After reading "Finlay Donovan is Killing It" I immediately fell in love with Finlay, Vero, and their crazy world. This book was HIGHLY anticipated by myself and so many others, and I am so sad to announce, this was not it.

Even though I was so happy to be back in Finlay and Vero's world of trouble, this book was missing the magic of book 1. It lost a lot of the satire that made book 1 so perfect. I miss the suburban mom being tossed into a world of crime while balancing being a mom. This book was a woman pretending to be an FBI agent and professional hit man. In book 1, Finlay Donovan was lovable because you could see yourself reacting the same way she did. In this book, she was unrelateable and lost everything that made her Finlay. She had nothing to do with her children, and treated her writing career like it was a pain in the ass. All the pieces of her that made me like her, were seemingly gone.

Although we got to see all of our favorite characters, including Nick (hot cop) and Julian (hot lawyer). To which nothing happened?! I wanted a love triangle! Instead I got maybe two scenes with Julian, and then a ton of scenes with Nick, where literally nothing happened?! A lot of this book was made up of either scenarios that were boring as hell or extremely graphic scenarios that just didn't need to be there. I just feel like this was such a lost opportunity. This gave me the vibe of knowing Finlay Donovan is a beloved character, and let's just capitalize on that success as quickly as possible. Much like a Mean Girls 2 situation. Can you just leave a good thing alone?!

That being said, I still love these characters but this felt like a mess. And the ending just made my eyes roll. If there ever is a third installment in this series, I will be skipping. I highly recommend leaving Finlay and Vero where you left them in book 1.

Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur book for my early review copy in exchange of an honest review/ OUT Feb 1, 2022

Finlay and Vero are at it again with the second book in the series! Who could imagine a better duo than these two? This is quickly becoming my favorite mystery series.

While this story was a little more slow moving in the beginning, it really picked up the pace around the 25% mark. Overall, I liked the plot of the first book more but I’m glad we still got the same humor and high jinks in this well-anticipated sequel. It’s worth the read!

The Finlay Donovan series is a breath of fresh air to the cozy mystery genre. Reading about a working mom dealing with everyday life and dead bodies shouldn't be this fun,

Finlay and Vero are back to their antics when someone anonymously posts what appears to be a hit on Finlay's ex husband Steven. Fearing for the safety of her kids, Finlay sets out to uncover the identity of the not only the message poster but the person responding that they can "take care of it." In the meantime, Finlay is struggling with her next novel and still torn between equally hot detective Nick and law student Julian, while we find that Vero has some secrets of her own.

Finlay and Vero are such great partners in crime. I appreciate the way Cosimano has written their supportive female friendship and how they have each other's backs, even when it's illegal! They'd literally do anything for each other. I'm glad we get to know more about Vero in this one, and I hope we see much more of her in the future.

Was some of it unbelievable? Sure. If you're expecting a plotline that's completely plausible, this book isn't for you and you probably didn't read/enjoy the first one. However, this was a great cozy mystery for me and I enjoyed letting myself escape and accept the craziness.

The sequel to "Finlay Donovan is Killing it" was a delight that kept me guessing and sets up well for a third novel. This was a highly anticipated read for me and I'm thankful to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for this ARC.

When we left her last, Finlay had found out that the next person being targeted was none other than her ex husband. While he isn’t her favorite person these days, she doesn’t want him dead, or her kids to be harmed in the process. Will She and Vero be able to find out who wants Steven dead before their hired killer has a chance to kill him off?

Oh. My. Goodness. Friends. I loved Finlay Donovan, and let me tell you, I LOVED getting to follow up with her and her crazy life! If you loved the antics and Finlay and her crew in the first book, you need to run, not walk to pre-order this one! I don’t want to give anything away, but you do not want to miss this read!

I was very excited to receive an ARC of this book because I was a big fan of Finlay Donovan #1. I was captivated by our main character, early 30s writer struggling with juggling her terrible ex-husband, raising her 2 kids and making a living as a writer. She also gets involved with an accidental murder. All the things I loved about the first book in the series is back in book #2!

What I liked:
-This book picks up right after the end of the first book. The author did really great at reminding readers what happened without feeling like we're reading a lengthy recap.
-New situation, new story, new adventure for Finlay, but it piggy backs off of the plot from last book. My expectations were met!
-The mystery is unraveling up into the final page (quite literally)!

