Finlay is back and perhaps better than ever! This book picks up right where we left off so we jump right into the action here. It is a lot more fast paced, less character build, in the sequel. I love the dark humor and unexpected hijinks you get from these books.
Finlay is still a bit of a hot mess and her nanny Vero is as dark and sarcastic as ever. This dynamic duo is very Dead to Me esque. But the stakes are even higher in this book as there is a threat on Finlay's ex husband's life. Even though he's a lying cheater, he is still the father of her children and needs to be protected.
Her professional and personal life is more complicated than ever featuring a: deadly mommy forum, body parts in washing machines, fake murders, and a sexy cop/lawyer love triangle. (oh yes, this plot is jam packed). This quirky mystery is such a quick read that I already need more! I also would recommend re-reading the first book in case you forgot any original plot details.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review, (PUB DATE: 2/1/22).

Another enjoyable and fast read. I was introduced to Finlay last month on an audiobook and I loved it. I also loved the plot twist and turns in this story. I wish I had it on an audiobook because I absolutely loved the narration. I hope they use the same one for this book!

Elle Cosimano does it again!

The hijinks and hilarity of the Finlay Donovan books are matched only by Cosimano’s ability to write a true page-turning mystery. This sequel has all the twisty-turning action of the first, but dialed up a notch.

I’m ready for book 3!

So I did really enjoy this book (and the first one). It's a solid read that hooked me quickly and kept my attention throughout. There were a lot of things I liked. A random highlight for me was the hilarious phone conversation between Finlay's mom and Steven. I appreciate when a book can make me laugh out loud because it's hard to do, so all the props to Elle on such great writing! I also appreciated that I felt all over the place trying to guess who was trying to kill her ex-husband and felt like I could trust basically no one! This is something I enjoy because often when you read a lot of thrillers or mysteries it gets easier to see what's coming next. When it comes to a thriller though, I always am hoping for a big twist or reveal. I think because it's a series book that ends, as many do, in a cliffhanger, I didn't feel fully satisfied at the end. I wanted more of an exciting conclusion. I think that's why I wasn't as blown away as I hoped. Still, it's a very enjoyable series and I'm ready to see what comes next. I think once I do, and a big reveal happens, I'll find a five star in the next book!

BOOK REVIEW- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My thoughts- Elle Cosimano does it again with the second book in Finlay Donovan series. Thank you to @netgalley, @ellecosimano, and @stmartinspress for this E-arc in exchange for an honest review! This will be the perfect winter cozy book for all you mystery lovers out there! We are treated to another fun and engaging mystery that is filled with personality and laugh out loud moments. I loved watching so many of Finlays relationships deepen and grow and I felt like we got to know the characters a lot more in this book. This one comes out 02/01/2022- be sure to add it to your TBR or preorder it today!! ✨

I am so happy that Finlay is back! I really enjoyed this sequel to Finlay Donovan is Killing It. All of the characters I loved from the first book returned for this one. Even some of the ones I wasn’t too fond of returned, but they are all part of the story so I was happy to have them back. This book once again did a good job of mixing suspense with comedy. I was frequently wondering how Finlay was going to get herself out of the situations she found herself in. There were lots of twists and turns right up until the end which definitely kept me guessing and leave an opening for a third book.

Overall this was a really fun read! I wish there was a little bit more of a recap from the first book though because I did find myself forgetting how certain things played out. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who was a fan of the first one.

I’m giving this one 3.5 stars, but rounding up to 4 because I love the characters. There were a couple plot points that felt unfinished and the ending felt rushed. I also really wonder about Finlay and Vero. I feel like they make some pretty wild assumptions and jump to crazy conclusions that don’t always make sense. And I question most of their choices, but I suppose that is part of Finlay’s charm.

I do love the whole premise of Finlay being an author herself. I felt like there were some moments where the author was poking fun at authors and readers at times. But it was all in good fun.

This book is clearly leading to a third one, so maybe that is why I got the feeling of being left hanging. We will have to see what trouble is awaiting Finlay and Vero in the next installment.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

Finlay is BACK 💕🔪

If you liked FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT, you will also enjoy FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS EM DEAD, out Feb 1, 2022. Thank you for my copy, Minotaur Books!

The sequel opens a month after the first book ends. Finlay is once again behind on writing her book because she's spending all her time trying to figure out who put a hit out on her ex-husband. It's a race against time as she and Vero try to stop his murder (and figure out if Finlay should date sexy almost-lawyer Julian, or hot cop Nick).

