I am at a loss for words thinking about the reading experience I just had while reading this incredible sequel! Finlay Donovan Kocks 'Em Dead does not miss a beat from where the first one left off and we dive deeper into Finlay's world and what she has gotten herself into. I could not put this book down! Elle Cosimano's writing is so engaging, thrilling, and keeps you wanting more. This book is by far one of the best I've read this year and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

I won't give so much away because this won't be released until January, but I'll just say my general thoughts.

Finlay is one strong person to do whatever it takes to keep Steven alive because some people wouldn't care if someone wanted their husband dead. But what made me so mad was the way Steven kept treating her regardless just because she had moved on. He wanted her to still be single and never date. Also, she was furious that she was between seeing a young law student who's a bartender and a hot detective. Even though he cheated on her and divorced her.

Vero had some drama of herself but a small percentage, but I think it was nice to read and include it. Because Steven kept getting mad at Finlay over Vero's involvement, but as Finlay kept saying, she's family. As a reader, we saw how much they viewed each other as family and solidified their friendship.

I just hope that Finlay gains the confidence that she deserves. She's a great writer, even if she wrote her novels about the hit jobs she was involved in. She's a badass mom, friend, and ex-wife that just tries to do her best and do what needs to be done.

I'm excited to get my hands on the physical copy when it releases. Also, please let Finlay end up with Nick at the end of the series cause they're just so great together.

Finlay Donovan Knocks "Em Dead is a fun, fast-paced sequel. The twists and turns keep the story moving forward at a fast pace. The story picks up shortly after the first book ended. Finlay is still a bit of a mess trying to juggle her writing and being a single mother. Of course, now she has a few shady connections. When Finlay finds out that there might be a hit on her ex-husband, she understandably doesn't want her young children spending time with him. In true Finlay fashion, she is determined to keep her kids safe by finding out who placed the hit and having them call it off. Some of the best parts of the story are the pretty crazy situations Finlay happens into and out of.

I would recommend reading the first book in the series to get to know all the players in the mystery. There are a lot of them and most carry over from the first book. I liked building on previous characters and character relationships because it gave the story some extra depth.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the arc. This is my honest reveiw.

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. I have read the first book in this series "Finlay Donovan is Killing It" and enjoyed it immensely, so I was super excited to get the ARC of book #2! It begins a little while after the first book ends and this time romantic suspense author and single mother Finlay discovers by accident that there's a kill hit put on her ex-husband. In order to protect her two young children, she and her lovable nanny/best friend Vero find themselves engaging online with the anonymous person who wants her ex dead. He is a player and not very likeable, so the list of potential suspects is very long.
In the meantime Finlay is working on the deadline for her next book, while also juggling the demands of motherhood and new relationships with two potential love interests. Also her past accidental dealings with a Russian mob from the first book are catching up with her again. Highly recommend you read the first book in the series to keep the flow of the story. This second book leaves off with a cliffhanger, which means there will be more to the series. I can't wait! Finlay and Vero's madcap adventures are so entertaining. In fact, all of the characters are engaging and the plot is fast-paced and a rollercoaster ride of good fun.

It has been a few months since Finlay was mistaken as a hit woman at her local Panera, but lately, Finlay and her sidekick Vero are up to their usual hijinks.

In this highly anticipated sequel to Finlay Donovan is Killing It, Finlay and Vero are trying to figure out who who is attempting to kill her ex-husband all while Finlay is struggling to get her next book over to her publisher.

The twists and turns kept coming in this hilarious book. The over-the-top plot line and characters made this a quick and fun read that kept me guessing until the end.

Mark your calendars! Finlay returns February 1, 2022!

I struggled with the first book, mostly because I didn't know what genre to put that one in. Was it humor? Mystery? Thriller?

This second installment in the Finlay Donovan series was a much better hit for me. I am rating it 4.5 stars. I loved how the characters seemed more developed this time around along with the plot. This book had me trying to sneak times to read. Lunchtime with the kiddos? Sneak a few pages. Everyone asleep... There I was with the light of my Kindle.

The only thing that was frustrating to me was Vero. She is a character that is growing on me but at the same time frustrating. I was hoping the author would do more with her story especially because we are given these quick glimpses of unease. Who is Vero really?

Overall, excellent read that kept me up at night.

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano
I loved returning to Finlay's world and this is just such a fun series. Finlay is a bit of a disaster and once again finds herself in some precarious situations! But, she is highly relatable and I loved seeing how she digs herself out of some of the holes she's gotten into. Vero is the best side kick / best friend, ride or die and I laughed out loud several times at her quick zingers. This is a fast paced plot and read in two quick sittings. While this storyline is a bit over the top, you just go with it and enjoyed this one SO much. I cannot wait until the third!

I was concerned I wouldn't like the follow up as much as I enjoyed the first book, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, however it was equally enjoyable. This book picks up right where the first one ends, so if you haven't read it recently and can be a little confusing as to what's going on. This is an intelligent cozy mystery with a main character who gets herself into pretty ridiculous situations that stretch credibility but it's all in good fun. My only quibble with the second book is that the plot sometimes becomes so convoluted that the two main characters often discuss between each what's going on and it feels like it's more for the benefit of the confused reader.