What I didn't:
-There was a lot going on in this book that made it harder to juggle as a reader. While the last book was great because this very unsuspecting character became accidentally involved in a murder, this book felt different because it seemed the main character wanted to step into the drama this time. There were a lot of moments it felt like Finlay was making a bad decision, would get caught, but then her cop friend would let her off the hook. Man this guy risked his job for her like a million times between the two books.

Despite that, I am a big fan of this series and am excited for book 3!

I was so excited to receive this ARC! This is becoming a favorite series of mine! It has mystery and comedy and characters that I love. I love reading about what Finlay and Vero can get into next and Vero’s comebacks are so hilarious. Their friendship is so fun!

3.5, rounding up to 4 here.

I was so excited to get this arc!!! I absolutely adored book 1 and I couldn't wait to see what Finlay and Vero were up to next. Unfortunately this one fell a bit flat for me. It wasn't holding my attention as much as the first book. I think it was because this book isn't as funny as the first, and not as cozy either. Instead there's more of a real life danger feel to this where no one listens to Finlay, she makes literally the dumbest, most risky moves ever, and meddles in more places she shouldn't.

At the end of the book, there are a few notable things worth mentioning. The relationship between Finlay and Vero is unbreakable. They're a great team and it's so nice to see two women be friends and support each other that fiercely. Another thing is the main bad dude from book one is around for this entire book as well. It was an interesting dynamic to see Finlay navigate. Lastly, she once again seems to be broke and has no desire or time to write her book. Her deadlines were on my mind throughout the book, why weren't they on hers? Lol

After 50% this book picks up and the whodunnit factor really amps up. I was guessing until the end!!!

“Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘em Dead” by Elle Cosimano

4/5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

First off, I see you Finlay with all your mom hairs. I didn’t have to try too hard to get this hairstyle 😂

This book picks up a few months after the first book, with Finlay learning that someone wants her ex-husband dead.
We set off on another mystery to solve, and in true Finlay Donovan fashion things are…well, a hot mess.

This book was similar to the first to me in a lot of ways, but I liked it better than the first book. It of course made me so anxious the whole time I was reading, and the decisions Finlay and Vero make are just so interesting sometimes.

There were so many twists and turns in this book! Just when I thought I had it figured out, something else would come up and surprise me. It kept me reading and I sped through the book.

I also think that the humor was more subdued and subtle in this book, which is also more my style.

If you loved the first book, you will love this!

Thank you @netgalley for this advanced readers copy. This book will be released on February 1, 2022.

Binge worthy!

I recently devoured Finlay Donovan is Killing It in anticipation of reading her 2nd novel. I did the same with Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead. This was a great follow up to accompany this series.

I love the pacing, the connection points between Cosimano’s first novel into this one, all the characters, and the overall comedy. Would love to see this adaptation into a series and look forward to what else Finlay and her partner in crime Vero has to deal with in the future. Give me more!

Finlay, you are so lovable!! The second installment in what will clearly be a successful series did not disappoint at all. Fast-paced action, quirky comedy, and a great cast of characters jam pack this novel with all the makings of a good read.

I have to admit, I did enjoy the first book, Finlay Donovan is Killing It slightly more, but that’s okay to say right? There were times when this novel felt much more rushed, where Finlay’s assumptions lead the action a bit too much and poked a couple holes in the plot. All the loose-ends were tied up a little too conveniently. BUT, that’s really okay with me in this kind of book. It happens, it didn’t take that much away from the joy of reading it.

I could not help but imagine this book as a tv series. I am pumped that it’s been picked up by Marlene King! It will be so fun to see this brought to life, the writing style is already perfect for script adaptation. Definitely keeping my eyes peeled for casting info! 👀

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoyed the first, loves general comedy fiction, whodunnits, and romance (though there isn’t a ton of that yet 😉).

I was surprised that I liked this book even more than the first book in the series! I love that this book combines mystery and contemporary fiction. Finlay is such a real character and I loved seeing her grow from the first book. She always keeps it real as a single mom, figuring out dating and co-parenting with her ex-husband, even when he has people out to kill him. I love how contemporary this book feels and it makes me want to embark on a mystery of my own (with less murder of course). I also enjoyed reading about Finlay as a writer and seeing how she uses real life in her books. I hope there is more in this series!

