After devouring the first installment, I’m thrilled to say that the sequel is just as fantastic! Elle Cosimano continues to shine with her witty writing and sharp character dynamics. Finlay and Vero remain the heart of the story—fun, chaotic, and endlessly entertaining.

Cosimano even managed to make Steven loveable in a “love to hate him” way, which added so much humor and tension to the plot. And the festive setting during Christmas makes this a perfect seasonal read, full of surprises and holiday flair.

It’s been ages since I’ve read a series with a love triangle, and I’m finding it so refreshing! Both Nick and Julian have their own charm, and I loved how their differences added to the story. I can’t wait to see where Finlay’s relationships lead in the future.

If you loved the first book, you’re in for another fun, thrilling ride!

Thank you to Elle Cosimano, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for sending me the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is one my favorite series to come out in a long time! Finlay Donovan is a smart, laugh out loud, lead character and the books are well-written and totally absorbing; I know I’m not getting up for a couple of hours when I sit down to start. I honestly hope this series never ends, and that it’s picked up for Netflix!

Thanks for offering the books as “read now!” Everyone should be reading this series!

This was probably my least favorite of the Finlay Donovan books. It was still fun and hilarious, but I just didn't enjoy it as much as the other books.

Okay, like, can we talk about how chaotic this book is in, like, the best way? Our girl Finlay is back, juggling being a mom, writing her novel (or trying to, lol), and, oh yeah, keeping her ex-husband alive. The drama! The twists! The random Russian mob entanglements! Seriously, it’s so over-the-top, but that’s what makes it so fun. 🙌✨

Vero, the nanny/BFF/ride-or-die queen, is just as iconic as ever, but like, she’s definitely hiding something. The whole vibe is this hot mess of amateur sleuthing, questionable choices, and just enough romantic tension to keep things spicy. And omg, those “hit-women soccer moms”? I cannot.

Sure, some parts felt a little too wild, like, "How does anyone have this much energy??" But honestly, I was here for it. It’s not supposed to be deep or realistic—it’s a laugh-out-loud, escapist ride with tons of snark and heart. If you’re looking for a cozy, ridiculous, and addictive read, you’ll be obsessed. 💃🎉

4 stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Thanks a bunch to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. 💕

Finlay Donovan is back at it, and I couldn’t be happier to dive into the chaos that seems to follow her everywhere. This sequel had me laughing, gasping, and flipping pages late into the night.

What I love most about this series is how real and relatable Finlay feels—even while she’s running around in disguises and dodging the Russian mob. Her relationship with Vero is the absolute best part of the book. Their loyalty and banter are the kind of friendship goals we all dream of. I also loved getting to learn more about Vero’s backstory. It added so much depth to her character and made me love her even more.

The action in this one is absolutely wild—Molotov cocktails, shootouts, hit-women pretending to be soccer moms. It’s over-the-top in the best way, and it made the stakes feel super high. Plus, Finlay trying to figure out who’s after her ex-husband (and begrudgingly trying to save him) was such a fun twist, especially since her main motivation is protecting her kids.

On top of all that, we got more 'hot cop' Nick! I really enjoyed how his connection with Finlay grew, even with Julian temporarily out of the picture. And Finlay’s parents were such a fun addition—I laughed out loud at some of their scenes.

A few of the twists were a little predictable, but honestly, the humor and heart made up for it. If you loved the first book, this one will absolutely keep you entertained. I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Finlay gets into next!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I love, love, love the Finlay Donovan series. It's relatable, comical, thrilling and a LOT of fun. I'm very excited to re-read these in anticipation of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Grave. Publishing March 4, 2025!

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for re-opening the series, including the new upcoming book, for download!

just as fun as the first book :) humor, a little mystery and action. Enjoyed it as much as the first one :)

While I did not love as much as the first, I stlll found this to be an enjoyable read. I love following and seeing what she gets herself into. Looking forward to the next in the series.

I just love this series! So funny and reminds me of good girls. The good guy gone bad is always my favorite! You will not regret picking up this series and I thought book number two was better than one!

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC

Finlay is trying to keep her head above water as she writes her next novel and continues life with her two children. Someone still wants her ex-husband dead and her trusty PIC Vero goes along to help Finlay clear things up and keep their names clean.
We also get another run-in with Det. Nick Anthony!!
Still loving this series....

I enjoyed this! I didn't like as much as the first one but it was definitely still fun. Vero is the star of this show, I will be continuing on in the series.

