Absolutely loved this entire series and the newest addition to the series did not dissapoint! I loved the setting of the police training academy and watching Finlay stumble her way through mishap after mishap and maybe finding love along the way? Incredible!

Thank you to the publisher for a free eARC via Netgalley!

Our favorite dynamic duo, Finlay Donovan and Vero, are back at it again in FINLAY DONOVAN JUMPS THE GUN! Elle Cosimano delivers again with witty characters and a mystery that'll keep you intrigued all wrapped up in a hilarious package. I couldn't help but smile as these two pals worked to solve the cliffhanger that book two left us on. I loved the character development we got from Nick, and really liked the setting in the police academy.

My only complaint about this book was that there were just a few too many characters and not enough distinction between them. Maybe it's because it has been nearly a year since I read the second one, but I had a hard time distinguishing between the multiple cops that had side stories. I would've benefitted from a small summary in the first chapter of where things left off, and who was who.

All in all, a great third book in this series, and I can't wait for the next!

I greatly enjoy this series. It’s fun and it’s tense. But you have to suspend a lot of belief. Some of the situations are too convenient… or really, too inconvenient.

Regardless of the implausibility or the ridiculousness the characters find themselves in, it’s too enjoyable to really be bothered by.

Looking forward for the next one, since this one ends on another cliffhanger.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance ecopy of this title. Finlay is back at it again. She is still hot for Nick, but has uncompleted business with the Russian Mob. She and her erstwhile nanny find themselves at the Citizen's Police Academy where they think they can learn information that will end the connection to the Russian mob. The antics are madcap; I worried a bit about evil ex Steve trying to worm back to Finlay, but in the end, it was wrapped up in a (sorta) neat little package, but I'm hope Finlay will end up in another predicament to warrant book 4!

There is no doubt that I am continuing to enjoy the antics of Finlay and Vero. This installment was fun and had so many laugh out loud moments. This pretty much entirely takes place in a police academy and this fact made it more interesting with all the police personnel around them all the time. If you think Finlay and Vero might have slowed down after their previous experiences, trust me, things only get wilder than earlier. They both are simply unstoppable.

I will absolutely be happy to read any number of books based on Finlay, without a doubt!!

While I liked this one better than the 2nd book, I'm happy to see Finlays adventures come to a close. I dont think book 2 or 3 quite captured the magic that the first one did. I will look out for other work by Elle Cosimano

Finlay and Vero continue their shenanigans in book three, yet again blurring the line between right and wrong as they tangle themselves deeper into the web of deceit. Who is EasyClean? And will Feliks get to them before they can get to him?

This was such a fun third installment. I really appreciated the change up of scenery - taking Finlay and Vero and putting them directly within the detective's grips in the police academy. This not only upped the ante on them finding out the truth before getting caught, but also allowed Finlay to be in close proximity to Nick. Something I think we have all been waiting for! Continually I find myself rooting for Finlay to succeed, and am already looking forward to book four after that cliffhanger of an ending!

Overall I don't think this one skipped a beat. I feel like the series is flowing effortlessly and well intertwined. Having read them so far apart though, I did feel like I was missing some of the finer details and found myself having to think hard to recall. The prompts are there throughout the book, but there is a high amount of dependence on the reader remembering what they mean. I found this slightly distracting, but not enough to detract from enjoying the book itself!

Thank you to Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Full review to be posted on my IG @manis.and.manuscripts close to pub day!

If you haven’t read this series yet, you need to! These books are such a fun and wild ride! Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun picks up right where Knocks ‘Em Dead ended. Almost the entire book takes place at a citizen’s police academy that Vero and Finlay are enrolled in, which I thought was a nice change of scenery!

Like the previous books, there are so many twists and turns, and it is hilarious to see what crazy shenanigans Finlay and Vero get themselves into. This series always reminds me of the Netflix show, Dead to Me, which I love! This book is fast-paced and laugh-out-loud funny.

