Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for allowing me access this new Elle Cosimano novel on audiobook.

This is another solid instalment of the Finlay Donovan series and these, for me - have been consistent 4 stars. These novels absolutely are a blast and this one isn’t different.

Finlay is in trouble AGAIN, and the stakes are high AGAIN. Mom, author Finlay Donovan needs to do a job, and for that, she and her live-in-nanny/accountant Vero must get involved with a Police Academy in order to get right with the Russian Mob. This is fast paced, funny and surprising. In addition, the characters are all so interesting and you get attached to them.

In terms of the audiobook, I must say that Angela Dawe is spot on and electric in her narration of this series. She delivers Finlay’s voice and makes her come alive.

Overall, I absolutely recommend this novel - but keep in mind that you must start with the first in order to understand the progression of the story.

Extra note: suspend your disbelief for these books, alright. Go with the flow and you’ll have fun.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my copy of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano Narrated by Angela Dawe in exchange for an honest review. It publishes January 31, 2023.
First off, this was narrated very well! I've not listened to the previous Finlay books, but I really enjoyed the listening experience of this book!
This is yet another fun book in the Finlay Donovan series. As always, the premise is so wacky, yet you cannot stop reading! You just have to know what happens next. I also loved that this is a continuation of the series, and that there are developments for all characters, the various relationships, and different aspects of the story. So it's fresh every time, and I keep wanting to come back to see what happens next!

The third installment of Finlay Donovan’s life does not disappoint! Finlay and Vero decide to use a citizen police academy as a cover to find out more information about the people involved in a previous crime. Not only do the key characters show up throughout the book in unexpected ways, but the new characters add a level of comedy not in previous books. The competitions in the academy push Finlay to face her fears and more importantly force her into hilarious situations. Finlay once again faces a life threatening situation that leads to some resolve in her relationship with Nick. The audiobook narrator is great and adds to the comedic timing.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is the third installment in the series featuring Finlay (mom, author, accidental serial criminal) and her nanny (friend, accountant, sidekick, co-criminal) Vero.
While I was chomping at the bit to read this book, unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I did the previous two.
I think at this point the concept is getting a little stale, especially the Russian mafia storyline, and the over the top shenanigans are getting more and more difficult to believe.
Overall this book felt like a filler to me, a way to stretch the story out longer and milk the cow some more.
Arguably the most interesting part about the book was the ending, setting up the next title in the series, which looks to be steering the storyline into a new direction. Fingers crossed we see less Russian mob and a brand new antagonist. The cliffhanger at the end has me excited to pick up the next book, so well done on that front!
I listened to this title on audio and thought Angela Dawe did an excellent job narrating the story!

3.5 stars, rounded up.

Finlay and Vero are back to their usual hijinks, but this time it felt less believable that the first two, which is silly since the first two were totally bonkers. A lot of the situations they found themselves in just felt like it wasn't actually necessary that they ended up there, multiple times they could have turned back to safety but instead kept going into danger.
This book felt a lot slower than the first two, and like it just semi-filler. The end of the story definitely picked back up and the ending action was great! We finally figure out who Easy Clean is, but are definitely left with even more questions!

This is my first time listening to one of the Finlay stories, I think that is part of why I didn't like it as much as the first two. The narrator's voices just weren't for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of the audiobook, I have the kindle preordered (and have had it preordered for months now) can't wait to reread this one!

4.5 stars! Wow! This is my favorite Finlay Donovan book. The first one was alright, the second one was good, and this third one was great. I love how the author reminds us of what happened in the past two books giving some familiarity rather than dropping us in the deep end. It was nice to see Finlay and Vero in this new setting, and lots of mystery and thrill ensues. It felt a little more like a thriller rather than a cozy mystery, but I had no problem with that! I was on the edge of my seat worrying what was going to happen to Finlay and Nick. I would definitely recommend this series just to get to this book!

I LOVE this book! I devoured it so quickly and could put it down! I admire Finlay’s tenacity & bravery! I also love that she is vulnerable too! This might actually be my favorite book of the series! The story keeps progressing with out doing the same thing over and over. Vero is hilarious and had me laughing out loud! Nick & Finlay are end goals & I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes! Finlay & Vero’s friendship is so entertaining & their banter is so delightful to read! I can’t wait for the next book!

This series has a new found chokehold on my life. I’m now upset it took me so long to read the second book in the series after enjoying the first … darn you mood reading !

I was #blessed to receive an early release audiobook of this one and BOY OH BOY was I excited. It was perfectly timed too because me and my friend Shae were just talking about this series a couple weeks ago. She had already pre-ordered and I was on the fence because of the January lie all us bookstagrammers tell ourselves … “I’m not buying any more books until I read what’s on my shelf”

But here we are, and technically I didn't break my resolution! Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio for this. Although it was free, it has not changed my opinions on the story.

