Cover Image: Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead

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Member Reviews

Finlay is BACK! I loved Finlay Donovan Is Killing It and this one picks right up where book 1 ends. I recommend reading this soon after the first, as a lot of the characters we see are back!

This book has the same fresh take on a mystery, it lacked some of the humor of book 1, but it still brought me laughs and surprised me as I read it. Finlay is still a hot mess in this book, but maybe a little less so. I don't want to spoil book 1 or this one so I'm going to do my best to write a review that doesn't. Finlay is doing her best to protect her kids, much to her ex-husband's chagrin. Finlay is doing her best when faced with decisions that aren't easy. The ending had me *almost* throwing my kindle because it raised so many more questions. I'm just sad that I have to wait for book 3.

This book was a wild ride and I finished in one go. I did a mix of audio and reading and loved having both to help me not have to take breaks while I was working.

Thank you to Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

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Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is the phenomenal sequel in Elle Cosimano's new cozy mystery serious. If you thought the first book was good, prepare to love this one even more! Finlay and Vero are at it again, this time trying to save Stephen from being assassinated. Finlay may not love her ex anymore, but she can't let her kids go without a father. As we go through a crazy jumble of events, decide between a hot cop and young lawyer, we're left to wonder whether or not Finlay can save Stephen before time runs out (and more importantly - which guy she choose to be with).

This book is hysterical. I highly recommend it if you love a good murder mystery and a good amount of playfulness. It's a complete page turner, I finished the whole thing in one day. I definitely recommend the audiobook, as the narrator does such an amazing job. There's nothing I hated about this book. Plus, it left on a cliffhanger... I'm dying to know what happens next!

Needless to say, easy 5/5 stars.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced listening copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It will be published Feb 1, 2022

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As soon as I heard Elle Cosimano was coming out with another Finlay book, I knew I had to get my hands on it! Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is the second book in the series and it starts right where we left off. This book is full of suspense, twists and turns, and makes me laugh out loud while I’m home alone on the couch.
Finlay is back writing a new novel, while fighting crime with her live-in nanny Vero. Finlay and Vero stumble upon a women’s group where someone posted that they wanted her ex-husband dead. In order to find out who put a hit on her ex-husband, Finlay and Vero must become detectives to keep her ex-husband alive and her children safe.
I am always nervous about reading second books in a series that I will not remember what happened in the first book. The author did an amazing job of recapping what happened in the first book without making it seem like a summary. I was listening to the audiobook version, and the voices and characters’ personalities really came to light. I will say, Vero’s voice was a little different than what my mind pictured reading it. With the love interests, laugh out loud comedies, and dynamic characters, I think this will make a great television series one day. I cannot wait for book number 3 to come out! 5 stars for Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead!

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Finlay and Vero are back...
This second installment to the Finlay Donovan series was just what I wanted.
I really enjoyed this one. Very well done with some twist and some laugh out loud moments.

I did give the first book 5 stars this one was good but not 5 star worthy. I look forward to the next installment to this fun, witty laugh out loud series that keeps you reading.

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SCREAMINGGGG THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN I LOVE FINLAY AND VERO AND THE TWO ANNOYING KIDS LIKE SLAYYYY I ALSO LOVE HOW TAKENTED THE NARRATOR IS LOL

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I really liked the first book in this series (which I also listened to on audio). I liked this one, but not quite as much. I like Finlay as a protagonist and Vero as her friend/partner, and there are a lot of good side characters. However, I didn't find this book as funny as the first, and some of the antics and situations that Finlay and Vero got into were a bit too much for me to believe, even knowing that the overall premise of this book was going to a caper. I sincerely hope that this doesn't go the way of the Stephanie Plum books where there is essentially no character development - it doesn't seem like it will. I was happy with some of the unexpected events in the end, and will definitely put book three on my to-listen list. I liked the narrator overall, I was a little unenthused with her "sexy"Nick voice.

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Finlay is back and she is better than ever! I enjoyed this sequel even more than the first book Finlay Donvan is Killing It. Finlay is still involved in dangerous adventures, this time someone is trying to kill her ex-husband which she and her sidekick Vera have amusing mixed feelings about.

The action may be dangerous but the dialogue is still funny and there are plenty of shenanigans and twists and turns to keep you entertained to the end of the book. Of course it wouldn't be a Finlay Donovan book without a little romance in the mix. Dare I say love triangle 😏

All in all this audiobook is a fun listen that leaves you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next installment of Finlay's madcap adventures.

Thank you MacMillan Audio for an advance listening copy of this entertaining audiobook .

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Finlay Donovan is a hoot! This series is a good one. If you like the Stephanie Plum series, you will like this.
I will say the first book was a little better, But all in all still a very well done book. Thanks Minotaur Books,
Netgalley, and goodreads for the advanced audio and paperback copy.

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This was a perfect follow up to the first book, having all the whacky hijinks and ridiculousness of the first book with so much heart and charm to carry it all off. It's impossible not to care about Finlay and Vero and want to know how they'll get out of the next mess... and the next. I'm definitely hoping for more adventures in the future! (and, of course, that ending makes it seem like there's at least one more!)

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Thank you to NetGalley for the advance audio copy of this book. Finlay Donovan is back, YAY!!! I love this character, she is strong, her family sometimes annoys her, although her ex-husband is a jerk, she always does the right thing by him. Her "nanny", Vero is a great partner, and the other characters in the story are very well-drawn, In this second Finlay book, she still is mixed-up with the Russian Mob, and trying to figure out who (if anyone) has ordered a hit on her ex-husband. Julian the law student and "Hot Cop" are still viable love interests. The action moves the plot along nicely, and I was sad to get to the last page. I look forward to the next adventures of Finlay!

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FD is back at it again! Shenanigans galore. I will say the first part of it seems a bit slow, but then about half way through everything kicks off.

It is such a fun series. I am definitely looking forward to the next one.

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This is the second book in the series. You could probably read it as a stand alone but I think reading them in order adds a lot of value. This book is fantastic. I laughed out loud repeatedly, it kept me guessing, and I like all the characters on some level. Highly Recommend this series.

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Just as satisfying and fun as the first, Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is a great read!!

Once again Finlay is approaching the deadline for her next novel when her life gets "complicated." This time Finlay and her feisty sidekick/partner/nanny, Vero, discover that someone wants her ex-husband, Steven, dead. As they try to uncover the identity of this person, they, once again get in way over their heads. The two find themselves tangled up with the Russian Mafia and are desperately trying to keep the charismatic Detective Nick off their trail. This leads to many close calls, surprises and laugh out loud moments throughout. The cast of characters are another reason why this story works so well.

I loved Finlay Donovan is Killing It and had high expectations for this new book. It did not disappoint!! These books are such a breath of fresh air. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Finlay and Vero in the next book. The narrator did a great job narrating this book!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #ElleCosimano #FinlayDonovanKnocks"EmDead

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Solid follow up book to Finlay Donovan is Killing It! This one had the same fun energy and mystery as the first one without as many bodies to dispose of. I liked the change of Steven being in danger and Finlay/Vero trying to solve the mystery before he was killed. It added a fun change on the first book while keeping the same vibes.

There were parts if this book that felt like reality really went off the rails and that were more unbelievable than the first one. Finlay and Vero made a lot of dumb decisions in this one that I was shaking my head at frequently. Despite that, I still enjoyed this book even though it dragged a little in parts.

I don’t know if there will be another book, but the epilogue definitely set it up for one. I’ll for sure keep reading Finlay’s stories if for nothing else than the fun and hilarious antics her and Vero get up to!

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Thanks so much to Macmillan Audio for the alc of Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead!
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Surprisingly, I enjoyed this book quite a bit more than the first! I've listened to both on audio, but I found I had an easier time following this one. I also found Finlay and Vero's friendship a bit more fleshed out and endearing. The narration is excellent, too!
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While some parts are sort of unbelievable, I think that totally fits with the farce aspect of this book - I don't think everything is supposed to make sense and that confusion and "what the heck" ness adds to the humor in the book. I kept reminding myself that this isn't a thriller - it's more like a funny mystery... is that a thing?? :)
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I'm looking forward to installment three as FDKED somewhat ends in a cliffhanger!

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Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead (Finlay Donovan #2) by Elle Cosimano

The story picks right up where it left off from the last book with Finlay, Vero, and their crazy, madcap world of hit-men, Russian mobsters, and crimes to be solved. Finlay and Vero are trying to hunt down the person who is looking to hire a contract killer to take out Finlay’s sleazy ex-husband.

The story is fast-paced, fun, and there are tons of twists and turns to keep you hooked. I really enjoy the friendship between Finlay and Vero. They look out for each other. Side note—the amount of people that randomly offer child care to Finlay is completely foreign to me. I don’t think I’ve had the amount of offers she gets in the few days the book covers in my entire 19 years as a parent.

Not all the mysteries are solved and hopefully a third book will be forthcoming. There’s plenty left to find out about Vero and her past. Plus, we’re going to want to know who Finlay ends up with, the lawyer or the cop.

Thanks to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook. It will be released on 2/1/22. So if you haven’t read the first one, Finlay Donovan is Killing It, you’ve got some time.

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Taking off where Finlay Donovan is Killing It left off, Finlay and Vero once again are up to their necks in trouble. Trouble that leaves us laughing out loud. Trouble that has us shaking our heads and saying no, no, NO!!

When Finlay finds out there’s a hit on her ex husband’s life, she and Vero start their own investigation into who might want Steven dead. Unfortunately, it’s not a short list. Regardless of the divorce, Steven is a good father and Finlay and Vero get themselves into some hilarious situations to save him.

As Finlay tries to balance two suitors (a young law student and a “hot” cop) home life and saving Steven with her loyal sidekick, Vero, we readers are highly entertained.

Once again Cosimano takes us on a delightful journey with Finlay and Vero. Their hijinks are highly amusing and I’m hoping for much more from Finlay and Vero!!

Angela Dawe keeps us enthralled as we listen to her perfect narration.

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Another fun mystery in this series. It was great to reconnect with all the characters and dive into the all the wild hijinks. I really enjoyed all the interactions and situations Finlay found herself in.

The narrator was great doing excellent voices. I really liked the listening experience.

Overall fun listen and definitely a book I’d recommend to someone looking for a fun mystery.

My only problem with Netgalley audiobook is that the app does something to the sound quality. I cannot listen past a certain speed without everything sounding weird.

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From text messages I just sent to a group chat with fellow bookworms:

I’m struggling with how to review the second Finlay Donovan. What I loved about the first one is that I didn’t mind how predictable the book was because of how ridiculous—and ridiculously funny it was.

However the author has clearly matured and this story is less predictable and less over-the-top. Finlay has matured as well, she is less clueless, which helps her be steps ahead of the police.

My initial thought was to give it three stars, but I literally stayed up past my bedtime to finish reading it. I may end up giving it four stars.

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This is my second Finlay Donovan reading experience, but my first audiobook. At first I was not sure what I thought of Finlay’s voice. “This wasn’t how I pictured her in my head!” was my first thought. But I’m pleased to say that Angela Dawe’s strong performance quickly changed my mind. She truly embodied the spunk, quirkiness, intelligence and sass that makes all of us adore Finlay. I really enjoyed this audiobook and in the future I think I’ll listen to all of Finlay’s adventures on audio.

This is another charming, warm, well-characterized mystery featuring Finlay Donovan, intrepid novelist and sometime detective, and her nanny and good friend Vero (who at times I love even more than Finlay!). Not unlike our author Elle Cosimano, Finlay is finding her way writing her next novel; but unlike the author (I hope), Finlay has once again found herself embroiled in a murder-for-hire plot, this time involving her ex-husband, Steven. The author peppers in just enough romance to keep things fun and cute while then refocusing in the mystery. There are some hilarious characters and misunderstandings in the sequel, just as there were in the first book, and I thoroughly enjoyed this ride, which was smooth and exciting, not unlike a sports car that features prominently in the plot.

I love Finlay and Vero and I am excited to read the third installment of this series! Thanks to Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, NetGalley and the author for this charming and fun mystery that totally lives up to the fun of Finlay’s first outing. 4.5 stars ⭐️

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