Finlay Donovan is back and better than ever! This is the third book in the series, and it does stand on its own, but the books are so much better if you start at the beginning. All the characters are great and the dialogue between them is on point and will have you laughing out loud. It's crazy fun and unbelievable at times, yet the author does such a wonderful job pulling you in that you set aside the outlandish incidents and just enjoy the ride. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.

2023 came in hot with some incredible book releases and January’s ending on an especially high note: any new Finlay Donovan novel is cause for celebration and I am rejoicing from the rooftops today!

When readers were first introduced to Finlay, she was a newly-divorced woman and mother of two young children, a romantic suspense author whose meeting with her agent over lunch one day leads to being mistaken for a hit woman-for-hire.

Unfortunately for Finn, things went from bad to worse: bodies (not all of them in one piece) pile up, she’s suddenly on a first-name basis with the Russian mob, someone wants their $200,000 back, and the guy she’s interested in? A cop, naturally.

FINLAY DONOVAN JUMPS THE GUN kicks off shortly after book two ends, just weeks into the new year. Though Feliks is awaiting trial behind bars, the mob boss is still very much in charge and has a job for Finlay: locate a contract killer before the police. The only problem is that EasyClean just might be an officer themselves.

After caving to pressure from both hot cop Nick (forever #teamhotcop) and her agent, Finlay finds herself signed up for a week-long citizen’s police academy along with her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero. Will they be able to sleuth out the real killer or are they walking right into a trap of their own making?

This series is such a blast and book three is no exception! At just under 300 pages, FINLAY DONOVAN JUMPS THE GUN tears along at a blinding pace, its short chapters and high action making this an extremely quick read. The only downside? Now it’s over and the wait for Elle’s next book begins 😭! Highly, highly recommended for any reader looking for a wildly fun, easy escape!

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano

This is book #3 in the Finlay Donovan series. The first step I took when I got this book was to read the first two books. This is a must to get the vibe of the main characters in the story. Finlay Donovan who is a writer who gets involved with solving cases with her nanny Vero. The two women are the type that make you laugh out loud with the banter they have with each other. I believe this is what makes this series so fun is the banter the women share with each other. The mystery part of the story usually is farfetched for the reader to have to suspend belief to go along with the story.

I really just enjoy Finlay and Vero together they are crazy funny and the antics they get involved in is just nuts at times but that is what makes so many of us love this series so good. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, then this one will be one to read it is a must read. Especially if you love good banter between the crime solvers.

The story starts off with Finlay crawling around the bathroom floor of the men's bathroom trying to get to her son. Yes, that is gross but only Finlay can find herself in this situation. To finally get him out she has to pull out a snack to get his attention to get ahold of him and get him out of the bathroom. This is Finlay's type of luck with her kids, her books, her ex-husband and lovers. I don't know if I should feel sorry for her or just plain laugh how bizarre her life is.

Narrated by Angela Dawe who does an amazing job bringing life to Finlay and Vero as well as other characters making listening to the story so enjoyable. I highly recommend this series and listening to it on audio is superb.

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan audio and St. Martin's Press for a free copy of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions of this review are my own.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is an edge-of-your-seat, fun, fast-paced, laugh-out-loud read that defies categorization. Spanning multiple genres, this novel will draw readers in for an unforgettable adventure. Elle Cosimano is a masterful wordsmith, weaving together an enthralling narrative that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. With each book in this series, the stakes are raised and the excitement is palpable. I could not put this book down!

Many thanks to my partners @minotaur_books and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies.

Laugh out loud hysterical. Over the top fun.

There aren’t many things I look forward to in winter. Not the cold temps. Not the lack of sunshine. And definitely not the snow.

But the one thing I can count on in the midst of the bleakness… Finlay Donovan!

Each year, Cosimano delivers the exact serotonin punch I need in the form of outrageous hijinks and hysterical shenanigans as Finlay and Vero sleuth out another mystery.

This book picks up right where the last left off… Finlay and Vero need to unmask Easy Clean, a contract killer with possible ties to the police. With mob boss Feliks looming over their shoulders and demanding answers, they get up close and personal with all the possible suspects at… the citizens police academy.

<enter 300ish pages of belly laughs with a side of 🔥 whenever hot cop Nick shows up>

Like the other two installments, this fast paced book is a total laugh out loud binge read. With a completely implausible plot, we find Finlay and Vero in the most absurd situations. Yet that is exactly what keeps me coming back. Just *what* will they get up to next?!

Since each book in this series is a continuation of the previous, I recommend starting with the first book and reading them in order.

Looking for a pick me up? This pure escapist read with the perfect mix of humor and sizzle is just the book to do it.

🎧 I went back and forth between the print and audio version on this one, and I really enjoyed Angela Dawe’s continued portrayal of Finlay.

