FInlay Donovan is back again!
This book was just as good as the first. Finlay and Vero get themselves wrapped up in another mess, and have to dig their way out.
After finishing the first book, and being left on a cliffhanger, I could not wait to dive into book two.
I enjoyed reading about the antics of Finlay and Vero, and all the side characters. I love the author's writing style, this book kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. I also enjoyed that the love triangle between Finlay, Julian, and Nick continued on into the second book.
This book ends on another cliffhanger, and you bet I will be anxiously awaiting reading the third book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this book before it was published in exchange for an honest review,

Last year’s Finlay Donovan Is Killing It was such an absurd, escapist read that I included it in my best books of 2021–it was so much fun! I was excited to read the second in this series about a divorced author who gets mistaken for a hit-woman. In this follow-up, Finlay learns that her ex-husband may be the target of a hit, and she has to stop it.

This one doesn’t disappoint, though it’s not quite as hilarious as the first–the author actually addresses the difficulty of writing comedy during the pandemic in her author’s note. Finlay and her sidekick, Vero, remain charming and bumbling, and the romances and even the crimes don’t feel too serious (a feat, considering some of the gruesome crimes in these books). I continue to think of this series as a fresh alternative to the Stephanie Plum series (my previous escapist go-to) and I hope there are more books to come.

I got to read an advanced copy of this, and honestly I was really nervous because Finlay Donovan is Killing It was one of my favorite books of 2021.

I’m so happy to say that this sequel did not disappoint. 🥳

I thought Elle did an excellent job in recapping the first story so you’re not lost.
I missed Finlay, Nick, and Vero. I think Vero is my favorite, sassy sidekick. She needs her own book. I love her.

Finlay is overheard discussing her new crime book, and a disgruntled wife believes she’s a hit woman for hire. Finlay gets involved in a MESS while she struggles to balance kids, work, and murder?!

Guys, I LOVE these books. I actually pre-ordered Finlay Donovan Knocks Em Dead because I want to support Elle. And I hope a third book is coming. Can I have it now? 🙏🏼

I highly recommend reading (and buying) BOTH of these gems.

Definitely a favorite for 2022

Xoxo hil

The second installment in the Finlay Donovan series is just as madcap as the first. Finlay has discovered that someone wants her ex-husband, Steven, dead. This leads to a series of adventures with Findlay’s friend, Vero, as they try to determine who is trying to hire a contract killer to kill Steven. Each situation is outlandish and hilarious.
You will find yourself rooting for Finlay at every turn. She has a good heart, and is a faithful friend. Finlay Donovan is the perfect heroine!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #ElleCosimano #FinlayDonovanKnocksEmDead

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

This upcoming sequel begins mere hours after the first book, with Finlay discovering an anonymous ad looking for a hit man to take care of her ex-husband Stephen. Hot mess antics, capers and sticky situations arise!

If you enjoyed Finlay Donovan is Killing It, you will enjoy this too! (Definitely read in order!). While the plot wasn’t all that twisty, Finlay certainly ends up in some outrageous situations that had me flipping pages and cringing. I didn’t find it as unputdownable or tension filled as the first book, but it’s a really quick and action-packed read. I thought the friendship between Finlay and Vero was a high point of the book, and I’m hoping we get to learn more of Vero’s story in book 3! I also appreciated that the humour was more subdued, which makes sense given the author’s note at the end about the difficulty of writing comedic mystery during the pandemic.

Overall, a really fun series, especially if you enjoy mystery/thriller but want something with levity & humour. I’ll definitely read a book 3 if that’s in the works. Pure escapist read. Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for a free e-arc. All opinions are my own. It is available Feb 1, 2022!

"From Edgar-Award nominee Elle Cosimano, comes Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead - the hilarious and heart-pounding follow-up to Finlay Donovan is Killing It.

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.

With her next book's deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn't a noose at the end of it..."

For everyone who read Finlay Donovan is Killing It and instantly wanted more.