This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The characters are fun, the plot is quick and engaging, and conclusion leaves you wanting more. Definitely will be a buy for our library.

A great follow-up to her first book and one I can easily recommend! I do suggest you read them in order because of character development in the first book and plot lines.

Finlay Donovan is me…your typical mom that does the kid thing. She’s also separated from her husband with divorce on the horizon, and she has a few love interests on the side, if she has time. She also has a great nanny/side kick/friend, Vero. Vero is my favorite character for sure! Amongst the chaos of regular life, Finlay has been watching a womens chatroom where someone has put a hit out on her ex. She just can’t let that happen, OR let their kids be in the cross fire.

Finlay has the best intentions, but she just keeps stepping deeper and deeper into the problems including theft, the mob, money, arson, dead bodies. It gets crazy, and it’s all done with humor. Perhaps that’s what I like the very most! Is it believable? Not really, but the plot is well thought out and smart enough and written with some great lines that I found myself grinning, and that is exactly what I need right now!

Thank you to Net Galley, St Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the advanced e-reader copy in return for my honest review. Published 02/01/2022.

I will post to IG closer to pub date.

Finlay Donovan is trying to finish her next novel and at the same time manage her children as a single mother. Her live-in nanny and friend, Vero, is there for Finlay and helps share the work load. Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, also helps to carry the work load and is generally a good father. But when someone wants Steven out of the picture, things get a little crazy!

Elle Cosimano delivers another gem in the Finlay Donovan series. This story will keep you laughing and guessing! It is a well laid out mystery, full of suspense and plenty of humor thrown in. If you enjoyed the first Finlay Donovan book, you will love this one and I am hoping for a third!

Many thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.

Finlay Donovan is BACK! The second in a series, Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead, is even more over-the-top than the first. I absolutely cannot put these "romantic suspense author turned accidental hitwoman" books down. They are such crazy page-turners. I just NEED to know what happens and how Finlay and Vero will work it all out. I adore their teamwork and friendship.
Filled with twists and turns and tons of action, it was so outrageous and unbelievably fun. I did wish for more page time with her sweet kids but was glad they were safe with family members for a majority of the book.
Especially loved her literary agent requesting more of the "hot cop" in her second book, haha!
This is one of those rare sequels that are even better than the first book! Perfect for fans of the TV shows Weeds, Dead to me, and movie The 'Burbs.
Thank you to the author, Netgalley, and Minotaur books for this advanced e-arc, reviews are my own!

Elle knocks it out of the park again! This book is the perfect blend of comedy, suspense, and dark humor. Finlay is such a train wreck, yet it’s impossible not to love her. Can’t wait for #3!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A fun follow up to the first book, though I found myself less intrigued with the mystery in this one. I still adored Finlay's adventures, and love the genre blending of women's fic elements with mystery and suspense that Cosimano pulls off with such expertise, I already can't wait for number three!

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘em Dead
By: Elle Cosimano



Our loved Finally is once again having a hard time with her new novel. She is still fighting with her baby daddy. Still struggling with her two kids, and now, the only person she thinks she can trust is also keeping secrets from her.


Her newest issue? Someone is after her ex-husband’s head. She doesn’t care that he is a total jerk, he is still a good father… or at least he is tryin to be. So she will do everything in her power to find out who is this person that wants Steven out of the map.

While doing her own investigation she finds out way more than she was hoping for. Getting her involved once again with the Russian mob and endless things that if I tell you… I would literally spoil everything and I won’t do that to anyone because, you just have to experience this yourself.

This book, scratch that. This series has become my obsession and I know it hasn’t come out yet… but I just want to read more. We got the hilarious banter and the unbelievable plot that we got in the first book but it gets even better. How is that possible? Don’t ask me!

The amazing friendship she was able to develop in the first book, is still strong and beautiful, and the new challenges they will face together will solidify it even more.

I just know that I loved it and it is everything I was hoping for, if not even more. I do have one question… why does her little boy always seem to have sticky finger? Kinda gross.


Special thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.

I loved “Finlay Donovan is Killing It” and couldn’t wait to read this book! It was definitely not as fast paced, and rather repetitive. It felt as though I kept reading the same story ~ Finlay tries to catch the bad guy, Finlay finds herself in a pickle, avoids death, repeat. I love her as a character but I wanted more here! Thanks Net Galley.