Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

I enjoyed the first book in the series and was looking forward to the 2nd. I enjoyed the book and found it to be fast paced. I flew right through the book and didn’t want to put it down.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Elle Cosimono, and NetGalley for this eARC copy of FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS ‘EM DEAD (Pub date: 02/01/22)

In this follow up to the highly rated FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT, Finlay Donovan once again finds herself in the middle of a murder for higher ring. But this time? Her ex-husband is the target. Finlay and Vero have to race against the clock to figure out who is hiring a hitman to kill Steven, and how to stop the hit.

If you loved the first book, you will absolutely not be disappointed in the sequel. The follow up has everything that I loved about the first book: awesome female friendships, a cozy mystery vibe mixed with the darkness of a murder for hire, adorable mom moments, and more. But, the second book still stands on its own as a unique story, and we get to see Finlay and Vero become more developed characters that are more and more entwined with each other’s lives.

I loved this one and thought it was the perfect sequel. It leaves you with enough questions and anticipation for a third book, while also being its own completed story. While some things were predictable, I didn’t mind the predictability because the story itself was just so fun. If you loved the first FINLAY, don’t hesitate to preorder this one!

First off I would like to thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 Stars!

I adored the first book and anxiously awaited the sequel because I was so impressed with Cosimano's humorous writing style and striking plot. I am happy to reveal that I can say the same for this one as well. I love the relationship between Finn and Vero although Vero had me ANGRY in this book. (Seriously, why is Finlay not as angry as I am?)

The relationship between Finlay and Steven bothers me because most of the issues in this sequel would have been avoided had they just communicated with one another. Or maybe not - I mean, Steven is not an intelligent guy. He is literally assaulted while with his children in the beginning of the book and he doesn't see it as a big deal - I DO NOT UNDERSTAND. In the first book, I felt soft at the end towards Steven and after reading the sequel, I just can't stand him.

While I feel like there wasn't as much of a thrill as the first book, I want to chalk that up to me just being used to the characters and how they usually handle situations.

Ultimately, I still really liked the book and will highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery. I'm super stoked at how the book ended because that means we aren't done with Finn just yet.

The sequel picks up right where the first book ends. If you loved the first one, you’d definitely love this one just as much!

Finlay and Vero are at it again with their crazy, over-the-top adventures! Finlay is still a hot mess and I love that her character stayed true to herself. It was so much fun seeing how the story unfolded, with all the twists and the romance!

The ending sets up for another one in the series and I’m already looking forward to it!

Thank you @netgalley, @stmartinspress, and @minotaurbooks for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

Whoa! My favorite Donovan is back! ( sorry Ray, I’m not talking about you! But as for sure I’ll watch your showtime movie on 2022)

After burying a man, getting rid of Russian mob, publishing her bestseller, sending her scumbag cheat husband’s fiancée to jail, she’s ready to move on her life!

But as it seems like she cannot get out of trouble so easily! Her partner of crime/ babysitter/ best friend, sarcastic queen Vero obsessed with money, making calculations at each second, nervously hiding secrets! Someone also posted an add on an online forum, offering a hundred thousand dollars to anyone willing to dispose of her cheating ex Steven Donovan : actually 100 good reasons the world would be better off without him! ( that’s what ad says)

Even though that man turned her life into hell, she can let her kids grow without important parental figure! But if she tries to inform the authorities about the forum they can connect her with Harris’ murder which will open a can of worms about the incidents she’s already acquitted!

Now somebody threats her ex and she has to work on her new manuscript but Sylvia insists to bring back the hot cop back as she still struggles to maintain a casual relationship with her young and super hot lawyer lover Julian and she’s still resented to charming cop Nick Anthony for not believing in her innocence even though she still barely resists the attraction she feels.

Well, buckle up, this book is freaking unputdownable, addictive, sarcastic, hilarious!

I can get enough of Finlay and Vero’s ultra smart banters, whirlwind action packed plot, engaging, genuine character development and always surprising, WTH cliffhangers full your addiction to crave more series!

I loved this second book so much more and I truly need at least 5 books for this series ( I can also need a brilliant adaptation!