Finlay Donovan seems to attract trouble. In the follow-up to Finlay Donovan is Killing It, someone wants her ex-husband dead. Unwilling to accept the possibility of her children growing up without a father, Finlay is determined to ensure he isn't killed, but that means throwing herself into a world of hit-women and the Russian mob... again.

Can Finlay keep her ex-husband alive, figure out her love life, AND finish her next novel? There's only one way to found out... read this book!

I will keep reading about Finlay and Vero as long as Elle Cosimano keeps writing about them!

I read the first Finlay Donovan back in January and it was such a fun read; and I was very excited that I got an early release of Book #2!
Finlay Donovan has an offer on her first novel but now it struggling with writer’s block. She is a suspense novelist, a single mom and has Vero the nanny for help who is sort of an accomplice.
Note: In my review of Book #1, I commented that these characters reminded me of the Stephanie Plum, ‘Bounty Hunter’ series and her group of crazies. Story totally had me laughing out loud.

This story continues with most of the same characters ~ yep including Nick, the hot police office and in this story we also have Julian the young yummy law student.

Although I didn’t laugh out as much, it was a fun read and I certainly am looking forward to Book 3.
Anxious to see what Finn, Vero and friends are doing next.

Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur Books for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 1, 2022

Finlay Donovan is back and her life is chaos in progress. She's in the middle of a sticky custody battle, barely covering the bills and was accidentally confused as a hit woman. Now, instead of working to cover up her involvement in assassination, she's working to keep one from happening - her ex-husband.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead keeps drawing you in to Finlay's crazy but just believable life. From the hot cop to the sexy law student, Vero and Finlay caused hijinks and one very expensive car, this book has all the charm and charisma as the first book. While the second book doesn't have quite the same page-turner quality as the first, you will still love it. You can't help but get engrossed in Finlay's life and her relationships with the people close to her. The shenanigans will have you exasperated (in a good way) and wishing you had a hot cop of your own.

If you're looking for an easy read to pair well with a glass of red wine this is it.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano is her follow-up novel to the wildly hilarious Finlay Donovan is Killing It..

"Finlay is again struggling to finish her next novel and to keep her head above water as a single mom of two. She does have her live-in nanny and confidant, Vero, to rely on. She discovers in an online women's forum that someone wants her ex-husband dead. As much as she dislikes him, she doesn't want her children to be without their father. Vero is keeping secrets and Detective Nick is trying to get back into her life.
Finlay just wants to finish her book and find the killer without anyone getting killed."

I love the character of Finlay. We can all relate to those moments where life is overwhelming - the car won't work, the checking account is low, and life is just stressful. But Finlay pushes through all of her problems (with Vero's help) and finds a way to make things work. And EC puts her in some crazy situations. There are so many hilarious moments here - especially with Carl.

I like that Cosimano gives us more depth with these characters. It's great to find out more about Vero and Julian.

Another great story from Cosimano. Finlay Donovan has become one of my favorite fictional characters.

I was more than happy to dive back into the adventures of Finlay and Vero after loving "Finlay Donovan Is Killing It." The continuation of their mishaps gets off to a wild start in "Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead." To be honest, reading them back to back would have been preferable as I had forgotten some of the characters and storylines from the first book I read a few months ago.

Nevertheless, I quickly found myself along for the ride and invested in Finlay's quest to uncover who ordered the hit on her ex-husband Steven. While doing her best to keep him safe as well as her children, Finlay once again finds herself unwittingly wrapped up in crime boss Felix Zhirov's world despite him being behind bars. As if that isn't enough to deal with, her live-in nanny and confidant Vero is keeping secrets, Detective Nick Anthony is intent on being in her life and her casual fling with law student Julian is more casual than she'd really like.

I loved the fast-paced story and the unlikely heroine I found myself relating to. Despite the mistakes she makes and holes she keeps digging herself into, Finlay is a loyal friend, talented writer, strong mother and problem-solver with incredible instincts. We need more main characters like Finlay depicted in books - while we may not have buried a body, I think we have all faced similar struggles and relied on the "Vero" in our life to help us through it.

FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS EM DEAD by Elle Cosimano

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks for the gifted copy @minotaur_books & @netgalley! I had the most fun discussing this one with @the_afterword & @ktreadsandwines. 🥰

This was one of my most anticipated sequels & I read it as soon as my NetGalley approval email hit my inbox. I ADORED Finlay Donovan is Killing It so my expectations and excitement were high.

I can’t pinpoint why, but I just didn’t enjoy this one quite as much, though it was still an extremely enjoyable read. I flew through this one, just like the first, but some of the storyline was even more absurd, if that’s even possible, and it just didn’t all land with me.

I still loved the relationship between Finlay & Vero, the drama with Steven and the romance with Nick & Julian. I laughed just as much as the first, which was nice.

Unlike most sequels, this one basically picks up right from where the first ended, which I really loved. The transition felt seamless. I do think you the reading experience would be more enjoyable by reading the first book first, so keep that in mind.

