Just like the first title in the series, Finley Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead was entertaining, fast-paced, and kept me guessing what the next page would have in store. I enjoyed getting to know the characters a bit more, as well as witness the development and evolution of Finley's love life. The logistician in me still finds it difficult to suspend *all* disbelief in some of the plot points but nevertheless, I kept coming back for more. With that being said, I'm looking forward to the third book coming out later this year!

Also, rumor on the street is that I. Marlene King (the brainchild behind the Pretty Little Liars adaptation) will be turning this series into a show?! You know I'll be watching that.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader copy!

Entertaining and highly unlikely is how I'd describe the Finlay Donovan series. They remind me of a mom version of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich that I used to read way way prior to Bookstagram. The audio on this one was pretty good, too.

Having really enjoyed the first Finlay book, I was very excited to read this one. I definitely liked it, and found it to be mostly entertaining, however, I had a few issues with it: One, it was just too far-fetched for me. Too many lies kept from certain people, plus lots of actions that were just not plausible. Two, was simply Vero. Her actions were never fully explained, and her character never made complete sense to me because of it. Three, it really didn't end, leaving several small loose ends that could have easily been tied up. This obviously means that there will be a third book. I will more than likely read it, but not because I'm super enthralled with knowing what is to come.

Loved this one just as much as Finley 1! The perfect balance of serious and humor will never get old, and this book has cemented Elle Cosimano as a must-buy author for me.

Will link to full review when posted.

Oh, Finlay, you've done it again!
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We pick up right where we left off in book #1. Finlay is struggling to complete her next novel. Who could blame her, especially when she comes across a post seeing that someone wants her ex-husband dead?
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Finlay and Vero set out to uncover the secrets behind this hit. Our beloved characters return and Finlay once again gets wrapped up-- biting off more than she can chew!
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I really this whole book on the plane to Florida- I couldn't put it down!

Absolutely loved this book! Finlay Donovan Knocks Em Dead is just as funny as the first “Finlay Donovan is Killing it.” Full of humor, wit and shenigans, this book is perfect for a beach read or if you need a fun, entertaining read.

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano picked up right where the the first book in this fabulous series left off. I loved how this book began. Elle Cosimano introduced Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead with a death, but who died? Finlay’s daughter’s pet fish had taken its last breath and the family was preparing to say goodbye and flush it down the toilet. I couldn’t help the escape of a few chuckles as I recalled a similar situation with my own children years ago. In the second book in this series, Finlay discovered that someone was determined to try and kill her ex-husband. As much as Finlay had come to dislike a lot of things about her ex-husband, he was a good father and she didn’t want any harm to come to him. Finlay and Vero will stop at nothing to uncover the plot and figure out who was trying to kill her ex-husband. This second book in the series was well plotted, funny, full of twists, fast paced and suspenseful. The colorful characters had flaws but were believable and well developed. Vero was once again at Finlay’s side throughout as the live in nanny to her children, partner in crime, confidant and friend. There were secrets that Vero was hiding from Finlay, though. Finlay thought she knew Vero so well but did she really? Of course, Finlay was struggling again to meet the deadlines for her new book. It was not easy to juggle the life of being a single mom while she chased assassins, put as much distance between herself and the mob as she could and date not one man but two at the same time. If you are looking to read a clever, funny, unpredictable and suspenseful book then Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead is the book for you. I eagerly await the next book in this series and highly recommend this one.

Thank you to Minotaur Books for allowing me to listen to the digital version of Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

One of my anticipated reads this year!

Book 1 was such a fun adventure. So silly, but pure entertainment! Book 2 brought more of the same in addition to a mystery. Vero is still my favorite character. I love how she is so snarky.

A great series if you like action, bad decisions, smart and sassy sidekicks and a story to make you laugh.

Very much looking forward to Book 3

Really, 3.5

I read several other reviews of this book before starting mine, and one reviewer used a word that perfectly sums up how I felt about this book: it is ZANY. One of the things I enjoyed about book one, and also this one, is that they don’t take themselves too seriously. They are meant to be over-the-top, unbelievable, and fun. And, they are most definitely all of that. 

However, the introduction of a new book includes the introduction of a new plot and with it, new characters. In many ways the new characters and plot are tied to the action of book one, but I felt like there were SO MANY new characters introduced that it got hard to follow, especially towards the end. That said, I still enjoyed it, and I really like the fact that it ended by hinting that book three will focus more on Vero and her backstory, because her character has not yet been fully fleshed out.

Finlay Donovan didn’t disappoint. This book was written so incredibly well. Learning more about Finlay and Vero, and then more about their families and friends - including Nick and Julian was a fun ride especially learning about them through Finlay’s shenanigans. There were a few twists I didn’t see coming which made the story even more exciting.  I can’t wait for the next book to come out!!! Definitely a great funny and light thriller to make you feel better about life.

