I went into Finlay Donovan is Killing It with no expectations and ended up enjoying every single second of it! Elle Cosimano crafts such a fun, fast-paced ride that I had a hard time putting the book down and was immediately eager to dive into the next installment.

What really stole the show for me were Finlay and Vero. I absolutely love their dynamic—it’s the heart of the story, full of humor, loyalty, and mischief. Cosimano captures their relationship so perfectly that it elevates the entire book.

And the romance! I love a good mystery romance, and while this is different from my favorite, Veronica Speedwell, in tone, it has its own charm. With not one but two love interests, the romantic tension adds another layer of excitement to the mystery. I couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out.

Overall, this is an absolute must-read for anyone looking for a light, clever mystery with plenty of laughs, twists, and heart.

Thank you to Elle Cosimano, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for sending me the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a fresh take on the cozy mystery and I'm here for every minute of it. A writer (and mom) going through a divorce meets her agent for a bite to eat and to beg for more time and is mistakenly overheard while complaining at a Panera Bread. All of sudden she's in a whirlwind of things that are beyond her scope. There is romance, comedy, and heartwarming joy. Can she rise to the craziness and come out the other side? Of course, she can, but you will want to be along for it.

Now this. THIS WAS GOOD. Like I couldn’t put it down at all good. Like I stayed up past my bedtime to finish it because honestly the mess these women found themselves in PHEW. I love me a good murder mystery and this was some top shelf writing. I absolutely understand the hype for this one. Y’all were right. The hype was absolutely true for this one. This book is amazing! It’s hilarious, it’s kind of hot, and it’s just a slew of accidentally being caught in the wrong place and the wrong time. Finlay is such a cool person and Vero? Damn I loved her way too much.

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is a fun, fast-paced story that kept me entertained and laughing. Is it outlandish and unbelievable? Yes. But it is such a fun read and Finlay and Vera are just really great characters.

Thanks NetGalley for a ARC. Very quick and enjoyable read. Finlay is a likeable main character and one that I’ll want to continue reading about.

Not gonna lie y'all - Finlay had me feeling TENSE a time or two there. I don't really fet why Vero is playing second fiddle, given she's the one who has her shit together (mostly), but I'm going to go with it.

Very quick and enjoyable read. Finlay is a likeable main character and one that I’ll want to keep following in future books to see what future hijinx she falls into in this new “career” she has made for herself.

Thank you to NetGalley and SMP for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had so much fun with this book! I've seen these books around for a while now with a bit more activity around a new release so I knew there must be something special going on but didn't anticipate how much fun it would be.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It is a fast-paced comedy, romance, thriller combo that is so absolutely delicious. Finlay has recently divorced her cheating husband, is very overdue on a novel deadline and is getting her butt kicked by motherhood. After a conversation between she and her literary agent is misunderstood, Finlay finds herself in the middle of a murder as well as a few other felonies. She has her ever steady nanny/accountant to help her (get into more trouble) as well as a cast of multi-dimensional, amazing side characters.

I can't say that I was in love from the start. The beginning was a bit lagging for me since it's about 20 pages of pure motherhood chaos that I simply cannot relate to and in my childfree hubris, I don't believe I would ever find myself which was a little unpalatable to me. I don't like when conflict in a book seems too hammed up but I'm so glad I powered through. I finished this book in less than 24 hours because I literally could not put it down. At no point did I know what was going to happen next but it also wasn't pure thriller vibes where you're focused on the resolution. This really was like watching my catastrophe of a friend bumble through life.

I cannot wait to finish the rest of this series.

3.5 stars

Well this was fun! I’ve been missing Stephanie Plum quite a bit, so this really scratched that itch. Completely different characters, and circumstances but the fun, humor, and action is all there. Finlay is definitely a great character,

I can’t wait to dig in to the next one.

I love, love, love the Finlay Donovan series. It's relatable, comical, thrilling and a LOT of fun. I'm very excited to re-read these in anticipation of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Grave. Publishing March 4, 2025!

