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