WEEKLY WRAPUP - 12/8/24

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme that is posted here  by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It is a chance to share news~A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.  Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up.  See rules here:  Sunday Post Meme. I am also linking up with Deb @ The Sunday Salon.

 

*HOW WAS MY WEEK*

Well, I am back! It has been nine months and life has been a roller coaster physically and mentally. A surgery, home physical therapy. Falls. More home PT. Then I hit a wall when it came to my book reviews. Writing became a chore. A slight bump up in one of my meds erased some of the clouds taking space in my brain. I could read more. I could write more. 63 reviews posted last month and 11 this month so far.  I think what really pulled me back into reading was binge reading a couple long series. I am watching less TV, and n9w, when I finish reading a book, I watch a favorite show I have recorded on my DVR, rather than reading book after book without writing the book reviews promptly. 

*LAST WEEK ON MY BLOG*

Local Gone Missing by Fiona Barton

Talking to Strangers by Fiona Barton

Silent Scream by Angela Marsons

Serenity’s Secret by Lisa Jones Baker

The Girl with the Irish Secret by Susanne O’Leary

Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano

Home is Where the Lies Live by Kerry Wilkinson

The Seaside Sisters by Pamela Kelley

A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey

A Midwinter Murder by Verity Bright

The Perfect Sister by Stephanie DeCarolis

 *WHAT’S ON MY CURRENTLY READING SHELF?*

THESE BOOK COVERS ARE DIRECTLY LINKED TO GOODREADS:

  

*NEW ARRIVALS/APPROVALS*

    

    

    

    

*DECEMBER 2024 READS*

*FINAL THOUGHTS*

So, I had an enjoyable and productive week. I want to read two books a day, but I was just shy of that. I am thinking now to read a book and a half a day, with a goal of 45-50 books each month. I was thinking big when I projected 60 books for this month, but I do need down time from reading, and also time to blog, never mind everyday life. What about you?

Review - The Perfect Sister

Title:   The Perfect Sister

Author:  Stephanie DeCarolis

Publisher:  Bantam

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   368

Date of Publication:   July 16, 2024

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

One woman's search for her missing sister on the sandy white beaches of the Hamptons uncovers a wealth of secrets worth killing for—a sultry and sumptuous psychological suspense from USA Today  bestselling author Stephanie DeCarolis.

Alex Walker has always looked up to her perfect older sister. Maddie has succeeded in all the ways Alex has not: she escaped their hometown and seems to have put the memories of their unstable childhood behind her. But despite the different paths their lives have taken, the two sisters made a pact to spend one week together every summer. It was a promise they’d never broken. . . Until now.

When Maddie suddenly cancels her annual trip home, Alex begins to worry. But when she stops returning her calls altogether, Alex is certain something is wrong. Relying on the only clues Maddie left behind, Alex follows her sister's footsteps to the Hamptons, where she meets the Blackwell family—the last people to have seen Maddie alive before she vanished into thin air. The Blackwells seem to have it all: wealth, beauty, and a beach-side mansion on a private stretch of Hamptons real estate. It's a world unlike any Alex has ever known, but she quickly discovers that looks can be deceiving, and a life of luxury always comes at a cost.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Alex and Maddie Walker, sisters only a year apart, were once inseparable. However, as they grew older, a chasm began to widen between them. Despite this, they had made a pact to spend at least a week of the summer together every year. This summer, Maddie unexpectedly canceled their plans. Then, Alex couldn’t reach her at all, so she embarked on a journey to a luxurious community in the Hamptons, determined to find her sister.

Alex knew that Maddie was drifting away, especially after they shared a tragic and life-changing event. She found herself at the opulent home of the Blackwell family, where Maddie had supposedly been staying. Everyone she spoke to assured her that Maddie had left. As Alex delved deeper into the mystery, she began to uncover clues that only added to the intrigue and suspense.

