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!

I was giddy with excitement to receive a copy of this book after loving Finlay Donovan Is Killing it. While Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead was filled with the same quirky, funny characters, this one fell a little flat for me. The plot was a bit much and a stretch - even for me who loves a silly Findlay stretch. It got a little Scooby Doo where pieces and details started coming together that were confusing and illogical and out of nowhere. Do I think you should read this book? YES. It’s fun. Read the first one before you read this one. It’s a series that needs to be read in proper order. Will I read the next one? YES. 100%. Heartfelt thanks to Minotaur Books for the advanced copy. I’m grateful.

I absolutely loved Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, so I was so, so exited to receive an eARC for the next book in the series.

At first, Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead felt a bit repetitive. The specialness kind of wore off as I had gone into the first book a bit blind, and loved how ridiculous and fun it was. The second book occurs right after the events of the first book and
reminded me why I usually don’t love series. The books can feel a bit too similar for my liking with recaps and character introductions woven in.
Having said that, about a third of the way through, the repetitiveness fell away and I got really into the story.

The plot of the second book is Finlay and her trust nanny/best friend/accomplice Vero trying to figure out who wants Finlay’s ex husband dead. The book also gives more insight into Vero and her background.

The book is just as over the top, entertaining and enjoyable as the first book and Finlay has definitely become a favourite character of mine. The books remind me of the Stephanie Plum series which I loved reading back in university (just a few years ago… 😬)
This is a must read for those that loved book one and I highly recommend this series for a fun “escape from reality” type read - 4/5 stars

Thank you to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Thank you netgalley and publisher for giving me this digital ARC in exchange to my honest review. Elle Cosimano DID NOT disappointed. I’ve loved Finlay’s story from the start and it has just continued! I couldn’t put this down and definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!

I was dying to read the sequel for Finlay's life and Cosimano did not disappoint!

We join Finlay and Vero in their continued efforts to not be hitwomen in real life. Now that someone has placed a hit for Steven, Finlay and Vero are doing their best to keep this from going through including, trying to out bid the job to be the hit women, keeping the kids from Steven, stalking his ex, and possibly being involved in an arson investigation and a shootout. Nick is still in and out, vying for Finlay's time as well as Julian, who ends up on a getaway for most of the book.

Full of witty banter, egregious acts, unbelievable events, and characters that have you laughing with your jaw dropping, this sequel did not disappoint. See you around for the next one!

Thank you to Minotaur Books for the advanced reading copy in exchange of an honest review.

Once again Finlay and Vero are teamed up to plece together and to solve a mystery. ....who wants to kill Steven., Finlay's ex and baby Daddy. This book is 2nd in the series. if you loved the first book you will devour this one.
Finlay is an unconventional. entertaining main character.. There are hilarious action moments., struggles as Finlay works on her novel and lots of all around fun. By the cliff hanger I'm going to make a wild guess and say there will be a book 3
Thanks to Minotaur Books, NetGalley as well as the author for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for my honest review. The books publish date is 2_1/22

Thanks so much for this ARC, and here's my honest review.

I loved the first book, and while this was a fun continuation of the story, it bordered on being a little too silly in this one. BUT, maybe it's just me that feels this way? Either way, it was fun and it looks like it's setting itself up for another installment!

The Finlay books are just always fun and this latest is my favorite! From the first page to the last will keep you engaged and wanting to see how Finlay gets out of the latest predicament. If you haven’t read the other books in the series, do yourself a favor and read them all!

Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange of an honest review.

Elle Cosimano is back again with her amazing Finlay Donovan series. This time, in Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead , we start right where we left off. Finlay is struggling to finish her novel, with pressure from her agent becoming intense. At the same time, Finlay and her live-in nanny and cohort, Vero, find out that someone wants Finlay's ex-husband dead. As Finlay ventures deeper into a life of crime, she can't help but wonder why Steven has a hit out against him. What did he do? What world has Finlay invited into her life?

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead has the laugh out loud humor as its predecessor did. In fact, this book was more of a comedy than book 1 and I took the style of the storytelling in a different tone. We're reunited with the same cast of characters we fell in love with, but the story is definitely more intimate with Finlay and her decision making than ever before. Book 2 in a series always bridges the gap from books 1 and 3, so I tend to always be a bit more critical of their progression, but ultimately I really enjoyed this one. You can definitely see how this series will make for a perfect television series and I can't wait to see what's in store for Finlay Donovan Book 3.