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead is the second book in the Finlay Donovan series, I loved the first book and this second book did not disappoint. I can wait to dive into the third book of the series. A fun and entertaining story that will make you LAUGH OUT LOUD.  A great series that I will be recommending to all my book club friends.

Not only is Finlay Donovan short of funds and struggling with writer's block  as her book deadline looms but someone in an online woman's chatroom seems to want Finlay's ex-husband dead and is willing to pay hard cash for it. Not that Finlay would mind too much seeing Steven dead or that she couldn't use the cash herself but the kids love him so now she and Vero, her accountant and best friend, must discover who's behind the post as well as the identity of the person who seems willing to accept it. And, most important of all, survive while doing it.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is the second in the Finlay Donovan Series by Elle Cosimano. The plot is full of twists and turns with red herrings galore to keep the reader guessing and entertained. There is also moments of hilarity as well as some romantic interludes but the main relationship is between Finlay and Vero who will clearly do anything for each other although admittedly it doesn't always work out as intended. There are some references to the first book which admittedly I haven't read...yet but they didn't distract from this story or break my immersion in the story. This is a fun, fast, and very enjoyable mystery and I recommend it highly.  

<i>Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review</I>

This is the kind of mystery I like- murder, mystery, suspense, and humor. When you can write them all together, that's a really special mix. Elle Cosimano did just that, and it made it so much fun to keep up with Finlay. It doesn't hurt for a smart woman to be chased by two hot men. There's something for everyone here- but mostly everything is for me! I'm excited to see what else Cosimano will do with Finlay.

Findlay sees a hit out in her husband, and it’s off to the races again. The last in this series , or is it? A deadline screaming at her, her kids in chaos, a bounty on her husbands head, and a chat room that boasts hits and misses. It all centers around a misunderstood conversation. A housekeeper with a disastrous secret keeps the story moving and Findlay just one step from tragedy. Funny , fun , a lead character with a quick wit, and endless charm. Oh lets not forget an over solicitous detective. Time is not Findlay’s friend and the contract player is a little to close for comfort. Happy reading

I didnt think that I was going to love another Finlay Donovan book the way I loved the first one. But I was wrong. If you enjoyed the first book you are going to love this on! Everything a bout it is just perfection!

Thank you so much to the publisher and to Netgalley for an arc of Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano.

It was so fun to see Finlay and Vero again! I love their friendship. This novel was great. I had such a great time reading about the crazy situations that Finlay gets herself into. I liked the character growth we saw throughout the novel, and the growth I saw as a continuation from the first novel. There was just enough romance here and I love that I am actually now rooting for a different person than from book 1! I can’t wait to read book 3!

*will update with link once posted

Really enjoyed this book. Probably as much or more than the first. I loved the character development, in particular the friendship of Vero and Finlay and the relationship forming with Detective Anthony. I also liked the cliffhanger at the end! Excited already to see what happens next!

We jump right into the story as Finlay Donovan finds herself using the skills she's learned as a mystery author and contract killer (mistaken, but effective) to track down the person who's offering a lot of money to take out her scumbag ex-husband. Things get dire when the mafia pops up once again and everyone's a suspect. Not to mention that her best friend/nanny Vero is suddenly acting strange, the sexy law student/bartender she's dating is incommunicado, and the hot cop her sister insists she date is the on the case. 
There's a lot going on, but Cosimano keeps things always moving and expertly paced to keep this reader's interest from beginning to a very surprising and unexpected end.
This is very much a continuation of the previous volume, which means that it might be hard for someone to jump in with this volume. Cosimano depends on you to know the characters and how they relate to each other already, so there's almost no setups or introductions. You're going to have to have read book 1 to fully appreciate and understand book 2. 
I really enjoyed this adventure and I'm looking forward to seeing more of Finlay Donovan. 

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the riveting read!

Finlay Donovan is back and this time she is trying to stop someone from murdering her ex. On the women's message board it appears that someone has taken a hit out on Finlay's ex and after several weeks it appears that a hit man has taken up the commission. Now Finlay needs to keep Steven alive while protecting her children, finding out who the assassin is and all while keeping Steven in the dark. Our bad guys and our love interests are back from last time with the introduction of some new potential villains and some redemption of old ones.

This was just as enjoyable to read as the first book and just as crazy. Everything is so convoluted and fun at the same time. I suggest you pick up the first book and then follow it up with Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead.

Reading Between the Wines book review #26/135 for 2022:
Rating: 4 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book 🎧: Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead
Author: Elle Cosimano
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Available now!

Sipping thoughts: Finlay is just as crazy, reckless, and brave in the second installment. It is so laughable at all the silly predicaments she gets herself into. This book also followed the murder for hire storyline. I made one guess on who wanted her husband dead, and I was correct. This book had more characters, some new and some old, which creates a long list of suspects. I enjoyed watching Finlay and Vero try to solve the case while trying to keep themselves out of trouble. I hope there is a third book and can’t wait for it to come out.

Cheers and thank you to @StMartinsPress and @NetGalley for an advanced copy of @FinlayDonovanKnocksEmDead.

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