Book Review: Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

Posted January 28, 2022 by WendyW in Book Review, bookblogger / 27 Comments

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

by Elle Cosimano
Publication Date February 1, 2022
Published by St. Martin's Publishing Group
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Genres: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths
Pages: 368
Format: ARC

From Edgar-Award nominee Elle Cosimano, comes Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead—the hilarious and heart-pounding follow-up to Finlay Donovan is Killing It.

"A funny and smart, twisty and surprising series."—Megan Miranda

Finlay Donovan is—once again—struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish.

On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of hit-women disguised as soccer moms, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like.

Meanwhile, Vero's keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay's first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes... and if that means bending a few laws then so be it.

With her next book's deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn't a noose at the end of it...


My Review:

Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano is the second book in her very popular Finlay Donovan series but can be read as a stand-alone.  I was anxiously awaiting this installment as I enjoyed her first book in this series very much, and this second book did not disappoint! 

Finlay Donovan is a struggling novelist and single mother of two small children.  When she finds out someone is trying to kill her ex-husband, Steve, she immediately works to find out who is trying to kill him.  Although he is a thorn in her side almost all the time, she doesn’t want the father of her children dead.  Working with her live-in friend/nanny/housekeeper, Vero they race the clock to find out who wants Steve dead.  

This cozy mystery is hilarious.  I loved this book as much as the first book in the series and was delighted to be back with Finlay, Vero, and all the other characters. I enjoyed the mystery as it kept me guessing until the very end.  The book is fast-paced as Finlay and Vero work together to figure out who is trying to kill Steven.  

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun cozy mystery.  I received a complimentary copy of this book.  The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About Elle Cosimano

Elle Cosimano is the Edgar-nominated and award-winning author of the acclaimed young adult novels Nearly Gone, Holding Smoke, The Suffering Tree, and Seasons of the Storm. Her debut novel for adults, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, kicked off a witty, fast-paced contemporary mystery series, which was featured as a People Magazine Pick and one of New York Public Library's Best Books of 2021. In addition to writing novels for teens and adults, her essays have appeared in The Huffington Post and Time. Cosimano lives with her husband and two sons in Virginia.

Have you read this book? Do you want to? Please comment below!

27 responses to “Book Review: Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

  1. I haven’t read a cozy in so long but this sounds so fun! Did you ever read any of Julie Mulhern’s Country Club mysteries? Those are fun as well although this series sounds like it might be a little funnier.

    • I have not read that series. I don’t read many mysteries, but this series is so popular, I had to try it and now I’m hooked.

  2. I requested this book a few days ago, but it is probably too close to the deadline. It sounds like a fun book and series. Nice review.

  3. Great review Wendy. I really enjoyed both books as well and hope we get to read more about Finlay and Vero. I would really like to learn more about Vero, a few hints in this book lead me to believe there is a lot to her we have yet to learn.