Member Reviews
Finlay and Vero (plus Nick) are back for another fun installment in the series. These two ladies sure have a knack for finding dead bodies. I honestly have no idea how these two are still alive or haven’t been caught yet. Or how Nick hasn’t yet figured them out.
Always fun, if unrealistic. Looks like there may be more to follow.
I’ve listened to all of them and I think the narrator is fantastic.
Contemporary Fiction
I'm invested in this series. I think the duo of Finlay and Vero are the modern-day crime fighting Lucy and Ethel, and I'm here for it!
Book four is a continuation of the story that has been created from book 1 of the series, so these novels should be read in order. The story begins with Finlay and Vero heading to Atlantic City to try to find Javi and recover the Aston Martin that played a large part in book 3. Finlay's ex-husband won't let her take the kids out of state and insists on tagging along as does Finlay's mother.
Once they arrive in Atlantic City, they are met by Finlay's sister Georgia, who is CIA, plus Georgia's girlfriend, a dirty cop named Chris and eventually Finlay's new boyfriend, Nick - who is also a cop. How are she and Vero going to be able to keep what they are doing a secret when all these people are around?
In typical F&V fashion - hilariously.
this was the first Finlay Donovan book that I read, I previously listened to them. I highly recommend the audiobook versions. The 3rd book in the series didn't engage me like the first 2, so I was concerned going into this novel. I needn't have worried as this was a delight. Many of Finlay's problems get solved here, so I'm wondering where Cosimano will take these characters next. Wherever it is - I'm along for the ride.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books/St. Martin’s Press for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
Hilarious and wacky – these novels keep getting more zany, madcap, and fun to read. This fourth in the series picks up right where #3 leaves off, and I found myself breathless from following Finlay and Vero’s antics as they try to rescue Vero’s long-time crush, find a stolen Astin Martin, keep themselves safe from a Russian mob boss and a short-tempered loan shark, and prevent Finlay’s hot cop boyfriend from discovering what’s really going on – he thinks this is a girls’ weekend. The novel takes place in the casinos and hotels of Atlantic City, including a day spa, a male strip club, and parking garages, with Finlay’s mother, ex-husband, and two young children along for the weekend – not realizing they’re part of the coverup for Finlay and Vero’s heroic hijinks.
The Marx Brothers-like plot is convoluted with dead bodies needing to be hidden, wild car chases, guns, unlimited cash, and everyone searching for the incriminating information on an elusive flash drive. It all comes together in the end, even for the loan shark’s little dog named Kevin Bacon (a running gag that’s actually funny).
In addition to the fast-paced mystery with a twisty plot and quirky characters, each novel in the series includes Finlay trying to write a romance novel while her publishing agent keeps following up to ensure deadlines are met.
I recommend starting with the very funny and clever first book “Finlay Donvan Is Killing It” as each novel picks up right where the other leaves off. But don’t worry if you forget some of the details of earlier books because author Cosimano expertly provides back up information that will fill in the gaps. If you’re looking for a humorous mom-com thriller/mystery with some romance, where you don’t have to think too much and where coincidences rule the day, this is the book and series for you.
Finlay and Vera are back at it again, but this time on a road trip to Atlantic City?! When I first heard about this change in location, I thought it was random but turned out to make the most sense given their mob involvement. And it’s the perfect seedy background for this duo’s escapades. As always, I enjoyed the overall adventurous tone of the book while Finlay and Vera’s haphazard Bonnie and Clyde story unfolded. The change in scenery kept it interesting, the character arcs were easy to follow and the writing was just….fun! The whole series has been such a fun read for me and I can’t wait to see how it ends!
Thank you to NetGalley + Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I've had the pleasure of enjoying this series from the first book and it's a series I would recommend to anyone. Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is probably my second favorite book in the series and I thought it was well written, well thought out, and had the charm I've come to expect from Elle Cosimano's writing.
I was really hoping this was the end of the series as I do think it might be getting a little repetitive, but it seems like we might get a fifth book — which, honestly, I will happily read. Elle has the ability to weave mystery and comedy together that makes her books a page turner.
This series is proof that I support women's rights AND wrongs and I'll continue to do so because there's something about Finlay and Vero that just makes you want to root for them, even when it involves committing crimes.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an eARC of Finaley Donovan Rolls the Dice.
This was yet another wild adventure into the unbelievable world of Finlay. We follow her and Vero around Atlantic City and somehow the entire cast also ends up there!! So let the craziness ensue including Finlay sleeping maybe 3 hours and eating 4 bites of food this entire book. I read these books for their fun and insane spirit and this one is no different. I love the fast pace, I love the dialogue, and I her her new boo Nick. Overall, this was a solid book four of this series. I wish it would change up a little bit next book it's getting a bit repetitive, so I'm excited to see what Elle does with this journey!
As always, there are some relatable mom life moments and some great reminders about giving yourself grace while balancing it all.
Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice Summary:
I loved being back with Finlay and Vero because these two never fail to make me laugh (and worry). This time, they are on the way to Atlantic City to win back money to pay off Vero’s debt and to find Javi. But as with everything with these two, nothing is as easy as they would hope it could be. Can these two figure out what is really happening and who is behind it before the police catch on?!
Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice Rating:
4.5 stars, fade to black/suggestion of spice
Moments in this one felt much more far fetched than events in the first three which is the only reason I’m giving it 4.5 stars instead of 5!
Favorite Quotes:
“You deserve opportunities, Finlay.”
“And you know what else you deserve? Someone who’ll be honest with you, even if you don’t want to hear it. Sometimes that means being with someone who’s going to make you face what you’re afraid of, because he’s planning on standing right behind you, covering your back.”
“I didn’t feel guilty for asking him to do his part. I just felt foolish for waiting this long to put my foot down.”
This one starts right where the last one left off. It reminds me of the Stephanie Plum series because the characters are always getting themselves into crazy situations they aren't prepared for. The humor is similar as well. Definitely start with the other books in the series if you haven't read them as the cast of characters is definitely already established.
I didn't love this one as some of the others because even though I know by now things are going to get a bit zany, getting all of the characters to AC went a step too far for me. It also seemed a bit more disjointed or something, probably because Finlay and Vero kept having to make up excuses for getting free of the other characters to move the plot forward. I still enjoyed it, don't get me wrong, but it was just not quite as good as the other 3 I've read.
Still, this is a really fun read with madcap plotlines that we've come to enjoy. There are plenty of complications and hilarious situations thrown in there. And there is character and relationship development which I enjoyed. Looking forward to the next book! I flipped between eye-reading and the audiobook and I really love this narrator. If you're an audiobook fan, definitely check it out!! Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Finlay Donovan does it again. A great storyline with the fun suspense like the other Finlay books. When the fire between Finlay and Nick heats up, but the trouble of Finlay and Vero that needs to remain a secret. These books never get old & all of the characters continue to make a great book.
Elle Cosimano did it again!
I LOVED this book so much! It is fun, fast paced, and engaging! I keep turning the pages as fast as I can to find out what is going to happen with Finlay and Vero next! I love the relationships between the different characters and watching them develop as the book series goes on!
If it’s about Finlay, I’m reading it!
Read if you like:
🩵fast paced mystery
🩵 fun, lovable characters
🩵lighthearted thrillers
🩵a mom as a BA main character
🩵you’ve read the other Finlay books!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for a chance to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review!
Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is the fourth book in a series. Finlay, who is an author, meets with her agent in the first book at a Panera and while talking about the plot of her new book, someone overhears and thinks Finlay is an assassin. That person then asks Finlay to kill her husband. The series follows Finlay and Vero (Vero is hired to be Finlay's kids' nanny) as they navigate through a bunch of shenanigans.
I absolutely loved the first two books in the series and then the third one fell flat. It just didn't feel like it had the same comedy and excitement which was such a bummer. I'm so glad that I picked this one up because Elle Cosimano has redeemed herself. This was brilliant. I loved being able to see the friendship between Finlay and Vero grow and see more about Vero and her love interest Javi.
The only reason this book was not a five star is because I felt like there should've been more of a recap about what the other three books were about. Some things weren't as fresh in my memory and I would've enjoyed it more if I would've remembered all those details.
Still a solid book and I look forward to what comes next.
Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for an ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've loved the Finley Donovan series up until this point. I felt like this was too rushed and it was so outlandish it bordered on ridiculous.
Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. This is the 4th book in the series - I enjoyed how funny and silly everything was in the book, just like the other books in this series.
"Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice" by Elle Cosimano is a wild and entertaining ride filled with humor, suspense, and unexpected twists. Cosimano delivers a thrilling sequel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The story follows Finlay Donovan and her partner-in-crime, Vero, as they embark on a risky mission to Atlantic City. What starts as a girls' weekend quickly turns into a high-stakes adventure involving dangerous loan sharks, missing loved ones, and a decomposing body. As Finlay and Vero navigate the murky waters of deception and danger, they must juggle a multitude of challenges, including meddling family members and a suspiciously eager police officer.
Cosimano's writing is sharp and witty, infusing the narrative with clever dialogue and laugh-out-loud moments. The characters are vibrant and relatable, each with their own quirks and flaws that add depth to the story. Finlay, in particular, shines as a flawed but resilient protagonist who must confront her past while navigating the chaos of the present.
What sets "Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice" apart is its perfect blend of humor and suspense. Cosimano keeps readers guessing with a fast-paced plot that is full of surprises and unexpected turns. From the seedy casinos of Atlantic City to the halls of the police academy, the story is packed with action and intrigue that will keep readers hooked until the very end.
Overall, "Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice" is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. With its memorable characters, clever writing, and thrilling plot twists, this book is a must-read for fans of mystery and humor.
