Member Reviews

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me to take an early listen to this amazing audiobook.

First things first, the audio narrator Angela Dawe was amazing (I believe she did the 1st book too). I hope she continues to be the audio narrator for this series. I cannot give her enough praise.

Now, on to Elle Cosimano....Elle, Elle, Elle, another slam dunk for the Finlay Donovan series! So kudos to you! Seriously, I love these characters so much. Finlay & Vero are the kind of friends you want to have....LOYAL until the end!!!

Also, how many potential love interests does Finlay have now....Steven (does he even count?!?!), Julian and Nick. All of those storylines play out well in this book. I'm curious to see where they head going forward.

I'm interested to see where the 3rd installment takes us and how Vero's troubles get resolved....seems that these ladies are escalating.

I really enjoyed the dinner scene at the end with Finlay's mom. Her mom loves her so much and I just really enjoyed that.

I highly recommend this series, it's fun, lighthearted....and an all around good time. I feel like Finlay really had some personal growth in this book.

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This audiobook did not disappoint! After reading the first book in a hardback edition, listening to the second was such a smooth transition. The narrator was great at capturing all of the characters voices and emphasizing action and emotion. This audiobook kept me thoroughly engaged and constantly wanting more. One of the best audiobook narrations I have yet to experience!

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Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano is book 2 in the Finlay Donovan series. I read the first book in this series and absolutely loved it. This book-- I could not imagine how the sequel could match up to the first book in the series. But this book absolutely lived up to the first. I sincerely hope there is a third book. I have heard criticism about this book, that the reader could not get into it because the hijinks Finlay gets into are unbelievable. I completely disagree with this. In fact, I think the author does a brilliant job making the implausible seem plausible. It is remarkable, really, and it makes for a really unique book. I adored this book and can't wait to see more like it from the author. It is even better as an audiobook. I received a audio copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

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FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS ‘EM DEAD

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead
by Elle Cosimano (Finlay Donovan #2)

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced audio of this title.

I am loving this series. Finlay Donovan is back and in even more trouble than she was in the first book of this series.

She’s moving on with her life and into writing her next book now that her first one is a bestseller. She has helped take down the Russian mob, bury a body with her friend, Vero, and discover others on her ex-husband’s land and helped send his fiancee to prison.

But after seeing an ad posted online for someone to kill her ex-husband, Steven, she’s back in the thick of it trying to protect her children’s father.

Her young law student/ bartender lover, Julian, leaves her for a week to go to the beach with friends and all the women in her life are pushing her towards the handsome cop Nick Anthony who is increasingly difficult to resist.

This is one wild and fast ride that you will absolutely love. I’m hooked.

Read the first awesome book in this series Finlay Donovan is Killing It and then get to this one asap!

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Several years ago, I read the first several Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. They were so easily binge-able with the perfect balance of mystery, humor, and heart. Elle's Finlay Donovan books are much the same way.
Finlay's emotional and mental clumsiness is quite amusing. She can't help but make the best decision possible in the moment that are problematic long-term. She wants so badly to protect those around her that she loves and ends up shooting herself in the foot (figuratively, although I wouldn't be surprised if it actually happens in a future book).
The love triangle continues from the first book into Knocks 'Em Dead. While I was completely on board with Julian in book one, I think I've been swayed to Nick's side in book two. I greatly appreciate how Elle is managing this aspect of the series to this point, but do hope it's not a long-term hustle as I would like to see Finlay romantically steady while she figures out the rest of life.
The absolute best part of this series is how Angela Dawe narrates the books. I have zero complaints about her ability to brings Elle's words to life. I had to wait for the audiobook to be available because she's amazing and there was no way my head voice could compete. I'm crossing my fingers Angela narrates any and all future Finlay books.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the alc. All thoughts in this review are my own.

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✨Book Review✨
Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Well, Elle Cosimano does it again. This sequel was just as cute as the first book. How I love Finaly and her crazy schemes. I don't know why these books are so comforting, but they truly are. While they are about murder for hire, they manage to be light, funny, witty, and even a little bit romantic.
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In this sequel, Finlay and Vero find out that someone has hired a hitman to murder Finlay's ex-husband. Their search for the culprit takes them on some more hysterical adventures. It ends on a cliffhanger, so I hope there is a book three! I'll be first in line to read it if there is.
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I highly recommend listening to this one on audio. It reads like a movie!

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Finlay Donovan needs no introduction. She's smart, funny, and constantly getting herself in trouble! I loved book one, so it's no surprise that I love book 2. Knocks ‘Em Dead ends perfectly with another cliffhanger to book 3!! Woohoo - I can't wait!! 🎉

I listened to the first half of the story. I liked Angela Dawe’s narration, but Finlay and Vero's voices sounded different in my head. So I gravitated towards reading the story vs. listening to the story. Simply a case of it's me, not you.

I finished the book on the plane to Puerto Rico. The lady sitting next to me inquired what I was reading since I was laughing every 20 mins. I told her I highly recommend Finlay Donovan Is Killing It and Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead! The scenarios are a bit far-fetched, but that's precisely what you want when you are on vacation and need an escape!

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I had so much fun with Finlay Donovan in the first book that this book was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022. I love the simple cover which matches well with the first one and gives you a sense of what's going to happen without giving away the plot.

I wasn't sure where the story was going to go after the first book, but I think the author did a great job of using what was successful from the first book ie the crazy situations that Finlay and Vero found themselves in and using that to propel the storyline. I really enjoy the side characters especially her two love interests. It was really smart to have cops and lawyers adjacent so that she can get help/ask them questions.

i also really enjoy her editor and the fact that she uses the crazy situations to write her books. That's one of the best aspects of the story for me. I think the narrator does a good job with her voices especially this character.