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, including Maddie’s, Alex’s, and members of the Blackwell family. While the Blackwells appeared to have it all, especially after their difficult upbringing, Alex sensed a darkness lurking beneath their seemingly perfect facade. As the story shifts between perspectives, it truly takes shape, revealing a captivating and engaging narrative that I devoured in one sitting.

Many thanks to Bantam and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stephanie is the USA Today best selling author of The Guilty Husband and Deadly Little Lies. A graduate of Binghamton University and St. John's University School of Law, she currently lives in New York with her husband, their two daughters, and their very spoiled cat

BLOG TOUR - A Midwinter Murder

DESCRIPTION:

Homemade baubles, reindeer-shaped cookies and snowy walks across the rolling moors… but Lady Swift’s festive plans are ruined when a body turns up!

Winter 1924. When Lady Eleanor Swift unexpectedly finds herself a guest of the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke, she’s determined to enjoy Christmas with all the trimmings at his sprawling manor house. And that includes kisses under the mistletoe and cozying up by the fire with her fiancé, dashing detective Hugh Seldon.

Instead, the season of goodwill turns frosty as she finds the Duke’s studious secretary, Mr Porritt, dead in the storeroom. Clasped in his chilly hand is a golden pendant in the shape of a rose. The Duke denies ever having seen the necklace before. But Eleanor can see the lies in his eyes… Did it belong to his mysteriously absent wife?

Hugh and Eleanor must ditch relaxing with hot cocoa in favour of interviewing the Duke’s holiday guests. Every suspect has a secret they’d kill to keep: the socialite with the false name, the Sir with a questionable inheritance and the husband hiding a crack in his marriage.

As the blizzard outside rages, Auldwyke Hall becomes cut off. Trapped by the snow, Eleanor and Hugh must skate around the increasingly secretive Duke to unwrap the identity of the killer. But does the answer to the secretary’s murder lie with a ghost of Christmas past? And when an attempt is made on the Duke’s life too, they realise the killer is closer than they think…

A gripping and twisty Golden Age murder mystery set in a country house on the Yorkshire moors, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss!

BUY LINK:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0DH4SVQ3Wsocial

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

Title:   A Midwinter Murder

Author:  Verity Bright

Series:  Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #20
Publisher:  Bookouture    

Genre:   Cozy Mystery

Format:  Kindle ARC 

No. of Pages:  407

Date of Publication:  December 4, 2024

My Rating:  5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS: 

In the winter of 1924, Lady Eleanor Swift, delighted to be invited as a guest at the manor of the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke, eagerly anticipates spending time with her fiancé, Detective Hugh Seldon. Their constant busyness has left them yearning for a moment of respite.

However, their plans are disrupted by the murder of the Duke’s secretary, Mr. Poritt. Hugh immediately takes charge. The inclement weather adds to the challenges of solving this unfortunate crime, making it difficult for Hugh to conduct his investigation. Eleanor, with her past experience in solving murders, offers her assistance as a second set of eyes.

Accompanying Eleanor is her ever-proper butler, Clifford, a loyal man who adheres strictly to the rules and propriety of his Lady. Always there for Eleanor, the quest to uncover the truth behind Mr. Poritt’s murder becomes a race against time.

The investigation is fraught with obstacles, and Eleanor’s sharp instincts and sharp tongue prove invaluable to Hugh’s efforts. As they delve deeper into the case, tension escalates, drawing them closer to the killer.

This delightful Lady Eleanor Swift series’ 20th book offers a unique bonus: an exploration of how a titled Lady and a policeman could plan to marry during the Golden Age. The author delves into the social conventions and expectations of the era, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the characters.

The book also features the return of beloved characters such as Polly, Mrs. Butters, and the other ladies, adding depth and richness to the narrative. Clifford’s ever-protectiveness over Eleanor and his role as the male version of Mary Poppins, always knowing or having what is needed at any given moment, further enhances the charm of the story.

Beyond its captivating mystery, this celebratory 20th book in the series offers a delightful exploration of personal relationships and societal norms, making it a truly enjoyable reading experience. 

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Verity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery. They are the authors of the fabulous Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, set in the 1920s.

https://twitter.com/BrightVerity

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Verity Bright here: https://www.bookouture.com/verity-bright

Review - A Happier Life

Title:   A Happier Life

Author:  Kristy Woodson Harvey

Publisher:  Gallery Books

Genre:   Women's Fiction; Romance

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   384

Date of Publication:   June 25, 2024

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Present Day: Keaton Smith is desperate for a fresh start. So when her mother needs someone to put her childhood home in Beaufort, North Carolina, on the market—the home that Keaton didn’t know existed until now—she jumps at the chance to head south. But the moment she steps foot inside the abandoned house, she’s confronted with secrets about grandparents who died before she was born. And as she gets to know her charming next-door neighbor, his precocious ten-year-old son, and a flock of endearingly feisty town busybodies, she soon finds she has more questions than answers.

1976: Rebecca “Becks” Saint James has made a name for herself as the best hostess North Carolina has ever seen. Her annual summer suppers have become the stuff of legend, and locals and out-of-towners alike clamor for an invitation to her stunning historic home. But she’s struggling behind the façade. Becks strives to make the lives of those around her as easy as possible, but this summer she is facing a dilemma that even she can’t solve. And as the end of the season looms, she is brought to a decision she never wanted to make.


As both Keaton and Becks face new challenges and chapters, they are connected through time by the house on Sunset Lane, which has protected the secrets, hopes, and dreams of the women in their family for generations.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh, how I dreaded the end of this captivating book by Kristy Woodson Harvey. (We wouldn’t expect anything less from her, would we?) It’s a heartwarming tale of Keaton Smith’s life spiraling out of control. Her job, her relationship, her apartment, and her volunteering—all are falling apart. But that’s the present.

The story also takes us back to 1976, when Rebecca “Becks” Saint James was the epitome of hospitality in North Carolina. However, Becks’s life is about to take a dramatic turn.

Becks was Keaton’s grandmother, who passed away long before Keaton was born. Years ago, a mysterious event occurred that remained hidden from Keaton. When Keaton’s mother asks her to prepare her grandparents’ house for sale, it becomes a daunting task. The house has been abandoned for decades, and Keaton is hesitant to take on the responsibility.

But this might just be the opportunity Keaton needs to uncover the secrets of her grandparents’ past.

While Keaton is in North Carolina, she is thinking about what she will do next in life. Meanwhile, Becks’s story unfolds, revealing her own life and the choices she made. Despite their different paths, the two stories are connected in a way that provides answered that have long been hidden. Dreams and hope intertwine, and the circle of love and connection is complete. This wonderful story came to an even more wonderful ending.

Many thanks to Gallery Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kristy Woodson Harvey is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, including Under the Southern Sky, Feels Like Falling, and The Peachtree Bluff series. A Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school of journalism, her writing has appeared in numerous online and print publications including Southern Living, Traditional Home, USA TODAY, Domino, and O. Henry. Kristy is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize. Her work has been optioned for film and television, and her books have received numerous accolades including Southern Living’s Most Anticipated Beach Reads, Parade’s Big Fiction Reads, and Entertainment Weekly’s Spring Reading Picks. Kristy is the cocreator and cohost of the weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction. She blogs with her mom Beth Woodson on Design Chic, and loves connecting with fans on KristyWoodsonHarvey.com. She lives on the North Carolina coast with her husband and son where she is (always!) working on her next novel. 

Connect with Kristy
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER 

Review - The Seaside Sisters

Title:  The Seaside Sisters 

Author:  Pamela J. Kelley

Publisher:  Griffin

Genre:   Women’s Fiction; Romance

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:  320

Date of Publication:   June 4, 2024

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

One summer can change everything.

Brooklyn-based Hannah is a bestselling author struggling to write her second book after personal losses. Her older sister, Sara, still lives in Chatham, Cape Cod, where they grew up, and is married with four children. Once a dedicated librarian, Sara dreams of reviving her love affair with literature, but instead, she is stuck with too many family responsibilities and a fizzling marriage.