Just when you think Finlay couldn’t possibly get into anymore trouble…..
The first Finlay Donovan book was silly. This second book, Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘ Em Dead, is a also a fun read and even more silly!
Finlay gets herself into ridiculous situations but, given how well we know Finlay, they almost seem plausible. I loved it but missed the wig scarf.
Elle Cosimano has a flair for descriptive and humourous writing.
Move over Stephanie Plum (Janet Evanovich) Finlay Donovan is on the shelves. I can’t wait to find out what kind of trouble will find Finlay next!
Thank You to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and author, Elle Cosimano, for the opportunity to enjoy this ARC.

3.5 Stars. After totally loving the first Finlay book, I was so excited to get an early copy of the sequel! Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance read in exchange for review.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead picks up right where the first story left off, so you definitely need to read that book before diving into this one. But for those of you who did read it and need a refresher, I gotchu! These books follow Finlay Donovan, a struggling author and recently-divorced mom, who gets accidentally hired as a contract killer after explaining her mystery books plot out loud in front of a very vengeful wife. In the sequel, Finlay is still a lovable mess, but now with a love triangle, a custody battle, and… more bodies to hide. Oh, and the target this time?? Her ex-husband!

As much as this book was still a fun read, I unfortunately did not think it was as enjoyable as the first. Where it was easy to be charmed by the crazy coincidences at the start, it now feels almost too absurd and convoluted of a mystery to keep the fun and humor alive. I also felt like the stakes and tension fell a little flat as Finlay got out of so many wild situations whereas in the first there was always at least a small element of believability.

While the mystery in this one fell a little short, the best part of this series remains the characters (or at least the main ones-there are quite a few extras in the cast that could’ve probably been done without). They’re witty, relatable, and somehow still likable after making (so so many) ridiculous mistakes. I want nothing but the best for Finlay and love her bestie relationship with Vero and her two possible love interests in Jamie and Nick.

The first book for me was somewhere around a 4.5 star, and it made me sad that this one was a decline. However, I’m still definitely excited to see where Elle Cosimano takes us in the next one, so fingers crossed it’s a fun ride!!!

This book was witty and smart just like the previous one. I loved the continuation in the story and the characters in the story. The story kept me engaged and I can't wait to continue reading more from this author!

I absolutely loved the first book, so couldn’t wait to pick up the next installment of this series and follow Finlay and Vero’s adventures. While this one didn’t *quite* live up to the first one (there seemed to be way more moving parts in the second book), I still found it to be entertaining and a fun read. Can’t wait until the third!

“I knew, maybe better than anyone, that some stories had a way of getting stuck inside our heads. Usually, because we were afraid of what those stories revealed about us—our fears and our inadequacies, our mistakes and our failures. Sometimes, those stories needed a little nudging to come out.“

Finley Donovan is back again! And this time it’s her ex-husband‘s life on the line. We get appearances from the young cute lawyer and the hot cop, but let’s be honest - #TeamNick always. This book was filled with wit, humor, suspense, and a little romance. Through it all, Finlay is starting to own who she is and who she wants to become. I actually loved this book even more than book one. The twists were perfectly placed for me to want to keep reading, and I had a hard time guessing them. An absolutely perfect sequel!

Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

Unexpected series - and a new favorite. Finlay combines the comedy of the early Stephaine Plum with a unique skill set. My new favorite hit woman with a conscious and a sense of the absurd. I gave copies of the first Finlay book to several friends and all eagerly await the release of this one. It is always a joy to find humourous mysteries with characters you look forward to getting to know better. In her second outing, Finlay doesn't disappoint..

Finlay Donovan is back! I absolutely adore this series. Finlay is smart, sarcastic, and hilarious. She keeps finding herself in scary situations and has to use her brain and charm to get out of trouble. I love the voice Elle Cosimano gives Finlay and Vero. Their banter is top notch and Vero's one liners are my favorite. I'm. already looking forward to book 3!

This novel is extremely well plotted and funny. Finlay is such a likeable character, and her nanny/accountant Vero is outspoken in a hilarious way. When Finlay discovers on a messaging board that someone wants to contract a hit on her ex-husband, she races to find out who wants him dead. Even though he can be despicable, she herself doesn’t actually want him dead, but she also needs to keep her children away from him lest they get in the line of fire. He thinks she’s just being dastardly by not allowing him to see his children. Meanwhile, she has a hot detective and a hot young law student who are hot for her—a little enviable even if she is racing against a book deadline, terrorist killers, and, invariably, discovering things she shouldn’t—like a dead body.

This is a wonderful second book in the series. Definitely read the first one before you enjoy this one. I look forward to Cosimano’s next book.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel, which RELEASES FEBRURARY 1, 2022.