Member Reviews
This is the first Finlay book I’ve read and unfortunately I don’t think I’m a Finlay fan. It was too much for me. There’s a lot of characters. There’s a lot going on. Maybe if I would’ve read them in order I’d like them better but right now they’re not for me. The characters are all just names. The plot is linear but also not. The pace drags. There’s a lot that could add to the story but also is so crazy that you’re just like what is happening. I’m disappointed I didn’t like it but it happens.
When I get through my tbr maybe I’ll try another but right now it’s a no for me dawg.
I really enjoyed the first three Finlay Donovan books, so I was super excited to get a chance to read book four early! For me, this ended up being possibly my least favorite of the series so far - it felt much slower than necessary and that threw me off a decent amount. I ended up enjoying it, and I have to say the Vero and Javi glow up is AWESOME. Just felt like it needed some paring down for readability.
Finlay and Vero are at it again. This time they are off to Atlantic City to find Javi, who was kidnapped in Book 3. Under the guise of a girl’s weekend, they try to take off without any additional baggage, but soon Finally’s mother has invited herself along, as has Steven, the ex-husband, who won’t let Finlay take the children across state lines without accompanying them. With the whole gang in Atlantic City, soon joined by Finlay’s police boyfriend Nick, her cop sister and her significant other, and Charlie, the crooked cop, mayhem ensues as everyone is looking for mob bad guys, missing cars, and a thumb drives that holds the key to a fortune. And, of course, there are dead bodies that must be disposed of! Lots of fun - a mixture of “Weekend at Bernie’s” and “Lucy and Ethel”. I devoured the book in two days.
I love this book and author! This is one of my favorite series. I would highly recommend starting at the beginning of this series. The book was such fun. I just love Finlay and Vero. They get in to the craziest situations. The story felt like it moved along well, I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this author and series.
Elle Cosimano has done it again! Finlay is back for another wild adventure this time in Atlantic city with her ex-husband, children, and mother. I definitely enjoyed this one a little bit more than the last one. Will definitely recommend!
Finlay Donovan Rolls The Dice (ARC)
Elle Cosimano
4⭐️
Pub Date: 3/5/2024
Finlay and Vero are back! And they just couldn't catch a break!
Faced with 2 more bodies, they continue to navigate the dangerous path they were set upon since the first book. But now they have more people on their trail. It'll take only one small mistake before they get caught.
I'm actually very glad that I listened to the audiobook of the first 3 books. Actually, I binged them. The narrator was phenomenal and even when I'm reading this 4th book, I can hear the voices/narration. This 4th installment in the Finlay Donovan series is fantastic. I felt closer to the characters, like I know them. Each personality with more depth. My reading experience with this book definitely heightened. And the plot did not disappoint too! The cozy mystery feel still remains. For some reason, the author is able to relay the perfect combination of comforting and unease in the same book, at the same time! It's conflicting and yet, tremendously enjoyable. I felt the same rush as I did from the first 3 books. But because I know how smart Finn and Vero are, I felt less panicky about their current situation than the last 3. It's twisted and brilliant. Every move we'll thought of. I am so for the love interests in this book. I just wish I saw more of swoony Nick in this book. It actually ended well, and I felt like all loose ends were tied up and I can breathe a little easier for the 2 FMCs. But oooh was I wrong! That last few sentences got me going again and I can't believe I got another mystery open and will have to wait it out again!!! Overall, definitely one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I'm invested!
I absolutely loved it! Such a fun series with Finlay and Vero!
The audiobook is narrated by Angela Dawe and she does such an amazing job bringing out both of the characters' personalities!
In Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, our amazing duo besties, are back at it again and headed to Atlantic City. But lo and behold, their road trip buddies are Finlay's ex-husband, their children, and her mother!
If you enjoy fast-paced, laugh out loud, fun mysteries with constant twists and turns, then this series is for you!
This series has been a blast, every single one is so much fun and this one did not disappoint!
Finlay and Veros adventure is so entertaining, it has me bursting out laughing and hanging onto every word waiting to see what crazy thing would happen to them next!
This is a series you will not want to miss. It should be read in order for the story line and character to make sense.