When Hannah gets the chance to retreat to her aunt's oceanfront house in Chatham for the summer, it seems like just the thing to get her creative juices flowing. And she’ll be able to spend more time with Sara, who is eager to find her way back into the workforce, to do something rewarding and book-related. The pair will spend the summer making friends, rekindling romance― especially Spencer, an old acquaintance from high school-turned very hot grump― and opening themselves up to the magic of books and the beach.

Perfect for fans of Mary Kay Andrews, Susan Mallery and Brenda Novak, The Seaside Sisters will delight and charm you as easily as an ocean breeze.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Hannah Brewster, an author grappling with anxiety, decides to spend the summer at her aunt’s house in Chatham, Cape Cod. This is where she grew up and where her sister Sara still resides, so Hannah eagerly anticipates spending quality time with her. The slower pace of life in Chatham contrasts sharply with her hectic daily routine in Brooklyn, NY, and Hannah hopes to make significant progress on her next book during this time.

Sara, a former librarian, wife, and mother of four boys, yearns for more fulfillment in her life. She recognizes that returning to the workforce will bring her the happiness she seeks. While her husband, Tom, is initially resistant to the idea, Sara remains steadfast in her belief that it will lead to her greater well-being.

Hannah’s path crosses with an old classmate, Spencer Williams. He has undoubtedly grown into a handsome man, and Hannah is undeniably drawn to him. However, her mind is preoccupied with other matters. Just having recently ended a relationship, she finds it difficult to even consider starting another one.

This book was a delightful read, even though its pacing was slow. Despite this, I found it incredibly easy to connect with all the characters in this engaging story.

Many thanks to Griffin and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Pamela Kelley is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of women’s fiction, family sagas, and suspense. Readers often describe her books as feel-good reads with people you’d want as friends.

She lives in a historic seaside town near Cape Cod and just south of Boston. She has always been an avid reader of women’s fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers and cook books. There’s also a good chance you might get hungry when you read her books as she is a foodie, and occasionally shares a recipe or two.

She has an active, fun Facebook reader group that you are invited to join. It’s a friendly bunch of avid readers and it’s where I share updates on the books, ask for input on covers or character names and occasionally do fun giveaways. Click here to join!

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Review - Home is Where the Lies Live

Title:   Home is Where the Lies Live

Author:  Kerry Wilkinson 

Publisher:  Bookouture 

Genre: Psychological Thriller   

Format:  Audio ALC

Length: 11 hrs 20 min

Narrators:  Matthew Spencer;

  Rebecca Lee; Julia Barrie

No. of Pages:  444

Date of Publication:  December 5, 2024

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Even the most perfect home can hide shocking secrets. But on this peaceful street, is one of them dangerous enough to kill for?

Young married couple Heidi and Freddie just moved to Huntington Grove. All the neighbours see they are friendly and polite but why is one door in their house always locked?

Across the street, Willow tries not to argue with her teenage daughter – even as her marriage is falling apart. And where does her husband really go each night, leaving the bed beside her cold?

Feeling lonely, she always waves hello to single dad Dylan next door. His wife died in a tragic murder. The culprit was never found. It’s no surprise there are rumours he was involved…

On a beautiful sunny day, it’s time for the whole street to gather for a summer party. Everyone plasters on a fake smile. But soon the picnic tables will be overturned, sirens will blare – and one of the residents will be marched away in police handcuffs.

Everyone at the party will be questioned. But everyone will lie… And with every household hiding something, who has a secret big enough to kill for?

An absolutely addictive psychological thriller that proves you can never really know what goes on behind closed doors. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena and The Perfect Marriage.

MY THOUGHTS:

 

Heidi and Freddie are settling into their new house, which could be their forever home. However, one thing unsettles Heidi—Freddie keeps one door locked at all times, even though they’re the only ones in the house.