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for re-opening the series, including the new upcoming book, for download!

This was such a fun read! It had me laughing out loud so many times. The premise is as wild as it sounds, and it absolutely delivers on the promise of dark humor and clever twists. Finlay is an absolute mess in the best way—a single mom dealing with wild parenting moments (duct-taping her kid’s hair?!) while trying to finish a book she hasn’t even started. Then, of course, she accidentally gets mistaken for a hitwoman and dragged into a real murder plot.

I loved how relatable Finlay felt—quirky, hilarious, and somehow still holding it all together (barely). Her relationship with Vero, her ex-nanny-turned-crime-sidekick, was one of my favorite parts. Vero is such a rockstar—I need a Vero in my life to help keep everything running! Their banter and teamwork added so much charm to the story.

The pacing was perfect, and the mix of dark humor, murder mystery, and a bit of romantic tension kept me hooked the whole time. The story definitely gets ridiculous at points, but honestly, that’s part of what made it so much fun.

If you’re into books with likable characters, lots of laughs, and a little murder on the side, you’ll probably love this one. It’s light, clever, and just the right kind of chaotic.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is such a fun book! The humor is on point. Finley and Vero are hysterical. Add in the mystery and it’s perfect!

A funny, quick read with a tiny bit of suspense and a whole lot of laughs. I chuckled over the impossible situations the MC kept getting herself into. It was an enjoyable book and I definitely plan to read the sequel!

Finlay Donovan is Killing it tells the story of Finlay Donovan who is not killing it, as in, she is in a middle of a custody battle with her ex for her 2 children, her nanny is nowhere to be found and she is broke and in debt. When someone overhears Finlay's conversation with her book agent and misinterprets it Finlay now is offered a chance of making 50 thousand dollars if she disposes of a certain someone.

This book was so funny and so lighthearted I devoured it in 2 days, it had to be 2 days due to real life responsibilities because it was a struggle to put this book down. My favourite character was Vero her humour and snakiness is on point and I love her back and forth with Finlay, they are an unlikely duo but an amazing one. We got two love interests in this book at least two potential ones between a sexy cop and a sexy bartender/pre lawyer, and I am so glad she ended up connecting more with the one I was truly rooting for.

I truly loved this book so much and I cannot wait to see where Finlay takes us on the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and Elle Cosimano for making this book available as a read now on NetGalley and giving me a chance to binge on this series.

This is great! A housewife who starts a deep dive. Funny yet suspenseful. A good read for sure. I love that it is a series too.

4.5/5 Stars

This was a fun, super quick read. Finlay is a hot mess but I love her for it and I really enjoyed her shenanigans. A really fun take on a murder mystery book. Can't wait to read then next one in the series and see what kind of trouble Finlay and Vero get into.

Thank you NetGalley for the review copy.

I had so much fun reading this book. I was influenced by the many others who said this was fun, and they were so accurate. Finlay and her antics are hilarious. The accidental nature of her foray into mystery and how her life changes kept me on the edge of my seat. It even made me look at my local Panera cafe differently. This is one of the books and series I recommend most frequently. Several of my friends have now followed me in reading the whole series.

The first book in the series. If you want a fun read that you don’t wanna put down. This is the book for you! Funny characters, suspense, it is so fun!

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

Fun, fast-paced read, very easy (popcorn lit). I loved the concept of Finlay being a hit woman. She's actually so inept, but you just love her for it. Very light romance. Down on her luck and a horrible ex-husband, through a series of unfortunate events, Finlay becomes a "hit woman". She charmingly bumbles her way through to a happy ending.
This is an addictive series and I excited to start the next book.

Finlay Donovan is overheard at a cafe talking about her book with her editor when someone overhears and mistakes her for a serial killer and becomes entangled in a crime....
Hilarity & hijinks ensue, all while Finlay cares for her two children, deals with her ex-husband, and partners with her nanny who is quickly becoming her partner in crime.
This book is fast-paced, witty, and charming, and I loved it.
100% recommend.