Member Reviews

In this fourth installment, Cosimano expertly "ties up" the loose ends from the previous books. In this novel, the reader follows Finlay to Atlantic City to retrieve Javi. The shenanigans definitely live up to what readers are used to, however, things are complicated as this turns into a family trip. There is, of course, sexual tension as Steven and Nick vie for Finlay’s attention, but in true Finlay Donovan style, there are numerous close calls, and lots of sleuthing! I love this series, and this fourth novel reignites my appreciation for the series.

Was this review helpful?

Finlay Donovan is back and she is up to her old shenanigans. 
Honestly, after the thrid book was a bit of a let down, I wasn't planning to read the fourth book. BUT I am so glad I did. This one was fun. It had the whole cast of characters heading to Atlantic City for more of this story to play out. 
I always describe this series as a cozy mystery. Although this is filled with murders, the charm of the characters really makes it feel harmless. There is little to no suspense, just a story being told. 
I adore Finlay and her budding romance with Nick...but I see some major trouble for them if she keeps up the way she is. I know one thing for sure, I am dying to find out how it all plays out. 
I alternated between the audio book and the ecopy of this one. The audiobook is so fun and brings the story to life!

Was this review helpful?

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice has been one of the better Finlay books I've read since the first one. I loved the first book in the series, but since then, the story is just so drawn out and I've become less and less interested. Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice did feel a bit more fast-paced—maybe it's because Nick and Finlay finally got together in the last book so there isn't that "will they-won't they-they definitely will" energy about them. I felt like this book wrapped up the story really nicely, though it sounds like there might be another one coming. However, I hate to say it, I am happy with this ending, so I think I'm saying goodbye to Finlay and the crew.

Was this review helpful?

As always, this book was so fun! Just when I think the story can’t go on, it does and the mystery of how Finlay and crew get out of their jams continues. According to the author’s website, there will be books 5, 6 & 7 - and I’m all in!

Was this review helpful?

I've seen many people criticize this series as being unrealistic, and while I do agree, that's kind of the point. I don't pick up a Finlay Donovan book expecting a hyper-realistic policie procedural. I read this series to have fun and suspend my disbelief for a bit. That antics that Finlay and Vero got into were as wild as ever. I loved seeing Finlay's relationship with Nick grow deeper while she was naviagating the newest mystery. I also really enjoyed seeing Cam's character development. He really is just a naive kid, doing what he can to survive. Finlay and Joey are both good role models for him. I loved any and all scenes including Kevin Bacon.

My main gripe with this series is that it seems to be drawing out longer than necessary. Things could have easily wrapped up nicely to let everyone have their happily (ish) ever after, but the epilogue through another wrench in the mix. I am looking forward to seeing what's going on with Mrs. Haggerty, but I'm afraid that too many more books in the series will ruin the overall story.

Was this review helpful?

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is Finlay and Vero's fourth adventure. I loved the first three books, but this fourth book slightly lost my interest. The story's continuation was good, but it didn't grab my attention like the previous books. This book was a four-star read for me, and the others were all five-star reads.

I have listened to all the audiobooks, and they are well-narrated. Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for this ALC.

Was this review helpful?

I need to read the other books in this series before I can get to this book. I didn’t realize that at the time of request.

Was this review helpful?

DNF at 33% This isn’t a full statement on the book but rather my disposition on reading at the moment. I’m in a terrible reading slump and just cannot get into this book. I hope I can come back to it when I get out of this slump, I enjoyed the previous books in the series.

Was this review helpful?

This book picks up right where the third book left off, literally!

The whole gang of Finlay, Vero, Finlay’s mom, the kids, and Steven the despised ex-husband, all head to Atlantic City for an alleged girls’ trip, which is a cover story for F&V trying to recover a certain someone who was kidnapped. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Finlay Donovan story without a band of overly concerned hometown cops joining in on the fun.

I really enjoyed reading this one, but there were times when I thought some of the antics were a bit over the top and wildly unbelievable. But it’s all in good fun, even if it felt a bit formulaic.

This book could theoretically be read as a standalone, but I wouldn’t advise it. Even having read all of the previous books, I was a little confused with who was who with some of the side characters.

Thank you @minotaur_books for sending me a @Netgalley widget to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my review.

Was this review helpful?

This family and this road trip was everything! It was suspenseful and comical, complete with extra family and friends along for the ride. I just love Finlay and this book was terrific!

Was this review helpful?

"Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice" by Elle Cosimano thrusts readers into a whirlwind adventure as Finlay Donovan and her partner-in-crime Vero plan a girls' weekend in Atlantic City to negotiate with a dangerous loan shark, rescue Vero's crush Javi, and recover a stolen car. However, their plans are complicated when Finlay's ex-husband and mother insist on joining. As they delve deeper into the seedy underworld of the casino hotel, they discover their rescue mission is more complicated than anticipated—Javi's kidnapper is dead, and they're the prime suspects. With a jealous ex, precocious kids, and a decomposing loan shark to contend with, Finlay must navigate a maze of deceit and danger to save herself and her loved ones. "Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice" is a thrilling rollercoaster ride of suspense, humor, and unexpected twists that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Was this review helpful?

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice was such a fun ride! I grew up in the Atlantic City area, and Cosimano was SPOT on with the descriptions of various areas. She definitely did her research. there was a frequent adding of new characters throughout the book, which could be tough to follow at times. Overall, a fun romp with Finlay and Vero!

Was this review helpful?

If you read any book in Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan’s series you expect a certain level of hijinks and insanity. This time things are beyond crazy but hilarious nonetheless. Hitmen are getting squashed, Vero’s boyfriend is missing and in real trouble, Findlay’s ex-husband is messing things up as usual, her children border on out of control, her mother has left her father, Finlay’s love interest is snuggled a little too close on this escapade and her sister is getting deeper involved with a semi-colleague. Toss it all together and throw it up in the air and watch it land in a casino, a seedy motel, a bathtub containing decomposing bodies - oh yeah it is a wild ride and Finlay Donovan is in the middle of it all.

Fun, fast, down and dirty and more fun. Where are we going next Finlay? Can’t wait. Many thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy.

Was this review helpful?

This picks up immediately after Finlay and Vero return from their citizen's police academy adventure. They decide to head to Atlantic City immediately to try to erase Vero's debt and find the Aston Martin. The road is never easy, and they are joined by Finlay's ex, the kids and even Finlay's mom, under the guise of a girls' weekend with Steven watching the kids. It is another fun fun read as the two manage to find time to sleuth without being found out. This series hits so many notes of the genre, while delivering all kinds of humor too.

Was this review helpful?

(Actual: 3.75⭐, rounded up) Solid mystery and a classic Finlay Donovan installment. As someone who got into this series a lot later in the game, I still very much enjoyed myself and was able to connect and get a good sense of the characters/world. Highly recommend for those who have been following along with this series of course, but also to any newbie mystery fans looking for an easy and enjoyable "in"!

Was this review helpful?

I love Finlay Donovan and her nanny and best friend Vero and their antics. This is already the fourth book in this super fun series (out last Tuesday) and I can only recommend reading them in order since in this special case I would say you do spoil the fun of reading the first three books if you start with this one.
Even if this is the fourth book, these books are still fresh and over the top fun, there’s no letting up, the quick pacing and outrageous plot will just grab you and take you along - I found myself laughing out loud with my kindle in hand yet again !
What I admire most is that Elle Cosimano manages to write a book, a while series no less, that is laugh out loud funny, dark humor, with an over the top storyline and still manages to have relatable characters that can make you think about some of your own insecurities and vulnerabilities if you want to, if not you can just laugh things away and it is still a fabulously entertaining read !

Was this review helpful?

I love this series so much. I don't know how Finlay Donovan manages to get herself into these situations, but I absolutely love watching her get herself out of them. The number of times I laughed out loud while reading this was absurd.

Was this review helpful?

I love this series..
Is it ridiculous and over the top? Yes!
Does it make me smile and laugh the whole way through? Also yes!

I don't think I'll ever tire of Finlay's adventures!

Was this review helpful?

Finlay Donovan is back and she and Vero and getting themselves into even stickier situations that the last few books! This book definitely had some laugh at loud moments and I loved to see more of Finlay and Nick's relationship build, but I did feel like this book dragged a little more than the first three. Still a great read though and can't wait for the next one after that cliffhanger!

Was this review helpful?

The fourth installment is worth your time! Another solid entry in the series.

After escaping the fire on the police training grounds, Finlay and Vero find the Aston Martin from Felix has been stolen along with Vero’s love interest Javi. They make their way to Atlantic City for a “girls weekend” with Finlay’s mom, the kids and Finlay’s ex-husband Steven. They stumble their way into another murder and must solve the case to clear their name, find the Aston before the police, and rescue Javi.

Finlay and Vero have a great dynamic. I love their banter and friendship. Seeing another side of Finlay’s mom added a lot to the story too. There was a lot happening in this book, many characters to follow, but I do wish there was more officer Nick. A very satisfying ending to the storyline of the first four books. You could stop here. However, I’m interested to continue reading to see where things go after that cliffhanger ending. A new adventure for Finlay. Maybe she will help solve the case instead of being wrapped up in the trouble!

Thank you Minotaur Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. I did choose to buy a physical copy as well.

Was this review helpful?