I was in the mood for something super readable, plot-heavy and fun and this book certainly delivered. The plot overall was a bit ridiculous, but the point of the book is clearly not "believability" but just having a good, silly time. Definitely recommend this series for people looking for a fun romp.

Finlay kills it again. Elle also killed it. I will read ever Finlay book there is written. They’re all
Laugh-out-loud funny and I’m obsessed.

Great lighthearted read.

This series was recommended by someone who thought I would like it and I did!

Highly recommend.

This is not my typical genre but I had to read it when I saw the good reviews that my friends had given it. Such a fun murder mystery that was fast paced and just an overall good time! Im excited that I have the rest of the series

Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan books are an irresistible mix of sharp humor, quirky crime capers, and genuine heart. Following the chaos-prone single mom and novelist as she stumbles into one outrageous predicament after another is pure fun—equal parts suspenseful and laugh-out-loud funny. Witty banter, unexpected twists, and a cast of lovable misfits make this series a binge-worthy delight from start to finish.

A humorous kickoff to the series. A good fit for fans of Stephanie Plum and other comedy adventure/suspense.

Love this one and Finlay so much! The antics and dialogue are fantastic! I am excited to continue reading this series for as long as they are published!

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It pulled me in right away with one of the most original premises I’ve come across. The moment the story kicks into gear is pure gold—easily one of the funniest, most memorable scenes I’ve read in ages. I actually laughed out loud, hard enough that my husband came over to check on me.

So often, books that promise a mix of mystery, chaos, and comedy fall flat somewhere along the way. Not here. This one delivers on every count, which made it feel especially satisfying to finish.

The humor leans dark, with a self-aware tone that invites readers to just go along for the wild ride. It’s a bit outrageous in places—intentionally so—and that’s part of the charm. Don’t expect realism; expect fun.

From the first chapter to the last twist, I had a blast reading this madcap tale. I’m thrilled it’s the launch of a series, because after that ending, I’m desperate to know what comes next. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long.

This was so fun! It was funny and so relatable, while also being the perfect little mystery. I loved it! The whodunit aspect was just suspenseful enough to keep going. And that epilogue?! Whoa.

Okay okay, I get it. I should have read this sooner. However, when a book is hyped so much I usually don’t enjoy it so I kept putting it off. That might have been what made this so enjoyable for me though - it’s been a while since I’ve heard anything.
This book brings hot mess to a whole other level and I found it absolutely delightful. It’s funny with a good amount of substance while remaining lighthearted despite the subject matter. I cannot wait to continue this series!

The Finlay Donovan series was cute and fun. I enjoyed the main character and everything she got into. I will continue this series.

This is not my typical go-to content but it was a "Read Now" on NetGalley and I'm kinda a sucker for free shit, so I grabbed it. Honestly gotta say this took me by surprise and I really enjoyed it! I can't say too much without giving things away, but I will say that it was unexpected in a great way, and I will be reading more of this series.

The Finlay Donovan series starter is brilliant and so fun. I love Cosimano's blend of very relatable humor and the light-hearted approach to mysteries. Keep them coming, please!

Great start to a great series. I didn't read this one first, but that definitely is preferable. I love these characters, though, and enjoyed how much less prevalent Steven is in this one versus the later ones. Thanks for the ARC.

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery/rom com. Finlay is a fun character. It’s nice to see a character who isn’t completely put together. In fact, she’s kind is a mess and I love that. She’s down on her luck after her husband leaves her for another woman and she’s struggling to write her next book. The cast of characters were so fun. I love Vero and Julian seems super interesting. I hope we get to see him again in the sequels! I was shocked at the cliffhanger. I am so glad I already have the next one to read!

Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review.

Finlay Donovans life is falling apart. Her marriage is over, her husband engaged to the woman he left her for, she's having trouble writing her book so she's low on funds, and to top it off, her ex wants to get custody over her two children.

Everything seems like it's about to crumble when a woman in Panera overhears her talking to her editor and gets the wrong impression of what she does for a living.

Wow! This was so good. It was funny, suspenseful, and I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait to jump into the next book.

Such a fun mystery with a loveable, quirky, hot mess main character. Lots of fun!! I’m excited to read the rest of the series.

Fast paced. Addictive. Makes you chuckle.

Finlay Donovan is a highly entertaining read and will have you hooked from the beginning. Struggling author, Finlay, is attempting to write her next novel and while meeting with her agent about the book at Panera Bread a woman nearby misunderstands the conversation. The woman slips Finlay a note sending her on a crazy adventure for a large sum of money, that Finlay desperately needs to take care of her mounting bills and trying to prove she is a fit mother while her cheating ex husband is trying to get custody of the kids. She sort of completes the task and gets the money but gets a referral from a friend of the satisfied “customer.” This time it is something much more dangerous and she will not take no for an answer forcing Finlay into a potentially deadly situation.

Warning it ends on a cliffhanger so you may want to get the next book in the series ASAP.

4.5 stars

4.5/5 stars rounded down

This book was an absolutely wild ride! It had me laughing and gasping and turning pages quickly so I could see what was going to happen next.

Finlay Donovan is a divorced mother of two whose writing career just wont take off. When a conversation with her editor is overheard and taken out of context, Finlay finds herself hired as a hitman.

I really enjoyed this one for the most part but I have to admit Finlay could come across as kinda thick at times for someone who supposedly writes novels like she was experiencing. Having Vero by her side definitely helped keep things moving and kept things entertaining though! I enjoyed this enough to definitely want to keep reading the series especially because of the cliff hanger at the end of book 1! Can’t wait to see what Finlay and Vero get up to next!

I usually don't enjoy books about single parents/divorced parents, but I found this a fun and enjoyable read.

I liked the writing style and the way the plot was executed.

I would recommend this to others.