Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is the second book in Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series. I listened to the audiobook version and really enjoyed it. The narrator does a fantastic job, especially with her voice change for the character of Vero, the nanny—it’s such a fun touch! Overall, I found the story to be highly entertaining and a lot of fun.

Elle Cosimano delivers another exhilarating and hilarious mystery with Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead, the highly anticipated sequel to Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. Packed with sharp humor, unexpected twists, and the kind of relatable chaos that made readers fall in love with Finlay, this novel proves that her adventures only get wilder—and more addictive.

Finlay Donovan is back and as endearing as ever. Still juggling single motherhood, her ex-husband’s antics, and a burgeoning (if not unconventional) career, Finlay stumbles upon a new predicament: someone wants her ex-husband dead. To make matters worse, she discovers this hit is disturbingly close to being carried out. Teaming up once again with her sharp-witted nanny and partner-in-crime, Vero, Finlay sets out to untangle the mystery, all while keeping her own life (and sanity) intact.

Cosimano’s signature blend of humor and suspense shines throughout this sequel. The witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and clever commentary on modern motherhood and relationships make the book a joy to read. Meanwhile, the escalating stakes and tightly woven plot ensure that the suspense never wanes.

Finlay remains a lovable and relatable protagonist, navigating her chaotic life with charm and determination. Her partnership with Vero is a standout element, providing both comedic relief and a heartwarming depiction of unconventional friendship. The addition of fresh characters and unexpected developments keeps the story feeling dynamic and engaging.

Cosimano's writing is as sharp as ever, with snappy dialogue and a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked. The book skillfully balances humor and tension, creating a compelling mystery that is as entertaining as it is satisfying.

Rating: 5/5

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is a witty, suspenseful, and thoroughly delightful follow-up that does not disappoint. Elle Cosimano has cemented herself as a master of blending humor with high-stakes mystery, and fans of the first book will find themselves eagerly anticipating what’s next for Finlay Donovan. This series is a must-read for fans of clever, laugh-out-loud crime capers.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur books for a copy of Finlay Donovan #2. Just like book 1, I was instantly pulled into Finn's world and fell in love with her character all over again. The story was great and I loved seeing Vero's character fleshed out a little bit more. I may or may not have actually started to like Steven a little bit more in this book. Great story as always and can't wait to continue reading Finlay stories.

SO fun! So entertaining! Finlay and Vero are back with a "Weekend at Bernie's", "Lucy and Ethel" and all around great vibe. Elle Cosimano is a genius. Finlay is trying to investigate the dark web and assassins for hire in the epitome of "You can't make this stuff up" story yet Cosimano makes it work! Quirky, amusing shenanigans that are a hoot!

This is the second book in the Finlay Donovan series that continues Finlay and Vero’s story together. They are always involved with something. Finlay is always sticking her nose into everything just like the first book. This was another easy read. I thought the first book was slightly better, but the author still keeps you interested and invested the whole time during this book. There was a lot that happened at the end of the book and I definitely was not expecting the ending. I am interested to see what happens in the third book.

Another five-star read from Elle Cosimano! "Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead" is the second book in the Finlay Donovan series. From the first page, I was hooked on this fun, action-packed mystery. I wasn't sure how this sequel would stack up to the first book, but it was just as amazing. The story was full of humor, banter, and even a little romance. There truly was never a dull moment! Finlay and Vero are the best duo, and I could not stop laughing.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Elle Cosimano for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

These books are so good!! They hook me in and I sped through it. I really enjoy this writing!

Thank you NetGalley and Elle Cosimano!

Another funny and fantastic book in the series. Finley’s adventures continue and she keeps getting herself in tricky situations. Her sidekick Vero are right back into sticking there nose where it doesn’t belong. Finley is trying to juggle her kids, ex-husband, her nosiness and a couple of men who are vying for her attention. The craziness continues in this story…more adventures, more mad guys and more laughs. She needs to work on her decision making. Lol Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for the complimentary copy.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead, the thrilling and hilarious follow-up to Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, delivers another wild ride full of suspense, laughter, and unexpected twists. In this sequel, Finlay is once again juggling the chaos of her personal life, struggling to finish her novel, and navigating the perils of single motherhood. Fortunately, she has her trusty (and slightly mysterious) live-in nanny, Vero, to help her through the madness—but this time, Finlay's world is about to get even more complicated.

When Finlay's ex-husband, Steven, becomes the target of an assassination plot, Finlay finds herself once again swept up in a web of danger and deception. As she races to keep him alive, she’s forced to deal with hitwomen posing as soccer moms, an increasingly dangerous connection to the Russian mob, and the looming deadline for her next book, which she’s nowhere near finishing. Add in the return of Detective Nick Anthony, who seems determined to rekindle his relationship with Finlay, and the stakes have never been higher.

Cosimano's trademark blend of humor, suspense, and heart shines in this sequel. Finlay is as endearing and relatable as ever—her quick wit, desperate determination, and willingness to bend the law for the sake of her family make her a heroine readers can't help but root for. The plot is fast-paced, with unexpected twists at every turn, and the mix of absurdity and danger keeps the tension high from start to finish.

What makes this installment stand out even more is the deeper exploration of Finlay’s relationships—particularly with Vero, who is keeping some secrets of her own, and the simmering tension with Detective Nick Anthony. Their interactions add both emotional depth and humor to the story, making Finlay’s chaotic life feel grounded in real, relatable connections.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is a brilliant continuation of the series, maintaining the perfect balance of heart-pounding suspense and laugh-out-loud moments. Elle Cosimano has crafted a sequel that not only matches the excitement of the first book but surpasses it in both humor and complexity. Fans of the first book will devour this one, and those new to the series will quickly fall in love with Finlay and her unpredictable, hilarious world. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a fun, fast-paced mystery with a side of humor and heart.