I fell in love with the charm and humor of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, and this follow up continued the antics and quick paced drama that filled book one, leaving me hoping this series doesn’t see an end anytime soon.

Cosimano takes a divorcee, mistaken for an assassin, and twists in the Russian mafia, a love triangle, dead bodies, and murder attempts in a story that will keep you reading (and laughing) wondering just how Finlay and Vero will wiggle their way out of these obscene situations. While everything that happens helps drive the story to become a nonstop read, there’s definitely moments that verge on unbelievable, but that’s truly part of why I love this story; plus the fact it happens all around the area where I live (Northern Virginia).

I didn’t really see the tie up at the end coming and almost wanted to dislike how Cosimano choose to end it, but then I thought about it and it makes sense for the characters and gives us the chance to look forward to more crazy shenanigans in the next book.

It was a fun and a light distraction. Finlay with the help of her unapologetic sidekick Vero is on a wild adventure of trying to solve a crime, save her babies’ daddy, write a novel, and sort out her love life.

Finlay finds through an online forum that somebody is trying to hire a hitman/woman to kill her ex-husband. She is desperately trying to stop it from happening and in the process breaks a few laws, finds herself in disguise, caught in a web of lies, and once again charmed by Nick the hot detective. And for those that like to sniff out the steam in a book, don’t bother sniffing, this one is pretty PG and only reeks of dismembered body parts.

❗️You do need to read the first book to understand this once since it starts where the first story left off.

In conclusion,
If you are ok with suspending reality for a bit and just going with the flow, fully surrendering to a crazy plot line, give this series a go! If you loved the last one good chances are you will love this one.

Finlay Donovan's hot mess express is back at the station or the chat room in this comical mystery. "Knocks 'Em Dead" picks up right after the completion on "Killing It" with a hired hit on someone's life. This was an exciting and funny story of who did it and who's next. It never slows down in Finlay's life.

Liked the first Finlay Donovan (Killing It), loved the second (Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead) and can't wait for a third. I feel like the characters really found their footing and confidence in this book. Laughed out loud a couple times. I really recommend reading the first Finlay Donovan first before falling into Knocks 'Em Dead.

**Like Die Hard, I could argue this is a holiday or Christmas read**

Finlay and Vero are back and they are picking up right where they left off!

When Finlay discovers there’s a hit out for her ex-husband, her and Vero work to find out who has it out for him and apparently the list is long. But with the hit accepted and attempts at Steven’s life being made, the women know they must protect Steven if they want to keep Finlay’s kids safe. Discovering who put out the hit and who accepted it puts Finlay right back in the line of fire. Navigating a looming book deadline, more money problems, a love triangle, a dead body, and the mob proves to be challenging for Finlay and Vero and results in all sorts of shenanigans and let’s be honest, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Like the first book, this novel is funny and entertaining. It’s also wildly far fetched and over the top but ignoring those details, this is a super cute read. Finlay’s ridiculous disguises always made me chuckle and I felt like I could envision her in her get ups sauntering around town, breaking into prisons, and collaborating with mob bosses.

There was a lot of alluding to Vero’s problems and background and I wish that had been excluded or wrapped up a little better. I love Vero and want to get to know her better but it felt a little half done with loose ends. Though maybe there’s another book planned?

This would be tough to read as a stand-alone as it picks up right where the first novel finished so I would definitely recommend reading the first. There are lots of reminders about what happened so if it’s been a while, that shouldn’t be a problem.

If you loved Finlay Donovan is Killing It, I definitely recommend this one!

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy of this novel.

To be posted to my blog on 2/1/2022.

Wow. What a follow up. It is so rare to see a second novel act as such a natural continuation of the first & this one absolutely delivered. It was an absolute delight to read from start to finish - there was romance, mystery, suspense, heart, and a whole lot of creativity. I loved the first, I loved the second, and I know I’ll love the third. Superbly done.

FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS 'EM DEAD by Elle Cosimano

Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the e-arc!

