Cover Image: Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Finlay and her friend/nanny/accountant/partner in crime Vero are trying to figure out who is trying to hire a hit on Finlay’s ex-husband. Like in the first book, there are acrimonious post-divorce arguments, money problems, and inconvenient deaths.

▪ The friendship between Finlay and Vero is the best thing about this series. They are so supportive of each other, and funny, and strong, and flawed. I just adore them.

▪ Several love interests. Finlay is juggling an attraction for the hot detective her entire family is trying to push her towards while semi-dating the hot student/bartender. It creates plenty of awkward situations for Finlay to try to squirm her way out of.

▪ Everything in this series is slightly (or very) improbable, which makes it really fun to read. Don’t expect it to be too realistic and you will have as much fun as I did.

▪ It seems impossible for Finlay and Vero to get into yet another banana pants situation like tis, yet I can’t wait to read more of their adventures.

Conclusion: This novel is full of love (romantic but mostly of the friend variety), action, thrills, and twists. Another fun instalment in this series.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this one. I read the first book a few months ago and couldn't wait for this one.

This one picks up from the cliffhanger of the first book. We see Finlay in the usual day to day struggles with balancing her kids and trying to write a follow up book, as well as figure out who is behind that post online.

This book took quite a few turns I wasn't expecting, some interesting reveals, and things that just make me want to read more in this series.

I flew through this book in about two days. I adored Finlay in this second book and all the new scenarios she finds herself in this time around. I loved how she related her real life to what she's writing about as well, from getting real life inspiration to romance.

I pre-ordered this book and any future books in this series will be an auto pre-order as well. Definitely planning on continuing reading books 3 and 4.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars - I loved it! Would re-read.

Another fantastic mystery in this series. I love these books so much - they are significantly different from any other mystery I read, in all the best ways. I love the characters, the humor, the spiral-staircase-like twists to the mysteries, and the epilogues that set readers up to HAVE to read the next book. Brilliant!

Was this review helpful?

4.5⭐ rounded up - Just as fun and wild as the first book. I'm having a great time following Finlay and Vero's crazy, mystery adventures!

This book had the exact same energy as the previous one, so if the first book wasn't your style maybe this one won't be either? I will say that you absolutely have to be willing to suspend your disbelief when reading these books. If you are expecting a hyper realistic crime mystery story, you may find yourself disappointed. Personally, I'm loving the drama, the antics, and the craziness of this series. These are very fun books and I can't wait to see where the story goes.

Now to the reasoning for the half star. I didn't have any big glaring problems or issues with the book, but I did have one personal preference annoyance that keeps popping up in these books. It's getting to me is how "irresistible" Finlay seems to be to these dudes based on... basically nothing? I mean, I'm sure she's a hot mom, but its getting a little crazy how willing these guys are to do anything for her as she's getting deeper into these insane situations. This definitely might just be a "me" thing, but I'm hoping for more actual development based on her personality versus what just seems like a purely superficial attraction to her.

All that aside in the last ranting paragraph, it's not a big enough thing for me to drop the book a star. I'm loving these books and having a super time. The ending seems to be setting up more books and I couldn't be happier! The Finlay Donovan series is crazy, fast-paced, and are ultimately super fun books. I'll be checking back regularly for updates on potential sequels 🤞

Was this review helpful?

Elle Cosimano does it again! I LOVED Finlay Donovan Is Killing It and I could not wait for book 2. I’ve waited this long to read it because I was nervous Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead wouldn’t live up to book 1. I was WRONG!!

It had everything I loved from book 1. I felt like I was catching up with old friends. Once again, Vero and Finlay’s friendship is the star of the show along with their crime-solving antics. Every woman needs a Vero by her side!

The love interests are fun but they don’t define Finlay and that’s what I really appreciate about this series. I hope this is made into a tv show soon because I am loving these books. Until then, I will be anxiously awaiting book 3….

Was this review helpful?

Even though Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is only the second book of the Finlay series, it is already one of my very favorite series. Elle Cosimano has such a way with words, and I loved how humous, jaw-dropping, and fast-paced this installment was. Finlay and Vero are two of the best characters and having them together is fire! Vero's quick thinking and snark always make me smile, and Finlay is in a league all her own when it comes to finding her way out of messes and chasing the bad guys. I ended up doing a reread via audiobook of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It right before starting this one, and while I'm glad I did I don't think it is completely necessary. Cosimano does a great job bringing the reader up to speed, so even if you don't remember everything that happened in book one, you should be fine. I will say I think it is best to read them in order though, otherwise, you might end up having Finlay Donovan Is Killing It slightly spoiled for you.

