Finlay and Vero are back and this time around they enroll in a citizen’s police academy.

I enjoyed the other two books for the series, but I wasn’t a big fan of this one. I felt like this one was lacking both the humor and crazy predicaments Finlay and Vero got themselves into the other books which made me love them. I actually thought this book was slow and at times I struggled with it. I still would recommend it to those that have been reading the series, and the ending sounds like there’s going to be a fourth book.

I really enjoyed this book. I love the combination of mystery, humor, friendship, and romance. I love the dynamics between all of the characters..

I enjoyed the ending and looking forward to the next book already!

I do think that you have to have read the other two books in order to follow along with the plot of this one.

Finlay and Vera are still in the middle of a mess, stuck between a crooked cop, a Russian mobster, and an Atlantic City loan shark. While I love reading about the antics of these two, this book felt a bit forced to me. Yes, I know I need to pretty much completely suspend reality to make these books work and I am willing to do that, but for some reason this one went a bit too far. Things were a little too neat and tidy, at least crime fighting wise. As always, the rest of Finlay's world seemed to continue to be a mess. I highly suggest you read the first two books in the series first. This isn't a stand alone and you will be completely lost. There also really isn't much of a resolution to the myriad of problems surrounding our intrepid duo so I expect there will be at least a fourth book in the series. Despite my lukewarm review of this installment, I am looking forward to the next book and will definitely be reading it.

Thank you so much to the publishers for allowing me an arc in both print and audio format in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely LOVE Finlay Donovan and this series. This third book in the series is just as good and fun! The antics crack me up and I hope she keeps on writing. I think she set her self up perfect for a fourth book. The narrator is also wonderful and super entertaining!

I love this series so much! Despite the plot, the characters are funny and so relatable. 5/5. I love this series!

POV: You've read the first two Finlay Donovan books, loved them, and want to know who Easy Clean is. If so you should definitely read this book. If not, go back and read the first two. This was a cute addition to the series, and necessary to further the series plot, but it wasn't my favorite. The only mystery is who Easy Clean is, which just felt like more of the same. This installment just didn't feel strong enough to stand on its own, but a fun read. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

This was another thrilling ride with Finlay and Vero. While attending a week long police officer training program for "research," things start getting dicey for the pair. There's suspicious cops, a mob boss on campus, and a stolen training vehicle. In true Finlay fashion, she gets through it all. I can't wait to continue the journey when book 4 is out! Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur books for the advance copy!

The third novel in the Finlay Donovan still features the endearing Finlay and Vera, but unfortunately that is about where the charm ends. While the idea of this series was novel and fun to start, it has now stretched so far into ridiculousness that it lacks entertainment value. I may pick up book 4, but I will have to be in the right mood for it,

Harried mother-of-two Finlay Donovan is back for her third run-in with hot cops, an impatient editor, a repellant. ex-husband, and (of course) Russian mobsters. After being mistaken for a hit woman in the first book of the series, FInlay has been trying to convince those who want to hire her that she was talking about her latest book, not her career, when she was overhead discussing details about how to plan a murder and get rid of bodies. No one believes her protests, especially when the men she's been contracted to kill do end up dead. Now the Russian mobster who is being blamed for some murders that Finlay is associated with wants her to find out the identity of the person who is threatening to turn over incriminating evidence to the police. He believes the culprit is a cop, so what better way to uncover the blackmailer than for FInlay and Vero (her nanny/accountant/sidekick) to attend a week-long citizen''s police academy? Never mind that Finlay's latest romantic suspense novel is still not written and her agent, Sylvia, wants her to include a romance between the heroine and a "hot cop." Or the fact that the "hot cop" from her book is based on her real-life will she/won't see love interest Nick, who is running the citizen's police academy? Finlay has been trying to keep Nick at arm's length, what with her being known as an "assassin for hire" on the dark web and all. Can Finlay ferret out the blackmailer, stay one step ahead of the Russian mob, and finally get her real-life romance with the hot cop on track? Oh, and turn in her book before her agent demands the return of the advance Finlay received?

I read all three books back-to-back, so the characters and situations were all fresh in my mind. Still, there were some things I was a bit vague on so I'm not sure this book would work as a standalone read (although the main points from the previous two books are briefly mentioned). I enjoy the humor and the way fearless Vero seems to have a plan for any situation that arises. The book does end with Finlay and Vero heading off on their next adventure, so it looks like the next installment can't be far away!

Big thank you to St Martin’s Press for my copy of FINLAY DONOVAN JUMPS THE GUN!

I listened to the first two Finlay books to refresh my memory, and they were so delightful on audio—the narrator does a great job.

I remember the second book feeling little stale, almost like a carbon copy of the first. So I was happy that in the third book, we get a change of scenery: Finlay and Vero go to “citizens police academy” to solve a mystery and do research for Finlay’s latest book. The new location definitely freshens up the story. There’s lots of ridiculous plot points, will-they-won’t-they romance and the very funny writing that you expect from a Finlay book. So if you enjoyed the first two, I think you’ll like this one!

My only gripe with this series is that I was hoping the author would lean away from the cop storyline, given the issues with policing in America. I understand that there are always going to be detectives in crime novels, but I’ve read a few recently that confront racism and sexism in the force in a way that doesn’t detract from the story. I wasn’t expecting that; the books are pointedly a-political, despite being set in DC. But I was surprised (and distracted) by how heavily this one focused on police work. I still enjoyed this story, but this was heavy on my mind as I read it, and not addressing it in this review would’ve felt like a lie.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is the third installment in Elle Cosimano’s popular Finlay Donovan series and I’m happy to report that it does not disappoint! For those unfamiliar with the series or those who might need a refresher, Finlay is an author and single mom, who along with her nanny/accountant/sidekick, Vero, have found themselves unexpectedly tied to the Russian mob. At the end of the second book, the mob actually does Finlay a huge favor, but that favor, in a move that surprises no one, especially Finlay and Vero, comes with some equally huge strings attached.

The third installment kicks off with the Russian mob boss calling in his favor. He wants Finlay and Vero to identify and locate EasyClean, an anonymous killer-for-hire, before the police do. Finlay and Vero want no part of this of course, especially since some signs point to EasyClean actually being a cop him or herself. Our dynamic duo decides that the best way to figure out if EasyClean is a cop or not is to join the new citizen’s police academy that Finlay’s crush, Nick is in charge of, and all the while, Finlay is desperately trying to write a spicier version of her next book to get her editor off her back. Needless to say, shenanigans ensue!

As with the first two hilarious installments in this series, a lot of what happens is over the top and definitely involves the reader suspending disbelief, but that’s what makes the series so much fun. I laughed my way through from start to finish, cheering Finlay and Vero on every step of the way. I got to the point where I couldn’t decide what I wanted Finlay to succeed at more: finding EasyClean, getting that spicy novel finished, or finally hooking up with hottie Nick.

I read that there will be a fourth book in the series and I’m totally here for it! If you’re in the mood for a hilarious and action-packed cozy thriller that is pure escapism at its best, definitely check out the Finlay Donovan series.

#FinlayDonovanJumpsTheGun:⁣
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At this point, Finlay Donovan may as well be related to Ray Donovan with all of the crime and hijinx happening in her life! ⁣
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This was a fun one for me. I think it may be the one I liked the most out of the three. I liked that we spent a majority of the time at this training facility so they could hide out. It was a clever way to get them out of sight, but also to get intel. (PS LOVED Mrs. Haggerty getting more time and that she was also there) We also got to get to know Nick’s crew more, which I enjoyed.⁣
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The audio was (as always) wonderful. Angela Dawe IS Finlay Donovan, and you cannot convince me otherwise. She hits the sarcasm and serious points effortlessly. Vera had some hilarious one liners that had me laughing out loud, and I feel like she landed those with perfection.⁣
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My only quip is that I felt the book was a bit too long and stayed stagnant for a bit. There were a lot of cops, and I kept getting two confused 😂 other than that, another solid Finlay read! (Plus that ending!!)⁣
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Thank you @minotaur_books and @macmillan.audio for the gifted copy! Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun is out 1/31!

Finlay and Vero are back for another adventure in Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano. The third edition in this series follows the same format as the prior two which will be fun for those who enjoy this series.

While I have loved Finlay and Vero's humor and silliness, I started to feel a little tired of it in this book. I was hoping that there would be more going on in terms of plot as well.

Many will really love Finlay and Vero's new set of shenanigans but for me, this one fell short and left me wanting more content.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t even know what genre to classify the Finlay Donovan series, but I love it so much. It reminds me a lot of the Stephanie Plum series in the best of ways. Finlay and Vero are each others ride or die and I love them so much.

Once again they find themselves caught up in webs of lies and crazy shenanigans with appearance by the mob, dirty cops, nosy neighbors, the ex husband, and of course more dead bodies. But this time, they have to solve the mystery while at the police academy that’s crawling with cops. What could possibly go wrong?

