Super fun premise with laugh out loud moments.
If you’re a fan of the show Dead to Me, this is the book for you.

I'll give this one a 3.5. It kept me entertained and was a quick read. It centered on Finlay, a recently divorced mother of two who is struggling to make ends meet writing crime/mystery fiction. She meets with her agent at Panera to discuss her falling behind on deadlines and a woman at the next table thinks Finlay is a serial killer. The woman drops a note at Finlay's table asking her to kill her husband. From there the story gets pretty ridiculous (though still entertaining). Finlay makes lots of decisions that no sane person would make - actually going to see the man she's supposed to kill, keeping in touch with the bartender who was a witness to some of her questionable choices, etc. Without giving spoilers, there was another character's death toward the end of the book that was truly ridiculous. However, it was light and interesting enough to still be enjoyable. The cliffhanger at the end was intriguing too. (Also, kind of random but I've never heard the term 'wig-scarf' before. I figured out what it was based on context but it felt a little strange to have this term so frequently peppered throughout the book.)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This is funny, silly and sexy. Imagine being mistaken for a hitwoman. Imagine, sort of, doing it. Just a great idea. And the ending is absolutely killer! I can't wait.

Holy smokes! This was AMAZING!

The cover alone caught my attention from the beginning but the story kept me invested.

Omgosh this writing story line was FANTASTIC! Between the wry humor and a good murder mystery I couldn’t stop reading. Surprising I had several laugh out loud moments in this book.

Highly recommend! Fantastic and kept me engaged in the story.

Thanks to Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It.

Are you looking for a funny, crime novel that is so unbelievable it makes it even funnier?

When Finlay a stressed out single mom and struggling novelist is in a meeting with her agent discussing a plot of her next novel, she's mistaken as a contract killer. What ensues is just a funny novel as Finlay tries to figure out this mess she's gotten herself in.

As someone who lives in Northern Virginia near South Riding it was fun to see the Virginia suburbs mentioned in the book. While the antics that Finlay gets up to are unbelievable, it was so well written and funny that I couldn't put it down.

Looking for a fun, escapist read? This may very well be the book you’re looking for! Is it realistic? No - but then after all, it IS fiction! Finlay Donovan is a hot mess! Her life has gone off the rails since her divorce from her cheating ex-husband. The bills are stacking up, the house is a mess, her latest novel isn’t writing itself, her ex-husband and his new fiancé are trying to get custody of the kids and, to top things off, she’s been mistaken for a hitwoman!

The characters are very well developed, the story is so engaging and keeps you turning pages just to see what happens next! The teaser at the end opens the door to more adventures for Finlay and Vero! How intriguing!

Finlay Donovan is killing it, well, actually maybe more like it's killing her. Life, that is. Truth is, Finlay is struggling. Barely keeping her head above water. Not only with figuring out the plot of her extremely delayed next novel, but dealing with her ex getting engaged to the woman he was cheating on Finlay with as well as a looming messy custody battle. To top it off, her ex fires the baby-sitter, and somehow Finlay gets embroiled in a real-life murder mystery, one that could have been ripped right out of the pages of one of her books.

I had never read anything by Elle Cosimano before reading Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. So I went in not really knowing what to expect about the writing or even what to truly expect from the premise. I admit I was surprised with the dark humor of the story. Not in a bad way, just wasn't expecting it kind of way.

I immediately took to Finlay. The harried single mother trying to balance everything yet managing to get nothing done because of all the curveballs life loves to throw. I could feel her desperation, and as a reader I really wanted things to turn out good for Finlay. I wanted her to succeed, I wanted her to show up her cheating ex and his snobby fiancée.

As I said I was surprised by the dark humor side of the book, and as a result I wasn't prepared for when things take a turn in Finlay's life. But sticking with the story, and for all intents and purposes sticking with Finlay, I think that Elle Cosimano pulls off an amazing feat of really balancing the humor, mystery, suspense and romantic elements of the story really well, while giving readers a heroine they'll want to root for and stick with for the long haul. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by all the problems that keep getting piled on Finlay I felt more of the humorous aspect of what more can this woman be tasked in dealing with? Just when Finlay pulls herself out a little bit, she's something new arises and pulls her back in again.

I liked that Finlay is a person who doesn't have everything figured out, and when things knock her down, she keeps getting right back up because, for her and her kids, there is no other option. In that regard it's a perfect setup for navigating a mystery. Readers, along with Finlay, kind of get to figure it all out together which I think was another facet to the story that caught and kept my attention throughout.

