This book has such an interesting, captivating concept! Findlay is a writer struggling with her next book. When she meets her editor at Panera, someone mistakes her for a contract killer. Not only is she struggling to pay the bills, her ex-husband is being a real prick about money. Would you kill someone for an insane amount of money? That’s what Findlay is asking herself. The relationship with Finlay and her nanny, Vero was such a great one to see developed throughout the story. They seem to really understand each other and are the friends the other really needs, though the story was a bit far fetched, it had this mystery mixed with comedy vibe that I really enjoyed. Each character added something new to the story and I particularly loved Julian. Though more of a minor character, he was real which was refreshing. I will say however, that the first half of the story drew me in a bit more than the second half. The second half fell a little flat for me but it was still an enjoyable read! I am definitely interesting in reading the next part of Finlay’s story!

This may be a mystery story, but I have not laughed so much in a long time! Right from the start I was laughing out loud at least once per page. There was so much I could relate to about what it is like being a mom with young children (even though it's been a while) and then there's the crazy premise of a writer taking about her book getting mistaken for a hitwoman. Somehow Elle Cosimano makes all of the crazy twists and turns work, and I love the two strong female main characters. This was just just such a fun book--the perfect escape on a stormy winter day.

This book is like if a rom com book and a mystery book had a baby. It is funny and delightful while also being thrilling and a page turner. Finlay is a writer and her life is a mess. Her ex-husband just fired the nanny with no warning, she is behind on writing the book she promised her agent, and her four year old just decided to give herself a haircut. When a conversation heard out of context leads her to be mistaken for a contract killer, a chain of events begins to unfold and she sets off trying to keep all the dominoes from falling in her life.

These characters are fleshed out and compelling. The way they interact makes you love them all the more. The story jumps off the page and I can imagine it so clearly on screen (please tell me this is going to be adapted for a mini series!). I was left constantly guessing and that ending set us up to have hopes of a sequel. Fingers crossed we get one!

TW: Death, Domestic Abuse, Murder, Infidelity, Rape

I had such a good time reading this book.

It's hard to imagine how a story featuring a harassed single mother, heaped with emotional and financial woes, can be made funny, but Elle Cosimano manages it. This is a comedy of errors that blends a good dose of suspense and a dash of romance, neither of which overwhelm the solid matrix of female friendship and support.

Cosimano skillfully uses the comedic elements of misunderstanding and miscommunication, along with some too-close brushes with the criminal element. But not all is slapstick. What lingers is the "you go, girl" feeling of feminine empowerment.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for an advance readers copy.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It- killed it ! This book was so well written that I didn’t want to put it down. Finlay is kind of a train wreck, who’s an unknown mystery author, who’s husband cheated on her and divorced her and her life is falling apart.⁣
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Until one piece of paper is left on her table at Panera and her world is flipped upside down. This story was so entertaining and filled with dark humor. Finlay makes poor decision after poor decision, she reminds me of a perfectly real hot mess just trying to get through life and I loved it. ⁣Vero her nanny/accountant is pretty much her awesome sidekick who tries to keep Finlay’s life together and I adored her.
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She accidentally gets involved with the Russian Mob. She acts almost as a vigilante, and then she turns her life into an awesome mystery novel that finally gets her name out there - at the worst possible time. ⁣
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This was the perfect escape- a mystery thriller, a little romance, some laugh out loud moments, and a strong female lead that seems more real than fictional.⁣
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 ⁣
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Thank you @minotaurbooks for an ARC for my honest review. Out 2/2! #books #bookcommunity #finlaydonovaniskillingit #minotaurbooks #mystery

I absolutely got sucked right into this novel and completely devouring it,  I absolutely loved it. I'll definitely be checking out some of her back listed books.
This is one fast paced novel that deals with the struggles of co-parenting, single motherhood while trying to juggle a job to pay the increasing stack of bills. When you need to decide weather your morals or money to survive matter most.  Suspenseful yet humorous mystery, this is definitely a book you need to add to your tbr.
Finlay is a struggling single mother and author.  Her husband recently left to be with his mistress and they are determined to get full custody of the children. Finaly has a book deadline coming up,  but hasn't had the motivation to write since her husband left.  Finaly  finds a note offering her a large amount of money, but it includes murder, on the fence of what to do Finaly decides to at least investigate why the wife wants her husband killed.  Things start to get messy but Finaly comes up with an idea for her novel

Finlay Donovan has been having a rough time just getting through the day lately. She's late on turning in her most recent book (like, really late), the bills are piling up, and she has 2 small children depending on her. After meeting with her agent at Panera to discuss the overdue book, her problems are either about to get remarkably better, or horribly worse. A woman sitting close to her in the restaurant has seen through Finlay's disguise (she's banned from that Panera), and after overhearing her discuss the book, thinks Finlay is a hitman. Er...hitwoman. Um, hitperson. Ugh, assassin. She mistakenly assumes that Finlay is a murderer for hire, and she offers A LOT of money to have her husband whacked. But that's ridiculous, right? Finlay wouldn't do something like that, would she?

