
Member Reviews

Really enjoyed Finlay’s continuing adventures with Veronica! This wasn’t my favorite in the series, but it was still a lot of fun and I’m excited to see where they go next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

In book #3, Finlay is still struggling to finish her book, Vero still owes money to the mob, and the Russian mobster from book #2 is blackmailing them into finding out who is the "killer for hire" we met in book #2. Finlay and Vero go to "citizens' police camp" to track down a dirty cop they suspect is the killer. There's nothing really new here, just a continuation of the story started in books 1 & 2. In fact, this one is just days/weeks later. I get frustrated with the bad choices that Finlay and Vero make, but that's what keeps the story moving and entertaining. Just suspend your disbelief and go along. Someday (maybe) Finlay will actually end up with the "hot cop" and Vero will succumb to Javi's charms, but first they have to get themselves out of the trouble they've gotten themselves into. I don't really see any end to the story any time soon. SIGH! These books aren't enlightening or inspiring, but they are kind of fun. Sometimes that's just what you need. There are plenty of sticky situations to reconcile and secrets from the past to reveal. So just keep reading.

Thanks, Minotaur Books, for the book!
FINLAY DONOVAN JUMPS THE GUN is my favorite of the series so far. I love how, in each book, Finlay and Vero’s friendship grows, and their banter gets even more amazing! But this book had more side character appearances, and I enjoyed that aspect. Plus, the police academy was so entertaining!! I’m not sure how Elle Cosimano can top that!

I recently received an email about the newest book in the Finlay Donovan series and was surprised I had never heard of this series before! It sounded like the type of book I would read, so of course, I had to start at the beginning with Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. I read the frirst two books in the series Finlay Donovan is Killing it and Finlay Donovan Knocks' em Dead and am not on to the third in the series.
The series starts when myster writer Finlay Donovan is mistaken for a hit-woman in the local Panera when a customer overhears her discussing her newest book. Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun takes place where the second book left off and I would definitely recommend reading them in order. Many great characters return in the third installment including Vero the accountant/ nanny, Feliks the Russion mob boss, Georgia the cop sister of Finlay and of course Finlay herself.
Again the situations are resolutions are not very realistic, but that what makes these cozy mystery novels fun. I will be continuing with the fourth book and can't wait to read more of Finlay and Vero's adventures.

This is the third book in the Finlay Donovan series and I couldn't wait to start it after finishing the second book. This book had so much action and intrigue throughout. Elle Cosimano threw in so many twists and turns that I had no idea what would happen next and I loved it! It was such a fun ride and as soon as I finished it, I immediately pulled up the next book to dive right back in.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the chance to read this book!

I was hoping that they would get better as the series went on not worse. I really didn’t enjoy this one much at all. I’m interested in continuing the story to see if it gets better but this one highly disappointed me.

This series continues to entertain. In this adventure, Finlay and Vero, her nanny and partner-in-crime, infiltrate the police academy training program to ferret out a secretive crime syndicate. Of course, everything goes sideways and Finlay and Vero find themselves in ever deeper waters. Hysterical and suspenseful.
DP Lyle, award-winning author, lecturer, story consultant

Still as zany as ever, Finlay and Vero attend a police training camp while they figure out how to deal with a certain Russian mobster.

Finlay Donovan books never fail to be the perfect read. They provide great humor, and a fun mystery to follow along with. This series will always be at the top of my favorite list! I love all of the aspects that this book included, family humor, mystery, and a tiny bit of drama. The storyline of this Finlay's adventure was fantastic.

Book 3: Jumps the Gun (or should we say, "Jumps the Shark")
Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster of coincidences and far-fetched scenarios. Finlay, our unstoppable protagonist, is somehow writing another book just weeks after her last publication. This time, she's whisked away to a faux police training camp run by the hunky cop she's crushing on. And this so-called "secure" facility? It's like a revolving door, with people escaping and breaking in left and right.
The stakes are high, but my ability to suspend disbelief? Not so much. It's downright cringy at times. I only persevered to complete the series. Very disappointed in this one. 2.5 stars

Finlay and Vero are still being controlled by Felix's (who is such a cool villian) and need to solve their latest caper w/o losing their heads or lives. Finlay love interest, Nick has started a citizen police academy, which may just give Finlay enough training and go undercover to solve the mystery.
Full of the usual chaos, thrill and laughs this was a good book to read
Thanks #netgalley for #FinlayDonovanJumpstheGun

Finlay Donovan and Vero are back, this time in debt to the Russian mob after an unfortunate situation with a luxury car. Hot cop Nick is running a citizen’s academy and it seems like the perfect place for Finlay and Vero to hide out while Finlay tries to work on her next book and also learn forensics and firearm training. But Feliks is still running things behind the scenes so nothing will go smoothly for the two.
Book. 3 of this series keeps up the fun and suspense as we follow all of our favorite characters. I’ve read these first three back to back so it’s been great to not have a break in between. The writing is quick and witty and all of the characters crack me up, even the bad guys are funny. I’m quite enjoying this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Available now.

Okay, so I have to admit: this book is hands down my favorite in the Finlay Donovan series so far! Elle Cosimano, you are a genius for coming up with this plot. Having these two messes of accidental crime-solvers attend a police academy training while trying to stay out of the cops’ spotlight? Pure brilliance. It’s the perfect mix of chaos and comedy, with just enough danger to keep you on the edge of your seat.
This book had me stressed. There were moments that had me holding my breath, pacing my apartment, like I was right there with Finlay and Vera in the thick of it. The stakes are higher than ever, and the tension is off the charts.
And while we got answers to some major questions, I swear for every single one of them, ten more popped up. There’s so much still to figure out, and I’m left dying to know what happens next. I love it, but also, it’s driving me crazy!
Now, can we talk about Steven? Ugh. Steven, my guy, I hate you. Seriously, how does one person manage to be so infuriating yet so fascinating at the same time? I can’t deal with him, but I’m also dying to see where his storyline goes.
All in all, if you’ve been following this series, you absolutely have to read this one. It’s full of suspense, unexpected twists, and enough tension to keep you hooked from beginning to end. But, fair warning: you’ll probably be screaming for answers by the time you finish.

I’ve read this whole series now and really love the story line! Fun and witty! Brings fun to a mystery! I would recommend this series to anyone!

Still just the most fun series full of capers and hijinks galore! I love that this explored a little more of Vero’s past and that they had to be especially careful because they were under the watchful eye of the police department while at the citizen’s police academy.

I don't even have time to write a review of this book, I just want to get straight to the next one! This series is scandalous, whitty, full of mystery and so much fun! There's a little more romance in this book, some absurdity, more trouble, and the same lovable characters who I am quickly growing attached to - it's just as entertaining as the previous books. This book ended in a bang! and there are a few loose ends that I can't wait to see wrapped up in the next book! Bring it on!

This is the 3rd book in the Finlay Donovan series. The story just keeps getting funnier and more twisted as you continue in the series. This time Finlay and Vero are going to Citizen's Boot Camp. Even Mrs. Haggerty is coming. Without giving away the story, bad guys from the last book are getting more involved in this one. Ex-Steven is even getting into the fray. Large sums of money and a contract killer who isn't just add to the funny situations. But Finlay finally makes "contact" with Nick. But sure you have read the prior books so the information makes sense since each book just adds from the last one.

"Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun" is a delightful mix of humor, heart, and mystery, perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced, entertaining story with a touch of romance. Cosimano has created a memorable heroine whose resilience and wit shine through even the most chaotic circumstances. This book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and those looking for a light-hearted escape into the world of crime and motherhood.
The chemistry between Finlay and the charismatic officer Nick adds a delightful layer of romantic tension to the narrative, further engaging the reader. The author’s witty prose and well-crafted characters make this novel a captivating read.

Although Finlay manages to keep her ex husband safe, she wasn’t so lucky with the car she borrowed. Now Finlay is indebted to the mob. Oh and she’s joined the Citizens Police Academy… like she didn’t have enough going on!
Can Finlay and Vero use what they learn in the citizen academy to help identify a contract killer?
The good times keep coming for this group! It is nonstop and you just don’t know what will be up next for this busy mom and her live in nanny.
Finlay and Vero continue to have a great relationship and show the bonds of friendship. I’m loving the what will happen between Finlay and Nick and can’t wait for the next book!

Thank You NetGalley for an advance copy. This is the third book in a strong series about single mom Finlay Donovan, who fumbles her way through mishaps and crime scenes, while always remaining relatable and funny. She is definitely related to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum. The series is stronger because of Finlay’s close relationship with her nanny and best friend, Vero. I recommend this book if you are looking for something entertaining and light.