Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is the third book in the Finlay Donovan series, and it’s a blast. Finlay and Vero are back and once again they find themselves wrapped up another insane adventure, this time around trying to track down a contract killer. I just love these characters and the over the top crazy situations they get into. In a number of ways these books remind me of Evanovich’s Stephanie Plume series…and that is most definitely a compliment. I’d like to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Finally Donovan Jumps the Gun.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1JXAGZNVFVSE3/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

I find myself easily getting lost in the pages of a Finlay Donovan book - it’s so fun and, after this third book, the characters just feel like my friends.

The characters are so relatable and funny!

I love the lusty tension between Finlay and Nick, the lists tension between Vero and Javi, and the playful banter between Finlay and Vero. It makes for a great story!

Plus, there’s always a fun mystery. This one’s basis is that Finlay and Vero need to find out who “EasyClean” is before someone else does! Of course, going to Citizen’s Police Academy is the answer to everything!

I enjoyed this third book in the series and can’t wait for the next book!

Finlay Donovan is still a hot mess, and I am here for it.

After loving the first book in the Finlay Donovan series, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, I was a little disappointed in the second book. While the newest installment is better than the last, I think the first book is still the best of the bunch.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is an over-the-top mystery novel featuring a modern-day Laverne and Shirley. After originally stumbling into becoming a contract killer, single mom and novelist Finlay Donovan is dealing with the fallout of getting some help from the Russian mob, which did not come free.

The opening scene kicks this book off with a bang. It is hilarious, absurd, and suspenseful. I was so excited to fully dive in after the first few pages.

I thought the plot of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun was unique and a bit unexpected in some ways. Without a doubt, the plot is creative. But if you are unable to suspend belief and just have fun with it, this is likely not the series for you. Not every event or plot points is plausible, but the ridiculousness is part of the enjoyment.

After being a little let down by the second book, I was happy to see that Cosimano found the same tone as the initial book. That is, the humor returned to the page. While it could of course have been funnier, I was pleased to find a couple laugh out loud moments.

My biggest critique of this installment is that it lacked continued character development. While most the characters have been previously introduced to readers, I want Cosimano to keep building depth to them. As I read each book, I do not feel like I necessarily get to know them more and more. For example, I thought Finlay’s love plot line could have used for this purpose. Instead, it is unclear exactly what is holding Finlay back from jumping into a relationship with the hot cop. Similarly, I thought there was ample opportunity to dig more into Vero’s past and her motivations, but instead, we are left with loose ends in Vero’s storyline.

My only other issue was that there was a little villainizing of certain foods. Although this is common in society at large, please can books set an example?

Overall, I really enjoyed Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun. It was the light, playful book I needed. I plan to keep reading this series while I search for my own Vero. I highly recommend these books if you are looking for a silly, yet relatable mystery series. I have pushed these books on both my mom and sister, who now love them. We could not be more different, but we have bonded over these books.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is the third book in the Finlay Donovan series. Finlay and Vero have been tasked with uncovering the identity of the contract killer known as EasyClean. Finlay already suspects that EasyClean is a cop so when Nick assembles a citizens police academy they sign up. What ensues are more hilarious, over-the-top antics...especially the opening scene!

While I did enjoy this, it's not my favorite of the series. It wasn't as engaging as the first two books and it's starting to feel like Finlay's ordeal is just being drawn out. I was hoping for more of a resolution to the current storyline so that the next book could feature something new so I can't help but feel a little disappointed.

On another note, I am very glad the love triangle (or square?) finally seems to be resolved and I'm excited to see how the romance develops!

This ends on a cliffhanger that sets things up nicely for book four and I can't wait to find out what happens next for Finlay!

In the third installment of the Finlay Donovan series, Finlay and her sidekick/nanny/accountant, Vero, find themselves trying to extricate Vero from some unsavory characters while also determining the identity the person responsible for the attempted murder of Finlay’s ex-husband. Not only is she looking for this killer, but a Russian mobster has given her an ultimatum and she has no choice.

Okay, if this brief plot synopsis sounds a bit over-the-top you aren’t wrong. It’s actually a lot over-the-top and wacky, and silly. So, the first thing the reader must do is suspend belief and just go with the story. There are good characters, some good dialogue, and some fast-paced action. Overall, this is a fun series and it’s especially good if you’re looking for something light and easy to read.

But, this is the problem I had with book #3 – it has very little backstory and takes up where the second book left off. Even though I read the previous books, I struggled to get up to speed with this one. It would have been much more enjoyable if there was a (brief) recap of the relevant parts from book one and two. I think there was an attempt to incorporate some backstory, but for me it just wasn’t enough. My other complaint is that the book literally ended without an ending. I really don’t like books that just abruptly stop. Obviously, the next book will start at this point and I hope there is more reference to events that have occurred previously than there was in this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

4.25

FINLAY DONOVAN JUMPS THE GUN by Elle Cosimano is the third instalment in the series and it continues to be fun and funny — laugh-out-loud and thigh-slapping hilarious!

In order to avoid spoilers for those who haven’t read books 1 & 2, I won’t say anything about the plot except – WHY have you not read books 1 & 2 as yet?!

What I can say is that the shenanigans are back! The banter between Finlay and Vero is back and they are as funny as ever! That opening scene is comedy gold and had me laughing right from the start! I enjoyed the new setting of the citizens’ police academy and Mrs. Haggerty had me in stitches! Cosimano’s humour is top notch. She writes children into the storyline in a natural way that is effortless and humorous. I am glad that we got more about Vero’s past and cheers to Finlay for getting some Dessert! 😉 😉

Recommend to a friend? Yes. Is it over the top? Yes. Is it also highly entertaining? Yes!

Loved this more than book 2, but less than book 1.
Book 1 – 5 ⭐️
Book 2 – 3.5 ⭐️
Book 3 (this one) – 4.25 ⭐️

In case you’re wondering, the answer is yes – you need to read the first 2 books before this one.

Thank you to @minotaur_books, @ellecosimano and @netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy and for the coolest Finlay Donovan sunglasses! 🕶️

Happy Pub Day!
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Often by the third book in a series things are just not as good anymore, but this isn't the case for Finlay Donovan. This series does a great job of keeping the energy up throughout. If you liked book 1 and 2, I think you will love this one!
A light and easy read, with a somewhat ridiculous plot, Finlay finds herself at citizens police academy, trying to find out who Easyclean is, while simultaniously trying to keep her nanny/ accountant/ partner in crime out of trouble, and trying to decide if she should let things get to the next level between her and the hot cop who's been into her since book 1.
If I was to nit pick, I think the pacing was a little slow at times, but nothing a little over the top dramatics, Laverne and Shirley style can't make up for. I was laughing right from the opening scene, which found Finlay chasing her toddler around a men's public washroom and into a very awkward position.
If you haven't read the first 2 books in the series, don't try to start with this one, but if you have, you won't want to miss this one.

This is the third in the series, and while I’ve loved them all I think this might have been my favorite.

In this installment, Finlay is trying to clean up Vero’s debt mess, find the contract killer Easy Clean, and get her latest book draft finished and turned in. All of these tasks seem to be impossible on their own, but combined?

There’s non-stop page-turning drama, some more accidental murder, chaos as only Finley can create it, and some romance thrown into the mix. I love all these characters too. They’re all completely flawed hot messes, but lovable all the same.

There was less of a love triangle in this one, (if you ignore Finlay’s ex), and more romance with Nick the hot cop, which I’m 100% here for. Plus, Vero is coming into her own as a super-shady character and I’m dying to find out more about her. I also really loved their time at the citizen’s police academy, especially Mrs Haggarty’s efforts.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun [out today, 1/31!]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Happy Pub Day to Finlay #3!

We pick back up where we left Vero & Finlay in books #1 and #2 — which means dealing w a Russian mob boss, offloading a stolen car, and trying to identity EasyClean allll while taking care of Finlay’s two kids. Finlay & Vero also find themselves in police academy training in this installment … which means they’re trying to solve the mystery and cover their tracks from book #2 all while not getting sniffed out by the dozens of police swarming around them.

I will admit, when I started this it took some time to jog my memory because the plot of #2 truuuly left my brain (which I know a lot of you said the same!)… but tbh it was fine. I pick these up for the laughable, wild antics (plus fan-favorite Vero of course). The scenes of them “borrowing” the police car and the locker room snafu were my favorites.

I think I said this when reviewing book #2, but the book-within-a-book inception is always very clever to me — it always makes me chuckle to think of Cosimano having the same convo w her editor that Finlay is having w hers about the love triangle dynamic in the story.

I think the former books in the series are still my favorites — but I’d definitely recommend this if you have a long car ride or just want a bingeable series to bring some LOLs into your day.

Thank you Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

QUICK TAKE: Finlay and Vero are back at it with another misadventure full of ridiculous scenarios, this time bringing them to a police academy camp for civilians.

I just can't get enough of these books. They are such fun, quick reads that always leave me laughing out loud and saying OMG at the same time. This one was a bit more far-fetched than the others but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I still feel that the first book is the GOAT but I will definitely continue reading these books as they come out.

I heard a rumor there may be a possible show in the works for the series, if so I'm definitely here for it.

If you're still sleeping on this series take this as your sign to start reading them now!

What a fun addition to this series! The first of this series was a standout book of 2021 for me, and while I enjoyed the second one and would definitely recommend it, the first still reigns supreme for me. However, this third installment might be my new favorite of the bunch. It is a bunch of madcap fun with memorable characters and an ending that, of course, makes you look at your calendar for when the next possible installment might come out! The heart of this series is really truly with Finlay and Vero. Their unique relationship and sister-like bond makes me laugh, cry, and shout for joy when they succeed. Elle Cosimano has really hit gold with these wonderful characters, so it’s not wonder she comes back to them time and time again for more fun (and perilous!) adventures. So many questions I need answered at the end of this one, and I’m not mad at it! Looking forward to more!

And as a note, thank you to @librofm for the Librarian ALC copy of the FABULOUS audiobook narrated by Angela Dawe. Her voices are absolutely wonderful, particularly her transformative performance as Vero. When (not if) you read this book, make sure to pair it with the audio. You won’t regret it.

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. And to @ellecosimano HAPPY PUB DAY! Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun comes out TODAY January 31st.

Thank you Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the gifted book & ALC

I adore our girl, Finlay! These books are so fun and total page turners. This is the third book in a series that you will absolutely want to read in order.

My favorite parts of this book:
• I just love this series! It’s such a fun concept
• Finlay and Vero’s friendship
• The romance progressing
• Flirty Nick
• A new setting

My only “complaint” is that I feel like certain aspects of the story are feeling a bit drawn out and I would love if the original crimes/mystery were wrapped up and a new mystery started. Would it be farfetched for them to stumble upon a new crime? Absolutely! But you don’t read these books because they’re rooted in reality!

I will be excitedly awaiting book 4 and probably will read it immediately as I always do with this series! I’m hoping for even more Nick in the next book!

P.S. this has a fantastic audio narration!!

More of Finlay and Vero in book ##. These two friends get into so many situations and like in book #2 we got to understand Vero more. Finlay showcased her strong friendship by sticking by Vero's side and understanding she has a past too. The toddler playing hide and seek in the men's bathroom had me smiling at the book. This book still had Finlay and Vero still tied to the Russian mob after book #2 with the car situation (spoiler). Such an amazing cozy mystery!

Finlay and Vero are at it again in this delightful mystery, and this time all while attending a police training camp for civilians.

Vero owes a substantial amount of money to some not so honest people, meanwhile Feliks is behind bars, but has given Finlay an order to find the contract killer. Believing that it could be a cop, the two bundle the kids off to their father's place, and enroll in citizens' police training camp, which Nick just happens to be heading up after being shot in the line of duty.

Finlay Donovan is my newest guilty pleasure. She is Stephanie Plum, but with a diaper bag, an idiot ex-husband, and a crazy nanny. I enjoy every installment of her bizarre adventures, and her crazy schemes. In each book, poor Finlay falls deeper down the rabbit hole of accidental crimes committed, and this one is no exception. Giving them police training in firearms and forensics is just the icing on the cake, and is this book we get to see much more of Nick and sister, Georgia, which makes the book all the more fun. Elle Cosimano has penned a gem in this one.

Thanks so much to St Martin's Press and to Netgalley for providing me an ARC of this book.

🔫 Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun - Elle Cosimano

Happy Publication Day, Finlay! 🎉

4.5 ⭐️- Finlay; you are my favorite. If you know anything about me and my reading preferences, I don’t often choose series. I find it hard to commit BUT Finlay Donovan is my favorite commitment.

Finlay and Vero are at it again! This time, they find themselves employees by mob boss Feliks to identify a contact killer. They join the police citizen’s academy to research for Finlay’s newest book, learn how to “be a cop” and also potentially take some down? Will being a cop for a week help them take down the contact killer or make their situation worse?

I love this series. I hope it never ends…and that’s a lot coming from someone who doesn’t pick series. It’s thrilling, mysterious, sometimes far fetched, but also hilarious. Finlay and Vero are the most hilarious and clever partners in crime and I love following them through their hijinx, adventures, and suspicions of the other characters. I can’t recommend this series enough!

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read: 01/04
Pub date: 01/31

✨Finlay + Vero are back!
✨Funny antics
✨Exciting mystery

Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur Books for a copy of this digital ARC.

OKAY this was my favourite Finlay yet. It picks up *immediately* following book 2 (yes, you need to read these in order). I found this to be the most fast-paced, the funniest, and most romance-y of the three. Finlay and Vero are such a fun duo, I love their commitment to each other and the strength of their friendship.

I love this series! It is so creative and full of humor. I have to say that this is the best book in the series! Every chapter had me laughing out loud as Finlay and Vero tried to get themselves out of each predicament. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t put the book down! I read it in one sitting because I had to know what happened next. I loved the new characters introduced in this story. My favorite was Wade and I often felt sorry for Javi. The ending was very suspenseful and set up the next book nicely. I can’t wait to read where Finlay and Vero end up next!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Welcome back to the Finlay and Vero show!
This is book 3 in the series and I am here for it!

I loved this book! I was laughing so hard and my soul really needed it.
Finlay and Vero are still doing their thing….trying to always get out of trouble while also getting into more. I can't believe their luck! 🤣

There was some great developments and breakthroughs in this book: professionally and romantically for Finlay, and also emotionally for Vero.
And Georgia is so wonderful! I want more of her! She is funny, supportive, and a badass cop! All the extra cops in this one were a fun new twist!
Steven 🤦🏼‍♀️. Why?

If you have not read this series yet, please jump in and join the fun!

I give this book all the tackle hugs! I hope you enjoy it too!

I just love Finlay and her antics. I adore the first book, the second one was just ok, and this one was great. However, I need the next book stat. I enjoy a good series, but I don't love abrupt endings. Yes, it wrapped up a huge part of this story and obviously the series isn't done but the ending felt more like the end of a chapter than the end of a book.

Now to patiently wait until 2024 for book 4!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books, and. Elle Cosimano for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely LOVE the Finlay Donovan series! These books are so fun and entertaining and the perfect cozy/popcorn mystery! With that said, this wasn't my favorite book in the series. It dragged for me a bit in places and felt like it took awhile to get going, but once it did I was hooked! Even though I didn't love this one as much as the previous two, it doesn't change my overall love for this series! I still thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend this series!

It seems like we're set up for a fourth book after this one and I personally can't wait until Finlay makes another comeback!

Solid 4 star read for me!