I don't want to give much else away, but what follows from there is a comedy of errors. Poor Finlay really does have rotten luck, but she also has a warm heart, and a smart mouth. In addition, Finlay has an important ally; Vero, her children's (former?) nanny. I think Elle Cosimano really has a winner here. The book feels fresh and original, and has lots of laughs. If you're growing weary of reading "The Girl who Drowned the Other Wife and the Farmer's Daughter, Anna Smith" cliched and cookie-cutter novels, Finlay Donovan is Killing It will be a breath of fresh air. 4 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this gifted copy.

Cosimano is a successful American author of several YA novels, but this is her first adult release. The book is a humorous mystery and features Finlay, a divorced mother of two young children who is in debt and barely hanging on. She is a book writer and is way behind on getting the draft of her next mystery book to her agent. As they discuss plot possibilities in a local restaurant, Finlay notices a nearby woman staring at her. After her agent leaves, the woman slips her a note offering her $50,000 to kill her husband, having mistaken her for a hitman. Thus begins this madcap adventure. In addition to the humour and mystery there is also an element of romance. It would be a great recommendation for fans of Janet Evanovich, or mystery fans looking for something a little lighter.

I had a lot of fun reading Finlay Donovan!

The book tells the story of poor Finlay Donovan who is going through a very rough time. As an author suffering from writer’s block, the bills are mounting without the financial means to pay them, and now her sleazy ex-husband and his traitorous real estate agent fiancé are trying to take full custody of her two small children. The story begins as Finlay has missed her breakfast appointment with her agent due to her missing babysitter as well as her four years old’s disastrous self-induced haircut and a very cranky two years old. After being told by her sleazy ex, Steven, that he laid off the babysitter, Finlay has no choice but have him watch the kids so she can meet her agent to try to get an extension on the book she has been contracted for. Absently throwing the bloody shears in the diaper bag she heads out to the Panera to meet with Sylva. There she explains her morning as “sorry head wounds take forever to clean up” while her unsympathetic agent asks her where she is with her deadline. While they have this conversation another Panera customers notices the bloody shears and completely misinterprets the conversation. This customer then offers Finlay $50,000 to off her husband. So begins this crazy romcom.

I found this book very entertaining and it was nonstop action. Finlay is a flakey heroine that has you both rooting for her and wanting to slap some sense into her. Love, love, love Vero, her unflappable and feisty nanny/accountant. Plus, who needs Steven when she has both dreamy Julian and sexy cop Nick vying for her. There was a personal element for me as well having grown up in Northern VA my entire life. It was very fun to see my neighborhoods mentioned throughout the story. I really like how the book wrapped up with nothing left unanswered. However, the ending made me feel that Finlay will have a sequel. If there is a sequel, sign me up!

It was a good book reminded me of the Janet Evanovich books. It kept me entertained all the way through. I really enjoyed the book

First things first, this story not only made me laugh out loud but it's completely unique. As an avid reader, I find books start to be quiet repetitive but that wasn't the case with "Finlay Donovan Is Killing It".

Finlay is a stressed out, recently divorced mom of 2 who is trying to write her next novel -- one worth the big bucks and the respect of those around her. While chatting with her agent in Panera, a chance encounter provides Finlay with more than she bargain for to help ends meet. Before Finlay knows it, she's a very active member in a real life murder investigation. What ensues is an one of a kind story that involves the mob, a hot lawyer AND police officer, a nosey neighbor, a honest 5 year old and a complice that's the perfect hype girl.

It took me a bit to get into this book, but once I was in, I couldn't put it down. Finlay is a great character (as are all of the secondary characters). The plot was delicious. I never knew what was going to happen next. Super fun book.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It
Publishes 2/2/21
Several friends mentioned that I had to read this book, it combines a mystery and comedy which has been my favorite thing lately. After reading Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano I now completely understand the hype. It is well deserved. There were moments while reading this book that I thought, “How is she in my head?”

Finlay is a divorced mother of 2 with an ex husband that is a habitual cheater. Finlay is struggling to get her life together after the divorce. She’s also an author who is behind on her deadline. A chance meeting in a Panera Bread leads Finlay down a path that leads to murder for hire, mischief and some of the funniest improbable moments I have ever read. Finlay and her nanny Vero have the best sarcastic one liners ever. Their shenanigans as hit women for hire were nothing short of a wild ride.

I honestly couldn’t have loved this book more. It was so much fun to read and well written. I sat down to just take a look and was half way through the book before I knew it. Holding my attention has been a struggle this year so thank you to Elle Cosimano for this amazing escape from reality.

Thank you to @netgalley @minotaur_books and @ellecosimano for my advanced reader’s copy. I was thrilled to hear Elle is already working on book 2! I need more Finlay in my life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5 stars

This book was a LOT of fun!!!!
Fresh. Well written. Funny. Smart. Entertaining.

