I think this is such a fun series, but there are a couple of things to do before starting this one in order to really enjoy it:

1. Read the first two books. They will give you a good sense of what is going on and who the characters are. Without reading those two first you are dropped into the middle of a story and though some background and context is given you won't really get it all.

2. Suspend all disbelief. This is a fun series as long as you don't look at it too closely. If you start to analyze it, it will fall apart. There are many coincidences and unlikely (at best) scenarios. It makes for an entertaining, but not realistic, story.

The best parts of this story IMO are the characters and the banter. The characters are mostly interesting and funny and I am a pushover for good banter.

I could completely do without the multiple love interests and repetition in that area, but that's my personal opinion. I don't tend to care for stories where there are multiple (good-looking, smart, kind, caring, etc that everyone else is interested in) people that are all interested in the same person.

This book wrapped up many questions, but also left our MCs in a position where the next book is necessary. It's sort of a cliffhanger where this story is played out, albeit with some loose threads, and Finlay and Vero are off to start a new adventure.

I'll be interested to see what they get up to next and how they are going to handle the details of their current situation.

“The list of resolutions I’d adopted two weeks ago had included three very important bullets: no more junk food, no more men, and no more bodies in my minivan. Not necessarily in that order.”

Finlay Donovan has been in messes before―after all, she's an author and single mom who's a pro at getting out bloodstains for rather unexpected reasons―but none quite like this. After she and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero accidentally destroyed a luxury car that they may have "borrowed" in the process of saving the life of Finlay's ex-husband, the Russian mob got her out of debt. But now Finlay owes them. 

She’s back! This is the third installment in the Finlay Donovan series and it is just a crazy and cooky as the prior books. Although not quite as good as the first two in my opinion, this one was still fun and I always enjoy revisiting characters. It follows the same format of Finlay getting herself into the most unbelievable of shenanigans all while trying to navigate divorce, solve crimes, and write a book. The opening scene had me laughing out loud!

The audiobook was done so well! I enjoyed the narration. These books are so quick and you really can just fly though them.

Thank you to Goodreads for the giveaway copy, Netgalley, Minotaur Books, St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and the author for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano.

Elle Cosimano has done it again. If you’ve read the first two books in this series, you HAVE to read this third book! And if you haven’t read any of them yet, this is your sign to start! This series does not disappoint.

As in the first two books, Finlay almost immediately finds herself in a predicament (or several predicaments?!) and with the help of her trusty friend / nanny / accountant Vero, Finlay is on a mission to clear her name and find the true bag guy.

These books are best read in order since story lines and characters carry through to each new book.

I love this series. The Finlay books are funny and at times ridiculous, making them all very entertaining. They center on friendship, trust, resilience, and a dash of romance. On top of all the criminal activity and questionable choices of our main characters. 😆

If you’re in the mood for a hilarious mystery series, look no further! 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

Finlay Donovan is back and still trying to figure out who was out to kill her husband. This time, however, she finds herself working for the Russian mob boss, Feliks, who wants Finlay to find the identity of the contract killer before the cops do. The only problem: the contract killer is possibly a police officer. Luckily for Finlay, her and her nanny Vero are able to join a citizen’s police academy (run by hot cop Nick) where they spend their time trying to sleuth out the killer.

This was another fun read that had me laughing throughout. I always love seeing the shenanigans and trouble that Finally and Vero get up to in each of the books. However, I’m not sure I really enjoyed the police academy aspect of the storyline. It almost felt like a filler in a sense so Finlay could identify the killer. It just didn’t pique my interest as much as the adventures in the first two books.

Despite this, the police academy also allowed for Finlay and Nick’s romance line to be explored more. I loved the tension between them and I was rooting for them to just suck it up and get together throughout the book. When I tell you, I squealed every time Nick flirted with Finlay. I love this man.

Then in the last few chapters, there were so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming! It had me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn’t put it down.

Also, as a side note, there was a character with the same last name as me, so that’s a win in my books.

Overall, another great book from Cosimano! This one left off on a cliffhanger, meaning there’s a possibility for book 4. I’m hoping that we get another book that focuses more on Vero’s past - as the discussions surrounding her past in this book have me dying to know more!

Im such a fan of the Finlay Donovan series and the third book did not disappoint! We picked up not far from where we left off in book two and Finlay is caught in the crosshairs of doing her best to avoid committing crimes and being pretty close with some members of the justice system. Storylines like Steven being Steven, her family being a bit chaotic, and her romantic life a bit complicated continue in this novel, but we also get a glimpse into more about Vero’s life before Finlay. The majority of the book is set at the citizen’s police academy and with all the events and people involved, some unexpected visitors and shenanigans happen right under the cops’ noses. Finlay and Vero continue to be a great duo and it’s so fun seeing them problem solve situations together. I was happy to see some movement with the romance piece in this one… get that dessert Finlay!! The unveiling of contract killer was great and this book kept me guessing until the end. I can’t get enough of this cozy mystery, so excited for the next one!

2.5 or 3 stars
Despite really wanting to like it, I had some trouble with this book. The last 20% was fast-paced, surprising and full of action, but the 80% before that was none of those things. It was repetitive and I felt like nothing happened. What I loved so much about the first Finlay book has been lost somewhere along the way as the plot gets dragged out to fill 4 books. The last part of the book was exciting, but I'm not very interested in reading the series now that cops are such a huge part of the story and it felt really pro-police at times.

Just like the second, the third one starts where we left off. It was fun to follow Finlay and Vero through their chaos, but this one dragged for me in the beginning and I found some parts to be TOO over-the-top. It also was similar to the first two, which felt a little repetitive. I probably didn’t feel as engaged since it had a slow start for me. Overall, it is a light and fun mystery series!

Finlay Donovan has had me hooked from the first sentence of book one. As soon as I saw there was going to be a third installment in the series, I jumped (no pun intended) at the opportunity to read it. As per usual, Elle Cosimano is the queen of opening lines. She has a way of grabbing your attention and leaving you hanging on to every word.

I was excited to enter back into Finlay's world. Finlay and Vero have a friendship that cannot be matched and I was excited to FINALLY see who Finlay's man was going to be. And of course if she was going to get that *cough cough* dessert.

The cliffhanger at the end left room for a book four. I'm not sure where Elle might take a fourth installment of the book, but I know wherever she does, Finlay and Vero will be taking me along for the ride.

Finlay and Vero are back at it! This time, they've decided to join a week long "citizen's police academy" as they try to uncover who the lethal Easy Clean is.

Finlay & Vero have easily become one of my favorite literally duos! I love their friendship and humor.

Each of these books has been just as fun as the last. Zero disappointment in this one. Elle Cosimano brings it! I hope she keeps them coming!

I’m such a massive fan of the Finlay series and couldn’t wait to gobble up Book #3. Which is exactly what I did.

This book delivered on the humor + relatability + mystery + best friend vibes that made me fall in love with this series from the start. The mystery is well crafted and there are lots of enticing suspects. I love following the arcs and evolutions of the characters and I love seeing how Finlay & Vero get themselves in - and out - of trouble.

It’s always a bit tricky to talk about a book in a series and since I refuse to be the reviewer who gives spoilers. In short this was a total hit for me. I loved the first book in the series and feel like this book captured that same feeling I had of thoroughly enjoying the story, keeping me engaged and keeping me guessing.

In case you haven't started the series yet let me tell you a bit about the first book to entice you to give this series a go. It’s a must read!

Finlay Donovan is a struggling writer and newly single mom of two young children. Her trash bag husband left her for their relator and he lives down the street so he’s way too *in* her life. He also fired the nanny leaving Finlay even more stressed out.

While Finlay is chatting about the plot of her latest suspense novel over lunch with her agent, a woman at a neighboring table overhears the conversation and mistakes Finlay for a contract killer. She offers Finlay a lot of money to kill her husband. Finlay could really use the money but she wouldn’t kill to get it. Would she?

It’s the perfect blend of humor + mystery + the best friend relationship I live for. Finlay & Vero are goals! It’s kind of Lucy & Ethyl-meets-Dead To Me-meets Thelma & Louise with some deliciously fun mystery and romance on top.

I had the great fortune of getting an eARC and ALC of this book and read a blend of the two. Angela Dawe does a magnificent job with the audiobook and completely nails the voice of this story. Massive thanks to @minotaur_books, @netgalley and @macmillan.audio.