Meanwhile, Heidi is eager to get to know her new neighbors, including Willow and her teenage daughter. When Willow shares a surprising secret about the neighborhood, it piques Heidi’s curiosity. Another neighbor, Dylan, carries a heavy burden—he’s a father to seven-year-old daughter Orla, and speculation abounds about what happened to his wife, Kira.

Anxious at home and after meeting these new neighbors, Heidi begins to question whether they made a wise decision moving to Huntington Grove. It seems like everyone in town is hiding something, even to the point of an arrest that intensifies the mystery. Determined to uncover Freddie’s secrets, Heidi won’t rest until she gets answers. 

This captivating domestic suspense story by Kerry Wilkinson is brought to life by three exceptional narrators. From the very first page, my attention was captivated, and I highly recommend this book. 

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kerry Wilkinson is from the English county of Somerset but has spent far too long living in the north. It’s there that he’s picked up possibly made-up regional words like ‘barm’ and ‘ginnel’. He pretends to know what they mean.

He’s also been busy since turning thirty: his Jessica Daniel crime series has sold more than a million copies in the UK; he has written a fantasy-adventure trilogy for young adults; a second crime series featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter and the standalone thriller, Down Among The Dead Men.

https://kerrywilkinson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks/

https://twitter.com/kerrywk 

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Kerry Wilkinson here: https://www.bookouture.com/kerry-wilkinson

SERIES REVIEW - Finlay Donovan #1-4

Link to shop the series

Title:  Finlay Donovan is Killing It

Author:  Elle Cosimano

Series:   Finlay Donovan #1

Publisher:  Minotaur

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:   Audiobook

No. of Pages:   355

Length:  10 hrs

Narrator:  Angela Dawe

Date of Publication:   February 2, 2021

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

"Getting the job done" for one single mom takes on a whole new meaning in 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 moment, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is the first in a brilliant new series from YA Edgar Award nominee Elle Cosimano.

MY THOUGHTS:

Struggling author Finlay Donovan finds herself in a precarious situation after a misunderstanding escalates into a contract killing and subsequent cover-up. However, the question lingers: did she actually commit the murder? Alongside her former nanny, Vero, who has become her reluctant partner in crime, Finlay is entangled in a real mystery.

The chaos begins when Finlay’s conversation about the plot of her next book with her editor is overheard in a coffee shop, leading to the assumption that she is a contract killer. To make matters worse, Finlay has to send her four-year-old daughter to school with duct tape covering her self-administered hair cuts, which should have been a clear sign of trouble.

Adding to her woes, Finlay also has a toddler and a writing career. Meanwhile, shared custody with her ex-husband has been tumultuous, especially after he fires her nanny. Despite the rocky relationship, Vero insists that she won’t leave, leading to an awkward yet unexpected partnership.

As the misunderstanding unfolds, Finlay’s already chaotic life spirals further out of control. No matter the adventure or crime that comes her way, Finlay and Vero are determined to protect their growing secrets at any cost.

Title:  Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘em Dead

Author:  Elle Cosimano

Series:   Finlay Donovan #2

Publisher:  Minotaur

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:   Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   357

Date of Publication:   February 1, 2022

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

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

MY THOUGHTS:

It’s been confirmed. Finlay Donovan is a murderer. Christopher is dead. Even though Finlay responsible for her daughter’s now dead goldfish, she has bigger fish to fry - literally. The contract killing that actually wasn’t is now opening the way for yet another murder - one that Finlay has to commit. But, for a moment, consider Finlay’s current situation.

Having spent her advance for her next book has got her agent worried. She needs Finlay to turn in a manuscript. And soon. Meanwhile, Finlay is juggling that very writing career with two children under five, shared custody with her ex, and a surprising partner in crime, Vero. But, wait, Finlay is not a criminal. She is a mother… An author … And, a hired killer?

This time around things are centered on Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven. He was a cheating SOB, but, as their children’s father, Finlay will go to any lengths to protect him. And, to get really personal as far as Finlay is concerned, does she choose the sexy young lawyer to be or the detective that is irresistibly handsome? Due to her previous “contract”, the Russian mob is is hot on Finlay’s tail, and she will do everything she can to protect her own. 