This book is more of the same (in a good way!): disguises, dead bodies, completely unbelievable plots that you just have to go with. I would say it wasn't as "unputdownable" as the first Finlay, but I still really enjoyed it. I also wish I had reread the first book before I read the second, because I forgot a lot of the details, and there isn't much recapping in this one.

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

Finlay and Vero are back at it! Making mistakes, misunderstandings and a whole lot of entertaining adventures. This is the second one in the series and definitely could not be read as a stand-alone! It takes up right after the last one ended. Although I liked the first one a bit better, these characters make the book easy to love.

My issue with this one was it seemed like there were so many opportunities for twists or exciting plot lines, but a lot of the potential got kind of dropped in my opinion.

But I still liked it. I will continue with Finlay because the characters are just so charming and likeable. These books remind me of Dead to Me and Stephanie Plum! I love watching a mom take charge of her world.

Loved discussing with @what.ang.reads.next! Thanks to @minotaur_books for my advanced copy! This one comes out on Feb 1st!

Early last year I got my hands on FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT and devoured it. I had such a grand time that I couldn’t wait to get my fingers on the sequel.

But with a sequel I always fear it won’t measure up. Fortunately I didn’t have to worry because Finlay was as hilarious as I remembered – maybe even a bit more so. And her friendship with Vero is still my favorite part of the book.

I love a great female friendship.

And the one between Finlay and Vero is one of my most favorite. Both women are just so ballsy at times. And the situations they get in – MY GOODNESS!!!!! These books are a lot of fun. Although not very realistic, they are incredibly entertaining. And when it comes to entertainment Finlay delivers in spades.

The sequel pretty much picks up where the first book left off. Not much time has gone by since the ending of FDIKI and Finlay is still figuring things out about her Ex, Vero has her own problems, and then there is Nick – oh man, I’m in love with him. And that’s not even all of it. The book is full to the brim with possibilities and action.

A LOT is going on in a short amount of time, which makes for an exciting and fast paced novel.

Also the humor is right up my alley and the writing makes me smile and chuckle along. Something I find incredibly amusing is how Finlay comes up with the plot for her fictional books. Honestly it’s ridiculous the way she does it, and I wonder how many other authors do it the same way – lol.

For me, Finlay is the perfect book to leave reality behind and escape into someone else’s life. Especially if it’s a life that is so over the top unrealistic and so funny that it’s hard to put down. I still haven’t enough of Finlay and Vero and their escapades. I definitely need MORE and I can’t wait to read the next book.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press / Minotaur books for an e-arc of this mystery novel, due for publication in February 2022.

I haven't found a mystery from St. Martin's Press that I didn't like, this was no exception.

I can't wait until the next Finlay Donovan in the series. She gets herself into more messes. This series is such fun. The books are fast-paced, well-written and just plain fun to read.

I have a hard time classifying it, as its fun like a cozy mystery but it doesn't shy away from the details. Not as graphic as some adult mysteries, kind of in-between. Regardless if you like a fun mystery, you'll love Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead.

Elle Cosimano is a new auto-buy author for me.

Finlay is back and better than ever. She's struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two.

On the bright side, the only dead body she's had to deal with recently is her daughter's dead goldfish. On the not-so-bright side, someone has put a hit out on her ex-husband. Finlay may want to kill Stephen sometimes, but she doesn't actually want him dead.

In Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead the gang is back together again and the stakes are higher than ever. Vero's keeping secrets, Finlay can't tell if someone is a soccer mom or a hit mom, and Sylvia, Finlay's agent, wants to make sure that Finlay's next novel includes the hot cop AND the cute bartender. Plus, the Russian mob is back.

I absolutely *loved* this sequel. I did NOT see the big twist coming, and now I am counting down the days until book 3 comes out!

Thank you to @stmartinspress and Netgalley for my advance copy. I screamed like a baby when I opened this bad boy! I could not wait for more Finlay antics!
 
I have anxiously been awaiting this like most of us and it did not disappoint. @ellecosimano you are a genius! You write the most fun mental escape out there! Much like the first, Finlay is back with her usual antics and series of misfortunate incidents that we loved in the beginning. Are they believable scenarios-not at all. Are they any less entertaining-hell no, not in the slightest! All of our old friends are back and getting themselves into tight and scary situations. It is just as witty, hysterical and full of the same sexual tension as the first. I was left longing to see what happens with everyone as we are once again left with a cliffhanger. So, @ellecosimano you better be busy because I don’t know how long I can wait!
 
Bottom line: If you loved the first one, you will absolutely love this too!

