A bit over the top, but a wild, crazy, funny story. Finn and Vero are the Lucy and Ethel of the criminal world!

This is a fun series. It's ridiculous and fun(ny) and full of characters who are fully engaging and entertaining - even when the story itself seems to far-fetched to continue... I don't mind suspending my disbelief here, because the entire enterprise is entertainment, pure and simple. These books would make very enjoyable movies/series episodes, and at times it feels like they've been written with this end in mind. Cosimano has managed to make a cinematic experience out of reading, and to me that's always a fun proposition! This second book felt more even than the first. The characters are coming into themselves, and in a character-driven semi-slapstick series, that's a good thing. Finn and Vero are the Lucy and Ethel of the modern era, and I look forward to seeing where the wind up next!

I enjoyed Finlay Donovan Is Killing It and thought this series would be perfect to read on my vacation, and it was. This is a funny, light, easy-to-read continuation of Finlay getting herself into and out of more trouble. She's again struggling to finish writing her next book while being a single mom of two young kids. Her live-in nanny and partner in crime (literally and figuratively) Vero is still by her side. Someone is trying to kill her ex-husband Steven. Steven is not a good guy and Finlay has been put through it by him, but he's a good father and she feels like she needs to protect him, Getting to the bottom of who wants Steven dead unfortunately entangles Finlay once again with the Russian mob. Vero is keeping secrets and Finlay also needs to figure out what's going on there. Hot cop Detective Nick Anthony is still also in the picture. How much longer can Finlay resist him? Getting involved with Nick might mean some of Finlay's darkest secrets will come to light and that is terrifying. Finlay's antics are definitely out-there, but she's a very endearing main character and I enjoyed this sequel. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Thanks to #netgalley and #minotaurbooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay just keeps getting funnier and funnier. I genuinely love her so much. I think that book 1 is still my favorite, but I cant wait to see what trouble she gets herself into in book 2! this series is to die for .

The second in the series, Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano settles from the chaotic debut jitters into something really steady and enjoyable. I felt like this book definitely found its voice and path. Everything starts to settle as Finlay gains a bit of financial stability and the threat of having custody of her children snatched from her falls by the wayside. This book focuses more on a singular crime, the bounty put on her ex-husband's head, rather than a million things at once like the first book which I think really helped me breathe and keep track of everything. Both love interests make a return and while I still love Julian, I definitely do not think he's right for Finlay and where she's at in life. Now, Detective Nick? Boy I tell you, I love this man. And I'm intrigued. I want to know how much he knows. The mystery was solid. I loved the addition of new side characters. Really happy to have kept on with this series! It is definitely a step up from book 1, so if you enjoyed the first, you'll love this second!

I have really fallen in love with this series. The second book was even better then the first. A lot of action, some good twists, with romance sprinkled in. I enjoyed the quick chapters and the pacing of the book kept me interested throughout. The second book really developed the friendship between the two women, and I liked that we got a little more glimpse into who Vero is. I cannot wait to dive into the third book.

I have been wanting to read this series and I’m so glad I did! Each Finlay Donovan book is full of shenanigans and humor with a mystery that keeps you guessing along the way. Finley and Vero are back and the antics don’t stop.
I hope they never stop making this series! Many thanks to the author, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

3 stars. The second Finlay Donovan book was still funny and chaotic, but it didn’t grab me as much as the first one. While I enjoyed the witty humor and twists, it felt a bit less fresh this time around. Still a fun read, especially if you loved the first book!

Each Finlay Donovan book is full of hijinks and humor with a mystery that keeps you guessing along the way

It was an okay easy ready nothing earth shattering but a quick read
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read and review this book

Who wants to kill Steven? As usual Finlay is on a deadline for her new book. But she can't let Steven be killed. She stops everything to look into why he is being hunted down. What has he been up to? Finlay is on the job to figure out the who and why. A humorous story!

Thank you NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and St. Martin's Press for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I don’t know if I loved book 2 or book 1 more, but I can’t wait to continue this series. Book 2 sets up for Book 3 so well – we’re left on a cliffhanger, and you want to immediately start the next one. Just like in the first book, the story isn’t realistic, but that’s what makes this series such a fun thing to read – you can truly escape reality and just enjoy reading about Finlay’s chaotic life. Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead and the whole Finlay Donovan series so far is a refreshing, fun mystery without the creepy vibes of a typical thriller. In the first book, we see Vero and Finlay become partners; in book 2, we see their partnership turn into a friendship. They get into so much trouble together but manage to find their way out (most of the time), and they don’t want to leave the other behind. I also really enjoyed the stronger romance aspect of the story. I’m Team Nick all the way (sorry Julian) and hope to see more of him as the series progresses.

