Just as delightful and fun as the first book in the series, Finlay Donovan Knocks Em Dead took me on a rollercoaster ride of OMG moments, with the fabulous characters from the first book making more bad decisions and getting up to crazier hijinks. This book, even more than the first, sets up so many possibilities for sequels, giving me hope that Finlay will have several adventures. I love the hot mess that she is, and I’m here for it all!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It was one of my top 2021 picks, and Elle Cosimano does it again. The sequel is just as witty, laugh-out-loud funny, and darkly humous as the first book.

It was so wonderful catching up with Finlay and Vero!!! I LOVED Finlay Donovan Is Killing It and its wonderful characters! I was so excited to know it was the start of a new series and I hope this series has many more books as I feel Finlay has a lot more to say! Finlay Donovan Knocks "Em Dead has Finlay and Vero trying to find out who put out a hit on Steven, Finlay's ex-husband. They find themselves in all sorts of hysterical trouble and I laughed out loud quite a few times. All I need to know now is when can I please pretty please read book 3? I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

This series just keeps cracking me up. I love Cosimano's characters and the relationships she creates. I can't wait to read about Finlay and her babysitter's next disastrous adventure. Perfect for those who like cozies with a little more grit.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is a rare instance of a sequel being better than its predecessor. I think Elle Cosimano has started to find her stride in this space. While this second effort still skirts the edginess of something like Gillian Flynn or Mary Kubica, or the literary finesse of Alex Michaelides, it's still a fun romp. I'd say it's more of a 'chick lit mystery' than a real mystery thriller-- the tone is lighthearted rather than eerie, there's not a huge body count, and overall, it doesn't take itself too seriously. There are plenty of over the top moments, but it still feels relatable in that Finlay acts in much the same way to her circumstances as you or I might. My biggest hang up with the first novel in the series was that Finlay was sort of a sitting duck, reacting to rather than driving the narrative, and somehow falling bass ackwards into each new plot point. Thankfully, that problem is nonexistent in this follow up. Here, Finlay is far more proactive; she's determined to protect Steven (and her children) from the threat of a hit that has seemingly been placed via an online forum. However, I had issues with the romance angle explored here, as it kept feeling like Finlay was being harassed by her suitor. I won't say which of her suitors it is (the lawyer and the cop are both back!), but the one-- who I genuinely wanted her to be with, and who the author intends for us to want her to be with-- is very pushy with his advances. He eventually negotiates/coerces her into a date, and in the end, he sort of blackmails her into choosing him... It all felt pretty icky to me, and it's completely glossed over. Did anyone else notice this? Maybe it was just be being too sensitive...
Anyway, if you enjoyed Finlay Donovan is Killing It, you'll almost certainly enjoy the next installment of Finlay's story.

Finlay and Vero are back but as of the moment the only dead thing they need to rid themselves of is a goldfish. But that won't last long if a online chat room person gets her way as she wants Finlay's ex dead. So with the holidays fast approaching can Finlay keep Steven alive for her kids, get the chat room groupie to take back the hit, get ready for the holidays with the kids, sort out her love life, and push out a new book?

I love this book (and the first) it is so funny how Finlay keeps get these issues thrown in her lap and she can do nothing but deal with them. If it wasn't so funny it'd be tragic, and yet it seems she always comes out on top. The characters are so good and the story plot even better. Give this series a chance and I bet (wink wink) it'll have you laughing too.

This review will appear on my blog on 2-1-2022

Another fun mystery from Cosimano. I didn't enjoy it as much as the first in the series, but this kept my interest and I'm excited for the next installment.

This is the second book in the series and will be available on February 1st. This book starts shortly after the first one finishes. Finlay is still struggling to finish her next novel while discovering who wants her ex-husband dead.

While this book is still entertaining, I felt like it was missing a lot of the hilarious magic of the first book. There are fewer laugh-out-loud moments, Finlay became less relatable, and it felt heavier. I found myself wanting the humor and lightness from the first book. The plot is even more chaotic and far-fetched than the first, and it gets repetitive. It becomes pretty clear that this is being set up for a longer ongoing series. My problem is that many potential plots and issues are being slammed in here without breathing space.