Finlay Donovan is back again and the stakes are even higher and more ridiculous! Finlay is still in debt to Russian mob boss Feliks. Meanwhile her next book is due and her editor wants lots of changes, especially involving the main character and the "hot cop". Since Finlay left it up in the air with sexy detective Nick in her personal life, she is having a mental block writing scenes involving her assassin and the "hot cop." When Feliks contacts Finlay and Vero to pay up their debt by identifying a meddling contract killer named "Easy Clean," they put everything together and realize he/she may also be a cop. In order to get more intel, they join a citizens police academy run by none other than Finlay's love interest, Detective Nick; whom she's been avoiding. From here hilarious shenanigans ensue how they usually do when Finlay and Vero are involved.

If you are looking for a hilarious, feel good read, I really recommend this series! I especially love Vero's character! The stakes seem to get higher and higher with each installment and I don't see how Finlay and Vero are going to keep avoiding detainment. Also, I don't know why I thought this book was going to be the finale but I was happily surprised when it ended in a way that hints we will be seeing more of FInlay Donovan! Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the gifted eARC!

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Mystery
Format: Kindle eBook and Audiobook
Date Published: 1/31/23
Author: Elle Cosimano
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio
Narrator: Angela Dawe
GR: 4.05

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

My Thoughts: I LOVE LOVE LOVE Finlay Donovan and her trusty sidekick, Vero. The story is narrated by Finlay Donovan. This is the third book in the series, Finlay Donovan and does NOT disappoint! The opening scene was hysterical. As the mystery is unfolding, I am laughing, gasping, and cheering, and even at times scratching my head wondering how she gets herself involved in these messes. My favorite five star read this year. While this is the third in a series, it could be read as a stand alone, however, the characters are fully explored in the first two books. The plot is a continuing plot, sort of.

Finlay has gotten herself into another heap of trouble with the Russian mob, again. This wouldn’t be a Finlay book without creating enemies along the way. Then her ex-husband, what a piece of work he is. I have not been a fan of his from the start. I do love her sidekick, Vero. Finlay and Vero attend firearm training, and forensic classes created for citizens, which helps them find the contract killer, who may be among the cops. Add in Vero’s past that is disclosed a little more and you have yourself the perfect mystery. The over the top antics is top notch in this installment. The characters were continued to be developed, well fleshed out, witty, mysterious, creative, and brilliantly done. The author’s writing style is complex, multifaceted, top notch, humorous, suspenseful, and absolutely keeps you engaged.

This book is full of non-stop action. Have I not said enough to convince you? Stop what you are doing right now and go BUY this book! Also buy the other books, as they are SOOO worth the investment! This series has a little of mystery and a lot of humor. I do highly, highly recommend picking up. I cannot wait for the next book!

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is the third book in the Finlay Donovan series, and it’s a blast. Finlay and Vero are back and once again they find themselves wrapped up another insane adventure, this time around trying to track down a contract killer. I just love these characters and the over the top crazy situations they get into. In a number of ways these books remind me of Evanovich’s Stephanie Plume series…and that is most definitely a compliment. I’d like to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Finally Donovan Jumps the Gun.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1JXAGZNVFVSE3/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

I find myself easily getting lost in the pages of a Finlay Donovan book - it’s so fun and, after this third book, the characters just feel like my friends.

The characters are so relatable and funny!

I love the lusty tension between Finlay and Nick, the lists tension between Vero and Javi, and the playful banter between Finlay and Vero. It makes for a great story!

Plus, there’s always a fun mystery. This one’s basis is that Finlay and Vero need to find out who “EasyClean” is before someone else does! Of course, going to Citizen’s Police Academy is the answer to everything!

I enjoyed this third book in the series and can’t wait for the next book!

Finlay Donovan is still a hot mess, and I am here for it.

After loving the first book in the Finlay Donovan series, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, I was a little disappointed in the second book. While the newest installment is better than the last, I think the first book is still the best of the bunch.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is an over-the-top mystery novel featuring a modern-day Laverne and Shirley. After originally stumbling into becoming a contract killer, single mom and novelist Finlay Donovan is dealing with the fallout of getting some help from the Russian mob, which did not come free.

The opening scene kicks this book off with a bang. It is hilarious, absurd, and suspenseful. I was so excited to fully dive in after the first few pages.

I thought the plot of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun was unique and a bit unexpected in some ways. Without a doubt, the plot is creative. But if you are unable to suspend belief and just have fun with it, this is likely not the series for you. Not every event or plot points is plausible, but the ridiculousness is part of the enjoyment.

After being a little let down by the second book, I was happy to see that Cosimano found the same tone as the initial book. That is, the humor returned to the page. While it could of course have been funnier, I was pleased to find a couple laugh out loud moments.