Finlay is back and better than ever! It’s no secret that I love love loved the first book in the series, so when I got the chance for a sneak peek at book two, I was over the moon.

This book picks up right where the first leaves off, which I appreciated since I don’t like trying to figure out where I am in a timeline. The whole crew is back, and the shenanigans are off the chart funny.

It seems everyone in this book has secrets. Why is Vero being so weird about money? Why did Julian make his Instagram private while on vacation? Why does Finlay once again have possession of a dead body? Why does Nick know literally EVERYTHING?

The answers to these questions, my friends, all lay ahead. I’m usually pretty good a predicting a twist, but Fed Ups identity was amazingly perfect and unexpected.

The wait for book 3 is going to be absolutely excruciating.

Finlay Donovan is back at it in book #2. This is easily one of my new favorite series! We have more of the witty and quirky character of Finlay. This book is entertaining, thrilling, and funny.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Second installment of this incredibly funny series that tells us the story of Finlay Donovan. Her book is a success, she's going out not only with one but two men and someone is trying to kill her ex husband.

If you haven't read the first book, do yourself a favor, and do it... now! I truly love this serie and the characters have to be some of my favorites of all time! Finlay is a super mom/woman and Vero... Vero is just Vero in the most Vero way lol I love her character, her sassiness and everything that brings to this series! You won't stop laughing, but also you will get in the middle of this mystery where we all try to figure it out who is trying to make Finlay's ex disappear and why? is it the ex girlfriend? is it the Russian mafia (yeah, there's Russian mafia in this book!)

I can't wait for the next installment in the series! The end of this book tells me there's still more to come!

Thank you Netgalley, Minotaur Books and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.

Another AWESOME book!!!!
This was EVERY bit as good as the first book!!
Elle Cosimano is knocking me dead with this series! 🤗
I need more books now!!🥳
Finlay, the accidental hitwoman who hasn't yet killed anyone, protects her baby daddy, who is in denial that anyone is out to get him.
when the big reveal hits at the end, you will be in absolute shock! 😳😱🤯
Anxiously awaiting the next books!!!!

Finlay and Vero make this book! Their dynamic is hilarious and I’m so happy that Vero plays such a prominent part in the series.
There were so many more things going on in book 2, a hit on Finlay’s ex, involvement in the Russian mob, amateur internet hit persons, and a bit more romance!

This was just as fun and fast paced as the first in the series. Glad characters from the 1st book came back into this one. Great series so far and I am looking forward to reading the rest.

Another entertaining and enjoyable progression in Finlay Donovan’s journey. The same hi-jinx, humor, characters and slightly off the wall problems continues for Finlay in book 2 of the series. So glad Vero and the core characters from book 1 returned and evolved in book 2.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano is a humorous cozy mystery and the second in the series.

NetGalley offered the entire series as Read Now for 24 hours so I grabbed them all and read the first two books within 48 hours. This one is set around the holiday season and actually ends at Christmas, so I picked the right time of year to read it!

I continued to enjoy the author's prose here, and I think our titular Finlay and her nanny/assistant Vero are both adorable messes that you just want to root for. In this book, they're trying to figure out who may have attempted to put out a hit on Finlay's ex-husband (a dirtbag who is still a good father).

The love triangle that started in the first book has a bit of movement in this installment. There's some kissing scenes, but it's mostly closed door otherwise. The love triangle is still going, though there are a few twists and turns as she tries to sort out who might be the right man for her.

If you're not into madcap shenanigans, you probably won't like this series, but I do and I'm having fun reading them. I mentioned in my review for the first book that this series would be great for fans of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, and I absolutely still stand by that recommendation.

3.5/5

This sequel was also so much fun! And the premise of this one alone made me laugh.

Kind of spoiler for the very end of the first book but not really because it's the literal blurb of this book:

At the end of the first/previous book, Finlay gets asked to kill her ex-husband. And that is where the main drama/plot of this book comes from. Isn't that so good? So silly goofy? Love it.

In this book, Finlay is also caught up in far more drama, including mobs, detectives, and so much more. That definitely adds to the chaos that is Finley's life. And chaos is fun. Makes for a good book.

This book wasn't as captivating as the first book or as I wanted it to be. I think because I thought the idea of being hired to take out you ex was so good and funny that I set my expectations (maybe) a bit too high.

This one wasn't quite as funny or light-hearted as the previous book in this series, but it was still a fun little murder mystery adventure.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.