I’m telling you my friends Finlay Donovan series are everything you need! Your heart rate get skyrocketed at action scenes and you laugh so hard till your stomach hurts and you cannot feel your face! It guarantees an amazing, ultra entertaining time!

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.

Finlay Donovan is my new favorite female protagonist. Her and Vero’s adventures make me laugh. I am delighted to hear that this could possibly be a TV series! I am looking forward to more of her adventures.

4 stars

Oh, Finn!

Despite the long list of arcs I should be reading before it, I jumped this one to the front of the line the day I received it; I was not disappointed.

Fans of Finlay and Vero's exploits - because I think it's hard to not love Vero - will be pleased with this second installment of the series. This time, the focal point changes in a satisfying way: preventing the murder for hire of Finlay's ex-husband! This man is so unlikeable that it's easy to think that this contract killer might just solve EVERYONE's problems if they succeed, but Finlay is too practical and decent to let that happen...especially when her two small kids might be caught in the crosshairs.

What I enjoyed most about this second book is three-fold. First, I love the tie-ins between Finlay's life and her novel. It's fun to guess what will happen to Finlay based on her predictions for her characters. Second, the romantic relationships are less simplified than one might expect in this genre. They are more layered and round, and I love that while this romantic element is present, it never takes over who Finlay is or where her focus lands. Finally, the relationship between Finlay and Vero grows, and I love to see a friendship at the center of any novel featuring women identifying folks: particularly a healthy one that doesn't revolve around fighting for some trash dude.

Overall, this is a very satisfying follow-up to the first novel in the series. On a related note, this is one of those situations in which readers should DEFINITELY read the first book before jumping into the second. There's already a great setup for the next one, and my eyes will be peeled until that arc - if I'm fortunate enough! - lands in my inbox! Recommended.

Ya’ll. Elle Cosimano freaking DOES IT AGAIN. Finlay Donovan, I can’t. We have another witty, captivating, mystery that leaves you wanting more with every page. I loved that it picked up right where the first book left off. This book is just as good as the first one, it is seriously THE perfect sequel, and I hope that we continue to have more Finlay books for years to come. Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. I fully intend on preordering this book as soon as possible! Finlay must live on my shelves.

I was SO SO excited to read this book. Probably the most excited I've been for any new book ever, because as I've said over and over Finlay Donovan is my all time favorite book character. She reminds me of Amelia Bedelia (if you've never read those books as a child, I'm sorry) but with dead bodies and shovels.

So, as far as this book goes... It was ABSOLUTE PERFECTION. Like there are 5 star reads and then there are books that you wish you could give 10 stars, but this book I wish I could give a whole galaxy of stars. It has absolutely everything... Humor, romance, shovels, wigs, dead bodies, and so many twists and turns you'll have whiplash!

Finlay and Vero are absolutely RIDICULOUS but in the best way possible!

Thank you SO much Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for letting me read one of the most requested ARCs right now. I almost wish I didn't read it early so I had something to look forward to when it comes our February 1, 2022. I guess I'll just have to re-read my already pre-ordered hardcover copy 📖

If you haven't read Finlay Donovan Is Killing It yet, now's the time so you can be all ready when Finlay Donovan Knocks Em Dead comes out... Because it's going to be huge! So excited for the next book... and equally excited to see Finlay in a brand new TV series!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5/5 stars! I was so excited when I got approved for this one on NetGalley, because I loved the first book in the series. Book 2 does not disappoint!

Finlay is back with a new problem: someone wants her ex-husband dead. Along with Vero, she buckles up for another wild ride, all while the murder trials from book 1 are ongoing.

This is full of just as much suspense, drama, and comedy as the first. It’s not your typical mystery novel - the twists are creative and keep you guessing. Finlay and Vero are a hilarious duo. I didn’t want to stop reading and was sad when it ended. Truly one of the most entertaining books I’ve read all year.

The end (!!!) leaves an open door for another in the series. I can’t wait to read what comes next! Elle Cosimano is a phenomenal writer!

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

Publication date: February 1, 2022

Fans rejoice! Finlay and Vero are back, and they're better than ever. Last year when I was introduced to Finlay, I couldn't help but fall in love with her all around. From the mortifying mom moments, the asshat exhusband moments, and the building of friendships, and family, Finlay delivers. Book 2 delivers even more, and it is a laugh out loud ride that readers don't want to miss!

Book one ends with Finlay discovering someone has ordered a hit on her exhusband, on a mom group website. And until she and Vero can figure out who, when, where or why she has to keep her kids safe, and that means keeping them away from Steven, which he is not happy with.

As Finlay weaves her way through the dating world, and through the ups and downs of someone trying to murder her exhusband, she finds herself in (while unusual), funny, laugh out loud moments. I love how Elle was able to introduce new story lines as well, which is going to allow for this series to really flourish. I love that I got to know more about "hot cop" Nick, while Julian was on vacation, and I love how we got more of a feel of Finlay's parents, as well more of Vero's past coming to light. I even have to admit I liked how this ended with Steven. The characters in this story are starting to build more momentum and I know that these are going to be some of my favorite characters for years to come.

Finlay Donovan Knocks Em Dead is a laugh out loud, enjoyable read that left me turning pages all day. I loved this book so much that I devoured it within hours, and now I am "patiently" waiting to see where "Z" is going to take Finaly next....

EasyClean better move fast!

Thank you so much to @netgalley @minotaur and @ellecosimano`for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

I flew through the first Finlay Donovan book, but I had to drag myself through this one. For me, the plot was just too convoluted, and I didn’t feel like there was much character development. Whoever the characters were in book one, they are pretty much the same in book two. Even Vero’s “revelation” near the end of the book doesn’t really shake things up in any meaningful way, and I would even say that the aftermath of her revelation seems unrealistic. I skimmed through chunks during the second half and although I liked the ending, I don’t really feel like the Finlay Donovan saga really advanced much. Also, although this is a comedy, I thought some of the elements (regarding the freezer) were just too macabre. I will continue to read the series, though, because I am invested in the characters and the last page of this book sets up a potentially interesting third installment.

Decent sequel. The plot seemed a bit chaotic as there were so many moving parts and characters. This made it hard to really become engrossed.

Finlay and Vero are back, but this time they are trying to keep Steve (the father of Findlay’s children) from being murdered. With a deadline quickly approaching for her upcoming novel, her Hot Cop and future Lawyer boyfriends getting in the way, and dismembered body parts to be found what could possibly go wrong?

I was giggling to myself with this one from the very first chapter when Finlay and Vero were holding funeral services for Christopher (Delia’s dead goldfish). I absolutely adore Finlay and Vero’s relationship and how they have each other’s back through everything. Once again @ellecosimano has done it, weaving a page turning, quick witted thriller together. This one will keep you laughing and shaking your head at the ridiculous situations Finlay finds herself in.

This one is out Feb 1,, 2022 so be sure to watch for it! Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I was so excited to read this book because I fell in love with Finlay after reading Finlay Donovan is Killing It! This sequel did not disappoint. Elle Cosimano stayed true to the first book and used a lot of the same elements to stay true to Finlay's character. There were many laugh out loud moments and so many ridiculous scenarios that made me chuckle. I really like how the story came to an end and it also seems that it has been set up for a third book! Cannot wait!

Woohoo! Finlay Donovan is back for another over the top adventure!

Same sense of humor
Same adorable kids
Same clever sidekick
Same love triangle
Same writer’s block
and oops…

Another accidental murder.

This time it’s the goldfish that bites the dust!

When Finlay learns that someone put a hit on her ex-husband, Steven, she and Vero team up once again to uncover the mastermind of this sinister plot before her whole family ends up floating like the goldfish.

This was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and it did not disappoint! Did you see my happy dance when I found out I was approved to review this ARC?! It moved straight to the top of my TBR! Thankfully, the second book is just as funny and over the top as the first. I highly recommend reading these books in order, as it will make the most sense. Finlay and Vero are the dynamic duo of amateur sleuths and continue to entertain with their shenanigans. Somehow they manage to solve the mystery while always escaping the law (it helps to be dating your neighborhood policeman). This adventure is just as fun as the first, and might not be last! Stay tuned for more adventures! I can’t wait!

4/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur books for the ARC of Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead in exchange for an honest review.

