Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Elle Cosimano's "Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead" seamlessly blends suspense, humor, and heartfelt emotion to create a truly engaging read.

This novel follows Finlay Donovan, a single mom and struggling writer who finds herself entangled in a series of dangerous and comical situations, all while trying to navigate her chaotic personal life.

Cosimano's writing is sharp and witty, with a perfect balance of tension and levity. She masterfully crafts a plot filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Finlay is an incredibly relatable and endearing protagonist, whose flaws and vulnerabilities make her all the more compelling.

The supporting cast of characters adds depth and richness to the story, each bringing their own quirks and complexities. The novel's blend of dark humor and suspense is reminiscent of classic noir, yet it feels fresh and modern.

"Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead" is a delightful and thrilling ride, showcasing Elle Cosimano's talent for storytelling. It's a must-read for fans of mystery and humor, offering a unique and entertaining perspective on the struggles and triumphs of an unlikely heroine.

As the second book in this series, I highly recommend you first read the first, Findlay Donovan Is Killing It, as this is a continuation of that story. Finlay, having written a bestselling mystery which mirrors her adventure as an assassin who is trying to find the real killer and also has a romantic interest with a hot cop, continues in her adventures and unlikely association with the Russian mob. Hijinks and mystery surround this tale as Finna and her nanny/confidante friend Vero try to figure out just who wants to hire them to kill Finn's ex-husband Steven, as they discovered a mysterious posting on an online women's gripe session website. Truly, they want to keep him safe. But first, they have to discover who their competition is that also accepted the job. Meanwhile in her day job, she still has a deadline to meet to write her next book. I am loving this series which are great for a rainy day.Many thanks to #NetGalley, #finlaydonovanknocksemdead #ellecosimano #stmartinspress for the opportunity to read and review this book.

4/5 stars

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead" is an entertaining sequel filled with humor, suspense, and unpredictable twists. The quirky characters and fast-paced plot keep you engaged, while the witty dialogue adds a lighthearted touch to the darker themes. Finlay's chaotic life as a struggling author-turned-amateur sleuth is both relatable and hilarious. However, the storyline occasionally feels a bit far-fetched, and some plot points are resolved too conveniently. Overall, it's a fun and engaging read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a comedic edge.

The second book in the Finlay Donovan series, Finlay Donovan Knocks ’Em Dead, was just as addictive and entertaining as the first! Finlay is back with her relatable, down-to-earth charm, somehow managing to balance single mom chaos, her writing career, and… getting caught up with the mob. The absurdity of her situation had me laughing out loud while keeping me hooked with every twist and turn.

I’m absolutely loving Nick and rooting hard for that relationship to develop—it’s so fun to see Finlay navigate her growing feelings amidst all the craziness. And the deepening friendship between Finlay and Vero is a highlight of the book for me. Their partnership is the perfect mix of loyalty, banter, and some seriously questionable problem-solving skills.

Elle Cosimano delivers another brilliant mix of humor, suspense, and heart. This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, and I can’t wait to see what Finlay gets herself into next!

A great follow up. While this slowed at times the last 30% of the book brings it home. I appreciated the continuation of the storyline from book one. I’m looking forward to seeing how things play out in book three. Solid reads when you want entertainment without needing to think too deeply.

Thank you netgalley for a free copy of this Finlay Donovan series. This book came out a few years ago but a new addition has been added to the Finlay Donovan series. Finlay is a divorced mother of two. Her ex husband Steven got himself into some trouble and Finlay ends up having to deal with the fallout. Someone is after Steven and is trying to kill him. While Finlay doesnt love him anymore she doesnt want the father of her children dead. She has a lovely helper Vera who keeps her sane: This series is a great way to lose yourself in fiction. Well written and crazy. Highly recommend this series. Four stars

Finlay Donovan is—once again—struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish.

On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of hit-women disguised as soccer moms, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like. Meanwhile, Vero's keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay's first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes... and if that means bending a few laws then so be it.

Another excellent tome from Elle Cosimano. These books alternately crack me up and have me turning pages to find out what's going to happen next. This series is unique, and Finlay and Vero hit a home run with this one!

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

There’s no doubt I’m becoming a huge Finlay Donovan fan and thereby a Elle Cosimano fan as well.

Finlay and her sidekick Vero are caught up in a wild ride as her ex-husband has a hit on his head. The journey of these characters as they are caught up in this madcap mystery intrigued me. Who other than Finlay would want Stephen dead? Things are also hilarious because that’s just how things roll wherever Finlay is concerned especially when you add Vero into the mix. Add in the decidedly dangerous turns that follow and I’ve found the perfect rom/com/suspense/thriller.

This is the second book in the series and while it has characters that we met in the first book, this story could stand alone. However, I suggest you read the first book so you are aware of all the dynamics between characters despite some background having been shared in this book.

This mystery series is full of hilarity and absurd hijinks and I am definitely here for it. I’m so glad I’m ending the year with discovering this series because I needed this positive end to my reading year. Finlay is avoiding working on her second book and obsessively checking the forums to see if anyone has taken a bite from the post requesting someone take out her ex-husband. While some things would be easier in her life she doesn’t want the father of her children to be murdered. Unfortunately this leads her further down the crazy path where the mob thinks she’s a high level assassin. She is also trying to figure out her feelings for her two love interests and I like the way she’s having the heroine in her book focus on herself instead of the men. This one I gave 4.5 stars rounded up because I truly enjoyed this one.

