Member Reviews
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of the newest Finlay installment! I love Finlay and Veronica (and really every character) that Cosimano has created for this little universe. I care about all of them, and honestly I think they’re all developed pretty well. Finlay and Vero find themselves in increasingly ridiculous situations, but somehow I don’t mind suspending reality a little bit to cheer for them as this time they muddled their way through Atlantic City looking for the Aston Martin and several other important items. Already excited for the next Finlay story, as this one ends on a cliffhanger! Four stars out of five.
I swear the Finlay Donovan series is magic. You open the first page and you are transported into this world where you know these characters innately and have a deep connection to the plot.
I have read and loved the prior three books in this series and never failed to adore them all; however, it seems that the general consensus is that each book strays farther away from the reasons why the first book was such a hit. Although I somewhat agree, it does seem natural and not something that would ever make me stop reading.
This installment hasn’t even come out yet and I am already itching for the next.
If you haven’t read this series yet, definitely do so- and if you have and are curious to see if it’s worth picking this fourth novel up, I say go for it.
The entire premise of the Finlay Donovan books is that the plots are so implausible, but that is what makes them a fun, charming read. Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice completely misses the mark. The premise was even more outrageous and improbable than previous books. The decisions the characters made were so nonsensical and ridiculous that it made the plot incredibly hard to follow. Reading about Finlay sneaking from one hotel to the next, or one place to the next for 90% of the book did not hold my interest. Surprisingly, the final 30 or so pages were coherent, cohesive and well written. They didn’t fit with the previous pages at all. In the end, the conflict is resolved and everything is tied up neatly in a bow.
Finlay always gets into shenanigans. I always enjoy this series. It’s fun and the misadventures her and Vero get themselves in is so fun and 🫣
How they manage it all I don’t know.
I like that it’s relatable on the mom front and dealing with spouses. And exciting on the other ends.
This was funny and entertaining!
Nick and Javy 🥵 looking forward to more of them!
The usual gang's all here for the fourth full-length Finlay Donovan installment: Finlay's kids, parents, and sister Georgia; Georgia's girlfriend Sam; hot cop Nick and his ex-partner Charlie; ex-husband Steven; Vero's childhood friend/love interest Javi; young hacker Cam; Finlay's agent; and various Russian and American mob figures. A dog named Kevin Bacon even gets into the action.
The story picks up immediately following the events of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, and the relationships continue to develop. Throughout the series, Cosimano has adeptly set a foundation, added details to the history, and prepared for future twists. Because of this, I do recommend reading the series in order.
As I neared the end, I worried that things were getting too perfectly tied up with a bow—that there might not be another Finlay book. Then, at the very last moment, the hope of another installment presented itself. Whew!
This humorous, cozy mystery/thriller series might appeal to you if you like strong female main characters, intergenerational relationship–heavy stories, mystery, action, and a degree of silliness. You shouldn't take things too seriously—be willing to suspend your disbelief and just enjoy the ride. If you are fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series or Jana DeLeon's Miss Fortune series, this may be another series to add to your rotation.
This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books. Publication is expected March 5.
I really enjoy the Finlay Donovan series! Funny in parts but fast pace enough to keep the pages turning. “Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice” is the third full length book in the series. I enjoyed the continuation of the misadventures of Finlay and Veronica however this was probably my least favorite of the series so far. Parts felt a bit chaotic and at times there seemed to be way too many characters in play making it a bit confusing. If you liked the others in the series this is a must read to keep up with what is happening with Finlay and particularly Vero! Looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication!
I was a big fan of the first two in the Finlay Donovan series. I was less impressed with the third and even less impressed with this, the fourth book. Light hearted humor has crossed over into silliness. None of the prior books have been exactly believable (in fact, quite the opposite). But this one felt incredulous. Coincidence piled on coincidence.
Picking up from the cliffhanger ending of book 3, Finlay and Vero are getting ready to hightail it to Atlantic City. Well, first Steven decided he had to come along, then Finlay’s mother and then it seems like everybody and his brother are there. They no sooner arrive in AC, then they find the man they’ve come to see dead in a hotel bathroom with his associate also dead in the suite. They have to hid the dead bodies, attempt to find the missing Aston Martin and the loan shark’s “book”, all while avoiding the police, the FBI and Finlay’s family members.
This does not work as a stand-alone and the series definitely needs to be read in order.