This is a quick and easy read, the pacing is good and the characters developed more. More tricky situations that are unbelievable but that doesn’t make you not want to read. Some suspense, of course humor, and just a lot of fun!

Another great book! I love Vero & Finlay’s friendship but I really hate Finlay’s ex-husband. The quality did go down slightly from the first one but it was still very enjoyable!

This book kept me hooked and I didn’t suspect the twist at the end! I’ve enjoyed this series and think it’s unique. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

Fun cozy mystery series, domestic trials, uncooperative husband, unexpected mishaps, and a good dose of humor.

Another fun book in the Finlay Donovan series, I laughed, gasped, held my breath and cringed but in a good way throughout this book. I can’t wait to see what Finn, Hot Cop, Mrs. H and Vero get up to next!

Finlay Donovan's life is going a little better, but its far from perfect. She and her live-in nanny Vera have begun to recover from the events of the first novel, when they find that Finlay's ex-husband Steven comes up on a forum for women who want to get back at men who wronged them. They think someone might want him dead. Meanwhile, she is balancing a love triangle with a law student and a cop, she has not escaped her ties to the Russian mob, and Vera is keeping secrets.

Once again, Elle Cosimano delivered a fun, suspenseful adventure with Finlay Donovan in over her head. This book expanded on the characters from the first, but makes sure not to resolve everything to ensure the story can continue into the next book. That left me feeling a little lacking at the end of the books, but I did have fun watching Finlay and Vera try their best to stop an assassin, only to get caught in incredibly dangerous situations they are wholly unprepared for. It was an enjoyable ride that does make me want to check out the next book in the series, even if I was not as enthralled with this second step.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a copy of Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead in exchange for an honest review.

The sequel to Finlay Donovan is Killing It did not disappoint. Finlay discovers someone wants her ex-husband dead and she is determined to find out who for the sake of her children. Fast paced, entertaining.

Finlay Donovan is back! With a threat to her ex-husband’s life on a dark web forum, Finlay has to run fast and hard to keep him safe and find out who wants him dead! Is she a killer? No but she has to fake it until she can figure out what’s going on and form a plan to stop it. While all the bad guys are closing in she also needs to figure out her relationships with Julian and Nick. It’s going to be a busy day!
This story picks up right where the last one ended. Finlay can’t figure out how to get out of the trouble from book one and now the trouble is multiplying. Vero has secrets of her own that might just hurt Finlay if they can’t find a solution. That’s assuming Vero ever comes clean. Finlay remains a thorn in Theresa’s side (well deserved if you ask me). The mob boss, Feliks, wants Finlay to help him with a problem and she can’t see a way out of it. And it that isn’t enough, Easy Clean thinks Finlay is trying to steal their hit jobs. Finlay is no hitman but no one seems to want to believe it!
This book has a lot of good elements but I thought parts of it were boring or ludicrous. I feel like the author had a good idea but some of the elements are so unbelievable that they made the story too silly. I’ll give a good example. Finlay is either a disaster or she’s irresistible. She cannot be both. I understood at the beginning of book one that she was beaten down after finding her husband cheating but that is also when Julian and Nick decided she was irresistible. Why? I just can’t figure it out. And please don’t tell me that she’s beautiful and that’s why they pursue her because that’s not good enough.
The conclusion of the hit on Steven is actually good. I didn’t see it coming and yet it makes a lot of sense. I have an idea of who might be Easy Clean assuming it’s a character that’s been introduced already. I don’t know how long it will be before the author does a reveal but it will be interesting to see if I’m right.
I can’t help thinking that Finlay could have avoided all of this by just telling the truth at the very beginning of book one but I feel like that is sort of the point. The only positive of all the hijinks is that her ex-husband gets knocked down a notch or two as he deserves. This is a contemporary book that is part of a series. You have to read this series in order. I will likely read more from this author in the future just to see where the author takes the story.

Elle Cosimano has done it again with Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead, her sequel to Finlay Donovan is Killing It. The first book had me laughing out loud from the first line.This one picks up where the last book left off, and it draws the reader into the action right away.

After seeing a message on an online chat that someone wants her ex-husband Steven killed, Finlay and Vero get involved in even more hilarious hijinx. While she does not want to get back together with Steven, she certainly does not want to see the father of her children murdered. With another book deadline looming, our heroine must figure out how to write her assassin’s adventures while surviving one of her own.

Through the many twists and turns of the thrilling mystery, I felt like I was either surprised or guffawing, sometimes both.The book brings back many of the beloved characters in the first book (and some not-so-loved), while adding in some new ones.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the copy of the book in preparation for the upcoming release of the latest in the series Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, available in March 2025. All opinions are my own.

The adventure continues with book two. Still written as a light-hearted, not to be taken too seriously plot. A little bit contrived in parts but on the whole a good read.

3.5 ⭐️

The second installment in the Finlay Donovan series continues the storyline from the first book. Finlay and Vero are trying to find out who is trying to murder Finlay's ex and this becomes the basis for the book she's writing.

There is no shortage of chaos and mayhem in this book. I found the storyline to be a little far fetched at times but this is part if the appeal of the series. I like Finlay and Vero as a team and the way they have become a family of sorts. I also think I like Nick better than Julian for Finlay.

At times I thought the story could have been a little shorter and still been just as good. As mentioned above it was a little far fetched and over the top at times.

I enjoyed the characters and the story enough to read the next installment and would recommend this book to anyone looking for some comedy along with their suspense story.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.