Audiobook/Book Review

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
Elle Cosimano
@ElleCosimano
Pub date: January 31, 2023
Narrated by: Angela Dawe
Duration: 8H 38M

This is the third book in Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan series so I won’t go into too much plot detail because I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone!
As usual, I was beyond entertained by Finlay and Vero who are, by far, one of my favorite duo’s! There is mystery, mayhem and all the humor combined with a stellar cast of characters. The shenanigans go deep as they enter the citizens policy academy run by hottie - and Finlay’s love interest – Nick. Russian mob bosses and a hunt for a hired killer makes for an interesting plot and gives the ladies ample opportunity to get themselves into all kinds of predicaments.

Narrator: Angela Dawe narrates this so fantastically! Giving each character a unique voice and adding just the right amount of emotion to the scenes. A truly spectacular experience! Well done, Angela!

A great big thank you to @MacMillan.Audio for this gifted ALC!

And to @Minotaur_Books for a gifted DRC.

I mostly listened to this and the experience was <muah> chefs kiss!

Elle Cosimano has done it again! Finally Donovan Jumps the Gun is book 3 in the Finlay Donovan series. It’s funny, exciting, and full of outrageous situations. In this book, Finlay and Vero find themselves in the citizens police academy, led by “hot cop” Nick. The result is lots of sneaking around and investigating while learning techniques from seasoned cops and other professionals. Finlay and Vero are the best sleuthing duo! I just love how they work together and have each other’s back. There is a little bit of romance, although this time it’s not a love triangle. If you’ve read the previous books, you know that Finlay is often in situations where she really isn’t guilty but yet she isn’t quote innocent either. It’s a balance that keeps you loving Finlay even when she does some questionable things. Finlay is a mom to two little ones and I find myself relating to her #momlife throughout the story. I really enjoyed this book, but holy cliffhanger Batman!…I can’t believe I have to wait to read book 4!
I did a mix of ebook and audiobook. Angela Dawe does a great job of narrating. All the voices of different characters sound unique and she really brings the book to life. If you can, I highly recommend listening to the audio to get more fun out of the book. This book is not a standalone. You need to read the previous books because book 4 is a continuation, with references to past plots and characters quite often.
Thank you Macmillan audio for the ALC & Minotaur for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 stars rounded down to 3!

This was a fun continuation of Finlay and Vero's stories, but throughout I kept asking myself if it was really necessary? I started to get those vibes during the second book in the series, and this one unfortunately cemented that for me. I found some of the dialogue to be rather cringy and just came off as cheesy rather than fun and whimsical like it did in the first book. Seems as if the author is really taking the first book and stretching it out into a long series (this book ended clearly set up for a 4th book) when I'm not really sure how needed it is.

If you really loved the second book in the series I recommend picking this one up! But I definitely don't think you're missing out on too much if you chose not to.

I just love Finlay Donovan so much. It is such a fun series with funny characters and I laugh out loud multiple times a book. I even got my husband hooked on the series. When I told him I was reading the third one he said, “lucky!” This book was a ride. So many moving parts kept it humming right along. Finlay and Vero are back with another adventure while at a citizens police academy. Their experiences in the past are helping them succeed at camp, but it also gets them into trouble as always. I was worried it was the final book, I’m glad to find out it’s not! Finlay and Vero forever!!

Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun by Elle Cosimano

I came into this series at book 2 ( still need to read book one) and book 2 was AMAZING! So when I was given the eARC of book 3, I was so excited!! Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun has all the same characters as the last book and Finlay is still trying to get out from under the thumb of the local Russian bad guy. I won't give away the plot, but I will say this... You will laugh, from the first page you will laugh. And though I don't think this book is as good as book 2, it is still a solid 3.5⭐ I loved it for what it is... An escape from reality, and a good quick read.

Pub date: January 31st!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Finlay is back. This series is such a fun escape from everyday monotony. Even the smallest things like shopping become adventures. Following from the previous two books, she's now tied up with the Russian mob and also trying to get her editor to approve her current manuscript inspired by her own experiences.

Finlay and Vero get away by going to Community Police Academy, which sounds a lot like an adult summer camp in which they are learning from Nick and his peers about what it means to be police. There's a bit less of Finlay's kids in this book with her away, but we still get to see her trying to balance being a single mom and an author with all of the other crazy chaos of her life.