The fourth and final installment of the Finlay Donovan was silly but absolutely as fun as the other books. I love Finlay and Vera's relationship. The plot lines are so absurd and fun to read. This wasn't incredibly innovative, but it was a satisfying read nonetheless.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader copy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for granting me an e-arc!
Finlay Donovan and Vero return for another adventure, this time in Atlantic City, NJ. Picking right back up where the last book left off, Finlay and Vero are looking for Finlay’s Aston Martin, which was taken by loan shark Marco to partly pay Vero’s debt to him. Finding the car is key to finding Vero’s friend and childhood crush, Javi, who has been taken as collateral. Marco wants his nephew, Ike, back in return for Javi, but he is dead thanks to Finlay and Vero.
The women set off to Atlantic City to find Marco, but their plans are made more difficult when it becomes a family vacation, with Steven, the kids and Finlay’s mother all in tow. When Finlay and Vero manage to escape from the others and sneak into Marco’s hotel room, the whole course of their trip changes as they discover two dead bodies: Marco and one of his lackeys. On top of trying to find Finlay’s car and Javi, the two women must now try to solve Marco’s murder so they don’t get blamed for it themselves. Things become even more difficult when Nick, Finlay’s sister, Sam and Charlie show up to further investigate Ike’s death.
The Finlay Donovan books are always so much fun to read! I’d say these are cozy mysteries that are clever and funny. I recommend them to anyone that is looking for a fast paced read or enjoys mysteries, books with a good sense of humor, or some drama.
The fourth instalment in the Finlay Donovan series starts with Finlay and Vero taking a mission critical road trip... with Finlay's kids, mom and ex-husband in tow. There are more bad guys, more dead guys, and cops and FBI agents literally sleeping next door. For those who didn't love the third one (aka me), the fourth one puts us right back into the wild Finlay action, and even gives us a dog named Kevin Bacon.
As always, the humour reigns supreme with this outrageous and outlandish series. I love how the cast of characters is expanding and widening the Finlay-verse. Also, Finlay and Vero should teach a course for wannabe contract killers- these two can really think on their feet. Did it take a hard left turn past believable three books ago? Yes. Does that make me love it any less? No. Finlay + Vero are my absolute model for ride or die BFFs and you cannot convince me otherwise. I will read about these two until their old age, So bring on book twenty five- I'm ready.
Book Name: Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice
Author: Elle Cosimano
ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for an ARC of Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano
Stars: 5
Spice: 0
Book 4 in the Finlay Donovan Series
Cliffhanger- Lite
Fast Paced
FMC POV
Contemporary Comedy Mystery with Romance Subplot
- Thoughts.
- Antics in Atlantic City
- rom-com meets murder mystery
- Kevin (lol)
- Kidnapping Gone Wrong
- Loan Sharks
- LOL Inducing
- Fun and Funny
- Fun addition in series
- Love Momma Donovan
- Romance is starting to lack
Elle Cant Miss! She just cant!
These books are So fun and funny! As a Mom, I love the toddler antics as they feel so true to my life. I love the deep friendships and dynamics between all the women in this book and the Antics in Atlantic City (OMG laugh out loud worthy)
Spoilers……
My gripe… my one lone gripe is I'm not feeling Nick in this book and the lying we see Finlay do around him is starting to make me not like her with him. I think we need a new MMC or something. I feel like Nick loves the idea of Finlay and not her… so I’m excited for book 5 and where we take this character… I'd love to see a dude like Rio from Good Girls... (Swoon) but when Finlay can share more with her dirtbag ex than with her MMC love interest I am not feeling it… I will DNF this series so hard if we move to a “get back with Cheater Ex” scenario.
Vero and Finlay ended the last book missing someone important to them missing and they want to get that person back. To that end, they are heading to Atlantic City. They say it's for a girls' trip but somehow Finlay's children, mother, and ex-husband all end up coming along.
They get to Atlantic City and meet the loan shark, but it all goes downhill from there. They're unable to make a deal and then the loan shark ends up dead. But how are they supposed to handle this situation? Especially when Finlay's sister and boyfriend show up on the scene.
These books are so well plotted with all of the pieces fitting together nicely and the ending come to a nice knot but still with a bit of a cliffhanger. There is always some disbelief of suspension that goes just a little too far for me but an overall nice read. Definitely read the other books in this series first.
Four stars
This book comes out March 5, 2024
Follows Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
ARC kindly provided by St. Martin's Press and NetGalley
Opinions are my own
The fourth installment of the Finlay Donovan series picks up right where the last book left off. The reader joins a road trip to Atlantic City where Finlay and her nanny sidekick, Vero attempt to find Vero’s boyfriend and untangle themselves with the Russian mob. They quickly discover two dead bodies and are joined by the rest of the cast of quirky characters.
The Donovan series is a rom-I com meets murder mystery with a PG-13 spice level. It’s a fun and easy read I recommend to anyone looking for something light and enjoyable. Also, if this is your first book in the series, there are enough details to fill in any gaps from the prior three books. Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice can stand on it’s own.