I love this series. If you couldn't tell already. How Cosimano manages to make Finlay the most relatable yet un-relatable character I will never know but I applaud her. The audiobook was so fun, and it was great hearing the ‘voices’ of the characters I've been reading about. If you liked book 1 and 2 then this one keeps right on track, with the addition of a police camp and some very deserved … “dessert”. We also get treated to a little peek into a romance for Vero which is very exciting.

Once again you will find yourself questioning every character's motives and possibility of being the bad guy. Nick? Vero? Steven again? Nobody was safe from my judgements, which is the mark of a good suspense novel in my opinion - except this one still doesn't make me anxious (likely due to the humour that remains throughout).

My advice to you? PRE-ORDER . And if you have no idea what I’m talking about … read this whole series. Think Santa Clarita Diet meets Only Murders in the Building.

This one gets 4.5 ⭐ from me… and if that ending doesn’t guarantee a fourth book then I will cause a riot !!

(and hopefully ASAP)

Grab your Copy of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun January 31 🎉

This series has become truly one of my all-time favorites. It reminds me a lot of the time I read EVELYN HUGO and needed like a million more books just like it, but couldn't find them. I wrote a whole post about it haha. There's just some magical quality in Cosimano's writing and these characters that gets me every time.

I'll be honest, I was nervous about this one a little bit. I'm not a big police gal and wasn't jazzed up about reading about a ton of cops and a citizens police training program. I definitely didn't love that aspect overall but it was kind of fun creating that "summer camp" or "college dorm" vibe where everyone is in one place during the story.

This story did a good job of wrapping up some loose ends from the first two books while opening the door for future installments. Parts of the initial mystery seemed to be solved enough for the reader to finally get a bit of closure (and not drag the same questions out into book four), but there are lingering threads to keep it moving.

Finlay and Vero were just as funny and interesting to read about as they always are. This is the kind of series I'd keep reading forever and ever, with the main characters solving whatever mystery comes up next. This is technically my least favorite book of the three but a four-star book I didn't want to stop listening to? Can't go wrong.

The situations Finlay and Vero find themselves in are incredible. I don’t know how Elle Cosimano comes up with these ideas, but I hope they never stop!

In this book (the third in the series), Finlay’s ex-husband seems to be coming around and trying to make amends after she helped him basically survive in the last book, BUT I spent a good chunk of this book hoping she’d shoot him down. You’ll have to read it to find out!

That said, Finlay and Vero are in serious debt and owe dangerous people, so they have to find out who Easy Clean is before more people get hurt, or worse, die. In order to figure out just who this contract killer is, they join a training course with the local police academy and find themselves getting great scores for all of the things that involve hiding and disposing of bodies (oops‽).

OH. And there’s a WONDERFUL return of the hot cop, Nick. For those of you who have been reading this series devoutly, you’ll be happy to see them in this book… trust me 😏

I can’t recommend this series enough. It’s fun, lighthearted, and filled with catastrophic scenarios you just have to hope you never find yourself in!

Never a dull moment to be had when reading a Finlay Donovan series book and the third installment; Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun, is no exception. After realizing she is now in debt to a mob boss, Finlay and her devoted nanny/wing-woman Vero must find a way to pay off her debt before he comes calling.

While trying to write her next romance suspense novel, Vero volunteers them to attend a citizens police academy run by Nick, the smoking hot cop that Finlay has been keeping at arms distance. Hilarity and missteps follow keeping Finlay, Vero, and the entire police department on their toes.

Now, do you have to suspend reality and your belief that a novelist and side kick (who BTW- we get more back story of in this book) could pull off half the things in this book? Of course! You have to put aside your critical mind that half the shenanigans would never happen in real life- but who cares? This is a rollercoaster of a novel and you are along for the ride!

The chemistry between characters is spot on; the romance is steamy; the suspense is palpable- what more could you ask for from Finlay Donovan?!

Thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an advanced copy to read (listen to) and share my humble thoughts and opinions.

I always look forward to Finlay Donovan books, but I felt this one was my least favourite of the series so far. I think some of the charm and humour that I associate with the books (especially the first one) was missing.

I still enjoy the characters but I felt that the police school they go to didn't feel realistic. I know the author needed a way to have them all in the same place, but not sure if that was the way to go.

I will definitely still be continuing on with the series because I enjoy the author's writing. If you haven't picked up this series yet I highly suggest the first book!

The 3rd book in the Finlay Donovan series is here! If you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for! It's such a clever and unique story and this third book doesn't disappoint! I listened to the audiobook which was very well down by Angela Dawe! I recommend this series often as you will be hooked on the story, love the characters and laugh out loud many times!