SUMMARY:
Finlay is still struggling- for custody of her children, for financial stability, to write her newest book, to choose between her lawyer fwb and her cop bf, and with the mess she made with the Russian mob. (I want to leave it there, because I think that's a pretty solid summary... but I'll keep going). Someone has put a hit out on Steven, Finlay's ex husband, and Finlay and Vero, Finlay's accountant/babysitter/roommate/best friend, are going to stop it.

MY THOUGHTS:
Finlay's books are written with this comical thriller vibes that I've never read before. Elle Cosimano puts such a light feel to murder and bodies through Finlay's POV and humor.

I liked this one slightly more than the first in this series, and I think it's because I knew what to expect going in and it hasn't come out yet, so not as much time to hype it up (yet!)

I loved Vero & Finlay's adventures, but still am in shock at how they get away with it all and aren't paranoid all the time!?

I can't wait for the next book in the series, hanging on the edge of that cliff!

I love Elle Cosimano’s writing style. Her descriptions are so fresh and unique that it immediately draws me in regardless of the actual content of the story. I was excited to see what mishaps Finlay would get into this time, after she accidentally found herself hired for murder in her previous book.

I read a lot of thrillers and mysteries, so I like to think that I’m pretty good at following that kind of plot and picking up clues and threads throughout a narrative. In this book I was straight up confused though. There was so much going on and so many intertwining characters and storylines that I got frustrated trying to keep track of everything. As great as the writing was, the plot was so convoluted that it took away from a lot of my enjoyment of the story.

That being said, the juxtaposition of Finlay and her nanny caring for her kids and doing mundane activities while also being badass criminals is hilarious, unique, and well done.

Review to be posted closer to release date, and links added then.

Finlay is back!

Something unexpected happened! I liked the second book more than I liked the first one.
I think I was more in the mood for this kind of book. Funny, quick, and with a love triangle that I was 100% invested in. (I’m team Nick 100% btw)

This series reminds me so much of the show Dead To Me. It’s very unreal but fun and a very nice read to escape from reality a little bit.

4.5 stars

Oh, and I read the first book a long time ago so I wasn't sure I’d remember some details. Luckily, you don't have to remember every little thing from the first book. There’s a quick refresh in the first chapters.

I feel like the entire world read and fell in love with Finlay Donovan last year, and for good reason! I was so excited for this sequel and can't say thank you enough to @minotaur_books & @netgalley for the chance to read it early.

This one had all the same things I loved from the first novel. It was funny, had the mystery elements, some heartwarming moments, and the characters I absolutely loved.

Vero was one of my favorite parts of the first novel (because who doesn't need a Vero in their life?!), so I loved getting to see more of a glimpse into her life and who she was. You also get to see the friendship between Finlay and Vero develop. Annnd of course they get find themselves into some *interesting* situations.

I will say my only complaint was that at one point while reading I thought to myself this just keeps getting wilder and wilder - this would not really happen. I found some of the events and things that were happening to them to be so outlandish that it was hard to not roll my eyes.

I also loved that the sequel picks up right where the first one ends! This is definitely a series that you'll want to read in order.

Overall, I really enjoyed this! It made me laugh, was impossible to put down (even if a little out there), and had some twists that I didn't see coming! Ready for book #3!!!

This one is out on February 1st! So you still have time to preorder it if you haven't already! 💖

Finlay is back, and so are the hijinks that come with being an accidental assassin for hire.

After the events of Finlay Donovan is Killing It, Finlay is back to her regular crises - book deadlines and dead fish. But when she finds a hit out on her ex-husband, Steven, she’s determined to save him for her kids. She falls into a series of events including more Russian mob characters, dead bodies and hot detectives, and it’s even better than the first book!

If you’re looking for mystery + comedy, look no further. We’ve got hilarious problems, awful decision making and a redeeming cast of characters. I enjoyed the first book but I really enjoyed this one. The issues were ~slightly~ more realistic in a way that worked for me. I also started to appreciate Finn and Vero’s friendship a lot more. If you read Finlay Donovan is Killing It, you need to read this one next!

