I am excited to have started the Finlay Donovan series. What a riot!

Finlay is never not “ on-the-go.” No waiting for the plot to pick up or reading through paragraphs of minutiae here! Every chapter leaves you racing to find out what happens next.

The plot was original ( to be mistaken for a hitman) and Vero as her partner in crime makes a perfect duo. Add in two lively kids that are naively dragged along and it makes for a good comedy, murder mystery!

I hope to read them all before the newest one is published in March 2025!

Thanks to Minotaur Books for the free ebook!

In Finlay Donovan is Killing It, author Elle Cosimano masterfully blends humor and suspense, delivering a delightful debut that captures the chaotic life of a single mom trying to navigate her responsibilities while pursuing her dreams.

Cosimano’s writing is fast-paced and filled with sharp wit, making it hard to put the book down. Each twist and turn keeps readers on their toes, while the authentic portrayal of Finlay's life resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of parenting and professional aspirations.

This book is a refreshing addition to the cozy mystery genre, blending elements of crime with the heartfelt struggles of motherhood. Finlay Donovan is a character you can’t help but root for as she navigates her way through chaos and comedy. For anyone seeking a lighthearted yet poignant read, Finlay Donovan is Killing It is a must-pick-up.

Finlay Donovan is a single mom doing the best she can. Her ex husband isn’t helping matters and she is late getting her book written for her editor. While at lunch with her editor, Finlays conversation regarding her book is over heard and misunderstood.
Did Finlay really just accept a “job” to get rid of a problem husband?!?! Read to find out what happens to a busy mom, struggling to write her novel and who accidentally agrees to take care of another woman’s problem!

The first book in the series was fun and entertaining. Finlay has no idea what she is doing but things just seem to fall into place as she uses her experiences to help outline her next novel.

I was thrilled that NetGalley offered the entire series in anticipation of book 5 being released March 2025. This was a fun, mystery read that kept me entertained and wanting to know how it ended.

Thankfully there are more adventures to come!

Cute and fun. I’m so glad I started this series. It’s a bit ridiculous but such a great ride, and I’m glad it doesn’t take itself so seriously. I still loved the characters and can see the potential for growth. I could see and am curious to know if the series turns formulaic or if the characters turn into caricatures that would get tiresome. Will definitely continue with the series and looking forward to finding out.

Thank You NetGalley for an advance copy. This is the first book in a strong series about single mom Finlay Donovan, who fumbles her way through mishaps and crime scenes, while always remaining relatable and funny. She is definitely related to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, and it was wonderful to find another series about strong, independent, but slightly incompetent women. The series is stronger because of Finlay’s close relationship with her nanny and best friend, Vero. I recommend this book if you are looking for something funny, entertaining and light.

I am so grateful to the publisher, author and NetGalley for providing me with copies of each book in the Finlay Donovan series. I just finished book 1 and cannot wait to start the next. This book had hilarious banter, an adorably mouthy 5 year old, oddly relatable hot-mess feelings, mystery, suspense, and even some romance. It was the complete package and I’m excited for more.

I was not familiar with Elle Cosimano's work so I was not sure what to expect but this book came highly recommended to me.

Finlay Donovan is a recently divorced single mother of two young kids who is just trying to survive. She is an murder mystery author that is behind on her promised manuscript, her ex-husband is threatening to fight for custody of the kids, the bills are piling up, and her van isn't working.

In a freak situation, Finlay is at Panera meeting her publicist, when a lady sitting close, overhears Finlay discussing murder methods and does not realize that Finlay is an author and not a hired killer.

While I did find the story very unbelievable, it was entertaining.

I will say that Finlay was one of the most likable main characters that committed murder. I found that I was rooting for her time and time again. But the likability also had a downside because I became so anxious for her and her situation. It as almost like Finlay became a friend and I was scared out of my mind that she was going to get herself in more trouble. Yes, I know Finlay isn't real but Cosimano did a great job making her seem like a real person. So this book did result in a high level of anxiety and an almost love-hate relationship with the story.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is the first book in Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series, and it's an absolute blast! I loved all the characters, especially Vero! Finlay, Vero, and Julian make such a fun and engaging trio. The writing is top-notch, and the story moves at a quick pace, making it a perfect cozy mystery that's impossible to put down.

Publication Date- Feb 2, 2021

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

I had originally rated this story 5 stars, however I circled back and reread it and updated my rating to 5 stars

I LOVE this series and I find it unique and refreshing, we get to watch as Finlay's character develops from a lonely, timid , rejected woman with low self-esteem to someone a woman with self confidence in her own talent and new friends she can trust and depend on. But my favorite part about this series is that the author brings a great sense of humor to this genre while defying being pigeon-holed into a certain type (these aren't "cozies" rather they create their own mystery sub-genre, let's just call them "Finlays"! Many thanks to the publisher,Netgalley, and the author - I am not sure I would have discovered these books on my own, but you can bet I am an avid Finlay follower now!

My detailed review follows..

"Finlay Donovan Is Killing It" by Elle Cosimano is a breath of fresh air in the crime fiction genre, blending suspense, humor, and the chaos of everyday life in a way that is refreshing and delightfully absurd.

This story follows Finlay Donovan, a struggling novelist and single mom, whose life takes a wild turn when she is mistakenly hired as a contract killer. Finlay is an incredibly relatable character—juggling parenting, deadlines, and a failing marriage—while finding herself embroiled in a world of crime she never intended to join. Her inadvertent foray into the criminal underworld is as hilarious as it is nerve-wracking, providing readers with a unique blend of laugh-out-loud moments and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

Cosimano's writing is sharp and witty, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The author expertly balances humor and tension, creating a story that is engaging and fun. The supporting characters, from Finlay’s meddling sister to her oblivious ex-husband, add depth and complexity to the plot, making the world of the novel feel vibrant and alive.