Once again, this one ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you impatiently waiting for book #4.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy. Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun comes out on January 31st!

Finlay Donovan and her nanny Vero are still trying to fulfil their debt to Russian mob boss Feliks. But it's looking like the elusive "Easyclean" may be a dirty cop. Vero is also trying to sell a bullet-riddled Aston Martin to help pay off a big debt. Oh, and Finlay is having problems with her latest manuscript. Needing to get away from home, Finlay & Vero agree to sign up for the citizen's police academy which is being run by Finlay's detective friend Nick. Forensics, firearms training and hands-on homicide detective work gives Finlay and Vero the perfect cover to question the instructors and help confirm their suspicions about Easyclean's ID, raise the needed money & deal with on-going family issues with Finlay's ex-husband Stephen.

This was another hilarious and enjoyable entry in the Finlay Donovan series.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Minotaur Books. All opinions are my own.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun

Wow, what a fun ride this was! After reading both the other Finlay Donovan stories I was over the moon to get approved for this ARC (Thank you so much NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books!)

Minor Spoiler Ahead 🤍
I love this series so much, this book felt much closer to the first book in regards to the the pacing, though a bit over-the-top in adventure & craziness, I was totally here for it!

I loved how this book (3rd) took place in mainly 2-3 locations, it was so much easier to follow (vs . book #2 I remember being left, wanting more descriptors about the setting and surroundings!)

This is yet again left off with a cliffhanger but yay to that if that means there’s another book coming and I get to keep on this crazy adventure with Finlay and Vero, count me in!

Read if you loved:
📺 good girls

I loved the first two Finlay Donovan books, but I find myself wondering if the series would have been better off as a duology. This third installment felt over ambitious—continuing storylines from the first two while adding in new twists and turns. Unfortunately, it never quite came together for me.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
by Elle Cosimano (Finlay Donovan #3)

The Finlay Donovan series is about the only one where I will put up with this much nonstop craziness. Everyone's safety is in peril in these stories, whether they are a good guy or a bad guy. Trust no one, almost everyone is telling lies. I'm starting to think of Finlay and Vero as accidental (mostly) serial killers.

Finlay has gotten on wrong side of an imprisoned Russian mob boss. But really, is there a right side of a Russian mob boss? The guy has a task for her to do but the task is proving impossible to accomplish, especially in the short timeline that Finlay is given. That has to be the only reason that Finlay would let her rotten ex husband take the kids for a week. Seriously, these little kids get tossed around like frisbees.

Off to live-in camp for Finlay and Vero. It's firearm training and forensic classes for citizens and the way life has been going for Finlay and Vero, they need this knowledge. Not only that, they have some detecting to do and what better place to get in trouble while spying, sleuthing, and breaking and entering than a citizen's police academy camp. There is nonstop action with some smooching and canoodling along the way. I feel like there is a whole lot of Lucy and Ethel in Finlay and Vero and they wear me out!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.

I love this mystery series and was so excited to see Book 3 in the Finlay Donovan series. As in her other books, the characters are smart and crafty, lovable and the perfect compliment to support our hero Finlay. I find the story intriguing and fast paced. The villains are as likeable as the original core characters and the plot continues without disappointment. The author does a great job with keeping the novel interesting and constantly dimensionalizing the new as well as the original characte ...more

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*Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*

Finlay Donovan is back! And this time she's off to civilian police training...what could go wrong?

From start to finish this was Finaly Donovan at her best! Witty, off the wall, and just entertaining as hell. I couldn't stop laughing at the ridiculous situations that Finlay finds herself in. Come on, the woman just wants to be a mom and, maybe, get down and dirty with the hot detective. Is that too much for a woman to ask?!?!?

Definitely do not skip out on this hilarious addition to the Finlay Donovan series.

I am absolutely enamored with this book series. Thank you Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book as a NetGalley digital copy.

Elle Cosimano has such a way with humor and relatability in this book series. This third installment continued the trend of laugh-out-loud drama and shenanigans of Finlay and Vero, but this time, the ladies are attending a police academy and chasing hunches from previous novels to continue to unravel the workings of the Russian mobsters.

I enjoyed every bit of this book and the way it flowed seamlessly from Book #2 (Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead). The character development was on point, the plot escalated well, and the ending left me with just enough for questions and answers that I'm already looking forward to the next novel in the series.

My only caveat would be that I do not recommend anyone tries reading this book as a standalone novel. It will be so much better understood and enjoyed as part of the series. The connections from the first two books are so strong and prevalent throughout, the plot will make more sense and be more impactful if the series is read in order.

Thank you once again to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press!

Author and single mom Finlay Donovan has been in messes before―after all, she's a pro at removing bloodstains for various unexpected reasons―but none quite like this. When Finlay and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero accidentally destroyed a luxury car that they had "borrowed" in the process of saving the life of Finlay's ex-husband, the Russian mob did her a favor and bought the car for her. And now Finlay owes them.

Gosh I love this series so so much. Finlay never fails to end up in out of this world adventures. Or trouble? I love the mystery and action - so wildly entertaining! Literally can never guess where this story will go. This time - our favorite duo is attending a citizen’s police academy training for book research… and maybe hiding out from the Russian mob, maybe trying to hunt down a contract killer, who may or may not be a dirty cop. Usual mom stuff.

Just like the last book, I adore Finlay and Vero’s relationship. Oh boy is it put to the test as we learn more about Vero’s past. Their loyalty to each other is amazing! AND we get more with hot cop Nick. Vero may or may not have a bit of her own romance going on.

Is it too early to beg for an ARC of book 4??!

Elle Cosimano does it again. How can you write the same characters and keep everything so interesting? Usually plots get a bit repetitive in sequels but this book is just as fun as the other two. I love the characters. I like the silliness. I like the sister bond and the friendship bonds. I am not a fan of the parts that have the kids in the book tbh but other than those small parts I loved this. I am annoyed I have to wait for the 4th book! I need to know what happens!

**Review will be published on my site & socials January 26th, 2023**

NEW FAVORITE OF THE SERIES.

I really liked this one y’all!! I think with the second I was expeb nbnbvmvvvzmjv,, cting a different kind of story, but with this one, I changed my mindset and enjoyed it all the more. This is very much like a cozy mystery but with pizazz. There’s a bit more drama, a bit more high stakes, and even a bit more romance. All things I am here for in the Finlay Donovan world.

This was another fun installment that had me bursting with laughter and definitely swooning. YES THE ROMANCE I’VE BEEN AFTER FINALLY MOVES SOMEWHERE. The slow burn has been real but I have known where my loyalties lie from day one and I am currently a happy camper.

I still don’t know if I like Vero? I don’t have any solid reasons why y’all. It remains to be seen if she’s a great friend and sidekick or someone I gotta watch out for.

There’s a bit of predictability with the plot, yet it’s an enjoyable comfort in the wildness that is the plot in general. I like the writing style and the quirky characters and many others things about this series. I look forward to seeing where Finlay ends up next!

Overall audience notes:

Contemporary Mystery
Language: a little
Romance: one fade to black
Violence: med-high
Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, attempted murder, gun violence

Another incredible read by Elle Cosimano!! I am totally in love with Finlay, Vero and all the rest. Elle tells such a wonderful story (and story within a story, for that matter). I can't stop reading about all the antics surrounding these characters. In fact, Finlay and Vero remind me of myself and my BFF (no accidental "murders" for us, though). I cannot wait to read more of their adventures.

LOVE LOVE LOVE! I never want this series to end. I have never seen one bad review for these books - they are just the right amount of mystery,humor, fun - nothing to heavy (strange since there is constantly a murder going on LOL) but somehow author makes it seem like a fun sitcom. I love Finlay and Vero and I am SO hopeful for a 4th book - or maybe even a prequel - but I definitely am not ready for the end!!