This thrilling second book in the Finlay Donovan series continues to captivate readers with its intricate plot and Finlay’s complex character. While murder is never a joke, Finlay’s journey through this dangerous world showcases her strength, determination, and unwavering love for her family.

Many thanks to Minotaur and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Title:  Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun

Author:  Elle Cosimano

Series:   Finlay Donovan #3

Publisher:  Minotaur

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:   Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   304

Date of Publication:   January 31, 2023

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

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.

Mob boss Feliks is still running the show from behind bars, and he has a task for Finlay: find and identify a contract killer before the cops do. The problem is, the killer might be an officer themself.

Luckily, hot cop Nick has just been tasked with starting up a citizen's police academy, and combined pressure from Finlay's looming book deadline and Feliks is enough to convince Finlay and Vero to get involved. Through firearm training and forensic classes (and some hands-on research with a tempting detective), Finlay and Vero use their time in police academy to sleuth out the real contract killer to free themselves from the mob's clutches―all the while dodging spies, confronting Vero's past, and juggling the daily trials of parenthood.

From USA Today bestseller and Edgar-Award nominee Elle Cosimano, comes Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun—the highly anticipated, hilarious, and heart-pounding next installment in the beloved Finlay Donovan series…

MY THOUGHTS:

Finlay Donovan and her partner, Vero Ruiz, could easily be called “clean up women.” Are they contract killers who have become exceptionally skilled at disposing of evidence after crimes? Finlay vehemently denies this, but over the past few weeks, there have been numerous dead bodies. Considering Finlay’s responsibilities as a mother of two young children and her growing recognition as an author, the last thing she wants is to encounter another dead body.

Despite her constant encounters with crime, Finlay has managed to evade unwanted attention from the notorious Mob boss, Feliks, who is currently incarcerated. She believes she can finally move on with her life. However, it seems that even behind bars, Feliks is pulling strings, threatening Finlay’s safety.

A welcome distraction for Finlay is her partnership with her former nanny, who has now become her full-time partner. They have been enrolled in a one-week Citizens Police Academy, where they will be instructed by the injured detective, Nick Anthony. Finlay anticipates a fun and engaging week, as the tension between her and Nick is palpable and beginning to ignite. Surrounded by a group of cops, she believes she can finally feel safe. However, Finlay soon realizes that danger is not far away.

While Finlay and Vero will undoubtedly be occupied with their newfound responsibilities, learning police techniques will not be a significant part of their week. Finlay Donovan books are a delightful read, and as I devoured the six-book series, I couldn’t help but notice the relatively short time span between murders, bodies, and threats. Finlay is navigating a perilous roller coaster, constantly trying to stay alive. I thoroughly enjoyed all the books in the series and eagerly anticipate the release of book seven.

Many thanks to Minotaur and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Title:  Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank

Author:  Elle Cosimano

Series:   Finlay Donovan #3.5

Publisher:  Minotaur

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:   Audio

Length:  2 hrs

Narrator:  Angela Dawe

No. of Pages:   107

Date of Publication:   November 7, 2023

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A hilarious short story diving into Finlay Donovan's partner-in-crime Vero's past.

Anyone can spot a window of opportunity, but not everyone can manage to fall straight through one.

Veronica Ruiz is on the run for the first time in her life—though certainly not the last. After being falsely accused of stealing money from her college sorority, she packs up and heads to her cousin Ramón's apartment, planning to change her name and rebuild start over away from backstabbing girls and university drama (and far, far away from her arrest warrant in Maryland).

At the local bank on the first morning of her new life, it occurs to Vero that she'd be a better bank teller than most of the current employees: she may not have much money, but what little she does have, she knows how to manage. Unfortunately, the only available position is a cleaning job and so, desperate for a fresh start, she takes the bank manager’s offer.