Thank you NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the complimentary book in exchange for my honest review.
Content: clean
Romance: mild; fade to black, kissing, innuendo
Violence: mild; not gruesome, most things are done in a comedic way, but keeps with the other books, murder, etc.
Language: mild (no F words), some milder swears.
This series is just so fun. The relationship between Finlay and Vero keeps getting better. I love the way they banter and interact. Just when I think they can't possibly get themselves into anymore trouble...they do and with hilarious results. It was great to have Vero play a more central role in the plot in this book. Elle Cosimano's writing is so engaging and her dialogue is perfection. I can't wait for the next installment.
Finlay Donovan is up to her usual hijinks with Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice! I have been such a fan of Finlay and Vero since the beginning, but I real like we are losing the plot with each book!
Heres what I loved: Finlay and Vero are always finding themselves in some whack situation that they always manage to get out of. They are funny, they are silly, and they are obviously very smart!
Heres what I didn't love: Enough with the mob already? In my opinion, mob stories are so hard to follow. They're all devious dudes who you wouldn't trust, but you've got to pull one over them eventually, and pray that they won't get back at you. (BUT THEY WOULD. BECAUSE THEY ARE THE MOB.) I also found this book a bit hard to follow, as they claim that it happened days after book 3, but it comes out nearly a year later! Let time pass, Ms. Cosimano! It is okay!
Over all, I haven't loved the past two in Finlay Donovan. I am hoping we are more on plot in the next one.
Finlay is at it again, with more crazy, outrageous hijinks. I really enjoy this series, but each book gets a little more outlandish than the last. This wasn’t my favorite of the series, but I still found it enjoyable. I love Vero and Finlay as a dynamic duo, and they did not disappoint here!
This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The plot twists, the witty banter, and the oh-so-relatable protagonist, Finlay Donovan, made for a gripping read. 🕵️♀️💼
What's not to love about Finlay? She's a struggling single mom, a talented amateur sleuth, and a total mess – in the most endearing way possible! Her quirky personality and hilarious mishaps made me laugh out loud and bite my nails the next. Talk about rollercoaster emotions! 🎢😂
But it's not just Finlay who steals the show. The supporting cast is just as captivating, from her enigmatic ex-husband to the charmingly mysterious Vero. Each character adds depth and intrigue to the story, keeping you guessing until the end. 🔍🤔
And can we talk about the plot? Elle Cosimano weaves together a tale of murder, mystery, and mayhem that will keep you guessing at every turn. When you think you've figured it out, she throws another curveball, leaving you desperate for more. It's like playing a high-stakes game of Clue, and I am here for it! 🕵️♂️🔍
Overall, "Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice" is a wild ride from start to finish. If you're a fan of thrillers with a side of humour and heart, this book is an absolute must-read. So grab your copy, buckle up, and prepare for an adventure with Finlay Donovan! 🎲📖✨
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.
I have loved the down-to-earth Finlay Donovan and all the ridiculous scenarios in which she finds herself. This has been one of my favorite series, and this fourth book started off strong. It included exactly the right amount of background to remind me what happened in the last book without having to reread or taking away from establishing the tension for this book.
But as I continued reading, I found it failed to hold my interest as well. Many of the situations felt like ones that we have seen Finlay and Vero face previously. It didn't feel like this novel included much character growth or progression of the overall series arc.
This book worked as a single story with a clear set of acts and mysteries to solve. I enjoyed the dialogue and the various characters we meet. And I loved seeing more from Finlay's mother. I'm hopeful that future books will bring back the unexpected surprises and charm that made me fall so hard for this series. And I hope for a clearer series trajectory going forward.
3.25 stars
In the fourth Finlay Donovan book we follow her and Vero to Atlantic city to try to track down Javi. However, their plans get disrailed when Finaly’s ex husband, mom and kids decide to tag along.
This was fun and silly like the last three books in the series. This is such a good to when you want an easy, light hearted read! I loved the road trip element and the book being set in a new place! All the side characters are always so fun to follow along with! I will definitely be continuing with this series!