Finlay Donovan along with her best friend Vero always seem to be getting themselves into trouble. Someone posted an add on an online forum, offering a huge sum of money to kill her ex husband Steven and dispose of the body. Finlay can not have the father of her children killed and will do everything in her power to save him. Finlay and Vero have their work cut out for them. Somehow they are able to solve the mystery while escaping the law. Although it helps when your sexy boyfriend is the detective on the case….

Can’t wait to see what type of mess Finlay and Vero will get themselves into in book 3!! Please sign me up now!!!

If you loved the first one, then you will love this one even more!
Finlay is still struggling to finish her next novel and trying to keep her mind together trying to save her ex-husband when she finds out that there is a hit on his life. So, Finlay and Vero are trying to keep above the water. Then there is the detective trying to get back into her life. Along with all of this Vero is keeping secrets, and Finlay knows it.
These characters are a HOOT! I love Finlay's inner struggle when she sees the forum where her ex-husband Steven is basically someone is hiring to kill him. While Finlay despises him, she doesn't want her kids to grow up without their dad but also she doesn't want someone to attempt to kill Steven while he has the kids. Finlay must find out who is trying to kill Steven but also Vero is hiding things from her and she must deal with this too. Now, this one she is thrown in the mix of the Russian Mafia. This one is sooo good! I enjoyed this one as much as the first one! SOOOOO GOOD. If you haven't read the first one then you need to do that ASAP because this one is coming out on February 1, 2022! This should be your next read! It's full of suspense, laughs, and mystery!
Thank you Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the extraordinary opportunity to read and review this one!

Buckle up tight. You're about to go on a wild ride with Finlay Donovan. Christopher "was dead to begin with. There was no doubt about that." And, Finlay killed him. You'll have to read the book to find out who Christopher was.

That is basically how the story opens although I've borrowed Charles Dicken's words. From there on out, it only gets crazier. It's a fun, entertaining ride. Don't bother trying to make sense of it all. Just enjoy the ride. Author Elle Cosimano draws us in from the first paragraph and the plot, which is rather a roller coaster ride, moves along at a rapid, head-spinning race pace from beginning to end. Oddly enough, it all makes a sort of sense in the end, even with loose ends remaining. There's always the next book, right?

I'm not sure I'd enjoy having Finlay as a friend, she seems to live in a whirlwind, but I liked her, nevertheless. Her friendship with friend and nanny Vero is solid and we learn more about each as the story progresses. Her family reminds me a bit of Stephanie Plum's in that Janet Evanovich series, not to mention the two competing love interests in Finlay's life, one a cop. The feel of the entire series is very Plum-ish, for lack of a real word. Given how much I enjoyed this book, that is high praise for both writers. True, the story line doesn't remotely seem realistic at times but, hey, just enjoy the ride. I do think that had I read the first book in the series it all might make more sense to me but, well, maybe not. It's all about the characters and antics, after all, with some solid friendships as an added bonus. Bottom line, a fun, entertaining read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the ARC and introduction to Finlay. I'm looking forward to more of her adventures.

My favorite accidental criminals are back! This dynamic duo stole my heart with their witty one liners and constant knack for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The author's writing is fun yet suspenseful. Though she takes a humorous approach to this story with quirky lines laced with sarcasm, it never takes away the overall thrill and mystery of the story. My heart raced at every turn, my heart pounded in anticipation of where the story would lead to next, and excitement had me reading into the early hours of the morning.

Though the plot was completely unrealistic, both Finlay and Vero were completely relatable. They had amazing chemistry that easily fed off one another. There’s something fun about two people going out of their element and diving head first into the world of investigation. Every mishap, wrong place at the wrong time, every near chance of getting caught made this book beyond entertaining and thrilling.

This was a great follow-up from the first story and provided a strong continuation to the Finlay and Vero saga. This book was made to come to life and I hope that sometime we will be able to see this come to the big screen. I cannot wait to see what crazy journey these two go onto next. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC and thank you to the author for a thrilling ride.