It’s utterly ridiculous and unrealistic and I am here for every moment of it. It’s the escape we all need from our realities.

I’m already eagerly anticipating book 4 and hoping Finlay and hot cop Nick grow closer together. (After all, I’m a romance reader at heart).

I’m so glad Finlay got a writer’s block and decided to take fire arms and forensics training at the police academy! Every character played their part in this story and the two people finally do it 😉 My favourite parts are the ones with Mrs. Haggerty, old grumpy people are funny. This instalment picks right up after the second book, Finlay and Vero work towards finding who Easy Clean is. Along the way Finlay, Vero and Nick find themselves in troubling situations, but it’s nothing Finlay can manage. Overall, like the previous books in this series, Jump the gun too is very entertaining.

Thank you Minotaur for the e-arc!

FINDLAY DONOVAN JUMPS THE GUN by Elle Cosimano
Published: 1/31/2023
By: Macmillan Audio
Narrated by Angela Dawe 8 hrs 38 min


What a hoot !! A new genre arises - the screwball comedy mystery. Mix into the pot a heaping amount of misunderstanding and misadventure, a humungous amount of humor, a tinge of romance, a deepening friendship and murder, and you’ve got an amazing propulsive read.
Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun is the third Finlay adventure, but can certainly be enjoyed as a standalone, as Cosimano seamlessly weaves into the narrative the necessary backstory.
Findlay Donovan is a struggling B-list writer of romantic mysteries, always facing impending deadlines for her next book … and struggling with “writer’s block” …. She needs to provide a “spicy' ending for her next book. Her reader’s are clamoring for more romantic involvement with the “hot cop” from her previous book. She is the mother of adorable four year-old Delia and perpetually sticky two-year-old toddler, Zach … who forever is skirting away into escalating degrees of mischief. Donovan is divorced from her no-good husband, Steven… who carried on a lengthy affair with their curvy, blonde realtor. She continues to be “aided” by her most unusual live-in college student, Vero … who wears many hats: trusting nanny, confidante, partner-in-crime, and accountant - and from this, a blossoming friendship has evolved.
Returning for this adventure are the kids, Vero, Nick the “Hot Cop”, her sister Georgia ( who also used to be Nick’s partner), a cadre of police officials, a cameo from her previous flame, the law student Julien, and a cast of other nefarious operatives. Finlay quickly reneges on her New Year’s resolutions: no more junk food, no more men, and no more bodies in the back of her minivan. Incidentally, Vero is being hounded by a henchmen of a loan-shark from New Jersey…. who gets accidentally is crushed by the misadventures of Vero and Findlay.

Finlay has two pressing problems. She can’t seem to finish the ending for her impending next book. Her fans’ are clamoring for a romantic tryst with the “hot cop” from her previous book (based upon her real life escapades with cop, Nick Anthony ). As she faces “writer’s block” head on, she is being threatened by the Russian mob boss, Felix Zhirov, to help uncover the true identity of the contract killer, Easyclean, who’s trying to blackmail him. Findlay suspects it’s the same dirty cop who tried to kill her ex-husband, Steven. Felix is threatening to reveal some damaging dirt on Findlay, that will destroy her life. To accomplish both, Findlay and Vero enroll in a week long Police Academy Boot Camp for Citizen’s . Hopefully she’ll be able to investigate the cadre of officers involved in the event and uncover some damning evidence pointing to the identity of Easyclean, and provide inspiration to finish her book. The camp is being run by none other than Nick Anthony … who she has been trying to keep at arm’s length. Why? Their budding romance and involvement has been complicated and convoluted.
Elle Cosimano spins a twisted and hilarious tale that is well plotted, suspenseful, and is marvelously outfitted with multiple colorful characters that are both flawed and yet believable. The burgeoning relationship and “sisterhood” between Finlay and Vero is nothing less than amazing. The dialogue banter flows in an entertaining fashion, frequently funny and at times, sarcastic, as our two main protagonists entangle themselves in the world of murder and mayhem. This certainly rivals the “ Lucy and Ethel “ adventures of television lore. This propulsive page-turner is a welcome antidote to everyone’e angst. The denouement of this delightful gem begs for further adventures in the trials and tribulations of Finlay Donovan. Although I’ve read the first two installments on my Kindle … I opted to enjoy the experience of an audio version of this zany tale, through the marvelous narration of Angela Dawe. I’t truly amazing how she captured the voice and essence of both male and female characters. Her perfomance completely matched the timbre of this zany, hysterical madcap adventure. This certainly brought this novel to a new height in the theatre of my mind.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an Advance Audio version of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This third installment in the Finlay Donovan series is just as great as its predecessors! This time around Finlay and her nanny-turned-sidekick, Vero, are still trying to figure out the identity of a hitman featured in the previous books. The dynamic duo is participating in a citizens' police academy and wondering if the hitman may be among them working as a police officer. The academy proves to be the perfect cover for the ladies to continue their search for the hitman. There are lots of laughs and some romance, too! This series is so much fun! Both the audio and print versions are great. My only criticism is that the audiobook narrator makes most of the male characters sound like young children which got annoying pretty quickly in a book with a large cast of men.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for advanced reading and listening copies of this book and audiobook.