I hope this won't be the last time we see Finlay Donovan. With that really intriguing ending I'm going out on a limb thinking it's safe to say it's not. I absolutely cannot wait to see what trouble lands on Finlay's doorstep next.

I absolutely flew through this book, I just could not put it down. I was hooked from the first page through to the last it was so entertaining.

Finn is struggling. She’s completely stressed out, her husband moved out and has proposed to his side-piece, she has bills piling up, no-one is buying her books, she can’t find a babysitter, and to top it off a lady tries to hire her to kill her husband…in a Panera.

I don’t want to give any of the story away, but let’s just say there are plenty of twists and turns and it moves FAST. It’s a mix of mystery, action, drama and romance all blended together in one delightful cocktail. There’s also a fun inception sort of vibe and I was certainly curious to know how much of the author’s real-life experiences went into this one. Luckily we got to talk to her for our book club, so I could ask!

Yes Finlay’s voice is really the author’s voice, but no she hasn’t murdered anyone—she has researched some pretty gruesome topics for books though. This is her first fun book, her others are very dark and serious, so as part of her research she’s even attended ‘writer’s police academy’ where they work in a forensic lab, do fingerprint analysis, SWAT simulations, and take all sorts of other classes. And because writing can be so solitary she tries to get out and do field research whenever she can (sheriffs ride along, tossing cells for contraband, searching the woods for unmarked graves…you know, the usual).

And, the best bit…she actually came up with this idea while in a Panera, talking through some grisly book scenes with her critique group (none other than Ashley Elston and Megan Miranda) and getting some funny looks from other customers.

Ok, back to the book. There are some definite Stephanie Plum and Where’d You Go, Bernadette vibes, which the author says is no accident because she’s a huge Janet Evanovich fan. She mentioned that while writing she had the TV series Dead to Me and Good Girls in mind too (both favorites of mine). This book definitely plays in the grey area between ‘good’ and ‘evil’. Finn does some pretty terrible things, but her motives are mostly good—just enough to keep her likable really.

And good news, book two is in the works (although no release date yet) and it will also be published through Minotaur. Cosimano is hoping this will turn into a long-running series, so fingers crossed!

4.5 great character stars

Finlay Donovan has become a favorite character! She’s definitely a mess, figuring out how to be a single mother, behind on writing her book, struggling to pay her bills in a big way, and tormenting the woman who stole her now ex-husband’s heart. It’s (almost) comedic how her life gets so out of control!

A conversation overheard at Panera might just provide the answer to all of her problems – or is it? Finlay is quickly over her head and I love how she just stumbles through life and what is thrown her way. I liked her nanny/business manager Vero and the two of them made a great combo. Her kids are awfully cute too. Finlay has a sister who is a cop and I liked her character too.

Finlay gets past her writer’s block and has tons of material for her thriller! I wasn’t sure how this one would turn out for her and it ends in a delicious cliff hanger. Dare we hope for a sequel? I would love more Finlay!!

I’ll start with this was hilarious, brilliant, outrageous, and I loved it. I already can’t wait for the next installment in this series!

Finlay Donovan is a single mom and struggling author who finds herself in a bit of a predicament when she’s mistaken for a contract killer. One thing leads to another and she (and her nanny) finds herself way in over her head.

I won’t lie, the story is a *bit* unbelievable, but thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless. It’s a fast-paced read that will keep you simultaneously laughing and at the edge of your seat. Also, absolutely *do not* skip the epilogue!! I can’t wait for more.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was more of a 'light' mystery with a little bit of romance. Finlay is a recently divorced single mom, and right now her life is kind of falling apart. At a meeting with her book agent, she is mistaken for a contract killer and that is when her life really gets complicated... and a bit exciting too. The story is unique, funny, and somewhat outrageous. It definitely kept me reading, although not necessarily glued to the pages.

Overall, I thought it was a fun read - which is unusual for the mystery/thriller genre. I felt like the author also left the door open for a second book starring Finlay Donovan.

This was so fun, and frankly I don't care about any plot holes (I'm sure there were some) because I loved the characters and it was fun. I want to read it again.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this arc.

What a HOOT! Finlay is a young mother of a 2 and a 4 year old (and all the chaos they create), newly divorced and a writer of romantic suspense (when she's not suffering from writer's block and/or sleep deprivation caused by her kids, divorce or precarious finances). After a rough start one morning, she meets her agent for one of those "Come to Jesus" meetings at a Panera Bread store. Parts of her conversation are overheard by another customer.... By the time Finlay is ready to leave, she's been passed a note offering an job to kill some strange woman's husband (okay, he did need killing). That got her curiosity up and her nose twitching.