It's still a fast-paced and entertaining read, though. If you liked the first book, I think you will still like it, just maybe not love it.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur for the early eARC.

Thanks to Minotaur Books for an advanced copy of Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano.

So this may be an unpopular opinion. I absolutely loved the first Finlay -- Finlay Donovan Is Killing It and I was so underwhelmed with this one.

Finlay and Vero are at it again in this sequel, which picks off right where the first one left off. When Finlay discovers a hit out on her ex-husband in a mom message board, she does everything in her power to try to protect her kids when they are with Stephen until she can figure out who is behind the messages.

I was bored reading the first half of this book, the wit and charm from the first book were missing for me. I wasn't as invested in the characters or the story. Though the cliff hanger at the end has me wanting to read book three!

Visiting my dear friends Finlay and Vero again was such a treat. Honestly, in the first book, I felt their relationship was a bit too loyal without the substance underneath to support it. During this book, I appreciated that some cracks in the facade were examined and we could see that they weren’t perfect but that they were dedicated. I loved also seeing how the relationships with Julian and Nick played out. This whole novel really just built beautifully upon the flaws from the first one. It felt more real to me. There’s also clearly a lot building up for the next book and I am certain there will be a ton of Vero development in that. This one laid the groundwork of questions for her past and I can’t wait to get answers.

The main flaw in this book is freaking Carl. Like come on Finlay, we are really transporting bodies again?! And then not even getting rid of a piece for a long time? That was completely dumb and illogical and just frustrating.

I absolutely adored that twist Finlay’s mom. I was cracking up. And also, now I’m super weary of message boards. I did not realize this was a thing. I’ve also hardly ever seen super local ones like this one but I’m sure maybe it happens. I have seen some crazy things and people are messageboards for sure. Speaking of, I loved the dedication because I knew EXACTLY what Elle Cosimano was referring to. Basically a rite of passage for moms in the internet era 😂

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read the second book in this series after such a cliff hanger ending in the first book! Thank you to netgalley and the author for providing me with an e-copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I love how this story summarized the main plot of the first book within the first chapter, so it could probably be read as a stand-alone (though I HIGHLY recommend reading these in order!)

As with the first book, Finlay’s story and life is the perfect mix of drama, suspense, romance, and comedy- making it a really fun and enjoyable read.

I love how much we see the relationships between Finlay and Vero/ Finn & her love interest(s) strengthen & develop throughout this story, and hope that we get some closure regarding her relationship in any future books in this series!!

Thank you to the publisher for a free Netgalley of this book.

I honestly would give this book 2 ratings.

5 stars for knowing that you are going to have fun with this one. Finlay truly is an enjoyable character. I like Felix's involvement in this book, and I found most of the secondary characters to add to the story. Nick is my favorite male for Finlay and I really liked the scenes he was in.

3 stars for pacing. This book was a bit repetitive. Vero is not my favorite character in a book-- especially after what she does. My fear that this will turn into a Stephanie Plum series.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I will continue to read this series, as long as I do not have another Stephanie Plum series.

Finlay and Vero are back together in same old chaotic situation once they find a hit request for Finlay's ex-husband in a shady online forum. How they tackle this hit which is a tad bit too close to their family is another rollercoaster ride which is fun and entertaining without a doubt. If you enjoyed the previous book, this definitely takes off from the same point on all its gears. Finlay cannot get into more messier situations as mafia and police are all involved in this one from that start. This author has this amazingly witty writing style that it just made me enjoy this page-turner of a book much more. The way her Finlay's editor kept asking to bring in hot cop's angle right away, I kept echoing the same and thankfully he does enter!!

I see an opening for next book and so hope there is another on out soon!

Absolutely loved this wild ride filled with hilarious banter and pure mayhem!

Finlay Donovan my very be my favorite character of all time and I demand to a Netflix series so I can continue to live out all of Finlay and Vero's shenanigans.

QUICK TAKE: Finlay and Vero are back at it again after a hit request on Finlay's husband shows up in an online women's forum and they make it their mission to figure out its origins...along with the person who responded to the offer.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I cannot get enough of Finlay Donovan and I am hoping there are more books to follow, which if the epilogue is any indicator, it seems very likely. This was clever from the start, picks up right where the other left off and is just as laugh out loud funny. I loved how there were all these hints that something super ominous was about to happen and then it ended up being something totally mundane. Even though I was more prepared for the ridiculous situations this duo tends to find themselves in, I still found myself gasping saying OMG each time they got themselves into another pickle. Vero is totally the proverbial devil on Finlay's shoulder and I'm here for it.