Our favorite accidental hit-woman is back!
When Finlay Donavan Kills It first hit the book world it was everywhere, bookstagram, bookstores, GoodReads you name it. I was a bit apprehensive at first to read it because sometimes overly hyped books don’t work for me but Finlay Donavan was one of the few that did live up to all the hype. I gave it a perfect 5-star rating and added it to my list of favorite reads of 2021. Needless to say, I couldn't wait to read the second book in the series.

Struggling to finish her second novel and being a single mom of two children, Finlay discovers on a mom's online forum that someone is looking to hire a hitman to kill her ex-husband Steven. Even though Finlay and Steven are not on the best terms, she still doesn't want something bad to happen to the father of her children.

This was one laugh-out-loud, suspense-filled, mystery puzzle ride that I did not want to get off of! Finlay’s story continues exactly where the first book ended. In case you forgot certain aspects of the first book, the second book perfectly recaps every single detail that happened. All of the beloved characters from the first book are in the second book too.

From the first page to the last I was completely hooked. Finlay puts her detective skills to the test again with a couple of new disguises. I loved all of the over-the-top action scenes including a shootout with molotov cocktails.

Finlay Donavan Knocks Em Dead is a must-read for all fans of Finlay Donavan is Killing it! I highly recommend both books in the series to all readers. A huge congratulations to Elle Cosimano for writing this magnificently entertaining read. Without spoiling anything, I am keeping my fingers crossed for a third book!

Many thanks to Netgalley, and Minotaur books for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

I was obsessed with the first book and it was hilarious and this one did not disappoint so funny and slight Thriller vibes. So so hilarious. Can't wait to listen to the audiobook version. Read both of these books! Such a good series!

I absolutely loved the first Finlay Donovan mystery, and the second iteration surely did not disappoint! It had the same witty banter and clever plot under a new set of mysterious circumstances. I loved learning more about Finlay as our main character and I enjoyed the quirky side characters as well. I feel that the longer this series continues, the more readers will get to know and become attached to the characters. I hope there will be many more! This was a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for me. I highly recommend picking it up when it comes out next year!

Thank you to both NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for providing me an advance copy of Elle Cosimano’s second book in the Finlay Donovan series, Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead, in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead is an apt title for not only the character, but especially the author since that is exactly what Ms. Cosimano’s does in her sophomore novel in this series. Similar to my experience in reading the first one, I felt as if the book was over in a matter of minutes—I couldn’t put it down! I was genuinely worried when the material was not as funny as the first, but I quickly forgot that nonsense because the plot was definitely more exciting and contained more grotesque passages.

True to the format of the first novel, I was once again pleasantly surprised when the book blurb lived up to its description, none of the obvious plot twists occurred, and readers received another satisfying ending. I am convinced someone on the publishing team is reading reviews because readers are blessed with further developed side characters without detracting from the excitement or pace of the novel, which is the sole gripe mentioned in my review of the first book in the series.

Sylvia and Julian are the only characters that take a major backseat this time around, but that is mostly fine because who wants to read about a boss pestering someone for work or a relationship that is borderline inappropriate in the #metoo era? Kudos, however, to the author for pointing out the social stigma re: men and women, and dating someone younger. That being said, I am happy to move on with the political commentary and to return to the original intention of this novel: pure entertainment and escapism. I caution readers who are not interested in suspending their beliefs to steer clear of this novel. None of us want you ruining our fun.

Again, while the dialogue lacked the clever witticisms that readers were exposed to in the first, the action-packed plot more than made up for the shortage of humor. There is plenty of suspense, red herrings, and police involvement. There is also a particularly arresting scene with the head crime boss, Feliks Zhirov. Another nice touch by the author to include a date that takes place at a Russian restaurant; an unusual and infrequently used cuisine by authors.

Are you still listening to my blathering? Stop, and go read this book. I promise you will not be disappointed. More Finlay, more Vero, and more badassery. Oh yeah, and more of hot cop Nick, who seems to be a hit with both real and fictional readers. There is also a well-written scene involving a shoot-out that is worth the read.

If this novel is any indication of how the script will be written for the upcoming TV series, then I am beyond excited for its release. I also cannot wait until book three is published, which I assume is happening given the way book two ends. I highly recommend that you read the Finlay Donovan series if you have not yet done so. Final word of advice: read them in order!