Wow just another slam dunk from Elle Cosimano and Macmillan Audio.

First off I just wanted to say how much I enjoy Angela Dawe as a reader. Her reading is nothing short of really good acting. It’s easy to distinguish different characters and her animated reading makes it feel like you are watching this book like a movie.

Elle’s style of writing continues to amaze me. This book was filled with humor and exciting situations that makes it hard to put down. Definitely a great series!

This book could be read standalone but honestly I think you get more out of it if you are already familiar with Vero and Finlay. I will be excited to read the next in the Finlay Donovan series but this one was a slam dunk!

Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun is the third book in Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan mystery series. I highly recommend reading the series in order to really know what is happening in this book.

I continue to love the two main characters in this series. Finlay and Vero are awesome together and just as funny in this one as in the first two books. I love Finlay and Vero’s friendship and banter. They are fun and disorganized partners in crime.

I found the first two books in the series to be fun and a wild ride. The twists kept me on the edge of my seat in the first two, but in this one the ride felt too chaotic. Sadly, for me, the antics of Finlay and Vero are starting to grow a bit stale.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun in exchange for an honest review.

Colleen Chi-Girl's review; written on Jan 22, 2023
3-1/2 stars
Bookshelves: 2023, audio, contemporary, crime-mysteries, feminism, netgalley, new-jersey, thrillers, us-no-amer, women-centered

I loved the first Finlay Donovan novel and rated it 5 stars. I must have missed the 2nd in the series, and am now rating the most current in the series #3: Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, which I rated 3-1/2 stars.

I would like to thank Elle Cosimano, NetGalley, and of course, Macmillan Audio, for my unbiased review for this ARC. I enjoyed the narrator, Angela Dawe, who performed a cast of characters from Finlay to her crazy-fun friend, Vero, to Russian mobsters, and the handsome-detective Nick, etc. The author Cosimano can lighten the mood of anyone with this book of escapades with strong female characters. There was great camaraderie and humor as the two women try to solve crimes and stay/get out of hot water. This is a good beach read, cozy mystery, easy-commute-read, and fun crime novel.

Publisher's blurb:
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. The problem is, the killer might be an officer themself.

An okay audiobook. Good humor but not a lot of excitement like the first two books. Finlay and Vero hunting for that mystery person who posted online in the previous books called Easy Clean. Readers get to see what goes on in police academy. Many characters are still the same from before. Readers will learn more about Vero's secrets. The ending left a cliffhanger that promise of the 4th book. I enjoyed the narrator in this series.

Finlay is an author and readers get to see author problems like writer's block. She went out to explore and experience so she can put it to writing. It's funny sometimes with writers when she's with a guy and her imagination for the story went ahead of her while she stood there blank faced.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review!

Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun by Elle Cosimano

Finlay and Vero are at it again. This is the third installment of the Finlay Donovan series and it’s just as fun as the first two. Since the beginning these unwitting hit women are trying to solve mysteries, not actually kill anyone, raise Finlay’s young kids, and have meaningful lives. It’s a lot to handle. I like the partnership Finlay and Vero have struck up. They make a good team. Women supporting other women is the best.

These books are fast-paced and fun. If you haven’t read them, start with the first one, Finlay Donovan is Killing It. It makes more sense to start at the beginning. PS I have listened to the audiobooks and the narration is great.

4.5 stars rounded up!

Vero and Finlay continue to be the best part of this series. Their dynamic is entertaining, hilarious and heartwarming.

This book takes place at a citizens police academy and Vero and Finlay find themselves in tricky situations throughout while trying to identify someone they believe is a cop. I was entertained throughout and Elle Cosimano’s writing is the gold standard for cozy mysteries. These books are so addicting and such a fun ride. I can’t wait for the next Installment.

I have listened to each book from this series on audio which are all narrated by Angela Dawe and she has the perfect voice for it. Highly recommend listening if you’re looking for an audiobook to pickup.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for my ALC!

Elle Cosimano does it again! Finlay & Vero are back in action and hilarious as ever! 🙌🏼
This book picks up right where the 2nd book ended & brings you right back into their world & their escapades.

Just when you think that the shenanigans can’t get any crazier, you’re proven wrong - and honestly, that’s what I love about this series! Not to mention the banter between Finlay & Vero literally makes me laugh out loud - so that’s always a bonus 🤣🤪

My only “complaint” would be the challenge with any series when you read them as they are published - it’s hard to remember some of the supporting characters, their roles & relationships to the whole situation at hand. So it did take me a bit to get back into the swing of Finlay’s world and to try & out the pieces back together in my mind 😅

The book takes you on a wild ride, making you feel like you know what's going to happen & then having the rug pulled out from under you - in a good & page turning way! 😉
I will always recommend this series for so many reasons & I cannot wait for book #4!