Another reviewer likened this series to Stephanie Plum and it’s a very apt comparison. If you like one, you’ll like the other. And in the same way I had a problem with the Stephanie Plum series, what was fresh in the first book is beginning to feel a little formulaic by book four.
Another crazy,fun ride with Finlay and Vero!
This time the girls are out to resue Javi, Vero's 3rd cousin, from a kidnapping loan shark....with the entire family in tow.
The friends once again,find themselves in the middle of a laugh enducing ,crazy-chaotic mess.
Finlay and Vero are working hard to untangle the "knot" of charachters involved in this caper in order to save Javi,pay of the psycho loan shark, dspose of any evidense that may incriminate them and locate "Kevn Bacon".
There are no true surprises in this one but it is fun and enjoyable!
4.5 ⭐️’s
The Finlay Donovan series is cleverly written and the predicaments Finlay and Vero get themselves in (and out) of will have you holding your breath one moment and laughing out loud the next. Cosimano never ceases to entertain with this series with her wonderful, wacky characters and their hilarious escapades. Finlay Donovan Rolls The Dice picks up where the last one left off, so do yourself a favor and start at the beginning of this delightfully fun series. You won’t want to miss a thing AND you won’t be disappointed! This was a dual read/listen for me and the narration is absolute perfection! Can’t wait for Finlay and Vero’s next caper! Thank you to St. Martin’s Press,Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC and ALC of this book.
My Girl's Trips have never involved as many dead bodies as Finlay and Vero's. Although, can you call it a Girl's Trip if and ex-husband, current boyfriend, mom, and half the FCPD tag along?
Finlay Donovan and Vero are in desperate need of a Girl's Weekend after the disastrous week at the Police Academy but instead head to Atlantic City to try to rescue a kidnapped Javi. Finlay's ex-husband, Steven, weasels his way onto the trip and Finlay's mom decides she's joining as well. The chaotic mishaps that can't seem to stop following Finlay ensue for an exciting weekend in Atlantic City.
I really enjoyed this fourth installment in the Finlay Donovan series. While maintaining the fun- if unlikely- antics, Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice was more heartwarming than pervious books in the series, adding a needed layer to the overall vibes of the book. The pacing of the book was basically perfect. And the action sequences: chef's kiss! The dialogue felt modern without being bogged down by too on-the-nose/of-its-time references that will be obsolete in less than a year.
I loved that we got to see the characters travel to Atlantic City with Finlay and Vero- well except Steven. I thought he was awful before but somehow he was even worse. The more page time he got, the more I understood why a hit was put out for him. I also loved Javi and Vero's storyline I can't wait for more of their banter.
Major Spoiler
I knew that neighbor lady was sus. I just want to know what bodies she has buried. That was the perfect cliff hanger to end on.
The cliffhanger was the perfect end to set up for the next installment which I will be sat for.
I am a big fan of the first two books in this series, book three started to get a little much and book four (this book), followed suit. There is no way two seemingly innocent people find themselves wrapped up in such scenarios, situations and manage get away with it all. Despite the enjoyment of the first two books, and how easy all four books have been to read, this will likely be the last book I read in the series. The way this book ended, I could totally see another book coming out. Fans of Finlay and Vero's antics should give this a chance, especially if you liked book three as much as you did the first two books.
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Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
What a fun time! The finlay Donavan series is always one I can trust to give me a good time! The characters are cozy and don’t get old. This books pick up right where we left off in the last book and we get to go on a little road trip with Vera, Finlay, and the rest of the crew. It is filled with humor as well as aspects of a mystery/thriller. I think I liked the other 3 a little more, this one was a little harder to really get into, but this one is still full of fun. If you haven’t read the series it is one I’d definitely recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review!
The fast paced adventure continues for Finlay and friends in “Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice.” Book four in the series picks up exactly where book three left off, but the author does a wonderful job of recapping the details from the third book. This book is a page turner as Finlay and and her nanny/partner-in-crime/friend, Vero, race to solve the crime while carefully dodging Finlay’s kids, ex-husband, sister, and mom, not to mention sneaking past her new boyfriend cop and the FBI. Whew! What a fun read!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press - Minotaur Books for the advance copy for my honest review.
Finlay Donovan strikes again! I love the hot mess mom/nanny combo that is Finlay and Vero. And the road trip to Atlantic City was amazing.
Book 4 picks up right after the events of the police academy in book 3. Giving us more of detective Nick and Finlay’s relationship and even bringing in Finlay’s mom and sister so we can get to know them even better.
