Member Reviews

Thank you for a digital copy in exchange for my review!

Y'all I could NOT put this book down once I picked it up!
I stayed up late to finish the first book in this series and started this one right away the next morning. Then I stayed up late again to finish this one!
This book picked up right after the first book ended and I love that in a series because it feels like I'm binge watching a really good show. This book was somehow even more action packed than the first and revealed so many secrets.
I'm glad that Nick has started to become closer to Finlay because I really like their dynamic and how much her kids love him already. I can't wait to see where their story goes (but I really hope it doesn't end with an engagement or marriage after only a few months...)
I have a feeling this series might just become a comfort read for me. I don't reread mysteries/thrillers too often because I feel like the sense of surprise is ruined and that's what I love about this genre. This series seems like it'll be an exception to that because it's also funny and heartwarming at times. It's like the perfect balance between thrilling and comforting.

Was this review helpful?

Finlay and Vero are back and I love them even more! I go into each book blind because I don't really care what the synopsis says, I'm going to read this series no matter what. Elle Cosimano has done it again with Finlay and Vero juggling this thing called life together. With Finlay's agent hounding her for her next book, someone trying to kill her ex-husband Steven, and a hot cop who is very interested in Finlay who always shows up at the right (or maybe the wrong) time? This was such a fun read, just like the first book and took me on another exciting adventure with Finlay and Vero. If you love a good "who dunit", that is smart, witty, endearing, and just all around fun, you don't want to miss Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead!!

Was this review helpful?

I'm not sure how Elle Cosimano did it, but this book was better than the first! The intrigue and intensity of the plot woven by Cosimano is such that I was totally drawn in and wanted more. Her characters continue to develop individually and in relationship to Finlay. The storyline is very current with the intrigue involving an online chat forum and the deep, dark backstory of its actual purpose and ownership. Both wild goose chases and golden goose eggs fill the tale, inflicting danger and reward as merited. I have come to love this found family and I'm left wanting more!

Was this review helpful?

Finlay, Finlay, Finlay, how do you manage to get yourself into these messes??

After reading Finlay Donovan is killing for the first time last year, I was delighted to join Finlay and Vero for more hilarious antics.

I was not disappointed! Police procedural mixed with great friends and a bit of romance, made for an entertaining read! Perfect for when you're in the mood for some mystery!

Was this review helpful?

This is another fun one! You get the suspense and mystery of your favorite thrillers with the quirk of your favorite comedies. Great palate cleanser for those thriller girlies out there!

Was this review helpful?

Elle Cosimano has done it again—this was yet another Finley Donovan hit! Somehow, she masterfully blends the unexpected twists and turns I love in thrillers with just the right amount of humor, creating a mystery that feels both lighthearted and full of suspense. Finley and Vero are back at it, knee-deep in chaos as they try (and hilariously fail) to avoid committing murder, only to find themselves tangled up in it anyway—along with some mob dealings, of course. Their antics are as outrageous as ever, making for a wildly entertaining read from start to finish.

What I love most about this series is how effortlessly it balances comedy with mystery. One moment, I'm on the edge of my seat, eager to see how the latest twist unfolds, and the next, I'm laughing at the sheer absurdity of Finley and Vero’s situation. It’s fast-paced, funny, and packed with intrigue, making it another absolute knockout. If you love a mystery with sharp wit, unpredictable turns, and a duo that constantly finds themselves in over their heads, this book is a must-read!

Was this review helpful?

Finlay Donovan finds herself in another situation! She’s got Vero to help her and she is going to do what she has to do! Another great read with lots of laughs and suspense.

Was this review helpful?

Another fun romp. Finlay is back and just as much of a hot mess as ever.

Somehow, she manages to stay relatable while still living the craziest life.

I was on edge during the last part of the book. The climax was a crazy one.

I liked seeing her and Vero's friendship/partnership deepen.

With the ending on a bit of a cliffhanger, I'm ready to jump into book 3!

Was this review helpful?

Our favorite characters are back and let the hijinks begin. When we last left Finlay, she found out there was a bounty on her ex's head. What to do? I mean, she could just take the job right? I mean he IS a thorn in her side but darn it, her kids love him. She and Vero must now sus out who wants him dead and how to stop it. As per the usual, trouble finds Finlay in so many different ways. Dead bodies seem to be part of her life these days and living a quiet writers life in definitely not in the cards. Mobs, hot guys, crazy as heck women and men make for a truly fun ride. At times quirky, silly and emotional, often times a ride on the edge of your seat, this story ticks all the boxes.