With the help of her babysitter, Veronica --- a college student and her new boarder, Finlay makes and abrupt career change.

Imagine Lucy & Ethel as contract killers.

The pace is quick throughout and I found the characters well-developed and relatable. There were enough "lingering questions" in my mind at the end for me to hope this is just the beginning of a series. Please....

Finlay Donovan is Killing It is a clever and engaging crime mystery chocked full of dark humor that had me smiling and laughing from beginning to end.

The message in this story took me by surprise. I found myself so caught up in the action while I read that it took a moment of looking back before I realized the message that was brilliantly developed throughout the story. People always have that hidden side of themselves, that side they don’t admit to anyone for fear of being rejected, and it takes real courage to show it to someone – courage that is born of love, acceptance, and security. And, for a real relationship- a lasting relationship- to develop, this must be done.

I loved the shocking humor that kept me in stitches throughout the entire novel. Even though it’s the type of humor – dark humor – where you feel like you shouldn’t be laughing at the situation, but you just can’t help it because it is so unapologetically funny. The fun comes from how the main character, Finlay, finds herself in situations and the odd choices she makes that land her there. She is quite a character.

All the characters are thoroughly relatable. Finlay is a bit of a sad-sack at the opening of the novel. She is struggling to put her life back together after her divorce. What is most important to her is her children, and she would do anything to keep them with her, a roof over their heads, and food in their mouths – ANYTHING.

Vero is probably my favorite character. She is brazen, determined, and a whole lot of fun. She doesn’t help Finlay make good choices, but she does keep a neat and tidy house, which is a virtue in and of itself.

And Delia – dear, sweet Delia – just a child, but she has a significant impact. Her sass and preciousness steal the show and my heart whenever she’s around. She’s quite a handful, already knowing how to push just the right buttons to get her parents to do what she wants them to.

And, if all of this isn’t enough to explain why I love the book, it also has a mystery that is so twisty and turny. It not only has elements of a crime novel but also has threads of a psychological thriller. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how the story was going to turn out. The last page is absolutely jaw-dropping, much like the endings I love in the best psychological thrillers I’ve read. It takes you by surprise and has you contemplating it for days.

Finlay Donovan is an inadvertent assassin helping women in need of her unconventional brand of justice. How is she an inadvertent assassin, and what does that mean? You will just have to read the novel to find out.

This was really fun - Finlay Donovan is Killing It is a comic mystery involving a divorced mom (and struggling author) and her unwilling involvement in a crime.

Finlay (or Finn) is a lot of fun as a narrator. She's at rock bottom: recently divorced with two small children, her husband has moved on with a woman she doesn't like. Her agent is impatiently awaiting her latest manuscript, which she's stalled on. Before she knows what's happening, she's accidentally hired as a hit woman, and things get worse and worse as she tries to get out of her predicament.

If you like authors like Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich, definitely give this one a try!

Finlay Donovan is an author who has spent her advance and is having a hard time writing her book. How can you blame her- her ex-husband left her for a realtor, owns the house she lives in, is threatening to kick her out. and just fired the nanny. Her kids are little- and little kids are a lot of work!

She’s at Panera with her agent talking about her suspenseful book’s plot and wondering if can she get more of an advance for the book she hasn’t started yet? Someone sitting nearby mistakes her for a contract killer and solicits her for a job. This is where things go from messy, single mom life to messy, single mom life accidentally embroiled in activities she has no interest in (even if the money is really good). Everything that can go wrong does and Finlay does her best. Thinking about the book puts a smile on my face because of how relatable and funny Finlay is! I was very excited to learn this is a book one of a series because I want to hang out with Finlay and her people again!

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to St Martin's Press/Minotaur books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Finlay Donovan is Killing It was so much fun to read! I giggled aloud at times at the choices the main character was making and the author's witty lines, and I had trouble putting the book down to go to sleep!
I especially loved the setting - having spent 2 years living in Loudoun County and driving by South Riding almost daily, I could easily picture the suburban landscape (and the drive west closer to 81). A fun mystery, thriller that was very engaging, I recommend this to anyone looking to relax and enjoy one mom's wacky choices.

Do you ever hear about a book and get it and then put it aside for a while because you have so many to read? I do all of the time. I want to read so many books! So I requested this one a while back and waited to read it for a bit. I opened it the other night, completely forgetting the description. At first I thought, "I've read this book." Then I thought, "I don't want to read this again." Another book about a woman falling apart and making a scene when her husband cheats and leaves her for another woman....really? I've lived it. Managed to never get banned from a Panera or hauled into court. But then I went, "Wait a minute. This could get good."

