This is the sequel to Finlay Donovan is Killing It, and I was worried I might be lost having not read the first in the series. Fortunately this book stands on its own as a great mystery with twists and suspense. The supporting characters, Vero (her nanny/housekeeper), Javier, Nick, and her ex husband all keep the reader on their toes as Finlay not only juggles her work life and possible involvement in crime in her personal life, but also her love life.

I really enjoyed the narrator's voice, and how she was able to channel Vero, the children, and the men while allowing the reader to stay in the story and recognize each unique voice.

I recommend this for anyone looking for a great suspense, comedy, or romance book!

Finlay is a lovable character, made obvious by the success of the first book. I see what the hype is about: overall I enjoyed the pace and overall gist of this story and would recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance audio version of this book for review.

This was a very fun and exciting read overall. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and I had trouble with the audio version (in keeping track with who was speaking, etc.) but otherwise really enjoyed this book! I would recommend a print or ebook copy vs. audiobook of this, and any other book really with so many conversations yet only one narrator.

I'm more of a rom-com fan so my opinion of this is both biased and unbiased (is that possible? Ha!) I do like the slight steam factor here at times because every story needs passion. I could have done without a few of the gory details (SPOILER: a torso in a trunk, etc.) but I'm sure that those who read mysteries more often are used to similar content due to the nature of the genre.

I'd say 3.5/4 stars!

Thank you Mcmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of audiobook for review purposes.

This book is the second in the series, following a largely popular first book "Finlay Donovan Is Killing It" published in 2021. I listened to both books as audiobooks, and the narration is fabulous. The books are funny and kept me interested. If you haven't read the first book, I would recommend to read that one first before reading the second one because the second book is a continuation of the first book in this series. While the author does terrific job splicing in events from the first book into the second book (helped me to remember some of the details), it would be fuller experience if you had read the first one. Also, if you didn't like the first book for some reason, you are not going to like the second one either. Both books are in similar funny veins, with mystery, comedy, and romance all rolled into one romp. I appreciate the author created all characters to be likable, even villains. I admit I am not a huge fan of this genre; however, I like and cheer for all characters in this book and look forward to listening to the third one in the series.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead AUDIO by Elle Cosimano is the second in this series. I highly recommend reading the first before you tackle this one, although you fan probably get by. Finlay is a divorced mom with a roommate/accountant/babysitter/partner in crime in Vero. Vero was the nanny Stephen had hired before he left. She hates him because he thought one of her duties would be to take care of him as well as the children. Finlay writes mystery/hot sex books and is, so far, managing to keep them afloat. The problem is that she gets a lot of her ideas from real life: her real life. She gets herself mixed up in some pretty crazy things, mostly by accident. She reminds me of Stephanie Plum in many ways. She, like Plum, has phenomenally good luck along with the bad luck, which rules her life. Vero is the voice of reason, except when she's not. Finlay has an old mini-van that is on its last legs but she refuses to get rid of . . .too many memories.

Finlay manages to get mixed up with mobsters. She also seems to end up with dead bodies on her hands way too often. She is very confused about who and what she wants in her life and ends up being lovable as she wanders through the muck. She is really not someone you would want to be close to, but she is uber-entertaining in her books. The only one who can make a bigger mess is her mother. This is a totally entertaining book!
Angela Dawe does a credible job as the narrator. She manages to keep a straight face through all of Finlay's escapades and never once shouts, "Look out!" I am not sure who would do it better than Dawe.

I was invited to listen to a free e-audio of Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Macmillan Audio, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #macmillanaudio #ellecosimano #finlaydonovanknocksemdead

I loved the first book in this series and the follow-up is no different. I absolutely flew through this audiobook. This author mixes in funny, flawed characters with outrageous circumstances and the result is a wild, fantastic ride. I can hardly wait to see what happens in the next installment. The narrator was perfect in her representation of each character and I couldn't help but laugh out loud in several parts of the story and sticky situations. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun, thrilling and sometimes steamy story.

3.5 Stars
Just released 2/1! The story of Findlay Donavan continues. This time around Findlay learns someone has hired as a hit man to take out her ex-husband. She does her best to navigate her life, which not easy in the slightest bit, She’s dealing with the mob, investigating who’s out for her ex-husband, children to care for, has her best friend Vero living with her, involved with a steamy law student, and also cop who has the hots for her. I missed the humor the first book had, but still found it very entertaining, I loved the narrator for this novel.

Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for this audio book.

Finlay and Vero are back with another adventure full of humor, misunderstood identity, a whirlwind family dynamic, and, of course, murder!

It hasn't been long since Finlay accidentally became a hitman due to a case of mistaken identity but now, the hit is on her ex-husband Stephen. Throughout this book Finlay deals with trying to finish her book, protect her family, untangle her love life, get her name off the list of contract killers, distance herself from the mob, and figure out what's really going on with the allusive Vera who simultaneously helped cover up a murder with Finlay and become her live-in nanny/best friend. Finlay's life is definitely of complicated but readers will enjoy the laugh-out-loud humor and twists that unfolds in the newest installation of the series.

The audio book gave a voice to the characters that we love in a well-paced and enjoyable way.

I would absolutely recommend the Finlay Donovan series in any format.

I loved everything about this book, it equally as good as the first. I love Elle's imagery and character development is so strong. I love Finlay's quirkiness - she's one of my favorite fiction characters. Highly recommend this to anyone for a light, cozy mystery with a fun twist at the end.

A Funny Romp Through The Misadventures of Finlay D.

SUMMARY
Finlay Donovan juggles her writing career with being a single mother of two. Thankfully she has a live-in nanny, Vero, who can always rely on. Finlay is getting quite the reputation as someone who can take care of wayward husbands. But now, she has become aware that someone has placed an ad on the dark web to find someone to murder her ex-husband, Steven.

While there are days she wishes he was dead, she refuses to let anyone harm the father of her children. Particularly when it might put their children at risk. She is determined to find who posted that ad and report them to the police.

“My life isn’t some cute, curated Instagram page, Julian! You’re right, it’s a hot freaking mess! It comes with baby gates and childproof locks. It comes with car seats and diapers, and a controlling ex-husband, and a meddling, nosy, opinionated mother, and a sister who’s a cop! It comes with things I’ve done that you probably don’t want to know about. And maybe it’s better that there are parts of it you can’t see right now.”

REVIEW

FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS ‘EM DEAD is a funny romp through the misadventures of a thirty-one-year-old writer/mother trying to protect her ex-husband. Finlay and Vero’s characters and their exploits will have you rolling your eyes.

Elle Cosimano had written a story that crosses many genres. It’s part comedy, part cozy, part romance, part women fiction, and part mystery. She brings in technology and the dark web as well as the Russian mob and it all fits together. Fans of hairbrain comedy will love this one. Finlay gets in over her head without a thought and will take you on a wild and crazy ride.

I recommend reading the first book in the series FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT before reading this one. I did not and felt as if I was missing something important. Cosimano reports that more books in this series are underway, so now is the time to catch up. The books are also being made into a television series by the same producer who did Big Little Lies. Casting is happening soon too. I wonder who will play Finlay?

The narrator Angela Dawe is the narrator for the book. Her voice, pacing, and delivery are perfect for the book. Dawe treats listeners to an assortment of accents and personalities.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

“You’re handling Steven all wrong, sweetheart. There’s no sense locking horns with an ox. Fighting with him only gives him exactly what he wants.” “What’s that?” “Your attention,” she said with a sympathetic smile. “He’s like a toddler, Finlay. He’s done playing with his toy, but he doesn’t want anyone else to have it, and he’s going to throw a tantrum until he gets his way.”

Publisher Macmillan Audio/Minotaur
Published February 2, 2022
Narrated Angela Dawe
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

I missed the first book in this series but WOW I really jumped into this one and loved it! Findlay is a hot mess if there ever was one. She is a struggling author and mother of two with an ex-husband who now seems to be on a hit list. Add in the nanny with secrets who likes to help but stirs up trouble just the same, the law student hot squeeze, and the hot cop who really wants to get closer. What is she to do but try to keep her ex from getting killed by trying to foil the hit at all costs and find out who ordered it. This one was not only zany but had so many twists it had me sneaking to listen during work! Definitely want more of this series!

Ok. I need the next book (which I am hoping there will be one) asap. Just consider me Finlay's agent saying she needs it NOW.
I loved this installment of the Finlay Donovan series. I don't think I have laughed that hard reading anyhting in a long time. I had a feeling what the last twist would be but I still wasn't 100% sure.

5 stars for Finlay Donovan!!

My favorite characters are back—of course, Finlay and her close buddy, Vero.

It’s a “story in the story” concept, Finlay is struggling with a strong case of writer’s block. Her agent is hounding her for the book that was promised but she’s easily distracted and discovers “Fed Up” has posted a hit request aimed at her ex on a female chat forum.

She's had one short stint as an accidental hit woman who’s totally inept but somehow no matter how deep she gets in ca-ca, she still manages to come up smelling like a rose. Vero either assists or comes up with the next crazy idea. These two are Laurel and Hardy. It’s slap-stick comedy with virtual pratfalls.

And always, with the worst possible timing, another call from her agent, but it’s beginning to look like she’s got this. Book 2, though, just didn’t quite have that humorous level of innocent bumbling quality as the first for me.

What of Nick and Julian? Her sister, a cop, is a great character among several engaging characters. The writer levels her brand of humor at the reader in staccato-like patterns with advance and retreat schemes.

Okay, novel 2 done. I’m looking forward to Book 3—the characters provide a chuckle or two, the mysteries are well-plotted, entertaining, fast reading, and the tension ramps up nicely into a satisfying conclusion.

I was really looking forward to this one and got the audiobook. I loved that debut, the first in what appears to be a successful series. My thanks and appreciation to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the copy of the audiobook. 4.5 stars rounded down

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead serves up a second dose of over-the-top madcap murder mystery. If you liked the first book, definitely pick this book up! It's another very light read with plenty of ridiculous situations and not much logical reasoning.
If, like me, you hated the first - take comfort in this book being slightly more palatable. Finlay is back, as dysfunctional and incompetent as before. If it weren't for her aversion to any attempt at writing magically allowing her to draft wildly successful books in one sitting and her nanny Vero handling anything remotely approaching an adult responsibility, Finlay would be a wreck by now. As it is, she's only a hot mess who harshly criticizes other people and is completely dismissive of her own flaws. She strings along two different love interests she won't stop lying to, and plays hot-and-cold with her ex husband. Add in some far-fetched mob scenarios that drown any hope for suspension of disbelief, and you have this novel!
The worst part of this story was how very uncomfortable I felt with the representation of the police force. An officer flouts all protocol to include Finlay in situations that should not involve her while feeding her private information related to an ongoing case. The officer refuses to objectively consider Finlay as a suspect despite suspicious circumstances, breaks rules to get her out of serious situations, and looks the other way while she breaks the law. These things are not only unaddressed, but presented as good choices on the part of the officer.
The best part of the story is easily the friendship between Finlay and Vero. While the relationship isn't perfect, both characters are depicted as committed to helping one another. They treat one another like family and show no sign of giving up on each other, despite some poor choices and secrets that come to light.
My opinions will likely be in the minority again, and I'm fine with that - Finlay has many fans, and I'm sure they will love this installment in what promises to be an extended series.

Happy Belated Pub Day to Finlay Donovan #2! Missed this by one day but you know, good enough! I was lucky enough to receive an ALC of Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead which was incredible since it’s one of my most anticipated books of 2022.

Last year I read Finlay Donovan is Killing it and looooved it. Usually I’m not one for a cozy mystery type but Finlay Donovan as a character is probably one of my favorites! Here is a mom trying her very hardest but gets into the most unfortunate high jinks!

FD Knocks Em Dead absolutely lived up to the first in the series. This was an easy 5 stars for me. I loved the circumstances in this and again revisiting all the characters I fell in love with previously. The author takes the character development of each one to a whole other level giving everyone more realness and making me love them more.

This series has been approved for 4 books and the ending of this certainly set up #3 nicely. Honestly just most disappointed that I have to wait so long for the next in the series!

Ya’ll I hate a series, but if there’s a book three, you best bet I’m pre-ordering it. I can’t get enough of Finlay and Vero and whatever mess they find themselves in! And of course the “hot cop”.

Just like book one, the sequel is packed full of suspense, mystery, and soccer mom humor. So entertaining and kept me turning pages! I just love the quirky-ness of Finlay and the strong friendship she’s built with Vero.

Absolutely loved the narration in this audio version. Angela Dawe was the perfect choice! It is exactly how I imagine Finlay’s voice in my head. As much as I prefer a physical copy, I highly suggest the audio version.

Thank you @ellecosimano @netgalley @macmillan.audio for this audio ARC! Enjoyed every bit!! Available now!

A cozy who-dun it! I loved meeting Finlay for the first time (I didn't read the first book) and found that I could read this as a standalone with not many unanswered questions. The characters were all loveable and the book was quite entertaining! I'm excited to read the 1st book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Happy PUB week to Finley Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano.

She may want to kill her ex….but does she actually want him dead?

Finley Donovan is back in action! She picks up right where she left off in book one. Vero is Finley’s partner in crime, Nanny and best friend. They embark in adventures to try and save Finleys cheating ex-husband. But the question is, will they succeed in saving him?

I actually went back and read Finley Donovan is Killing it so I can connect both books before starting this one. Finley and Vero are too funny. I could not stop laughing at them. These books are the perfect laugh you need in your life. If you haven’t read them, add them to your TBR!

Please @ellecosimano give us more Finley Donovan!

Thank you @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the ARC

roines, netgalley

I feel the title of this book is such a fitting review, because this one really knocked me dead! This second installment was everything I thought this series had the potential to be. Once again, Finlay and Vero were knee deep in murder for hire plots. The comedy and humor was well balanced with action. Yes, some things were over the top, but it was done in right fashion. I also loved how Cosmimano weaved the Finlay's writing into the storyline. Even though I despise "love triangles, this one was tolerable, and I have a clear favorite. The relationship with Finlay and Vero was the shining star. I cannot wait for the third installment to see what antics these two get into next.

Audio - Angela Dawe was a fantastic narrator and brought Finlay's character to life. It was as if she were telling the story to you and not simply reading a book. Her kids' accents had me rolling with laughter.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my advanced audio.

Another fun ride with Finlay Donovan that I could not put down. I'm already looking forward to the next book!

This was such a fun read! I enjoyed every second of this audiobook! Highly recommend this interesting and fun story . I loved this story as much as the first! So grateful to have been able to listen to it before it was released! Can’t wait for more to come out from this author!