This novel also cleverly explores themes of identity, motherhood, and survival. Finlay's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to navigate her new, dangerous reality while also rediscovering her own strength and resourcefulness. This blend of personal growth with comedic crime caper sets "Finlay Donovan Is Killing It" apart from typical thrillers.

"Finlay Donovan Is Killing It" is a must-read for fans of crime fiction who appreciate a humorous twist. Elle Cosimano has created a memorable protagonist and an exhilarating plot that entertains from start to finish.

If you're looking for a book that combines heart, humor, and a good dose of suspense, this novel is a perfect choice.

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It grabs you from the get go when Finlay gets mistaken as a hired gun during a meeting with her editor. I couldn't put this book down and didn't want to! The mystery and storyline is fun. Can't wait to continue the series.

I'm so glad I finally read Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano. It was full of humor and heart and still scratched the mystery itch. Finlay is a divorced mom of two kids and is barely scraping by. She's an author of books no one wants to read. When one day a meeting with her book editor turns her world around. Dark humor ensues in a very satisfying way. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and it has encouraged me to read more of Finlay.

So glad that I was introduced to Finlay Donovan and her antics through net galley! Finlay is the perfect protagonist, a kind mama bear with fun, mischievous kids and a lousy ex and divorce. Loved the outrageous plot and love interests in this book! Couldn't wait to read more once I was finished with this one.

What a humorous cute story. I absolutely loved this book and I am adding it to my pile of comfort reads to save for a rainy day reread. I just couldn’t put it down. I found the plot unpredictable and unique. I plan to continue the series starting immediately.

This book was recommended by an influencer a few years ago, and it has been on my TBR list ever since. I didn’t even realize there was a whole series now. I can’t believe I didn’t pick up this book when I first heard about it! It kept me on the edge of my seat, and there were times I did not want to put it down! I started recommending this book to people before I even finished it. I loved it!

Masterpiece.
I loved every thing about this book. The characters had depth and were funny. The story was wild, I had no clue what direction it would take. Kept me on edge. I genuinely enjoyed every bit of this story. Can’t wait to read the rest of them.
And that last sentence………. 🤯

This book had everything I've been looking for. A cozy rom-com style mystery with plenty of action of and a cast of quirky characters.

When divorced and down on her luck Finlay Donovan is accidentally hired as a hitman, a series of unfortunate events kicks off and the reader is taken along for a page turning adventure. This book and the first in the series reminded me of the early days of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series where you could laugh out loud at the antics before they became tiresome and overplayed.

Finlay Donovan is certainly killing it with this first installment and I am all here for it, even if it means my laundry doesn't get put away or I lose track of time starting dinner because I simply could not put this one down. Hoping the rest of the series is just as entertaining.

Recommended for fans of Janet Evanovich and cozy clean mysteries with humor.

Thank you to NetGalley, Elle Cosimano, and Minotaur Books for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay Donovan is such a great character- a mom, a writer and someone who constantly gets into unhinged situations. This book isn't my go to genre, but I am so glad I picked it up. I couldn't wait to see how she would get herself out of this one!

Finlay is having a very bad day/week/year. Her husband left her, her bills are piling up, her ex-husband has fired the nanny, and the deadline for her latest book is looming. After discussing her latest book idea with her agent, she finds herself mistaken for a killer for hire. Chaos ensues.

I was very unsure about finishing this book. After reading about 1/3, I was rolling my eyes so much I was dizzy. There are so many bad choices being made, and the results were sure to be either preposterous or ridiculous or disastrous. Yet I kept reading. There is something completely compelling about this character., and I could not quit reading. So many twists and turns kept me guessing. Although I knew that this was only the first in the series and that book #2 was NOT Finlay Donovan Goes to Prison, I was definitely curious how she was going to get out of the situation she had created for herself. What a fun book! Note that there is some profanity and sexual content, but nothing too graphic. Just go along for the ride and enjoy the suspense and humor. On to book #2 -- Finlay Donovan Knocks Em Dead (who knows? Em might stand for Emily. LOL)

Finlay Donovan is killing it... well actually her life as she knew it is falling apart. Her husband has left her for their realtor, she's behind on the manuscript she's supposed to be writing, and her agent is on her case. When Finlay changes the destination for the meeting with her agent at the last moment to a local Panera's, she doesn't realize just how much her life is going to change. Mistaken for a contract killer in disguise, a woman with a problem husband puts a note underneath her tray. In exchange for $50,000 dollars Finlay is to get rid of the woman's creep husband, for good.

This is my first time reading an Elle Cosimano book, and I just zipped right through it. Can't wait to start reading the rest of the series!

What a fun book! Part mystery, part murder, part romance, and lots of comedy makes for a terrific first book of this series.
Finlay is a recently divorced single parent and mystery writer who is struggling to get her life in order. Some of the other characters are her ex-husband and girlfriend who live up the street, her recently fired nanny who is now her best friend, her sister who is a local police officer and quite a few other fun characters as the story progresses.
Finlay is fighting with writer's block and has a meeting with her agent at the local Panera (it was supposed to be a fancy brunch, but Finlay just can't make that work! ). As they are discussing her murder/mystery book, or lack of, a nearby patron overhears their conversation and this is when the confusion and fun begins.
Such a wild adventure and I can't wait to read more!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC.