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Member Reviews

I am in love with Finlay Donovan. Everything about this series makes me happy. I laugh, I empathize, I can't wait to find out what happens next.
I will be reading every book in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley for introducing me to this series and for allowing me to read this ARC.

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I have to say that I enjoyed this one more than I did the first one in the series. She's on a book deadline and trying to keep her ex husband alive. She's got spunk.

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Finlay is at it again in this refreshing suspense. Just the right amount of humor to break up the suspense as well. This book was much needed after finishing the first in the series. Cannot wait to dive into more adventures with Finlay

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Oh Finlay.. what are we going to do with you?!?

Finlay and Vero are up to even more ridiculous shenanigans in this installment! Finlay finds herself trying to save her ex-husband Steven from a contract killer. Throw in the mob and Nick the hot cop and you're in for a funny adventure! I didn't love this one as much as the first but I am excited for the next book to see where this mystery goes!

Thank you to Elle Cosimano, Minotaur Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Book #2 is just as great as the first. Just when I thought Finlay and vero couldn’t get into any more trouble, they do. Such a fun, witty series that I blew through in a few days.

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This was a good follow up to the first book, but I just didn't feel the humor that the first one brought to the table. Also, the characters did lose a bit of their way by the end of this book, so I'm hoping that gets resolved in the next book.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of Finlay Donovan Knocks Em Dead. Finlay Donovan is back at full throttle, delivering another wild ride of high-stakes action and irreverent humor. In this installment, Donovan plunges into a chaotic world where every decision packs a punch and the twists hit hard. The narrative is fast-paced and laced with snappy dialogue that perfectly captures his unpredictable nature. While the relentless momentum sometimes leaves little room for deeper character moments, the dark humor and fearless attitude more than make up for it. Overall, Finlay Donovan Knocks Em Dead is an exhilarating, no-holds-barred adventure that will thrill fans of high-octane thrillers.

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I am loving this series.
Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is a fun sequel, just as entertaining as the first (no sophmore slump here). Finlay and Vero's bond gets a boost and some not so savory characters earn a few liability points. And the humor is still going strong.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for an ebook!

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Thank you for a digital copy in exchange for my review!

Y'all I could NOT put this book down once I picked it up!
I stayed up late to finish the first book in this series and started this one right away the next morning. Then I stayed up late again to finish this one!
This book picked up right after the first book ended and I love that in a series because it feels like I'm binge watching a really good show. This book was somehow even more action packed than the first and revealed so many secrets.
I'm glad that Nick has started to become closer to Finlay because I really like their dynamic and how much her kids love him already. I can't wait to see where their story goes (but I really hope it doesn't end with an engagement or marriage after only a few months...)
I have a feeling this series might just become a comfort read for me. I don't reread mysteries/thrillers too often because I feel like the sense of surprise is ruined and that's what I love about this genre. This series seems like it'll be an exception to that because it's also funny and heartwarming at times. It's like the perfect balance between thrilling and comforting.

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Finlay and Vero are back and I love them even more! I go into each book blind because I don't really care what the synopsis says, I'm going to read this series no matter what. Elle Cosimano has done it again with Finlay and Vero juggling this thing called life together. With Finlay's agent hounding her for her next book, someone trying to kill her ex-husband Steven, and a hot cop who is very interested in Finlay who always shows up at the right (or maybe the wrong) time? This was such a fun read, just like the first book and took me on another exciting adventure with Finlay and Vero. If you love a good "who dunit", that is smart, witty, endearing, and just all around fun, you don't want to miss Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead!!

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I'm not sure how Elle Cosimano did it, but this book was better than the first! The intrigue and intensity of the plot woven by Cosimano is such that I was totally drawn in and wanted more. Her characters continue to develop individually and in relationship to Finlay. The storyline is very current with the intrigue involving an online chat forum and the deep, dark backstory of its actual purpose and ownership. Both wild goose chases and golden goose eggs fill the tale, inflicting danger and reward as merited. I have come to love this found family and I'm left wanting more!

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Finlay, Finlay, Finlay, how do you manage to get yourself into these messes??

After reading Finlay Donovan is killing for the first time last year, I was delighted to join Finlay and Vero for more hilarious antics.

I was not disappointed! Police procedural mixed with great friends and a bit of romance, made for an entertaining read! Perfect for when you're in the mood for some mystery!

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This is another fun one! You get the suspense and mystery of your favorite thrillers with the quirk of your favorite comedies. Great palate cleanser for those thriller girlies out there!

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Elle Cosimano has done it again—this was yet another Finley Donovan hit! Somehow, she masterfully blends the unexpected twists and turns I love in thrillers with just the right amount of humor, creating a mystery that feels both lighthearted and full of suspense. Finley and Vero are back at it, knee-deep in chaos as they try (and hilariously fail) to avoid committing murder, only to find themselves tangled up in it anyway—along with some mob dealings, of course. Their antics are as outrageous as ever, making for a wildly entertaining read from start to finish.

What I love most about this series is how effortlessly it balances comedy with mystery. One moment, I'm on the edge of my seat, eager to see how the latest twist unfolds, and the next, I'm laughing at the sheer absurdity of Finley and Vero’s situation. It’s fast-paced, funny, and packed with intrigue, making it another absolute knockout. If you love a mystery with sharp wit, unpredictable turns, and a duo that constantly finds themselves in over their heads, this book is a must-read!

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Finlay Donovan finds herself in another situation! She’s got Vero to help her and she is going to do what she has to do! Another great read with lots of laughs and suspense.

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Another fun romp. Finlay is back and just as much of a hot mess as ever.

Somehow, she manages to stay relatable while still living the craziest life.

I was on edge during the last part of the book. The climax was a crazy one.

I liked seeing her and Vero's friendship/partnership deepen.

With the ending on a bit of a cliffhanger, I'm ready to jump into book 3!

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Our favorite characters are back and let the hijinks begin. When we last left Finlay, she found out there was a bounty on her ex's head. What to do? I mean, she could just take the job right? I mean he IS a thorn in her side but darn it, her kids love him. She and Vero must now sus out who wants him dead and how to stop it. As per the usual, trouble finds Finlay in so many different ways. Dead bodies seem to be part of her life these days and living a quiet writers life in definitely not in the cards. Mobs, hot guys, crazy as heck women and men make for a truly fun ride. At times quirky, silly and emotional, often times a ride on the edge of your seat, this story ticks all the boxes.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | A Fun, Fast-Paced Sequel with More Chaos and Charm

Elle Cosimano delivers another wildly entertaining ride with Finlay Donovan Knocks ’Em Dead, the second book in the Finlay Donovan series. Picking up where the first book left off, Finlay finds herself once again tangled in a hilarious yet dangerous web of crime, deception, and unexpected alliances—all while juggling single motherhood and a messy love life.

The humor and wit that made the first book so enjoyable are still very much present, and Finlay remains a relatable, chaotic, and lovable protagonist. The mystery is engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep the pages turning. Vero, Finlay’s fearless and snarky sidekick, shines in this installment, adding both comic relief and unwavering loyalty.

However, while the plot is undeniably fun, it occasionally stretches believability, even for a book that thrives on its over-the-top premise. Some moments feel a bit convoluted, and the romantic subplot—while entertaining—feels secondary to the action-packed main storyline.

Overall, Finlay Donovan Knocks ’Em Dead is a fantastic sequel that delivers humor, suspense, and plenty of surprises. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll definitely want to continue Finlay’s wild misadventures.

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4.5. I enjoyed this installment in the series even more than the first. Again, it is just a silly, fun time. I enjoyed how it built on the previous book in the series without feeling too repetitive. I also just adore our cast of characters and love coming back into the story with them every time.

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4.5 stars, a great pick me up read. I found myself comparing it to the mystery guest and I wish. I had not done that as this sequel was done so well and did not feel like a sequel for the sake of sequels sake.

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