But nothing in Vero's world has ever been simple, so of course shortly after she begins work, she overhears a conversation between her new boss and a security guard: someone who works there has been stealing. Seeing a window of opportunity, Vero sets out to find the identity of the thief, present the evidence, and then push for the perfect job. All of which would be easier if her irresistibly infuriating childhood crush Javi wasn’t living in the same damn town.

Offering the insight that listeners have been craving into fan-favorite Vero's past and a closer look at the moment Finlay and Vero first meet, Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank is a can't-miss addition to the Finlay Donovan series.

MY THOUGHTS:

Vero Ruiz gets her own book! It is a short story and this one takes place before Vero met Finlay Donovan, the woman who would soon be her partner in crime, albeit not by choice. In this short, Vero has left college and decides she wants to go into banking. She knows she has the smarts, so hopefully she can convince her family to let her lead her own life. It might be a bit prophetic for her future life, but Vero finds that what she wants and what happens with her life are two entirely different things.

Title:  Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice

Author:  Elle Cosimano

Series:   Finlay Donovan #4

Publisher:  Minotaur

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:  Audiobook

No. of Pages:   320

Narrator:  Angela Dawe

Length:  9 hrs

Date of Publication:   March 5, 2024

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero are in sore need of a girls’ weekend away. They plan a trip to Atlantic City, but odds are―seeing as it’s actually a cover story to negotiate a deal with a dangerous loan shark, save Vero’s childhood crush Javi, and hunt down a stolen car―it won’t be all fun and games. When Finlay’s ex-husband Steven and her mother insist on tagging along too, Finlay and Vero suddenly have a few too many meddlesome passengers along for the ride.

Within hours of arriving in their seedy casino hotel, it becomes clear their rescue mission is going to be a bust. Javi’s kidnapper, Marco, refuses to negotiate, demanding payment in full in exchange for Javi’s life. But that’s not all―he insists on knowing the whereabouts of his missing nephew, Ike, who mysteriously disappeared. Unable to confess what really happened to Ike, Finlay and Vero are forced to come up with a new plan: sleuth out the location of Javi and the Aston Martin, then steal them both back.

But when they sneak into the loan shark’s suite to search for clues, they find more than they bargained for―Marco's already dead. They don’t have a clue who murdered him, only that they themselves have a very convincing motive. Then four members of the police department unexpectedly show up in town, also looking for Ike―and after Finlay's night with hot cop Nick at the police academy, he’s a little too eager to keep her close to his side.

If Finlay can juggle a jealous ex-husband, two precocious kids, her mother’s marital issues, a decomposing loan shark, and find Vero’s missing boyfriend, she might get out of Atlantic City in one piece. But will she fold under the pressure and come clean about the things she’s done, or be forced to double down?

MY THOUGHTS:

Every time Finlay Donovan thinks she might finally catch a break in life, things only get more intense. Headed to Vegas with her nanny and partner, Vero, Finlay discovers that her troubles aren’t about to end anytime soon. Vero is burdened by a dangerous debt, stemming from a shady connection. The duo’s mission is to settle this matter once and for all, which is why they embark on a road trip.

As in each book of this delightful series, Finley and Vero find themselves in a constant race against time, barely escaping the clutches of danger. Their lives are a whirlwind of chaos, but they soon realize that they’re not alone in Vegas. In fact, it seems like almost everyone from their everyday lives has made the trip to the neon-lit city.

Oh, and did I mention Kevin Bacon makes a cameo? Well, not really. But if you read this fun and thrilling book, you might just catch a glimpse of it. And let me tell you, the book is filled with laugh-out-loud scenes that make it a must-read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elle Cosimano is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, an International Thriller Award winner, a Bram Stoker Award finalist, and an Edgar® Award nominee. Her acclaimed young adult novels include Nearly Gone, Holding Smoke, The Suffering Tree, and Seasons of the Storm. Elle’s debut novel for adults, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, kicked off a witty, fast-paced contemporary mystery series, which was a PEOPLE Magazine Pick and was named 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. Elle lives with her husband and two sons in Virginia.

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