Vero is one of my favorite characters in the Finlay Donovan universe and this was a fun little novella that offers a glimpse into Vero's life before she starts nannying for the Donovans. Vero really shined in this story, but I wish we could have seen Vero's life at school and the events that lead up to her life on the run. That's the origin story I was hoping for. I do hope the author publishes more of these short standalones in the future!

This short story gives a more complete back story of Vero and explains how Vero and Finlay met.

A quick read that’s entertaining.

I have mixed feelings on this book. It was a quick easy short read, but I was expecting a little more of Veronica‘s backstory regarding college and her relationship prior to that time.. not a bad addition to the series just not exactly what I was expecting

I liked that we did get a Vero story, but it felt like just a blip and could have been more. Seemed like a small detour instead of giving her her own book.

A quick, fun read and I enjoyed getting the backstory on Vero. However, I really wanted to know more about what had happened at school and less about the time between school and her connection to Finlay

This was a fun short story, but nothing profound. I loved the context for Vero, but it lacks some of the sparkle that the Finlay Donovan series is known for. I think the relationship between Finlay and Vero is what makes these books special, and not having Finlay throughout the book definitely felt like a missing link.

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank is a delightful novela from Elle Cosimano, giving the back story of Finlay Donovan's babysitter/partner in crime. Vero has left university under a cloud of suspicion and is staying with her cousin Ramon. She decides to get a job at a bank (hoping to use her almost-accounting degree). But the only job open is the one as the janitor, but she takes that after overhearing that someone at the bank has been skimming money. If she can solve the mystery, then there will be a teller position open for her.

This is a quick read for those who love the Finlay Donovan series. If you haven't read any of the other books in the series, this book might seem a little too surface-level, so I would recommend reading this after book 3 (Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun).

Thanks to Netgalley for the copy of this great book!

It was really nice to get a closer look at Vero's story before everything that happens in the series. She's a great character and she definitely needed her own story. It's a very short story that leaves you wanting more. But for what it is, it's very entertaining. Of course Vero's life was chaotic before she ever met Finlay! I recommend this for the biggest fans of the Finlay Donovan series. And obviously for those who love Vero most.

I truly enjoy these fun, quick and laughable mysteries. I love the characters and the voice they have in each of these books. Love the fun reads by Elle Cosimano! Always worth picking up and good for a few laughs as you solve the mystery along with the narrators.

Title: Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank
By: Elle Cosimano
Pub. Day: Nov. 7, 2023

Genre:
Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Short Stories

Trigger Warnings:
Murder, Gun Violence, Toxic Relationships

Review:
Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank didn’t quite land for me the way I’d hoped. I found myself wanting a stronger storyline between the initial connection of the Vero and Finlay I’ve come to know and love from the series. The plot felt a bit underwhelming and didn’t carry the same spark as the other books. I also missed hearing the familiar voice on the audiobook—it wasn’t the same narrator as all the other books, which made it harder to feel fully immersed. That said, I’m still a fan of the series and love all the other installments of Finlay and Vero.

Thank you to Elle Cosimano, St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving my personal review.

#VeronicaRuizBreakstheBank
#StMartinsPress
#MinotaurBooks
#advancedreadercopies
#NetGalley

This whole series was a dnf for me. The first book I liked the premise and it intrigued me enough to move on to the next story. Unfortunately after that it seemed that there was a lot more language and innuendos than the first book. And I wasn't enjoying the story enough to move on and continue.

This short story is how Vero becomes part of Findlay’s life. I should have read this before I read number 3 but I didn’t. It would have explained a lot. I’m glad I now know where Vero fits in. It’s a cozy story and Vero is a bad ass.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for a honest opinion. 3⭐️

Not quite as fun as the Finlay books, but still enjoyable! It was cool to see more about Vero and her life.

To be honest, I’m a bit let down! I was so excited to get a “Vero origin story” but this was so short and lacking.

This didn’t feel like the writing Vero by Elle that we have all come to know and love. Note-ably for me, Vero really was lacking in her spark and the plot was far too predictable. I’m used to be shocked and pacing through the last pages trying to keep up with the characters, but this fell flat.

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano
Novela
Writing: B
Formatting: F
Story: C maybe
Characters: B
Setting: B-
Best Aspect: It was free.
Worst Aspect: Formatting. And how Netgalley and the publisher handled the problem.
Recommend: No.

Fun little short story- loved hearing the story of how Vero met Finlay! Poor Vero having to quit school because of the Sorority drama. I’m very curious to see if we ever get closure on where the money went.

This is a cute novella that goes into Veronica's backstory. It was interesting, however I wish it went into more depth from things hinted at in the main series. Certain parts felt a little rushed in the telling.

*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

In A MOMENT’S SHADOW, written by Anna Lee Huber, Verity and her husband, Sidney, are in Post World War I Dublin. They are trying to find phosgene that had been stolen during the war and to expose Lord Ardmore as a traitor. Verity and Sidney are sent to Dublin to locate C, the chief of SIS (Secret Intelligence Service and Verity’s former superior who has been reported missing by his handler).

I have to admit that getting to know characters introduced in the early chapters is a difficult enterprise at times. I find the effort is worth it as I read on. Once the story involves a jewel theft, I am more engaged in reading the book. There are times I want more of the Verity and Sidney story, but the conclusion is most satisfying. Thank you, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of A MOMENT’S SHADOW.

I don't think this short story really added anything to the series! I read it on my way to book 4 but it was wholly unnecessary.

3/5 Stars - Thank you to NetGalley & the publishers for an ALC of ‘Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank‘, a short story (#3.5) in Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan Series. I think NetGalley re-released the earlier books to build anticipation for the upcoming final installments (#5 and #6, which was just announced)!

This story centers on the backstory of Veronica (Vero), Finlay’s best friend and partner in crime. According to the intro, it was written in response to fan demand—something I appreciate. However, for me, it didn’t feel essential. As a prequel, it was very short and didn’t offer much new insight into Vero’s character. It avoided exploring the more “shady” aspects of her past and instead repeated details we already knew from the main books.

That said, I did enjoy how the ending cleverly connected to Vero’s first meeting with Finlay—it was a nice touch. While not a standout in the series for me, I understand why Elle Cosimano chose to write it. Now, I’m ready to dive into #4 and pick up where ‘Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun’ left off!