I never posted review for the first two books in the series, so consider this my comprehensive review of the series thus far. The first book, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It starts off strong. An author is meeting with her publicist, discussing the not-so-pretty (or legal) details of her latest suspense novel, when a woman next to her at the local Panera Bread overhears her conversation and thinks she’s actually a murderer. Finlay finds herself caught up in a kill-for-hire scheme while also balancing a divorce, custody battle and potential new love interests. The first book is the perfect cozy thriller with a main character you can root for.

Things got a little rocky for me with the second book, Finlay Donovan Knocks Em Dead. There is a mob angle throughout the series that gets a bit far-fetched at times. I found myself yelling, “they would absolutely be following you!” and “why isn’t her phone bugged?!” Some of the details like that seemed to be overlooked, and it made it feel more YA because those always seem to be cleaned up more neatly than adult mysteries. Finlay’s love life does take a turn for the better in this book, though, and you have to decide whether to root for the charming, reliable cop or the fun, young lawyer.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun redeemed the series for me. The Russian mob was on top of their sh*t this time around! I flew through this book because I found the thriller aspect of it all the more thrilling than the second book. Finlay has a lot of personal growth in this story as she battles herself to let go and let herself be happy (I won’t say with whom). We also learn a lot more about Vero, who just might be my favorite character. Vero is loyal and strong-willed, and she is the encouraging, supportive friend that everyone like Finlay needs in their life. As Finlay and Vero try to untangle themselves from the Russian mob, they spend some time at a Citizen’s Police Academy to “do research” on the mob’s behalf but also to keep themselves safe from outside threats. They go through rigorous training exercises and get to participate in mock investigations and trials, each activity exposing just how suspiciously good they are at some of these crime-related activities. The book ends on a complete cliffhanger that I’m hoping leads into a fourth book centered more around Vero.

4 stars. This is a nonstop ride of shenagigans and adventure. There really is never a moment of downtime as there is always something happening. A very fun read. Finlay and Vero's situation is being dragged out a little bit, was kind of expecting a little more resolution.

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books, and Ms. Cosimano for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

At first, to be completely honest, I was a little concerned that a more accurate title would be “Finlay Donovan jumps the SHARK.” Finlay is back to her crazy, zany, over-the-top ways with her sidekick-slash-assistant-slash-nanny, Vero. Bodies keep piling up (through no fault of Finlay’s, of COURSE!) and Finlay continues to accidentally break through on cases that stump trained and seasoned detectives.

The first few chapters were definitely eye-roll-inducing. How does Finlay get away with this stuff? She is the least subtle, most conspicuous person ever. However, once the story hit its stride I guess I just mentally shrugged and hopped on for the ride. I think it was slightly more plausible once the kids were removed from the equation. While having them around does lend more authenticity to Finlay’s frazzled, seat-of-the-pants state, it also makes her ability to solve ANY problem much less doubtful. This is not particularly a Finlay issue so much as a mom issue. From personal experience, I can’t really tackle any task around the house without interruption so I can believe Finlay’s distracted state when her kids are present.

As in previous escapes, trust no one (a good life lesson). We do have some cameos from previous characters that were very satisfying. One in particular gave Finlay some real closure and impetus forward in the storyline. (I’ll give you one guess who that was.) I also appreciated that Finlay FINAAALLLLLLLY took a big step forward in her personal life. Thank God. I was dreading that that particular plot thread would be dragged out interminably. Now let’s see if Finlay can manage to keep on the straight and narrow (doubtful), not lose any more money (one can hope) and successfully get out of the mob business (ha). Looking forward to book #4 :)

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