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | A Fun, Fast-Paced Sequel with More Chaos and Charm

Elle Cosimano delivers another wildly entertaining ride with Finlay Donovan Knocks ’Em Dead, the second book in the Finlay Donovan series. Picking up where the first book left off, Finlay finds herself once again tangled in a hilarious yet dangerous web of crime, deception, and unexpected alliances—all while juggling single motherhood and a messy love life.

The humor and wit that made the first book so enjoyable are still very much present, and Finlay remains a relatable, chaotic, and lovable protagonist. The mystery is engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep the pages turning. Vero, Finlay’s fearless and snarky sidekick, shines in this installment, adding both comic relief and unwavering loyalty.

However, while the plot is undeniably fun, it occasionally stretches believability, even for a book that thrives on its over-the-top premise. Some moments feel a bit convoluted, and the romantic subplot—while entertaining—feels secondary to the action-packed main storyline.

Overall, Finlay Donovan Knocks ’Em Dead is a fantastic sequel that delivers humor, suspense, and plenty of surprises. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll definitely want to continue Finlay’s wild misadventures.

Was this review helpful?

4.5. I enjoyed this installment in the series even more than the first. Again, it is just a silly, fun time. I enjoyed how it built on the previous book in the series without feeling too repetitive. I also just adore our cast of characters and love coming back into the story with them every time.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars, a great pick me up read. I found myself comparing it to the mystery guest and I wish. I had not done that as this sequel was done so well and did not feel like a sequel for the sake of sequels sake.

Was this review helpful?

Finlay is back, with another book due, Vera acting weird, and someone has a target on Stephen's back, and her children are NOT visiting their dad until it is safe to do so, and only Finlay seems likely to make that happen - especially as she can't tell anyone how she came by this nefarious information.... This means more investigation by a non-investigator, more offers for her special hit woman skills, more interaction with Detective Nick, and overall general mayhem and chaos. A great time is had by all. Well, except for the bad guys. With a priceless little twist toward the end.
This was fun, but not quite as funny as the first in the series. All the popular characters are there and show growing development rather than falling into caricature, but the humor here is leaning more toward slapstick. Great action scenes and burgeoning romance. Looking forward to the next one.

Was this review helpful?

I look for a good time when I read these books and I get it every time. Although dang Finlay makes way too many excuses for that dirtbag Steven!!! I am a Vero supporter 110%.

Was this review helpful?

iFnlay Donavan is trying to save her ex from being offer by a stranger while also working on her writing deadline that is looming over her. This book was better than the first. I love the character of Finlay. She's such an original hilarious character that brings the reader along on her crazy hair brain schemes.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead. The story continues but there is enough review that you can read it as a standalone (but you should definitely not do that). We get to know the characters even better. Finlay and Vero get up to more hijinks and hilarity, and they're once again unraveling mysteries, trying to outsmart the Russian mob, and keep everyone alive and fed in the process. Some mysteries are solved, some the plot thickens, but one thing remains the same - when I finished it, I was immediately ready for more.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this stunner of a book. All opinions are my own.

5 out of 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

This series is pure genius. I can’t get enough of Finlay and Vero. The author puts them in the funniest and scariest situations, and yet they manage to come through it all ok. Reading the book is an adventure with many laugh out loud moments.

This review is entirely voluntary, and all opinions expressed reflect my personal views.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for copies of the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It
Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice

I have wanted to read this series for a while, and when I saw that the series was Read Now on NetGalley I decided it was time to give it a go. Finlay Donovan is a writer who is mistaken for a hitman and hijinks ensue with her nanny Vero. These books were perfect popcorn mysteries for me. I laughed, I was intrigued by the mystery aspect and I had a good time reading them! A perfect read when I needed something I didn’t have to think too hard about!

#bookstagram #mysteryreads #finlaydonovan

Was this review helpful?

Another fantastic installment in this fun series! The twists and laughs kept coming, and the character growth was spot-on. This book is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a dash of humor.

Was this review helpful?

Fun quick read. Thanks for the advanced reader copy Netgalley! Enjoying this author and series! Will be reading more.

Was this review helpful?