My biggest critique of this installment is that it lacked continued character development. While most the characters have been previously introduced to readers, I want Cosimano to keep building depth to them. As I read each book, I do not feel like I necessarily get to know them more and more. For example, I thought Finlay’s love plot line could have used for this purpose. Instead, it is unclear exactly what is holding Finlay back from jumping into a relationship with the hot cop. Similarly, I thought there was ample opportunity to dig more into Vero’s past and her motivations, but instead, we are left with loose ends in Vero’s storyline.

My only other issue was that there was a little villainizing of certain foods. Although this is common in society at large, please can books set an example?

Overall, I really enjoyed Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun. It was the light, playful book I needed. I plan to keep reading this series while I search for my own Vero. I highly recommend these books if you are looking for a silly, yet relatable mystery series. I have pushed these books on both my mom and sister, who now love them. We could not be more different, but we have bonded over these books.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is the third book in the Finlay Donovan series. Finlay and Vero have been tasked with uncovering the identity of the contract killer known as EasyClean. Finlay already suspects that EasyClean is a cop so when Nick assembles a citizens police academy they sign up. What ensues are more hilarious, over-the-top antics...especially the opening scene!

While I did enjoy this, it's not my favorite of the series. It wasn't as engaging as the first two books and it's starting to feel like Finlay's ordeal is just being drawn out. I was hoping for more of a resolution to the current storyline so that the next book could feature something new so I can't help but feel a little disappointed.

On another note, I am very glad the love triangle (or square?) finally seems to be resolved and I'm excited to see how the romance develops!

This ends on a cliffhanger that sets things up nicely for book four and I can't wait to find out what happens next for Finlay!

In the third installment of the Finlay Donovan series, Finlay and her sidekick/nanny/accountant, Vero, find themselves trying to extricate Vero from some unsavory characters while also determining the identity the person responsible for the attempted murder of Finlay’s ex-husband. Not only is she looking for this killer, but a Russian mobster has given her an ultimatum and she has no choice.

Okay, if this brief plot synopsis sounds a bit over-the-top you aren’t wrong. It’s actually a lot over-the-top and wacky, and silly. So, the first thing the reader must do is suspend belief and just go with the story. There are good characters, some good dialogue, and some fast-paced action. Overall, this is a fun series and it’s especially good if you’re looking for something light and easy to read.

But, this is the problem I had with book #3 – it has very little backstory and takes up where the second book left off. Even though I read the previous books, I struggled to get up to speed with this one. It would have been much more enjoyable if there was a (brief) recap of the relevant parts from book one and two. I think there was an attempt to incorporate some backstory, but for me it just wasn’t enough. My other complaint is that the book literally ended without an ending. I really don’t like books that just abruptly stop. Obviously, the next book will start at this point and I hope there is more reference to events that have occurred previously than there was in this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

4.25

FINLAY DONOVAN JUMPS THE GUN by Elle Cosimano is the third instalment in the series and it continues to be fun and funny — laugh-out-loud and thigh-slapping hilarious!

In order to avoid spoilers for those who haven’t read books 1 & 2, I won’t say anything about the plot except – WHY have you not read books 1 & 2 as yet?!

What I can say is that the shenanigans are back! The banter between Finlay and Vero is back and they are as funny as ever! That opening scene is comedy gold and had me laughing right from the start! I enjoyed the new setting of the citizens’ police academy and Mrs. Haggerty had me in stitches! Cosimano’s humour is top notch. She writes children into the storyline in a natural way that is effortless and humorous. I am glad that we got more about Vero’s past and cheers to Finlay for getting some Dessert! 😉 😉

Recommend to a friend? Yes. Is it over the top? Yes. Is it also highly entertaining? Yes!

Loved this more than book 2, but less than book 1.
Book 1 – 5 ⭐️
Book 2 – 3.5 ⭐️
Book 3 (this one) – 4.25 ⭐️

In case you’re wondering, the answer is yes – you need to read the first 2 books before this one.

Thank you to @minotaur_books, @ellecosimano and @netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy and for the coolest Finlay Donovan sunglasses! 🕶️

Happy Pub Day!
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Often by the third book in a series things are just not as good anymore, but this isn't the case for Finlay Donovan. This series does a great job of keeping the energy up throughout. If you liked book 1 and 2, I think you will love this one!
A light and easy read, with a somewhat ridiculous plot, Finlay finds herself at citizens police academy, trying to find out who Easyclean is, while simultaniously trying to keep her nanny/ accountant/ partner in crime out of trouble, and trying to decide if she should let things get to the next level between her and the hot cop who's been into her since book 1.
If I was to nit pick, I think the pacing was a little slow at times, but nothing a little over the top dramatics, Laverne and Shirley style can't make up for. I was laughing right from the opening scene, which found Finlay chasing her toddler around a men's public washroom and into a very awkward position.
If you haven't read the first 2 books in the series, don't try to start with this one, but if you have, you won't want to miss this one.