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It had it all. And I hope that everyone who loves well written mysteries, with entertaining plots and protagonists that are likable and easily to root for, will pick it up. You do not want to miss out on this book.

I devoured it in two sittings. Even skipped out on a workout because I didn’t want to put it down. And afterwards I wanted to start the next book asap. Luckily, Amazon calls it “the first in a brilliant new series”. That’s exciting news.

What I loved about the book:

smart and engaging characters (especially Finlay and Vero)
many LOL moments, honestly I had so much fun with this story
the beginning of a possible love story
a fantastic mystery
and an orignial plot
Truly, this book is going to be a crowd pleaser. The balance of mystery, great characters and witty writing was incredibly well done. I just flew through it.

I think what I loved the most about this book was the team work between Finlay and her nanny Vero. Finlay had her hands full, literally, and Vero was the help she needed in more than one way. A mother/nanny duo was just what I needed. And I just loved how well they worked together. From one mishap to the next, they had each other’s back.

Also the many laugh out loud moments, thanks to the ridiculous things that happened throughout the book, made this novel a very enjoyable book. It’s not wonder that I had a fantastic time with this book, and I’m definitely signing up for more!!

Thank you so much @Minotaur_Books & @NetGalley for giving me this physical ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review (Release Date | 02 February 2021)

SYNOPSIS | Finlay Donovan is a struggling writer who is in a custody battle with her ex-husband and has so many unpaid bills that at this point she is just pretending they don't exist. She meets up with her agent in Panera to discuss her new book however she is then mistakenly hired as a contract killer by the woman at the next table over.

WHAT I LIKED:
- fantastic blend of genres (I don't think I've ever read a humorous mystery before)
- this is such a unique & fun story concept (to fully enjoy you do need to suspend your disbelief though!)
- hooked from the first sentence
- i scoffed out loud on multiple occasions
- Finlay is highly relatable & the definition of a hot mess

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- i wasn't particularly attached or rooting for either of the romantic options

Finlay Donovan is a not-very-successful, recently divorced writer, on the verge of falling into poverty. She literally stumbles on a new career option, which helps turn her lackluster romance novels into riveting murder mysteries. Fun read! You'll want to get to know these characters better. Awaiting a sequel.

I was really expecting to love this one but I only ended up liking it.

It's a fun but over-the-top, comedy and mystery. Finlay Donovan is a newly divorced struggling mother of two. She's a mystery/thriller writer that is suffering writer's block. She finds herself entangled in her own mystery that in turn helps her to write a hit novel!

The story is original and I love the part Panera Bread plays in the novel. That was cute and funny but I didn't warm to Finlay right away nor did I find her all that funny. Perhaps it's just that I found some of her story to be too improbable however I liked the writing and the cliffhanger at the end. I'll read the next instalment for sure.

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press as well as Minotaur Books for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.

This was a fun read. Finlay is struggling to pay the bills as a writer, having recently split from her husband. Through a misunderstanding she’s offered $50,000 to carry out a hit on another woman’s husband.

You do need to take the story with a pinch of salt! In parts it is a little unbelievable. Her role as a mom is written so well though, it’s very true to life. She’s a great character and reminded me almost of a Bridget Jones type, doing what other people wouldn’t dare and getting away with it.

The ending of the novel paves the way for a second, VERY interesting book. Watch this space!

Loved it. Funny fun smart bumbling ridiculous but believable. A really enjoyable book that was fun to read. Light but not cheesy. I felt Finlay in her struggling young motherhood overwhelmed and just trying to stand on her own two feet. I loved it.

Finlay Donovan is a struggling suspense writer who’s entire life seems to be falling apart. She’s a single mom, behind on bills, and no ideas for her next book. At a meeting with her agent, another customer overhears Finlay and thinks she is a hit woman. This customer leaves a note for Finlay offering $50,000 for her to kill this woman’s husband. While Finlay tried to get out of this situation she also finds herself wanting to know more about this man. One bad decision leads to another and she is very quickly in over her head.

This is a book that sounds absolutely ridiculous, and in many ways it is, but I also couldn’t put it down. It had a little bit of everything: comedy, romance, mystery and suspense all rolled into one book and I flew through it! Despite Finlay’s poor judgment and constant bad decisions I was rooting for her.

Another minor thing I loved, as I was reading it occurred to me that this book was happening in the Washington DC suburbs on Northern VA - where I’ve lived for most of my life 😍. It’s always fun to read about towns and places I’m super familiar with. That personal connection made it extra exciting to visualize the story.

This was an original storyline that was so fun to read. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there will be more of Finlay coming 🤞🏼.

Thank you to NetGally and Minotaur Books for the advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Finlay Donovan is Killing It will be released in February 2nd. Be sure to grab a copy of this one!