Another thing I am loving about this series is that both books so far have had the same narrator, Angela Dawe. Dawe is the best at bringing Finlay and Vero to life, and I have never once been disappointed in her narration. I hope she will forever be the voice of these books, and I highly recommend the audiobooks to anyone who loves listening to fiction. I would definitely classify Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead as a cozy mystery, and it is perfect for readers who aren’t looking for all the blood and gore that can come in other mysteries and thrillers. There is something really refreshing about Cosimano’s writing and the storylines both books have had, and I think she hit pure gold with this series. The pacing is pretty fast and there is enough happening to keep readers interested and dying to know what will happen. I had quite a few surprises in store for me with this one, and I didn’t see any of them coming. I highly recommend checking this series out, and I loved Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead probably even more than book one! I never want it to end, so keep them coming Cosimano!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Net Galley for a copy of Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano. I enjoyed this one. But not as well as the last one in the series. But if you like a fun, action packed novel, read this!

Was this review helpful?

Elle Cosimano does it again! Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is a funny, fast-paced sequel that's part rom-com, part murder mystery.

Last year, I read Finlay Donovan is Killing It and became obsessed with Finlay, her best friend Vero, and the unbelievable messes they found themselves in. Well, I'm here to say, the two best friends are at it again in the second installment.

The duo have to figure out who took out a contract for Finlay's ex-husband before it's too late. In the meantime, there's antics galore: a love triangle with a hot cop and a young almost lawyer, the Russian mob, a dead body, and of course, the police showing up at the wrong time.

This book ends on a cliffhanger that sets us up for book #3 and I am so ready to see what's in store for this dynamic duo! 😱

With that being said, I adored the first book and had high expectations going into this one. It was an enjoyable, quick read, but I didn't love it as much as the OG book. The storyline felt a bit absurd and I wanted more Vero.

If you need something to help you escape, laugh out loud, and that includes a bit of mystery and mayhem, then the Finlay series is for you!

Definitely read book #1 before diving into this one- otherwise, you'll miss a lot of the backstory.

Was this review helpful?

BOOK REVIEW: Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano
Series: Finlay Donovan | Book 2
Publication Date: February 1

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️

T.I.M.E. Favorite Books To Read
T.I.M.E. Recommended Books By Genre | Thriller
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books of 2022

CONNECT WITH THIS BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Keep your friends close... And your enemies closer... ✨😎✨

T.I.M.E. Book Review: A perfect title for Book 2 of the Finlay Donovan Series that truly delivers a knockout punch! One of my favorite thriller series laced with tons of humor... And three of my favorite female characters of all time... Finlay, Vero & Finlay's daughter, Delia... I recommend you start with Book 1 in this series. Just like with an unforgettable meal, you will not want to miss any delectable detail in this "fiction feast"!... Bonus: Rumor has it that Finlay Donovan has been optioned for an upcoming TV Series!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 368
Genre: Thriller
Sub-Genre: Funny Fiction
Time Period: Present Day
Location: Virginia (South Riding)

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano (Finlay Donovan | Book 1)
Movie: Veronica Mars

--------------------

All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Love the Series! The plot of the first book was so creative. This follow-up continues the antics of Finlay and Vero. It did not disappoint. Its a fun book to read with many twists in the plot. Can't wait for the next.

Was this review helpful?

Finlay and Vero are back! This is book number two in the series.and while I think you could read book two without reading book one, I feel like readers would enjoy book two a lot more if they read book one first. That being said, it was great to be back in the crazy life of Finlay Donovan. I found this book took me longer to read than the first because there is a lot going on in the story line. A lot! Finlay and Vero manage to keep everything straight, which just amazes me, and working together they are a fantastic partnership. Yes, this series is funny and has humor, but it is the friendship, dedication, partnership, intelligence, and luck that Finlay and Vero have that keeps me coming back for more. Reading this book felt like returning to home. Even with all that is going on the story line, I felt comfortable and safe, and the book was a wonderful escape for me. I look forward to the next book in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun little sequel. I really enjoy Finlay, her antics and all the mysteries & drama she gets into on accident. I did have some confusion with characters and I think if I would have read the first and this closer together it would have been easier to follow. There were a lot of secondary characters from the first that had more of a staring roll in this and I just simply could not remember their storyline from the first book lol. Luckily @a_rich_read ‘s dream cast for the first book lives rent free in my head so that did help me keep things straight. I did hear the first book(and probably this one I’d assume) is being turned into a series and I will be highly disappointed of Anna Kendrick is not Finlay. The ending of this book was…. something lol. Fans of miscommunication trope BEWARE. Literally everything could have been avoided if people just talked to each other but then I guess we would have no sequel to read lol.

Was this review helpful?

FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS 'EM DEAD
(Finlay Donovan #2)

rating: 4/5
author: Elle Cosimano
genre: cozy mystery

Finn & Vero are back again and, MAN, was i so happy to see it. after a home run debut last year i had this sequel high up on my "Most Anticipated" list this year, and Cosimano brought it! FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS 'EM DEAD picks up right where book 1 left off, except this time their murderer for hire adventures hit a little close to home...

just like the first FINLAY i found the sequel to be a hoot - it's a true cozy mystery to it's core. i thought Cosimano did a great job reminding the reader what happened in the first book (bc let's be serious, it has been over a year for some of us) while setting the scene for the new plot. it was definitely slower up until the half way point, but the last half had me speed reading to find out what the heck was going on. don't get me wrong - i still thoroughly enjoyed the story cover to cover, but for those who felt the first Finlay was very fast paced should adjust their mindset for this one.

anyone else have a love/hate relationship with cliff hanger endings?? love because you have that glorious "WTF" moment but hate when you have to wait months for the next book... this one will leave you begging Elle Cosimano in her DM's for book 3 ASAP. can't wait for the next installment in Finn & Vero's journey!!

Was this review helpful?

Oh my gosh my ribs hurt from laughing so hard and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I hate to say this but I really liked this one a lot more than her first.

Finlay is back with her sidekick Vero and once again she’s struggling to write her novel (no one is surprised). Only problem is someone wants her ex-husband Steven dead. Yes, he’s a jack a** but she must admit he’s a good father to their two children but saving him will put Finlay in some certain situations she’d rather not be in.

I loved this book so much, Finlay is like my spirit animal that I now think about constantly which causes me to laugh out loud very loudly in public. The messes this woman gets herself into and the situations that ensue are pure gold. The romance *swoon* I can’t get enough of, the characters I want to be best friends with, these books are just amazing.

*Many thanks to St. Martins Press and Minotaur Books for the gifted copy for my honest review!*

Was this review helpful?

yes yes yes!!! This follow up novel of my crazy fun Finlay Donovan is back and more hijinxs are abound! 💕😂 Thanks to @netgalley and Minotaur Books for my ARC! I am so obsessed with this character!
& I didn’t want this book to end! 😫
🙌🏻 She is hilarious, just a mom who is trying to keep it together all while someone has put a hit out on her ex-husband through a mommy discussion board! 😱I highly recommend!!!!
I loved Elle's writing style, the witty banter and the fantastic story.

Was this review helpful?

Finlaly is back with her cast of characters! The book picks up where the 1st one left off, you need to read the 1st one to understand the back story. Great entertainment and a fast read.

Was this review helpful?

Finlay Donovan is back for another exciting adventure and what an exciting adventure it turns out to be! While trying to keep her ex-husband alive Finlay and her nanny/new best friend, Vero, are also racing again the clock to find the person trying to kill him. They tend to find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time which causes many twists and turns and choas.
This is a fun book that moves quickly which made it hard to put down. Finlay and Vero are fabulous characters that compliment each other perfectly. The storyline is well-conceived and easy to follow even with so many subplots thrown in. The supporting characters are wonderfully fit into the story to help make even more exciting.
This is the second in a series and could be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading Finlay Donovan Is Killing It first so you don't miss out on all the fun!
I was not ready for the book to end but I am looking for to more adventures with Finlay and Vero. Until then I highly recommend stepping into Finlay's crazy world in this fun mystery! I am very grateful to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Book 2 did not disappoint!

This time, Finlay and Vero need to find out who wants Fin's ex-husband dead. She also needs to be writing her next book to get funds that's she running low on. She's also still trying to decide between Julian and Nick.

This was another crazy ride of circumstances falling upon circumstances and getting Finley into a bigger mess than ever before. I really like how Vero and her have stuck side by side together no matter what happens. Vero has a lot of connections to help Finlay when she gets in trouble. But Vero is still kind of a mystery and I'm not sure what her deal is.

Still don't like Steven her ex very much. But he is pretty logical in thinking that he should take care of the kids because of all this craziness that happens to her.

The ending is just a great big cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Was this review helpful?

I loved Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead! The book was funny, charming, and an outrageous mess!

It's often difficult to follow up an excellent mystery with the same amount of ridiculousness and still capture the reader's attention, but Elle Cosimano has excelled at this craft.

Hoping for a third book!

Was this review helpful?

Finlay Donovan series, where Finlay makes bigger messes trying to clean up a mess, is was even more fun than the first one, for me. Hot on the heels of her last fiasco, Finlay discovers that someone on a women's forum is badmouthing her ex husband Steven.

Vero and Finlay are back together again trying to dig themselves out of debt with the Russian mob . Vero isn't quite herself, and Finlay is starting to wonder who exactly she's let into her life and trusted with her deepest secrets.

This book was so good! Defintely didn't suffer the "second book syndrome". I cant wait for more

Was this review helpful?