And it did. Finlay is another woman who is left by a cheating husband who leaves her with little money, threatens to take her home and kids, and flaunts his new girlfriend in front of his ex pretending it is ridiculous on her part to NOT want to be friends with the vile couple. Sure, I can be civil. We don't need to be friends. My friends don't treat me like that. Finlay is also another character who writes but has limited success so no one takes her writing seriously. Get past those cliches. Because when Finlay walks into a Panera to meet her agent she is wearing a disguise (she's not allowed in here) and talking about murders. The neighboring table overhears and so the real story begins.

Finlay is soon inside real murder mysteries and suddenly not so alone. She finds out that murder is not exactly like she has seen it in her books and that, well, it can actually bring people together. My favorite part of the entire book is her relationship with Vero, her former nanny and future everything. Way better than her relationships with any of the men in the book. It starts out really awkward, to say the least, but the more you learn about it the more you see that the only person Finlay can be honest with is Vero. I really hope their relationship isn't over. I'd read about them again and again. It's that relationship that allows Finlay to let herself move on in her life and become an actual author.

Please more Finlay and Vero!

Finlay Donovan is Killing It
By Elle Cosimano
Minotaur Books
February 2021

Review by Cynthia Chow

It was all a big misunderstanding. Finlay Donovan never meant to be mistaken as a killer-for-hire, and she certainly never intended to actually complete the hit. But it is somewhat understandable that anyone overhearing the suspense author and her agent discuss contracts and murder methods might get confused. What is less logical is that a person would then discretely hand over a note offering $10,000, an address, and the name Harris Mickler. Finlay only decided to meet with Patricia Mickler in order to clarify Finlay’s actual identify as a deadline-missing struggling writer, but the hoping-to-be-a-widow begs Finlay at least meet her target first. Normally Finlay wouldn’t even have been tempted to satisfy her curiosity, but her cheating jerk ex-husband Steven was threatening to file for custody, she was behind on rent payments on the house they had bought together, and her bills were piling up while she was completed blocked as a writer. Watching Harris drug another woman’s drink at a club somehow leads to Finlay switching glasses and then stuffing an unconscious Harris into the trunk of her car. When a panicked Finlay calls Patricia to pick up her spouse and is summarily rejected, Finlay returns to her garage only to find the door closed, the engine still running, and Harris very dead.

Writing about how to dispose of a body is one thing, actually doing it is another. Knowing that a missing shower curtain is all police need to see to determine that you’ve wrapped up a body in it explains why Finlay has Harris bundled up in silk table linens. What’s less easy to explain – especially to the babysitter whom Steven fired and just returned at an inopportune time – is why Finlay is standing over said body in the first place. Through a lot of quick talking, bonding sisterhood, and a 40% cut for the hit fee, Finlay and Vero are soon underway on a mission to bury the body and hopefully not get arrested by the police. Finlay discovering that she may not actually be a hitwoman doesn’t really matter when everyone thinks she is, especially when it leads to yet another client, Russian mobsters wanting revenge, and police getting a little too cozy for her physical and mental health.

As one might guess, this novel by the award-winning eclectic author is an absolute delight. Readers will be giggling out loud throughout Finlay’s adventures, which never venture too far outside of reality into absurdity. She is an entirely relatable single mom, struggling with two young children, a condescending ex-husband, and feeling like a failure in her career. Not until she and Vero team up for Thelma-and-Louise insanity does Finlay find not just financial success, but confidence in her abilities as a writer and as a capable woman. Her police officer sister protectively offers occasional advice, but it’s her referral to another handsome detective who really throws a spanner in the works and dangerously threatens both her freedom and her heart. It will take more than her wig-scarf disguise to protect her from real killers and possible arrest, especially as unravels a maze of sexual assaults, blackmail, and real estate shenanigans. From start to finish this novel is a hoot of an adventure, yet underlying it all is a thread of true sentiment that will have readers cheering every triumphant moment. Finlay seeing just how strong and capable of a woman she can be, along with finding someone who sees this in her as well, makes this the heart-warming and eminently satisfying read everyone needs.

This book was a page turner! I absolutely loved it from the first page. It's hard not to like Finlay and feel for her due to the situation she's in because of her philandering husband. The suspense and the twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved that this crime novel included humor and the main character is an author. I pictured this as a movie or a TV show similar to Dead To Me. The characters were well developed. The plot flowed. It's brilliant, clever, and action packed. Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for my advanced reader copy for an honest review.