This is the third in the series, and while I’ve loved them all I think this might have been my favorite.

In this installment, Finlay is trying to clean up Vero’s debt mess, find the contract killer Easy Clean, and get her latest book draft finished and turned in. All of these tasks seem to be impossible on their own, but combined?

There’s non-stop page-turning drama, some more accidental murder, chaos as only Finley can create it, and some romance thrown into the mix. I love all these characters too. They’re all completely flawed hot messes, but lovable all the same.

There was less of a love triangle in this one, (if you ignore Finlay’s ex), and more romance with Nick the hot cop, which I’m 100% here for. Plus, Vero is coming into her own as a super-shady character and I’m dying to find out more about her. I also really loved their time at the citizen’s police academy, especially Mrs Haggarty’s efforts.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun [out today, 1/31!]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Happy Pub Day to Finlay #3!

We pick back up where we left Vero & Finlay in books #1 and #2 — which means dealing w a Russian mob boss, offloading a stolen car, and trying to identity EasyClean allll while taking care of Finlay’s two kids. Finlay & Vero also find themselves in police academy training in this installment … which means they’re trying to solve the mystery and cover their tracks from book #2 all while not getting sniffed out by the dozens of police swarming around them.

I will admit, when I started this it took some time to jog my memory because the plot of #2 truuuly left my brain (which I know a lot of you said the same!)… but tbh it was fine. I pick these up for the laughable, wild antics (plus fan-favorite Vero of course). The scenes of them “borrowing” the police car and the locker room snafu were my favorites.

I think I said this when reviewing book #2, but the book-within-a-book inception is always very clever to me — it always makes me chuckle to think of Cosimano having the same convo w her editor that Finlay is having w hers about the love triangle dynamic in the story.

I think the former books in the series are still my favorites — but I’d definitely recommend this if you have a long car ride or just want a bingeable series to bring some LOLs into your day.

Thank you Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

QUICK TAKE: Finlay and Vero are back at it with another misadventure full of ridiculous scenarios, this time bringing them to a police academy camp for civilians.

I just can't get enough of these books. They are such fun, quick reads that always leave me laughing out loud and saying OMG at the same time. This one was a bit more far-fetched than the others but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I still feel that the first book is the GOAT but I will definitely continue reading these books as they come out.

I heard a rumor there may be a possible show in the works for the series, if so I'm definitely here for it.

If you're still sleeping on this series take this as your sign to start reading them now!

What a fun addition to this series! The first of this series was a standout book of 2021 for me, and while I enjoyed the second one and would definitely recommend it, the first still reigns supreme for me. However, this third installment might be my new favorite of the bunch. It is a bunch of madcap fun with memorable characters and an ending that, of course, makes you look at your calendar for when the next possible installment might come out! The heart of this series is really truly with Finlay and Vero. Their unique relationship and sister-like bond makes me laugh, cry, and shout for joy when they succeed. Elle Cosimano has really hit gold with these wonderful characters, so it’s not wonder she comes back to them time and time again for more fun (and perilous!) adventures. So many questions I need answered at the end of this one, and I’m not mad at it! Looking forward to more!

And as a note, thank you to @librofm for the Librarian ALC copy of the FABULOUS audiobook narrated by Angela Dawe. Her voices are absolutely wonderful, particularly her transformative performance as Vero. When (not if) you read this book, make sure to pair it with the audio. You won’t regret it.

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. And to @ellecosimano HAPPY PUB DAY! Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun comes out TODAY January 31st.

Thank you Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the gifted book & ALC

I adore our girl, Finlay! These books are so fun and total page turners. This is the third book in a series that you will absolutely want to read in order.

My favorite parts of this book:
• I just love this series! It’s such a fun concept
• Finlay and Vero’s friendship
• The romance progressing
• Flirty Nick
• A new setting

My only “complaint” is that I feel like certain aspects of the story are feeling a bit drawn out and I would love if the original crimes/mystery were wrapped up and a new mystery started. Would it be farfetched for them to stumble upon a new crime? Absolutely! But you don’t read these books because they’re rooted in reality!

I will be excitedly awaiting book 4 and probably will read it immediately as I always do with this series! I’m hoping for even more Nick in the next book!

P.S. this has a fantastic audio narration!!

More of Finlay and Vero in book ##. These two friends get into so many situations and like in book #2 we got to understand Vero more. Finlay showcased her strong friendship by sticking by Vero's side and understanding she has a past too. The toddler playing hide and seek in the men's bathroom had me smiling at the book. This book still had Finlay and Vero still tied to the Russian mob after book #2 with the car situation (spoiler). Such an amazing cozy mystery!