Elle Cosimano does it again! Finlay is hilarious and is always getting herself into the funniest situations. I laughed out loud to this book on several occasions. This book was just like the first, fast-paced and fun to read! I got through this one in a day!

WOW is all I can say. Elle Cosimano did it again. Finlay and Vero are like comfort characters to me now and I loved every minute reading this adventure of theirs. This book has the perfect amount of mystery, comedy, and romance. Dare I say, I may have loved this even more than the first one? Please Elle, I need more of Finn and Vero ASAP. Get your hands on this one as soon as it comes out, the whole series is a must read!!

Elle Cosimano does it again!!

Any time that I read a sequel to a book that I loved, I worry that I will be met with disappointment. Often times an author cannot match the excitement, mystery, and thrill of the first title. This is not the case for Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead! This book is absolutely phenomenal and I might just love it as much as it’s predecessor.

In this book, Finlay and Vero are back at it! No matter how much they try to keep themselves out of trouble and live normal lives, thy keep finding themselves in the most ridiculous situations, and somehow coming out unscathed. Yet again, this book is equal parts tense and Humorous.

As Finlay is working on the sequel to her first successful book, She and Vero find themselves in another sticky situation. Following the arrest of Feliks and Theresa, Steven is struggling. He is single, his business is failing, and he’s sleeping at his office. On top of all this, Finally and Vero find that someone has ordered a hit on Steven! Vero and Finlay find themselves in a world of trouble as they try to sort out who wants Steven dead. All the while, the need to keep the kids safe and stay one step ahead of the “hot cop” and “hot lawyer”

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead is another hilariously riveting adventure and I cannot wait to read more from this author!

Book One was funny and fast, book tow had even more action, more intrigue, more romance, and more friendships- this is a series I am happy to keep reading.

Finlay is back. She manages to tangle herself up in more messes and somehow skates by them. She is more confident. This time Finlay is trying to figure out who would want her ex-husband Steven gone. There is a hit request for him on a mom-forum of all places and someone takes the job. Finlay and Vero find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place over and over. Moreover Vero is hiding something from Finlay. oh, and the intriguing love triangle commences. Is Finlay going to be with Julian or Nick? What about the Russian Mafia? Is Finlay on the clear?

The far fetched string of events and how they all the outcomes magically turned out in Finlay's favor require you to suspend reality. There were a couple of scenes with a corpse and how they handle human remains didn't sit well with me but overall I could say this was a fun and easy read. I think the biggest obstacle this book faces is living up to the first in the series. I liked both.

It is hard to not root for Finlay. She is relatable and witty and funny. and so damn lucky. But will her luck continue to save her? The ending of the book hinted another installment and I am excited to keep reading Finlay's shenanigans.

Before even finishing Finlay Donovan is Killing It, I knew I would need more! So to have a sequel so soon is beyond exciting. This second book was filled with all of the crazy antics we are used to and more. The stress of the situations Finlay and Vero find themselves in is palpable. While being stressful, there is still humor and that makes the story fly by. I did enjoy the first book more but this was a very engaging sequel.

Thank you to @netgalley and @minotaur_books for the advanced reader copy of one my most anticipated books of 2022!

Once again, Finlay Donovan is struggling - both to finish her next book as her agent breathes down her neck and with the stress of being a single mom. Oh, and someone wants her ex-husband dead, and trying to prevent that seems to be inviting a bit too much Mob involvement in her life. Plus her friend/nanny is keeping secrets, her lawyer-to-be man friend keeps going AWOL, and a certain hot cop seems determined to rekindle an old flame. So really she’s only got a few things on her plate. Nothing to be concerned about at all …

Finlay is back and just as much of a mess as ever - but still a kickass lady written with such a lovable voice that you can’t help but root for her, even when she’s committing crimes. Cosimano has such an engaging writing style, and expertly blends laugh-out-loud moments that had me near tears and fast paced action that keeps the reader compelled to binge the book to find out what happens.

I think ultimately I liked this one slightly less than the first in the series, Finlay Donovan is Killing It, only because it very much felt like a transition book. While the first definitely left the plot open to continue the story, it could also function more as a standalone story, whereas this one cannot. Because of that, I didn’t find this one to be as punchy as the first - which isn’t to say I didn’t love it. My main complaint is that there are clearly going to be more Finlay books and I would like them now please! It’s clear to me that Cosimano has created a character and world that readers fell in love with in Finlay’s first book, and I’m grateful she’s willing to keep sharing her stories with us going forward.

4.5/5