And (spoiler!!!) Vero gets her happy ending too with Javi- swoon! 😍
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Finlay Donovan has ended up on a trip to Atlantic City with her sidekick Vero, ex-husband, mother and two children. Oh and add in her current beau, her sister and a few other law enforcement officers and we have the chance for a wild ride. This book picks up right where book three ended and it is important to start at the beginning of the series as these books build upon each other. Vero and Finlay are attempting to fix the problems that have crept up, in the way they know how to fix things.
This book was fast-paced and had me laughing many times throughout. From beginning to end there was action, antics and mysteries. As usual, Finlay and Vero are always in the wrong place, at the wrong time. They have so many messes to clean up and a mystery to solve. You have to suspend belief as the things that happen in this book are completely over the top. Finlay (and Vero) is a character that I have a love-hate relationship with, but find myself always rooting for her.
If you like a good mystery and a book to make you laugh out loud, this is the series for you! Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Book four in the Finlay Donovan series doesn't disappoint. We're back in the criminal chaos of romantic suspense author Finlay Donovan and her nanny, Vero, as they head to Atlantic City to "fix" things only to find themselves in a fix. Usually series lag in the middle but Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice delivers fast pacing and action that kept me reading. The usual suspects are all there and add an extra element of tension and fun. I'd say this story wraps up the series nicely, but it looks more books are coming for Finlay.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest book in the Finlay Donovan Series. Elle Cosimano has quickly become a favorite author.
In this book we find Finlay and Vero along with most of her family, Nick, and several police officers in Atlantic City.
While searching for someone close to Vero, the two women again find themselves having to deal with a couple of bodies. The Russian Mob expects a favor from Finlay, and they plan to make sure she follows through. The two women need to find out who killed the two men to keep from being charged with their murders. In the meantime, they need to avoid the actual murderer.
We get to see a little casino action as well as Finlay’s mother giving marriage advice to a couple waiting to get married at a chapel.
Speaking of marriage, one of the major characters manages to get married, or did she?
We got to know Steven, Finlay’s ex-husband, a little better and some back story about her parents.
Most of the situations are difficult to believe, except because it is Finlay, we believe them.
If you like a good mystery that will make you laugh out loud, you need to read Finlay Donavan Rolls the Dice and each of her earlier books in this series. I will be breathlessly waiting for the next in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving the opportunity to read this arc for my honest review.
I was so excited to get an early copy of the next Finlay Donovan book because I love these so much. This one was so fun! Loved that the whole gang was apart of it and of course all the crazy antics. This one didn't have me laughing like some of the other ones but that didn't changed my love for it.
Can't wait for more Finlay to come!
This is another fun, fast paced installment of the Finlay Donvan series by Ellie Cosimano . I have read all the books in the series and always find them enjoyable. The characters are fun and likable. It is always a treat to spend some time with them to see what shenanigans they are up to.
In this installment Finlay travels to my home state, NJ with her always hilarious, always irreverent nanny, Vero. Her new police officer, ex-husband, mother and sister are all back on the scene with her in Atlantic city. Finlay and Vero are still entangled in crimes from past installments which I was a little fuzzy on. I needed a little refresher so I was finding it hard to keep track of story lines and remember who certain villains were and how they were connected to the crimes. By the end, I did work it and enjoyed the rest of the book.
While Finlay and Vero are usually tangential to the main crime, they have committed real crimes in the past few installments. It will be interesting to see how the series continues. Will if they continue to skate by or will they be held accountable? Whatever the outcome, it is a fun series and I am along for the ride.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Pressand NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received the audiobook as well as the e-book. Here is my audiobook review:
I still very much enjoy this series. Especially the audiobooks.
They feel at times like a soap opera. Since there is always something happening, and most of it is a bit over the top but the books are also very entertaining and never boring.
The audiobook was really well done, especially the narration kept me glued to the book and I actually finished it in one day, from morning to evening. It was a fun read!
AND, there is no end in sight.
The relationship between Finlay and her detective is looking great. They are on solid footing.
Finlay and Vero are still going strong. It's the kind of bestie friendship we are probably all looking for.
And I'm glad Finlay is putting down her food when it comes to her looser exhusband.
I also appreciate that many of the open questions have been answered. It feels like a new plot arc might be coming.....
So it was very much what I was expecting from this series. The author delivered a wonderful new edition. And I'm here for more...