Would I recommend this? I highly recommended the first book in the series, and this one is no different. I loved the continuation of the first book into the second with even more questions answered (and more questions asked). It’s a fun story that had me laughing as I read every page.

Read If You Like…
• Love Triangle
• Unexpected Friendship
• A Major Cliffhanger
• Over-the-Top Comical Situations
• Cozy Whodunnit Mystery

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is the second book in Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series. I listened to the audiobook version and really enjoyed it. The narrator does a fantastic job, especially with her voice change for the character of Vero, the nanny—it’s such a fun touch! Overall, I found the story to be highly entertaining and a lot of fun.

Elle Cosimano delivers another exhilarating and hilarious mystery with Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead, the highly anticipated sequel to Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. Packed with sharp humor, unexpected twists, and the kind of relatable chaos that made readers fall in love with Finlay, this novel proves that her adventures only get wilder—and more addictive.

Finlay Donovan is back and as endearing as ever. Still juggling single motherhood, her ex-husband’s antics, and a burgeoning (if not unconventional) career, Finlay stumbles upon a new predicament: someone wants her ex-husband dead. To make matters worse, she discovers this hit is disturbingly close to being carried out. Teaming up once again with her sharp-witted nanny and partner-in-crime, Vero, Finlay sets out to untangle the mystery, all while keeping her own life (and sanity) intact.

Cosimano’s signature blend of humor and suspense shines throughout this sequel. The witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and clever commentary on modern motherhood and relationships make the book a joy to read. Meanwhile, the escalating stakes and tightly woven plot ensure that the suspense never wanes.

Finlay remains a lovable and relatable protagonist, navigating her chaotic life with charm and determination. Her partnership with Vero is a standout element, providing both comedic relief and a heartwarming depiction of unconventional friendship. The addition of fresh characters and unexpected developments keeps the story feeling dynamic and engaging.

Cosimano's writing is as sharp as ever, with snappy dialogue and a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked. The book skillfully balances humor and tension, creating a compelling mystery that is as entertaining as it is satisfying.

Rating: 5/5

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is a witty, suspenseful, and thoroughly delightful follow-up that does not disappoint. Elle Cosimano has cemented herself as a master of blending humor with high-stakes mystery, and fans of the first book will find themselves eagerly anticipating what’s next for Finlay Donovan. This series is a must-read for fans of clever, laugh-out-loud crime capers.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur books for a copy of Finlay Donovan #2. Just like book 1, I was instantly pulled into Finn's world and fell in love with her character all over again. The story was great and I loved seeing Vero's character fleshed out a little bit more. I may or may not have actually started to like Steven a little bit more in this book. Great story as always and can't wait to continue reading Finlay stories.

SO fun! So entertaining! Finlay and Vero are back with a "Weekend at Bernie's", "Lucy and Ethel" and all around great vibe. Elle Cosimano is a genius. Finlay is trying to investigate the dark web and assassins for hire in the epitome of "You can't make this stuff up" story yet Cosimano makes it work! Quirky, amusing shenanigans that are a hoot!

This is the second book in the Finlay Donovan series that continues Finlay and Vero’s story together. They are always involved with something. Finlay is always sticking her nose into everything just like the first book. This was another easy read. I thought the first book was slightly better, but the author still keeps you interested and invested the whole time during this book. There was a lot that happened at the end of the book and I definitely was not expecting the ending. I am interested to see what happens in the third book.

Another five-star read from Elle Cosimano! "Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead" is the second book in the Finlay Donovan series. From the first page, I was hooked on this fun, action-packed mystery. I wasn't sure how this sequel would stack up to the first book, but it was just as amazing. The story was full of humor, banter, and even a little romance. There truly was never a dull moment! Finlay and Vero are the best duo, and I could not stop laughing.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Elle Cosimano for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

These books are so good!! They hook me in and I sped through it. I really enjoy this writing!

Thank you NetGalley and Elle Cosimano!

Another funny and fantastic book in the series. Finley’s adventures continue and she keeps getting herself in tricky situations. Her sidekick Vero are right back into sticking there nose where it doesn’t belong. Finley is trying to juggle her kids, ex-husband, her nosiness and a couple of men who are vying for her attention. The craziness continues in this story…more adventures, more mad guys and more laughs. She needs to work on her decision making. Lol Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for the complimentary copy.