I really enjoyed this one but was left wanting more, so I’m glad it seems like they’ll be a third book! That twist at the end though 👀 - definitely didn’t see it coming!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Keep in mind that a three star rating does not mean I didn't enjoy the book. On the scale of Goodreads, it means that I liked it. In fact, I think I preferred this one to her first book, which I suppose would bump it up to a 3.5 for me, except Goodreads doesn't let me do anything by halves.

I felt like Finley has grown between the two books, and the things that I found more frustrating were less present in this book. (As was her beloved wig scarf. R.I.P.) I still feel like Finlay isn't entirely as fleshed out as I want her to be though, instead presenting as a vehicle for the reader to project themselves onto - kind of a mess, but loveable, and attractive enough to have three men into her, two of which are just A+ hot. This makes her less relatable to me because her flaws are just massaged into being part of her charm and not as actual flaws. (Ex. She just comes up with her writing on the fly and shoots it in barely edited, and her agent loves it and can't handle how good it is.) I do feel like Finlay doesn't always have appropriate reactions to things. (Ex. When Vero gambles away all of her money, so Finlay just forgives her and gives her the money she is getting from her next book.) That may also remove me from connecting with her as well.

However, the plot in this book is what keeps me interested. It's fast-paced, and I enjoyed how one thing moved on to the next. In fact, I devoured this one in almost no time at all over the weekend. It's a book that felt like a 'feel-good' read, because I took comfort in the fact that a bunch of wild things were going to happen, but they would all manage to be handled. (It somehow always seems to be, sometimes with an almost 'deus-ex-machina' type plot device that you just have to go along with to fully enjoy the book.) I never feel as if anyone is in true danger because things have always worked out for Finlay, and there's no foreseeable reason why they shouldn't, and whereas I could see how that might rub some the wrong way, I found it kind of nice.

With the cliffhanger at the end of this book, I'm very curious to see where the next one leads.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!! I recently finished the first book and when I found out the next book was on Netgalley !! I was so excited to see what Finlay had gotten herself into this time. As always, the characters are relatable and fun. The author does a great job weaving the story together and keeps you guessing about who did what the entire time. I never feel like I see it coming and am pleasantly surprised along the way. I love Finlay and her accidental ways of tumbling into situations and her love of family and friends. I find it hard to put these books down and enjoy every moment start to finish. I am anxiously awaiting another Finlay adventure!

A worthy second book in this wonderful series about a young woman who becomes a killer for hire. Funny with a great plot, I’m already looking forward to the third.

Okay, it's been almost a month since I finished Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead and while I'm still not fully recovered, I think I'm finally ready to write a review of this book. First, we must begin with establishing that I am obsessed with this series. Something about Elle Cosimano's writing is a step beyond captivating. She blends humor and mystery so incredibly well and has created a cast of characters who I'm deeply invested in learning more about. Now, let's focus in on this book as compared to the second...

Essentially, book two in the series picks up where the first left off. We know someone has put a hit out on [redacted] and [redacted] and [redacted] are trying to figure out what to do about it. There's also something weird happening with Vero. The love triangle progresses in the sense that I have solidified myself as Team Nick for no real reason other than I feel like reliving my Twilight days of choosing a team to be on. The mystery is just a little over the top, Finlay is still writing a book that is much too close to a confession, and I am very here for it.

In case you think that I'm exaggerating my love for this book, please know that I (a) screamed when I got the email that I received an ARC, (b) texted my friend in all caps to let her know, (c) downloaded it immediately, and (d) proceeded to read it at every free moment I had while traveling with my best friend. I stood in the SLOWEST coffee line of my life and couldn't even complain because I read 10% of the ARC while in it. Then Sheetz took FOREVER to give me my dinner and I made it to the epilogue. So obviously I then proceeded to sit in the parking lot in order to finish it before proceeding onto finish my ten hour drive home. Like... I loved this read. Is it as good as the first book? Maybe not, but I am telling you now, I am so wildly invested in this series that my heart will literally shatter when it comes to an end. (Unless we never resolve the love triangle. I am not here for a Stephanie Plum situation, okay?) Did I tell you enough about the book? Probably not, but truly, if you're looking for an addicting read, I highly recommend.

A follow up to the first book, though I found myself liking it less, I still liked Finlay's adventure. And I look forward to for number three!

I love Finlay and Vero! This book was just as fun as the first. The sleuthing duo are trying to solve the case of who put a hit out on Finlay's ex husband in an online forum. At the same time, Finlay is trying to juggle her two boyfriends, a cop and a lawyer, take care of her kids, handle her parents, and stay out of the way of Feliks Zhirov, a Russian mobster.

Whew! I loved all the twists and turns. There were a lot of pieces to this story and I sometimes got confused, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. The relationship between Finlay and Vero is so great. It's wonderful to see two women supporting each other and having each other's back. This is just a fun mystery that you can read and enjoy without having to think too hard. It's probably best if you read the first in the series before this as it does assume some prior knowledge.

I love that the ending left plenty of room for a third book. I can't wait to see what Finlay and Vero get up to next! Thanks @netgalley for the advance copy!