I’m going to preface this with I still very much enjoyed this book, loved the characters, overall had a good time however, I was hoping for more this time around. It just felt like a complete continuation from the first book. I wanted more between Vero and Finlay- those two could’ve really done some things and had a good time. I wanted more from Finlay and the lawyer or even Nick but nope same same- which is not a whole lot. I would still highly recommend this book and the series!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance listening copy of this book!

Having just read Finlay Donovan is Killing it, the characters were fresh in my mind. Elle Cosimano has a promising series on her hands, here!

This book, in particular, reminded me quite a bit of the Goldy Bear mystery series by Diane Mott Davidson. Where Goldy is a caterer, in this series we have Finlay, who's "real job" is a novelist but she somehow gets involved -- overly involved -- in the middle of a murder mystery. Goldy was dating (and is now married) to a police officer who is constantly begging her to stay out of police business. In this series, Finlay is dating a police officer as well although he has not quite figured out how mixed up she really gets. I laughed at the fact that each book also has a younger character that our protagonist has fond feelings for named Julian!

I love the relationship Finlay has with her live-in nanny/accountant, Vero. The audible performance of Vero by Angela Dawe is absolutely perfect.

It's funny in a madcap kind of way with the story and action building all the way until the end. In the final pages, we definitely see the set up for book 3! Book 3 of how many? I bet there will be many, many, books in this series!

I thought this wasthe first book in the series when I requested the audiobook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Oops. It stood alone fine, you very, very quickly pick up the characters and their back strories without the author really spelling it out and boring the readers of the first book.

I laughed a few times in the beginning. Overall, I just give this an OK rating. I just didn't find the story or characters that interesting. There is a surprise at the end which perked me up, but after I thought about it, I thought it was really weak. It literally could have been anyone at that point. If the reader had started getting an inkling earlier it could have added some drama and anticipation.

Part of me likes the fact that Finlay and Vero don't need a man, but I don't think their relationship brings out the best in them. As is, I don't really root for them which is kind of necessary for me to enjoy a series.

I loved this book, possibly more than the first.

The wild, WILD plot, two intriguing options for Finlay (Nick and Julian), but more importantly the relationship between Finlay and Vero were spectacular. Vero is my favorite by far, and the narrator portrayed her and Finlay so well.

This was a book I just wanted to never finish listening to.

Just like the first book, FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS'EM DEAD is a knock out novel! The same fun, funny tone, lovable characters you kind of want to strangle, and another mystery to untwist. I recommend reading the first book, but go ahead and buy this one, too, because you won't want to stop once you start!

Finlay Donovan does it again! This book was a wild, hilarious ride. The quick wit and hilarious scenarios make it a favorite. Not many authors can make a thriller so humorous, but Elle Cosimano does it with ease. Her writing makes you love the characters and somehow make the ridiculous plot seem believable.

I rated this one 4 stars because there seemed to be many more characters which took a little bit of work to keep track of. I also thought this book took a little bit longer to build its momentum, however, once it got going, I was hooked! However, I will still recommend this to everyone and plan to buy it for my library!

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely adored this book. I honestly think I loved it even more than the first - and I'm so glad that there will be a third! This book picks up right where the first one left off - there is a hit out on Finlay's ex-husband, and she must try to figure out who it is before he and their kids are in danger. It is just as entertaining and funny as the first one!

I didn't love the first one, but I am a creature of habit-- if I read one, I will typically read the second. This one was much better, but still not great. It is a fun read that sets up an escape. However, there was 0 emotional impact for this title-- just meh.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead was another five-star book for me, just like the first one was. It took me a little while to get used to the narrator's voice, but once I did, I had such a great time! I even got my 12- and 14-year-old kids into it!

This story is ridiculous and hilarious and so much fun! The situations that Finlay and Vero get themselves into are just this side of unbelievable, but they kick @$$ at figuring out how to save themselves. It was awesome to see Finlay develop a little more confidence in this book and to see more from the whole cast of characters. Can't wait to read the next Finlay Donovan book!

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for providing me with this advance listener copy.

Description from NetGalley:
Finlay Donovan is—once again—struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish.
On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of soccer moms disguised as hit-women, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like.
Meanwhile, Vero's keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay's first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes... and if that means bending a few laws then so be it.
With her next book's deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn't a noose at the end of it…
I cannot get enough of this series. The first book was fantastic. I gave it a 5/5. This one is just as good if not better. The relationships that were barely scratched in the first one are definitely fleshed out more. I love Vero and Finlay’s relationship, especially their banter. It’s great to see two women have that kind of relationship, not just fighting over me. The writing and narraction are again top notch and leave me waiting for the next one.
Cannot recommend this series enough. 5/5

Fun crazy and highly entertaining!

