Finlay Donovan Knocks ’Em Dead ate just as hard as the first one—no sophomore slump here, besties. Elle Cosimano somehow managed to level up the chaos and the comedy, while still keeping that murder-mystery-meets-mom-life vibe that made me fall in love with book one. Finlay and Vero are the ultimate unhinged duo, and I swear every time they get dragged deeper into crime, I’m both howling and stress-laughing through the pages. The pacing? Snappy. The twists? Ridiculous in the best way. If you loved Killing It, this sequel absolutely delivers—like a body in a rug, but make it campy and fun.

The second installment of Finlay Donovan's adventures was PACKED with excitement and action. It picked up right where book one left off with Finlay accidentally stumbling into a new career as a contract killer? I loved the dark humour and craziness that Finlay and Vero brought to this story. Their wit and sarcasm are top-notch and kept me chuckling throughout the book. I enjoyed the mysterious twists and turns throughout and loved seeing more of our hot detective, Nick. I've already got book 3 queued up and ready to go!

Book Two in this series kept the quality of the writing, the humor, and the delight in reading about this hit-mom-for-hire. This book added to the charm that the first book delivered on by making this book a much more grown up read with some great innuendos and comedy befitting a woman of Finlay's age and situation. Again this is an absolute gem of A book and an effortless read. Literally I read this book in one day and am still chuckling at the slapstick elements and sparkling dialogue that held me captive.

I just started reading this series this year, and I’m so glad there are more books (and a short story!) for me to devour.

Finlay Donovan is our heroine. A recently divorced single mom just trying to keep it all together and take care of her two young kids. Luckily she has a great support system in her family and in her children’s nanny, Vero.

But caring for her kids isn’t her only job. She’s also a mystery writer on deadline. And she has to use her sleuthing skills to figure out who put out a hit on her ex husband.

And did I mention she’s trying to get back into the dating world?

This series is as funny as it is mysterious. Finlay and Vero are a fantastic crime solving duo. There are so many scenes that had me rolling with laughter. I know this is a book series that I will want to read over and over again.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is book 2 in the series and i definitely recommend reading them in order because you will be very lost. I really loved this one also. I love how it starts with a super dramatic scene that ends up being funny and then delves into the real world crises. This one centers around someone wanting her ex husband dead and Finlay/Vero need to find out who, stop them, and oh continue to deal with the Russian mob. I cannot wait to read the next one.

Yet another perfect romp from talented writer, Elle Cosimano.

Finlay is yet again struggling to meet deadline on her latest book. Then life proceeds to handover the goods as Finlay discovers that someone is out for her ex-husband. He may not be worthy of her affection, but he is still the father of her two dear children. In digging into the matter, she runs across the Russian mob and other nefarious characters. Goodness, what has her ex gotten himself into?!! Again Finlay and her sidekick, Vero do their best to save his skin.

Author Elle Cosimano is brilliant in her writing of this series. The characters are hilarious in their dialogue and cutting remarks. The women are strong and clever while many of the men are rather morally challenged. That is until the dishy detective Nick Anthony has entered the frame. Finlay Donavan and her nanny, Vero, make for a dubious duo in this series and their antics keep the reader chuckling. It's a wild ride for sure and nowhere near believable, yet oh so fun!

I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: February 1, 2022
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 978-1250242181

i absolutely loved book one. i was so excited for this one. Bad things happen, so Finlay has to find a way to fix them, and in the process, more bad things happen. i cant wait to read book 3.

Favorite quotes:
“No one liked to be reminded that the pricey grass that covered their manicured lawn had been seeded in the same dirt as organized crime. And this post felt like more than an expression of solidarity. It reeked of ill will, the coded language of illicit business.”

“Dino porn.” I choked on my coffee. “I am telling you, Finlay, I have run all the numbers, and dino porn is the next big thing.” I turned to gape at her. “How is that even possible?” “I wondered about that, too, so I downloaded a few samples.” She bent her elbows into tiny T. rex arms. “Apparently, the dino-hero’s hands are pretty small, but our heroine doesn’t mind, because he more than makes up for it with his super-enormous—” “Stop!” I covered my eyes, determined not to picture it. “I don’t want to know.” “Fine. But when everyone starts buying up velocirapterotica, don’t say I never told you.”

love this series so much!!
however this one was missing some of the humor that the first book had so it's not a full 5 stars. but i love these characters so much I would read about them doing anything
cozy

This was the second book in the series I started back in January. Like the first, it was an entertaining read, but too far-fetched. I was already unsure about the “suspense romance” genre and reading this book solidified that it’s just not for me. 2.5 stars, rounded up.

A fun and quick read! I’ve really enjoyed this series and the lighthearted mystery genre is slowly becoming my favorite!

Another great book by Ellie Cosimano! This book was so funny! I loved the characters and the plot! I have loved all of the books in this series.

When Finlay discovers someone is trying to hire somebody to kill her ex-husband, she has to go to great lengths to figure out who and why before the father of her children is dead.

This is another great story from the author, Elle Cosimano. She flawlessly weaves comedy, mystery, and romance into a story that will have you at the edge of your seat.

Cosimano really knows how to bait a hook and reel in the readers! Once you start you can't stop this series. BIG THANKS to Minotaur and Netgalley for putting the whole series up as READ NOW to get readers ready for the 5th book which just came out this month! Now I'm scrambling to catch up and the AUDIOBOOKS (the first two I've found available through my library) are AMAZING and hold my interest so much better than others. These would be great for a long car trip - the miles would fly by.

Who is trying to kill Finlay's ex? Which hot man will she pick - cop or law student? What is Vero hiding? How is she gonna get out of this one?

I'm totally reeled in. Cast me another line, Elle!

This was a new series’s to me so I grabbed all of the books. I’ve only read the first couple but I’m loving it and will be continuing with the series and looking forward to the next ones.

I have been in a reading slump all year and this book broke me out of it! These characters had me laughing out loud and desperate to know how the story would unfold! I liked it more than the first one!

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur for this copy!

Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead delivers another hilarious and fast-paced adventure as Finlay juggles single motherhood, a looming book deadline, and an absurdly dangerous predicament—someone wants her ex-husband dead. With the ever-resourceful Vero by her side, Finlay finds herself tangled in an underground network of contract killers while trying to keep Steven alive, navigate her complicated feelings for Detective Nick, and unravel Vero’s growing list of secrets. The novel’s blend of dark humor, suspense, and domestic chaos makes for an irresistibly entertaining read.

While the plot occasionally stretches believability, the sharp wit and endearing characters keep it engaging. The dynamic between Finlay and Vero remains a highlight, providing both comic relief and genuine heart. The escalating stakes and well-timed twists ensure that the book never loses momentum, making it a worthy sequel. With its perfect mix of crime and comedy, Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is an enjoyable, laugh-out-loud mystery that proves Finlay’s misadventures are far from over.

I adore Finlay and her partner in crime, Vero. Although they make very cringe-worthy choices, it is all part of making this book more light-hearted and interesting. I look forward to reading book three.

Such a fun read! I'm thoroughly enjoying the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano and I highly recommend them to anyone who loves a good mystery with a little romance mixed in. This one will keep you guessing until the very end.

I wondered how they could keep going with the "accidental criminal" theme, and this second book really came through! Still funny, cringy (in a good way!), and an actual well done mystery! Just so enjoyable!

personally, i think she should have just let steven die and then taken nick out next but you do you i guess Finlay. either way this is a great sequel! it's still very entertaining and i love Vero so so much.