Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead: A Mystery by Elle Cosimano
If you read my previous review, you’ll know that I adore the Finlay Donovan series. And that’s saying a lot because there are 5 books (and 1 short story) and I’ve only read two of the books so far. Haha. But I love Elle Cosimano’s writing style and the shenanigans that go on in these books are just so damn funny. If you like your mysteries with a little craziness and a lot of humor, you’ll want to keep reading for my Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead book review.
You can read my first Finlay review here, and all of my cozy mystery reviews here.
What is Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead About?
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… (from Amazon.com)
My Initial Thoughts
I just started this series this year. So after reading the first Finlay Donovan book I was really excited to find out that there were a bunch more books in the series. But sometimes books can trick you. Just because the first book was good, doesn’t mean the second book will be equal!
But don’t worry. That is not the case for this series. I enjoyed the second book in the series just as much as the first. It was great to see Finlay’s relationships grow. I love the friendship she’s developing with her kids’ nanny, Vero. And then there’s Finlay’s ex-husband Steven. As frustrating as he is, he is the father of her children. And it’s nice to see that he really does care of his children, and in a way, Finlay.
I really enjoyed the mystery, but I really enjoyed the storytelling as well. Some of the pickles that Finlay finds herself in are so funny. In my opinion she’s a relatable queen.
The Audiobook Narrator is Very Good
The narrator of the Finlay Donovan audiobooks is named Angela Dawe and she is so talented. She somehow captures every character’s spirit through her representation of their voice. And of course I love her frantic voice acting as Finlay. If you’re looking for something new to listen to on audio, I definitely recommend this series. It’s like listening to a radio play.
Some audiobooks have different voice actors to play the different characters but this narrator is so talented she can do them all!
I Love Reading About Writers
One of my favorite things about Finlay is that she’s an author. I love the scenes with her literary agent Sylvia. In the first book she played a big part in pushing Finlay on her new book. And in this book, she helps motivate Finlay to make it to the deadline of her next book.
I hope that she keeps appearing throughout the series. She’s some great comic relief when Finlays situation gets a little dicey.
Team Nick or Team Julian
The Finlay Donovan series is filled with mystery and intrigue, but it also deals a lot with Finlay’s love life. She deserves to move on after her husband left her for realtor Theresa.
It drives Steven crazy to think of his ex wife moving on, but that’s a good thing! And how could he not be jealous when she has two eligible bachelors interested in her. She met both of them in book 1. There’s Nick, a police offer who works with her sister Georgia. And there’s law student Julian, who Finlay met at a bar while doing some investigating in book 1.
Personally? I can’t choose who I want her to end up with. I like them both. lol. So I have a feeling the rest of this series is going to be a wild ride for Finlay when it comes to dating. Maybe that’s a good thing because I’ve never been bored by a love triangle! Except for maybe the whole Bella/Edward/Jacob situation in Twilight. IYKYK.
Steven is annoying, per usual.
The most annoying part of this series is Steven. Haha. But he also adds a lot of humor to the pages so I’ll give him a pass .It always makes me chuckle how steven’s name comes up at the most inopportune times. And although he was a bad husband to Finlay, it’s nice how he is always there for his kids. (Or at least tries to be).
It does burn me up when he tries to act like he’s a better parent than Finlay. That’s something that really upset me in the first book when he was engaged to Theresa. But Finlay takes it in stride and always manages to show him up in the end. It’s very satisfying.
Oh, and the antagonism that Vero has towards Steven is very humorous. Vero always has Finlay’s back and I love that for her.
In Conclusion
Thanks for checking out my Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead Book Review. This fast-paced contemporary mystery series is becoming one of my favorites. I just love Finlay as a main character so much. Not to mention all of the great side characters like Georgia and Julian.
This book was a heart-pounding follow-up to the first installment in the series. I love that Finlay has a super supportive nanny and best friend in Vero. The plot may not be super relatable in real life but I think that’s a good thing. Elle Cosimano has created a world that is so much fun to escape into.
I’m diving into the third book next and I’m sure I’ll be on the edge of my seat!
Where Can I Buy Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead?
Definitely check your local library first! I was able to check out a copy of the audiobook from the libby app. But if you can’t find it there, you can purchase it here.