If you enjoyed book 1, this one will not disappoint. Finlay once again finds herself in improbable situations. Her nanny, Vero, is her partner in crime and is the best ride or die bestie therime is.

I found the conclusion 5o be quite touching and I loved how Elle Cosimano can balance the light hearted fun with something heart warming

Fantastically fun 5 stars
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

The characters and story take off not long after the first book. I really enjoyed being back in the world of Finlay and her chaos. The conveniency and lack of description in some aspects of the story made some parts of the book feel lack luster and brushed over. With that said, I do really enjoy the humor and would like more scenes with the children and family and more sub character building.

Finlay Donovan is such a fun literary character!

This sequel is just as whimsical, mysterious, and entertaining as the first book. The pages particularly turn themselves while reading because it is just that good.

Finlay Donovan Knocks "Em Dead picks up directly after the events of the first book and it felt like a great continuation that flowed seamlessly into her new adventures, mishaps, and misunderstandings. It feels a bit odd to talk about a book being "fun" when it focuses on people ending up murdered, but trust me, Cosimano has created something unique with this series and with her character that makes murder fun.

I am excited to see where the series will go next and what crazy antics Finlay will find herself in again.

The first book FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT was fantastic. The second book lost a little bit of the magic from the first book. This sometimes happens. I still really enjoyed the second book in the series. It was a lot of fun. So easy to fall right back In love with the characters. I look forward to reading book three when it gets released.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT, and found myself falling straight back into that love affair with the second installment. These books have become such great escape reads, as Cosimano pairs crime fiction and comedy together for a binge worthy read. I loved hanging out with Finlay and Vero while they investigate who has a death wish for Steven. The antics these two get into are nothing short of entertaining. While I do think that this latest installment is a bit more over-the-top, it’s not hard to suspend your belief when you’re wrapped up in an addictive read. This has easily become one of my most loved series’ and I can’t wait to see what Cosimano comes up with for Finlay next!

A huge thank you to Minotaur Books for my gifted copy!

As hilarious and witty as book one with a whole new twist. While the book is a little far fetched, that’s part of the humour and I love seeing the growth in both main character. Readers are sure to love another twisted adventure with Finlay.

I loved the first book in the Finlay Donovan series, so I was delighted to read Elle Cosimano's second book: Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead. Narration by Angela Dawe amplified the experience.

Finlay and her partner-in-crime...solving Vero are back, and this time they are trying to prevent the murder of her ex-husband Steven. When Finlay realizes there is a hit out on her ex, she's on the case to try and stop it, but Steven isn't exactly making it easy for her.

Between the misadventures and near-death experiences, there's also a fun love triangle.

Can't wait for book three and Vero's story.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

4.5⭐️ this sequel was just as good as the first. I listened to the audio and loved the narrator. So many times I found myself laughing out loud. Vero and Finlay's relationship gets stronger, Steven is still pathetic, and Nick and Julian are still there....I love the set up for the next one!! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

The second book in the Finlay Donovan series has a familiar feeling from page one. Finlay is again struggling to write her new novel and make ends meet when she finds out that someone is trying to kill her ex-husband, Stephen, and suspects that the Russian mob might once again be involved.

Although the obvious decision would be to report this information to the police and let them handle the situation, once again Finlay and her live-in Nanny & good friend Vero, take matters into their own hands.

Just like the in the first instalment, hilarity ensues.

“There was a dead guy in my washing machine (or, at least, part of one, which might actually be worse). Someone was trying to murder my ex, there was a suntanned girl in Julian’s kitchen, his social media accounts were set to private, and he wanted to have a talk.”

I was concerned when I first started this novel that it wouldn’t live up to either the first book or my expectations. However, I soon realized that I was worried for nothing!

Elle Cosimano has done it again!

Although some of the antics that our two heroines get into are a bit far fetched, somehow it all works.

I love the focus on Finlay and Vero’s friendship and I so appreciate their witty banter! I also found myself highly invested in Finlay’s love life and can’t wait to see how that develops. Cosimano has expertly set up for another instalment in this series and I cannot wait to read it!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC. Angela Dawe’s narration was spot on!

Another solid read from Elle Cosimano! I’ve been such a huge fan of Finlay & Vero…they amazing best friend duo!!! The story was so fun & kept you guessing to find out who’s who!! Honestly it was just as great as the first one & I can only hope they’ll be more!! The only thing that was hard to keep up with with the semi-love triangle Finlay was dealing with. Overall another great & fun read…once again this would be a wonderful series on the big screen!!!