My only gripe is that there was one piece of the puzzle left unresolved, although I think that was on purpose and have a theory that I think will come to light in the next book (PLEASE LET THERE BE A NEXT BOOK).

I continue to shout the praises for Finlay Donovan is Killing It from the rooftops and will recommend it to everyone that will listen, and it will be no different with Knocks 'Em Dead.

Run, don’t walk, to go get this book. And if you haven’t read Finlay Donovan is Killing it Yet snag that one too and read them both. You won’t regret it.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay Donovan captured my heart last year with the first book in the series, and this one was even better! I adore this series, and Finlay has once again earned her place on my favorites shelf.

Another amazing book by Elle Cosimano! This series is one of my favorites and I was so excited to get my hands on book two. Finlay Donovan is a great character who gets herself in VERY messy situations. If you love a mystery with twists and turns and laugh-out-loud moments, then this book is for you! Already excited for book three! Thank you, NetGalley

✨BOOK REVIEW✨

📖 Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead
📝 Elle Cosimano @elle
Method Read: Ebook/Kindle 📱
Thank you to @elle and @netgalley for the gifted ARC! This book releases February 1st, 2022 ☺️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5⭐️ {4}

Finlay Donovan is back & yet again, struggling to finish (or shall we say start) her next novel. The story picks up right where it left off in the first book - a MAJOR cliffhanger, involving the life of her ex-husband, Steven. I don’t want to give away too much because 🤯 but you’ll love getting to follow Finlay into another unexpected “job” & all the twists and turns that come with it!

Not only is Elle Cosimano an amazing author, but she is pretty damn hilarious too! The fun part is, her books show this & this one was no exception! The internal monologue of Finlay, escapades of Finlay & Vero, Georgia’s attempt at potty training the kids & more, will leave you laughing for sure! 🤣😂

The book takes you on a wild ride, making you feel like you know what’s going to happen & then having the rug pulled out from under you - in a good & page turning way! 😉 This book will be released on 2/1/2022!! Get your pre-orders in, because the continued adventures of Finlay & Vero are not to be missed!

Read this if you like books about:
🧠 A Killer Internal Monologue
👫 Love Triangles - IYKYK
🔀 All The Twists & Turns
🤪 Hilarious Banter
🔪Accidental Murder for Hire

Oh Finlay Donovan you are just the greatest character!! There is just something about both Finlay and Vero and their relationship that I love so much!!

In this second book of the ever popular Finlay Donovan series somehow Finlay gets into even more trouble trying to clean up the mess made from book number one. This time Finlays ex husband whom she can not stand is the target of hate on an online women's forum and though it started out innocent it becomes clear someone may actually want him dead. Though he may be a terrible husband, ex husband Steven is still a good dad and Finlay and best friend/ nanny Vero will stop at nothing to find out who this anonymous person may be.

I found myself laughing throughout this entire book and hanging on to ever last detail. This book wrapped up just enough to feel complete and left just enough open for book number three!

Finlay is back and she is better than ever! I enjoyed this sequel even more than the first book Finlay Donvan is Killing It. Finlay is still involved in dangerous adventures, this time someone is trying to kill her ex-husband which she has amusing mixed feelings about.

The action may be dangerous but the dialogue is still funny and there are plenty of shenanigans and twists and turns to keep you entertained to the end of the book. Of course it wouldn't be a Finlay Donovan book without a little romance in the mix.

All in all this book is a fun read that leaves you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next installment of Finlay's madcap adventures.

I came for the mystery and stayed for the romance! Our favorite, quirky '"assassin' is back with Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead. I was a fan of her first and knowing a bit more about the feel of the style, a humorous mystery, I liked this second addition even better. The plot line of someone wanting Finlay's husband dead was a great way to get me interested in the novel, yet for me, I was more interested in what love interest she would decide on in the end. A fun read, that keeps you wanting more!

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC!