Colleen Chi-Girl's review; written on Jan 22, 2023
3-1/2 stars
Bookshelves: 2023, audio, contemporary, crime-mysteries, feminism, netgalley, new-jersey, thrillers, us-no-amer, women-centered

I loved the first Finlay Donovan novel and rated it 5 stars. I must have missed the 2nd in the series, and am now rating the most current in the series #3: Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, which I rated 3-1/2 stars.

I would like to thank Elle Cosimano, NetGalley, and of course, Macmillan Audio, for my unbiased review for this ARC. I enjoyed the narrator, Angela Dawe, who performed a cast of characters from Finlay to her crazy-fun friend, Vero, to Russian mobsters, and the handsome-detective Nick, etc. The author Cosimano can lighten the mood of anyone with this book of escapades with strong female characters. There was great camaraderie and humor as the two women try to solve crimes and stay/get out of hot water. This is a good beach read, cozy mystery, easy-commute-read, and fun crime novel.

Publisher's blurb:
Author and single mom Finlay Donovan has been in messes before―after all, she's a pro at removing bloodstains for various unexpected reasons―but none quite like this. When Finlay and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero accidentally destroyed a luxury car that they had "borrowed" in the process of saving the life of Finlay's ex-husband, the Russian mob did her a favor and bought the car for her. And now Finlay owes them. The problem is, the killer might be an officer themself.

An okay audiobook. Good humor but not a lot of excitement like the first two books. Finlay and Vero hunting for that mystery person who posted online in the previous books called Easy Clean. Readers get to see what goes on in police academy. Many characters are still the same from before. Readers will learn more about Vero's secrets. The ending left a cliffhanger that promise of the 4th book. I enjoyed the narrator in this series.

Finlay is an author and readers get to see author problems like writer's block. She went out to explore and experience so she can put it to writing. It's funny sometimes with writers when she's with a guy and her imagination for the story went ahead of her while she stood there blank faced.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review!

Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun by Elle Cosimano

Finlay and Vero are at it again. This is the third installment of the Finlay Donovan series and it’s just as fun as the first two. Since the beginning these unwitting hit women are trying to solve mysteries, not actually kill anyone, raise Finlay’s young kids, and have meaningful lives. It’s a lot to handle. I like the partnership Finlay and Vero have struck up. They make a good team. Women supporting other women is the best.

These books are fast-paced and fun. If you haven’t read them, start with the first one, Finlay Donovan is Killing It. It makes more sense to start at the beginning. PS I have listened to the audiobooks and the narration is great.

4.5 stars rounded up!

Vero and Finlay continue to be the best part of this series. Their dynamic is entertaining, hilarious and heartwarming.

This book takes place at a citizens police academy and Vero and Finlay find themselves in tricky situations throughout while trying to identify someone they believe is a cop. I was entertained throughout and Elle Cosimano’s writing is the gold standard for cozy mysteries. These books are so addicting and such a fun ride. I can’t wait for the next Installment.

I have listened to each book from this series on audio which are all narrated by Angela Dawe and she has the perfect voice for it. Highly recommend listening if you’re looking for an audiobook to pickup.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for my ALC!

Elle Cosimano does it again! Finlay & Vero are back in action and hilarious as ever! 🙌🏼
This book picks up right where the 2nd book ended & brings you right back into their world & their escapades.

Just when you think that the shenanigans can’t get any crazier, you’re proven wrong - and honestly, that’s what I love about this series! Not to mention the banter between Finlay & Vero literally makes me laugh out loud - so that’s always a bonus 🤣🤪

My only “complaint” would be the challenge with any series when you read them as they are published - it’s hard to remember some of the supporting characters, their roles & relationships to the whole situation at hand. So it did take me a bit to get back into the swing of Finlay’s world and to try & out the pieces back together in my mind 😅

The book takes you on a wild ride, making you feel like you know what's going to happen & then having the rug pulled out from under you - in a good & page turning way! 😉
I will always recommend this series for so many reasons & I cannot wait for book #4!

Probably my favorite Finlay adveneture yet! Angela Dawe narrates superbly, as expected-- I love the depth she brings to the characters. The pacing and plot were pitch-perfect, and it was laugh-out-loud funny on more than one occasion. Can't wait for the fourth and final installment. Thank you netGalley and Macmillan Audio!

I absolutely love this series! I find myself laughing so much while reading (and in this case, listening) to the Finlay Donovan series.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, the third book in the series by Elle Cosimano, was so enjoyable! I was entertained the entire time I listened! The narrator, Angela Dawe's, was perfect for this one, and I loved how she was able to distinguish her voice for every character! She might be my new favorite narrator--so dynamic!

I was once again surprised by the ending of this one and can't wait for book #4 in the series!

Hands down 5 starts!

Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, Elle Cosimano and Angela Dawe for this advanced copy of the audiobook!

What can I say? The Finlay Donovan series is fun, out there and hysterical. This was the third in this series and it did not disappoint! The bathroom situation at the beginning of the book is hilarious! Finlay and her nanny / business partner Vero find themselves once again in a mess with the Russian Mob. Together, they must find EasyClean, a contract killer, in order to get themselves out of trouble. There were many laugh out loud moments as well as times where I was shaking my head because it was just all so ridiculous. My hope for book number four is that Finlay and Vera are done with the Russian Mob but find some other shenanigans to get themselves into. If you are looking for a quick and entertaining series, this one is for you!

Enjoyed listening to this audio book so much I stopped after Chapter 8 to get the first book in the series and started reading at the beginning. Love the characters, the humor and the intrigue.

This remains to be one of my favorite series. I love Finlay Donovan and all her crew. I love the way that this story just sucks you in, and you feel like you really know these people. Elle Cosimano does an amazing job of creating a world where you feel like you're completely immersed in it. I'm so glad I got the ARC for this book. I had already preordered it, and i plan on re-reading it once i get it!!

The twists just keep coming with this series ! I love it so much and I never want it to end. It’s the perfect mindless cozy mystery and I love Finlay & Vero so much 🥰

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Finlay Donovan, book 3

Pub date: January 31st

Another fun and adventurous story following Finlay and Vero and the troubles they find themselves in. I was worried the story may feel like it was being dragged on too long, but the plot was great and kept the pace up!

If you liked the first 2 books in this series, you’ll like book 3, too! Quirky and comedic danger with a dash of romance, this is another fun story to fall into.

This was just missing the final mmph to make it a 5 star read for me, but it was still enjoyable and I definitely recommend it on audiobook! The narrator does an excellent job and is very entertaining.

Perfect for you if you like:
Comedic romantic suspense
Love triangle
An entertaining read

🛑 fade to black/implied intimacy with minimal on page descriptions
⚠️ some trigger warnings

Thank you @macmillan.audio for the advanced copy of the audiobook!

Super fun, engaging, and well paced. I’m not a huge chick lit thriller reader so it’s not my favorite. All in all, I will recommend this to patrons!

The third instalment of Finlay’s story. I liked aspects of the story - including more steamy moments with Finlay and Nick; however, I did not find this book as tightly written as the first two. Still an enjoyable read with colourful hijinx.

Another great novel in the Finlay Donovan series, it had me laughing out loud often. I just love the characters, both primary and secondary , and the on going development of their stories. The plot twists surprised me. The narration by Angela Dawe is excellent. I highly recommend this series by Elle Cosimano.

Thank you so much for an audio arc of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano narrated by Angela Dawe.

I Absolutely loved this book and the narration was amazing. It was so fun to visit with these familiar characters again and I loved getting to know them more. I loved the plot for this book and I am so excited for the next book in this series. The narration was stellar: great pacing and the voices for the characters was great and fitting.

I'm not much of a series reader, but I LOVE Finlay Donavan and her crazy life! Like Finlay, I am working mom with a lot on her plate. Audiobooks are my go-to when I want to distract myself from mundane, day-to-day tasks. Let me tell you, I binged Finlay Donavan Jumps the Gun in one day and by the time I was done my house was spotless, the laundry was done, and dinner was almost ready. When you have a audiobook as addicting as this, you can seize the day. I loved the new setting, "locked in" with your hunter — and the steamy tension! Finlay has a personality that I keep coming back to; first, second, and third time's a charm!

4.75 stars! There is no quality lost in this series, every single one is worthy of its praise. Once again, Finlay Donovan finds herself in a sticky situation as she tries to navigate her ever complicating life after being mistaken for and hired as an assassin. The charming characters, laugh out loud humor and intriguing mystery are all there! The only downside is having to wait for the next one.

Oh my gosh! I feel like I can never get enough of this series! Single mom and romance-thriller writer Finlay Donovan is back again with her super smart and witty nanny and accountant Vero Ruiz in getting themselves in some very awkward, suspenseful, dangerous but utterly hilarious situations.

This time around, Finn and Vero got themselves in the middle of some semi-professional training with the Police Force. Just imagine what chaos these two can do! Yes somebody died, and yes, the duo could have been involve but according to Vero, it was nature that got our dead body in a state of death. No worries, because this book did not disappoint with all the most wanted and highly expected suspenseful scenes involving cops, killers, guns, secrets and money with some delicious, spicey, sexy desserts on the side for both Finn and Vero!

Just like the first two books of this series, I really enjoyed it! It can be unrealistic or cringey but I do not care! I was entertained and I had fun! Angela Dawe’s voice on narration was perfect! It was beautifully written all over with the exact combination of wit, emotions and humor.

Special thank you to Minotaur Books, St.Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for all the complimentary copies in exchange of my honest review. I can’t wait for the next one. I am pretty sure it is coming because Vero can’t be packing a suitcase and heading for Maryland just for nothing!

Finlay's search to find EasyClean, the person who put the hit out on her ex-husband, leads her to a week-long police training academy taught by none other than her would-be suitor Detective Nick Anthony. As Finlay works to keep herself and her nanny Vero safe from the mobster behind bars blackmailing her to find EasyClean, she can't help but be drawn into Nick's orbit despite her having been caught up in past criminal activity.

Angela Dawe IS Finlay Donovan. She does such a great job bringing Finlay and Vero to life. One of my favorite narrators for sure and definitely get character distinction between the others. The pacing of the narration is on point and I like the emotion and enthusiasm she puts into the dialogue. It adds an extra layer of depth while listening.

This continues to be a series that is highly entertaining and also keeps my rapt attention on the mystery at hand. A lot of the time, I'm just wondering how Elle Cosimano is going to spin things to keep Finlay from being discovered by Nick and others at the police department. I won't lie, I can't see things working out good for Finlay, although I I have faith the Elle Cosimano can deliver.

I love the back and forth between her and Nick and this time around we get a lot of forward momentum for them. I think it helps that the main part of the book takes place in one location. We're not jumping around from place to place. It's a slight version of the locked-room mystery. Someone at the retreat is EasyClean, and I kind of like there being a limit on the suspect pool.

I like that were also getting more details about Vero's past. I wouldn't mind having Vero as the narrator of the next book, or to get a spin off where Vero takes center stage and Finlay acts as the sidekick. Vero is more caught up in her own things than Finlay is and I'm interested to find out how it will all wind up for her, plus I still feel like there's some missing pieces from her past we're still not privvy to.

Overall, another fun entry in the series. They keep digging themselves deeper and deeper. I'm just looking for how they'll eventually get out.