As an avid fan of Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series, I eagerly dove into the latest installment, "Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice." Having thoroughly enjoyed the first two books, I approached this one with high expectations. Unfortunately, while Cosimano's writing still shines, this particular book fell short of the mark for me.
From the outset, Finlay Donovan has been a character known for finding herself in captivating and often humorous predicaments. However, in "Rolls the Dice," the plot veered into territory that felt overly far-fetched, straining the believability that I had come to appreciate in the series.
Despite my disappointment with the plot direction, I must commend Cosimano for her continued skill in crafting engaging narratives and witty dialogue. Her writing style remains a highlight of the series, keeping readers engaged even when the storyline falters.
Ultimately, "Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice" earns a solid three-star rating from me. While it may not have reached the heights of its predecessors, it still offers moments of entertainment and showcases Cosimano's talent as a writer. Fans of the series may still find enjoyment in this latest installment, though perhaps with tempered expectations.
Another fun Finlay Donovan book!
I can always count on this series for a fun fluffy time and I loved Vero finally getting some love in this book! I will say that I find the children and childcare parts 90's sitcom ridiculous and not plausible.
I will never give up on this series😂😂
It’s wild and unhinged at times but I’m fully committed, mentally and physically 🤣🤣
I don’t even know how much more messy this series can get
I mean, this one was wild
Like bodies in the bath tub wild.
Hide your kids
Hide your dogs
Hide your husbands too😂😂😂
I’ll just say I’m here for the long haul
Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano is the 4th book in the Finlay Donovan series. It picks up where book 3, Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, leaves off.
Finlay and Vero must get to Atlantic City for a number of urgent reasons including saving Vero's crush Javi and locating a stolen car. So they concoct a story saying they need a Girl's weekend and are taking the kids with them. Finlay's ex-husband digs in his heels and says the kids are not leaving the state without him. And Finlay's mom is determined to accompany them for her own reasons.
Because it's Finlay and Vero, it hasn't been 24 hours and already trouble is finding them. Marco wants payment in full of what Vero owes him before he will free Javi. And he wants to know where his nephew Ike is. The women can't own up to that. So, they are at an impasse.
Finlay and Vero decide to break into Marco's suite to look for clues as to where Javi and the stolen car might be. Someone has beaten them to it, though, and left behind a dead Marco. They have no idea who did it. It adds to their workload. Find who killed Marco, they are probably looking for the car as well.
Then Nick, Charlie, Georgia, and Samantha show up at their hotel (all cops.) Nick is very eager to keep Finlay close to him to keep her safe. Rumor has it that the Russian mob boss who owns the car is on his way back to the states flying into Newark.
Finlay has to juggle people and responsibilities to continue to pursue the questions that brought them to Atlantic City. If things don't go off as planned, will she have to confess to the things that lead up to this mess?
This is not a standalone book. You must read them in order to appreciate the mess that Finlay and Vero are in.
Finlay and Vero are fun characters to read about. So often it seems they are going out of the frying pan and into the fire. This is a good escape from reality. The ladies are funny in an almost Lucy and Ethel way. Thing after thing happens to them escalating the danger and action. Basically, the premise for the plot is wild and bears little resemblance to reality which makes it a good read if you want something different.
The action moves the plot forward at a good rate. There are very few times when Finlay and Vero aren't actively doing something. But, even then you are learning more about them and the other characters.
I gave it 5 stars out of 5. The series would make for good beach reading. But, it also makes for fun reading if you need a break from reality. If you enjoy humorous mysteries with lots of action, this could be a good book and series for you.
Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano was released March 5th, 2024 from Minotaur Books.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion.
This was another fun book in this series that picks up right where we left off in book 3. Finlay and Vero set off on another dangerous adventure but this time with the kids, Finlay’s mom and her ex husband in tow. I feel like each book becomes more and more unrealistic but I also find myself highly entertained so I can look beyond the unlikely scenarios they get away with. I am looking forward to the next book (if and when it comes).
we love the ending that Elle leaves us with in the 4th, great ending to a great series (if it’s the end).
I love how immersive Elle’s writing is and really feels like I’m watching her books on screen in my head.
Love the twists and turns and cast of characters in this one!