Finlay Donovan gets roped into another crazy scheme... Only this time, she's trying to PREVENT a murder. Her ex-husband's! Someone is out to get him, and has put up a post on the dark web asking for a hitman-type person to help. Finn and Vero start looking for the contract killer "EasyClean," so they can stop Steven's murder.

The was the book blurb sounds, it almost sounds like Finn thinks Steven is all sunshine and rainbows now, but it literally opens with her talking about how he's gotten MORE aggressive over the custody of the kids instead of less, especially since he broke it off with his fiancé. So no worries there.

I do have to say that the desire to stop her ex from getting offed makes sense to me. No matter how much I might have a problem with someone, I definitely don't ever wish anyone dead. Physically and/or emotionally cut off, sure. Literally murdered? Not so much.

This series is delightfully messy, and written so well. The comedy factor is right on the nose with a bunch of dark humor, and you're 100% NOT going to guess who put EasyClean up to the task.

This series is a lot of fun. I'm glad I finally jumped in.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!

Book #2 in this entertaining series. We pick up right where the first book ended, someone has put a contract out on Finlay's ex-husband, Steven. Most people would agree that it couldn't happen to a nicer person, but Finlay wants her kids to have a dad, preferably their own, so she and Vero spend the majority of the book tracking down the person who put the contract out......and I have to say, it's a huge surprise when you find out who it was....and trying to stop would be assains from killing Steven, especially if the kids are with him.

This series has been one of the most, original, entertaining to the point of comical, set of stories. But it also has an outstanding cast of characters who give readers lots of "oh no" and "aahh" moments. The story moves quickly from one mishap to the next. It will keep you guessing what's going to happen next and why she won't let someone kill Steven. Read, enjoy, share. That's one of the best things about books like the Finlay Donovan series, you get to pass the enjoyment on to your reading circle.

I really enjoyed the crazy antics of Finlay in this book. You really can’t help but root for her and there are some hilarious moments in this book.

Finlay and Vero are back (so are some of the hotties from book 1) and back into trouble :-D

I thought book 2 started a little slower, we figure Vero is hiding something but it takes a bit for Finlay to get it out of her. Meanwhile, the ladies are trying to figure out who put out a 'hit' on Steven. (when it gets to that answer..... a little bit of lol'ing from me)

This is super suspenseful, there are some thrilling moments, there's some new characters as well as some old faves. There's the same level twists we have come to expect from this author and series.

Thanks again to Elle Cosimano & the publisher for the Read Now copies of the whole series to get started before release of the newest early next year!

This second novel featuring Finlay has a totally different plot focus than the first. Rather than being hired to assassinate someone, she is trying to keep her ex-husband from being assassinated. She and her sidekick Vero have the same kinds of adventures, getting into dangerous situations trying to do good. Finlay juggles her relationships with two fellows, similar to another popular humorous series. There is some humor included.

The plot takes a while to get going but then there is consistent action. Finlay had previously grazed a confrontation with the mob and this time she gets in a little deeper. Now she not only has to figure out how to write her next novel and raise her kids, she also has to prevent the mob boss from running her life. We readers are left hanging at the end of this novel so we will she how Finlay fares in the next one.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

After reading the first book, I had to read the next adventure that Finlay gets herself involved in. I enjoy that this story is starting to branch out more into the supporting characters. It shows the amazing abilities of mothers, putting emotions aside to support another, and the spark of a romance.

Synopsis:
Finlay Donovan is―once again―struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish.

On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of hit-women disguised as soccer moms, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like.

Thoughts:
It’s hard to beat the first book. But this book comes in a close second! It was just as wild as the first book.

Loved that this book picked up right where the other one left off. Took me a little longer to finish this one, perhaps should have waitied a few days before jumping right in. However, still enjoyed it.

3.5* These are just fun mysteries. The last book ended on a huge cliffhanger; seeing how that plays out is satisfying. We get to know Vero better in this one and there is a fun twist where I can see the story continuing in a fun manner.


Thank you to Netgalley for a copy!

Book two in this series and I cannot wait to read more. Finlay is still in the deep of things with Vero by her side. The things she gets herself into made me laugh and cringe... a lot of cringing.

Elle Cosimano wrote a book that I could not put down. The words just flowed perfectly. I read it in just a couple days. Once I started reading, I lost track of everything around me. I just needed to know what fix Finlay would get herself into next and how she would get out of it.

This is a must-read series, I cannot wait for book 3!

With a bounty on her ex-husband, Finlay and Vero need to navigate their way through online chat rooms and find out who of the many people in his life want Steven dead. Oh and don't forget our friends from the first book, the Russian mob. And speaking of books, Finlay is still under deadline and has to come up with a storyline that seems dangerously close to her real life.

Like Book 1 (Finlay Donovan is Killing It), I'm having fun with this series. Part murdery, part funny, all parts are fun to read and keep you guessing. I read this immediately after finishing book 1 and it was a seamless transition from one to the other. I'm enjoying these highly improbable but so entertaining books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.