There's more romantic tension with Nick than ever and amazing will they/won't they from Finlay as she tries to revise her manuscript. And we get more love interest for Vero, especially with poor Javi who always seems to get injured. I love seeing Vero's character grow and become more nuanced with each subsequent book.

This third book combines the reality of motherhood with absolutely outlandish crimes and situations. I found the ending a complete surprise, and I loved that I couldn't guess it. And I can't wait for the series to continue.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

The Finlay and Vero crazy hijinks and seat-of-the-pants cover-ups show continues!

This installment, Finlay has writer’s block, Vero needs to find a huge amount of cash to pay off her gambling debt, and Feliks Zhirov, the arrested Russian gangster, is threatening Finlay with revealing all the bodies she and Vero have amassed over two books unless she discovers EasyClean’s identity.

To escape these stressful things, Finlay and Vero sign up for a Citizen’s Academy run through the local police training facility. Findlay’s crush Nick is running the program, and though Finlay would love to get closer to him, her association with Feliks keeps her from moving forward, much to Vero’s frustration. Vero has her own male trouble, as former flame Javier is in town, and though they fight constantly, Javi keeps helping the two women.

At the Academy, Vero and Finlay learn how to shoot, how to assess a scene, and other useful skills (considering their history together), while situations around them become increasingly chaotic and ridiculous. And useless, stupid Stephen is trying to get back together with her.


There’s more will they-won’t they tension between Finlay and Nick, and some of the same between Vero and Javi. The pacing is fast, aside from the implausibility of much that the two women get up to, and romance with the cop (which I could do without), Finlay and Vero demonstrate repeatedly how they have each other’s backs. Their friendship, and the depth of their commitment to one another is what makes this series enjoyable.

Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Do yourself a favor: Do not start this series with this book. I was lost at times, and I've read the first two books! If you like cozy-mystery with a side of hilarity and two lovable goof ball characters, this is the series for you. Finlay and Vero just can't seem to dig themselves out of the mess they are in and in fact it keeps getting worse and worse. It seems like one step forward and two steps back for this duo.

Finley Donovan is a divorced mother of two and a writer of Romantic-Suspense books with some success. She was mistaken as a killer for hire once and that provided great material for her books, but has rained havoc, and men, in her life. Her publisher has sent beck her latest manuscript demanding she spice it up, a lot. Maybe hot cop Nick can help with that. Her nanny/accountant, Vero, makes her life better at times and worse at others, and Vero has her own secrets that get them in even deeper trouble at times.

A Russian mobster, Feliks, decided to call in the favor he did for Finley and that Finley could be of use to him. He gives her the task of finding and eliminating another assassin, "EasyClean". Well, Finley will just have to do what she does best: research. Now, she and Vero are signed up for a weeklong Police Citizen's Academy run by Finley's heartthrob, Nick. Maybe Findley can get past that block she has about the rewrites for her book. They are pretty sure that EasyClean has ties to law enforcement and this is a perfect way to uncover him, turn him over to Feliks, and be done with hired killer Finley.

In trying to get clear of Feliks, Vero gets into trouble with a New Jersey loan shark, and they end up in debt to Feliks, again. Remember what I said about digging themselves out? Well, now they are just digging themselves deeper and taking Vero's one-time love, Javi, with them. Poor Javi, he just wants to help/impress Vero and he keeps getting beat up over it.

Now in addition to finding EasyClean the secure Academy will make a great place to hide. As Finley and Vero sort through their many suspects and they have a lot of suspects, they learn about basic police procedure, firearms, and a whole lot of useful information that leads them no closer to EasyClean. And, then like any good mystery: It all comes together.

My thanks to the Publisher and the author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

This book is another fun read in the Finlay Donovan series! This time, Finlay and her sidekick, Vero, are enrolled in a citizens' academy led by Nick. of course, high jinks ensue. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series. Thank you, NetGalley, for the advanced reader's copy of this book.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is book 3 in the series, and it's a fun and entertaining read. Finlay and Vero are up to their wild and over the top antics, this time as part of a citizens police academy program. Check out this series if you're looking for a humorous, mystery-filled and escape from reality read. Thank you to NetGalley, St. martins Press and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.