit unsatisfying. We definitely got some good Finlay/Vero time, which I always love, but holes were poked in Vero’s past that I was DYING for answers to and we didn’t get them in this book. I was also excited to see the love triangle between Finlay, hot lawyer Julian and hot cop Nick pick back up, but there wasn’t too much progression (though Nick’s dimples made quite a few appearances). Even despite all this, I think what this book was missing the most compared to the first was the comedy to balance it out. I laughed so much in the first, but Finlay started this book stressed and ended this book stressed and there were very few funny parts - even Delia wasn’t in this book as much.

I do still recommend this book - it’s a wild ride and I love Finlay and Vero. My advice is just to lower your expectations a bit going into this one. Now I just can’t wait til book THREE for some answers!!

Finlay Donovan is Killing It is in my top 5 favorite books of 2021, and the sequel, Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead was a perfect addition to the storyline.

This has to be one of the most amusing book series ever. Is it super far fetched? Totally. BUT IT IS SO AMUSING!

I highly recommend these books to anyone who wants to laugh, gasp, and meet some truly unforgettable characters. I’m crossing my fingers for a third book, because I truly can’t get enough of Finlay, Vero, and their shenanigans.

Finley Donavon is a minor writer who is also a struggling single mother with money problems, a annoying ex and writer's block. She's stressed and becoming desperate. A chance encounter and misunderstanding opens a door to a lucrative job as a hit woman. Will she do it? It's a fun path to see how it resolves. Finley and her sidekick/nanny attempt to manage the crisis, resulting in a light mystery story and a lot of humor. It's a quick fun read.

Hilarious! I'm looking for more from Elle Cosimano. I do wish I'd read the first one first, but this is definitely OK on its own.

Another quick page-turner in the Finlay Donovan series- and based on the ending, I think we’re getting a third book! I enjoyed this one just as much as the first. It’s full of hijinks as Finlay and Vero attempt to protect Finlay’s ex-husband after an anonymous user posts a $100k reward in an online forum for Steven’s murder. You’ll breeze through this book, it’s perfect when you need a light read with some humor and mystery.

3.5 ☆ rounded up

"Never go back to the scene of the crime. It's simple common sense if you want to get away with murder. Right up there with don't wrap a corpse in your shower curtain, don't buy four gallons of bleach and a shovel with your credit card and don't keep a chest freezer in your garage."

For Finlay Donovan, an author of romantic suspense novels, these truisms are child's play. After the harrowing events one month earlier in Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, Finlay is keen on lying low and having her life return to some level of normalcy. Single mother of a 5-year old and a toddler, Finlay is fending off her cheating ex-husband Steven's attempt to win more custody time with their children.

It's now Thanksgiving. Her agent's pleasure with Finlay's first novel about a female assassin just makes her more eager about pressuring Finlay to complete the sequel. If only Finlay didn't have a case of writer's block.

Maybe real life will once again provide inspiration as Finlay now has first-hand experience with being a hired killer. After all, Steven's philandering has created many disgruntled women, and one of them appears to be motivated enough to offer $100,000 to eliminate Steven.

Then there's Feliks Zhirov, the Russian mobster, with tangential connections to Steven. Zhirov may be in jail pending trial, but he's still capable of manipulating situations. And Finlay's creativity captured his attention when it would have been better not to appear anywhere on his radar.

"I'm not the luckiest person in the world, and I know better than to assume the dead didn't come back to haunt you."

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead can be read as a standalone as the author alludes to events in the earlier book. But as this installment includes most of the key characters from the first novel, it would be better to read the two books in their chronological order.

If you have read the first novel, then you'll likely be struck by the change in tone. I didn't find this as funny as the first. The first 40 percent seemed slow to build up any suspense. But in the last 40 percent, the plot felt like a very fast-moving shell game and I was swept up by the sleights of hand. This is a positive observation because I didn't anticipate any of the major plot developments. At times though Finlay's decisions reminded me of an "I Love Lucy" caper because I could see that Finlay was digging herself into a deeper hole. So while I was hoping that Finlay would prevail, I was also chiding her for some of her decisions. This author wrote an unusual combination of occasionally over-the-top comical moments coupled with messy endings that characterize real life. It's a strong enough lure for me to want to read future installments.

Thank you to the author, Minotaur Books (an imprint of St. Martin's Publishing Group), and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC. My review reflects my candid assessment and feelings. Quotations in this review are from an uncorrected proof (ISBN 9781250242198) and may differ from the final version. Publication date is February 1, 2022

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for allowing to read and review this ARC.

I'm always hesitant to read sequels to books I adore because rarely do they live up to the hype. But, holy cow! I was immediately sucked back into Finlay's world and binged this book. Finlay's story is relatable, humorous, and sticky. I was actually sad when I finished, knowing I would have to wait for the rest of the story.

Finlay is the heroine we all need. A mom who is just doing her best.

*Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I'm giving this 3.5 stars because it's just as enjoyable as the first Finlay Donovan, but some of the plot is a little hard to follow. It was fun revisiting Finlay and Vero's antics, and the nature of this series is that you have to suspend reality. However, I felt like there was too much going on at times. Quite a few of the characters from the first book are involved in this book's plot, and it took me a while to remember who was who. Overall, it's a fun read, but make sure you've read the first book or you'll be totally lost.