Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Is Killing It Book Review
I didn’t know a lot about Finlay Donovan is Killing It before I started reading. And sometimes that’s a good thing! In this case I was pleasantly surprised in the best way. I was delighted by Finlay as a character, who is both a loving (and exhausted) mother of two. I didn’t realize that she was a romantic suspense author and found that part of the plot to be so interesting. So keep reading for my full Finlay Donovan Is Killing It book review.
What is the plot of the book Finlay Donovan is killing it?
Finlay Donovan is killing it . . . except, she’s really not. She’s a stressed-out single-mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay’s life is in chaos: the new book she promised her literary agent isn’t written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors.
When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she’s mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet . . . Soon, Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a real-life murder investigation.
Fast-paced, deliciously witty, and wholeheartedly authentic in depicting the frustrations and triumphs of motherhood in all its messiness, hilarity, and heartfelt moments, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is the first in a brilliant new series from YA Edgar Award nominee Elle Cosimano. (from Amazon.com)
My Initial Thoughts
A lot of books in the mystery genre blur together, so Finlay Donovan is Killing It is a breath of fresh air in the genre.
I was so captivated by this story from the very first page. Elle Cosimano has a hilarious writing style that manages to capture both the happiness and the horror of being the primary parent of two young children. I’m not a mother myself, but I imagine a lot of readers will take comfort in Finlay’s honestness about being a single mom. There’s so much love, discomfort, and stress in each and every day.
The Characters
The characters are fleshed out and well described. It took me a while to understand what the main point of this story is because there’s a lot of background information that needs to be relayed before the main story can begin. But that’s fine because the backstory is so darn entertaining. I could not stop laughing at the opening scene of Finlay trying to get her kids ready before she headed to her morning meeting.
Finlay was a great main character to read about because she’s fed up and stressed out, which gives her a lot of humor. But she also just seems like a nice person who could use some help. I was rooting for her the whole time. Even when things were looking a little bleak.
I feel like author Elle Cosimano did a great job of writing Steven and Theresa, his real estate agent fiancee. They were just annoying enough. Haha.
Vero is a Hero
Like what I did there, with the rhyming? But it’s so true. I loved how she just jumped right in and did whatever she could to help Finlay. And even though Finlay is the mom and Vero is the nanny of her children (and a college student), it really felt like they were equals and friends. I loved watching their supportive friendship develop. I’m sure any single mother would be grateful to have a Vero in their life!
I Love to Read about Writers
Finlay is a romantic suspense author who is having a bout of writer’s block. She’s on deadline and her agent is desperate for pages, but she’s having trouble putting pen to paper. Who could blame her with the chaos that’s going on in her life, right? I thought the initial meeting with Finlay and Sylvia at the local Panera was so funny. And on the bright side, the different plot points in this novel inspired Finlay to write a whole new book.
Some of This Book is a Little Farfetched (In the Best Possible Way)
I’m going to be honest. If you’re the kind of person who wants your mysteries to seem realistic, this is not the book for you. A lot of this story is very farfetched, but I think that’s what makes it so entertaining. Add in some awesome side characters like Finlay’s old sister, her kids nanny Vero, and an attractive lawyer-to-be who seems fascinated by Finlay? Well, that makes for a very interesting story indeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Finlay Donovan is Killing It a Cozy Mystery?
No, Finlay Donovan is Killing It is not a cozy mystery. While Finlay Donovan is a mystery novel, it doesn’t contains elements that exclude it from the cozy mystery genre. I’ll link to an interesting article here, about what makes a cozy mystery feel “cozy”.
Is Finlay Donovan is Killing It a standalone?
No, Finlay Donovan is Killing is not a standalone novel. It is part of a contemporary mystery series by Elle Cosimano. Here is a list of the Finlay Donovan books in order.
- The first book is Finlay Donovan is Killing It
- The second book is Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead
- The third book is Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun
- The next novel is Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice
- And the latest book is Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave
Is Finlay Donovan is Killing It a romance?
While Finlay Donovan is Killing It is not a romance novel, there is romance in this story. Finlay is going through a divorce and custody battle with her ex husband Steven, and trying to move on with her life and provide for her children. While attempting to move on she does come face to face with two intreesting romantic prospects. There’s detective Nick Anthony, who works with her sister and is a “hot cop”. And then there’s law student Julian, who Finlay meets during her investigation.
You can tell we will be seeing much more of them as the series progresses!
What genre is Finlay Donovan?
Finlay Donovan is an adult mystery series.
Who is the narrator of Finlay Donovan is Killing It?
The audiobook of Finlay Donovan is Killing It is narrated by Angela Dawe and she did such a fantastic job. I listened to the first couple of chapters on audiobook and was so impressed by her voice acting. She really captured the frazzled nature of Finlay in the beginning. If you like audiobooks make sure to look for this one on Audible or Libby or wherever else you can listen to audiobooks.
In Conclusion
I just have to say, I enjoyed this book so much. It’s a wild ride that keeps you hanging on for the entire book. The pacing was the quick, the characters were funny, and the mystery was like going on a wild goose chase. I had no idea when I started it that the Russian mob would be involved.
If you like mysteries that have a lot of twists and turns (as well as a lot of humor), I think you’ll want to check this book out. There are more books in the series which is great, because I can’t wait to find out what’s in store for these characters next. But please be forewarned: You may never think about about your local Panera Bread the same way.