I really can't wait to see what they get into next. I recommend this series often because it's a funny, cozy mystery romance and that's not always a combination you find!

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In Finlay Donovation Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano we’re immediately thrust back into her vivid, precarious world. I love the snark and light-hearted tone of this series and found this to be a wonderful sequel. There’s mystery, romance, and the antics you would expect from Finlay Donovan. The story was a little meandering, but I love the tone of these books. The action and characters keep me intrigued as I listen. Angela Dawe is a pitch-perfect narrator for Finlay. The audiobooks for this series are so fun!

Thank you Minotaur Books / Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing this ebook / audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to review this book! The writing, characters and plot line were all done very well. The only complaint I had; its just simply not as good as the first one. zi thought the first novel in the series had more humor integrated in, more 'this could happen to anyone'. Finlay Donovan Knocks em Dead however seemed forced in some parts, not as fluid as its prior novel. Really wonderful; and creative story however and I loved this world and characters this book created!

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I just love Finlay and Vero. Their partner in crime is such a fun ride and i love their friendship and shenanigans. Totally girl squad goals. I love the mystery in this and how it’s a lighter and fun and funny read. Just all around entertaining with so many mishaps and oh no moments!

She’s a mom and a girl boss and just a fun character that’s so relatable— and all the wine! 🤣 so down to earth. I’ll follow Finlay any where she goes. I’d be her ride or die 🤣

This is a twisty and turny read but one that won’t keep you up all night.. well only to keep turning the pages!

The narrator was fantastic as well and i loved her accents. She completely pulled me into the story and made it hard to turn off

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🎧 I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I knew going in it’s a bit on the ‘silly’ side but it’s fun. Of course we expect Finley to get herself in precarious and hilarious positions and she doesn’t disappoint! This will keep you entertained the whole way through.

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Finlay and Vero are hilarious and manage to get themselves in some ridiculous situations again in this sequel to Finlay Donovan is Killing It. This story is full of tension, excitement, and lots of laughs. As a bonus, there’s a splash of romance thrown in, too.
I started the ebook, then put on the audiobook while I was driving and working, then got home and finished reading the ebook. The story just keeps moving and I couldn’t stop until I knew how it all worked out! This is a great book if you like mysteries but want a light fun read.

Thank you to @minotaurbooks for the digitial ARC and to @macmillanaudio and @netgalley for the ALC. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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Very enjoyable second installment to the Findlay Donovan series.
Findlay, a writer of romantic suspense and divorced mom of two little ones, has been mistaken for a contract killer in book one. The stakes are even higher in the latest book, when she and her wisecracking nanny Vero, stumble across a hit request for her ex husband Steven on a women's website.
Of course the pair get themselves deeper into trouble,
ending up with a dismembered corpse in their washing machine (temporary storage), and dodging the wrath of the Russian mob and an ex-husband.
The romance is fairly tame as Findlay juggles her feelings for detective Nick and hot young law student/bartender Julian. But it is the friendship between Findlay and Vero that really sparkles, and where funniest lines come in.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my unbiased review.

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Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is an awesome sequel. Finlay and Vero once again find themselves in a sticky situation. With twists, turns, and surprises this book had me on the edge of my seat.

Here's what I loved:
💗Finlay & Veros friendship
💗The secrets
💗It was fast paced but easy to follow
💗The audio narrator was amazing!

This fun mystery/thriller is set to release on 2/1/22. Add this one to your TBR if you love mysteries, witty characters, cute kids, and surprises!

My rating: ★★★★

A huge thank you to MacMillan Audio, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for my ARC Audio version

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WE LOVE A QUALITY SEQUEL! Finlay picks right back up in her chaos and it’s a good time. Will she choose the lawyer or the cop? Will it matter if she’s in jail? I didn’t think I would care about a story line that centered Steven so much but Findlay’s antics kept me engaged. I’m a little salty that this teed us up for a third book because I hate cliffhangers BUT I’m also not ready to say goodbye to Finlay and the gang.

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I have been waiting for this book since finishing the last one almost a year ago. This did not disappoint. There is so much going on in this book that you can’t help but devour it all in one sitting. I love the characters, the setting, the witty dialogue, and the situations they find themselves in. This book had me laughing through some scenes, had my heart racing through others, and just glued to it until the satisfying ending. Highly recommended.

Narration was well done, no issues.

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Just as fun and enjoyable as the first...if not more. I cannot wait to continue the adventures of Finlay and Vero for many more novels to come!

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I LOVED the first Finlay Donovan book, but I didn't get into this one as quickly. It wasn't as funny and bad ass. I wanted more. But this could be an issue with me and series, I always expect the same energy as the first book.

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After absolutely devouring Finlay Donovan is Killing It, I was so thrilled to pick up the second in the series! Thank you so much to @minotaur_books and @macmillan.audio for the digital and audio copies of Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead!

This book picks up where the first left off, and we are back to following the adventures of Finlay and Vero. These characters are so fun and so well-written, and it’s easy to get caught up in their silly, wild, sometimes dangerous, amateur-sleuthing activities. The book as a whole is a great blend of twisty suspense and mystery with humor. I loved the plot so much, and it was so much fun watching it all unravel.

The audiobook is performed by Angela Dawe and comes in at 9 hours and 21 minutes, and it was fantastic to listen to. The time absolutely flew by! I’d highly recommend giving this one a listen if you’re an audiobook fan (and even if you’re not)!

Thank you to the publishers and #netgalley for the ARC of this title. This is a voluntary review and all opinions are honest and my own.

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