Elle Cosimano

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.

A Mystery

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

Vero had an opportunity to do the funniest possible thing here

Boothby

We reached the park just before sunrise. Vero pulled over, checking to make sure nobody was watching as I climbed into the trunk. With an apologetic smile, she slammed it shut, closing me inside.

Curled up beside the shovels, I listened to her tires roll back onto the road. Her engine wound down to a soft purr as she slowed past Officer Roddy’s car, making sure he and Mrs. Haggerty both saw her return home alone.

I rocked as the car swung into the driveway. It idled while the garage door groaned open. The car pulled forward a few feet, then the engine died. Through the walls of the car, the motor hummed as the garage door lowered again. Vero’s door slammed, her sneakers squeaking on the smooth concrete as she rounded the car. The trunk flew open to her weary, grime-coated smile as she reached in to help me climb out of the dark.

Amira BEN

"Nu-uh." Vero nixed that idea with big exaggerated sweeps of her head.  "If we get caught, we're not hiring some Abercrombie underwear model to keep us out of prison. I want an old white dude with cuff links and a Rolex. Like your ex's attorney." 

Bria

I’m so bummed I didn’t like this! I was really excited for the whole series. I might try it again at some point. 

Kate W

Ireland Compton

I thoroughly enjoyed this—good pace and interesting main character that keep you hooked. I did find that things fell just a little too perfectly into place for the protagonist as the book concluded but the set up for the sequel has me SO excited to see how this plays out.

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed the thriller elements of this book! It's pretty light when it comes to content, since there is a lot of humor interspersed throughout. I thought the subplots were decent and the supporting characters were interesting. There were times when it lost my attention, but overall, I enjoyed this more than I expected to.

Paige Leitner

How can I not read the second one now?!?!?

Jordan Franz 

If you liked the show Good Girls, you're gonna love this book.

This has everything you want: murders, mob bosses and babysitters who help you dispose of a body. The balance of the story was perfect; not too much romance, no lengthy periods where the MC wallows in self pity and insecurity, just good old accidental murder and amateur sleuthing. 

Kate B-L

YesyesYES.

If you liked the show Good Girls, you're gonna love this book.

This has everything you want: murders, mob bosses and babysitters who help you dispose of a body. The balance of the story was perfect; not too much romance, no lengthy periods where the MC wallows in self pity and insecurity, just good old accidental murder and amateur sleuthing. 

Briar's Reviews

I've been seeing this book around for quite some time. The cover is fun, the title is intriguing, and I kept thinking I had seen the author's name before somewhere but I couldn't quite figure out where.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It is a hilarious and thrilling romp that follows the titular character through a series of unfortunate (but super funny) events. 

The premise for this story is essentially: What happens when a murder mystery author gets mistaken for a hired killer? Then throw in the awkwardness of Finlay and how she accidentally keeps doing what she really shouldn't in an ethical manner, but should be doing for her hit job. The comedy in this book was fantastic as I watched Finlay stumble into each awkward event that only made her situation so much worse. It felt like this would be some comedy/thriller tv show, but it was in it's perfect literature form.

I was grinning at the comedy throughout, wondering what in the world was going to happen, and I enjoyed the hints of romance that popped up in the book too. It was just the right mix of mystery, thrills, comedy, and romance that I couldn't put it down. The book leaves itself on a slight cliffhanger, where you could end it you're happy but you can also keep going - also known as, the good kind of cliffhanger.

I loved this book and I'll be hunting for the sequel. Great job Elle Cosimano! 

Five out of five stars.

Karolina Węglarz

Honestly I wanted to love this book, but I couldn’t get past Elle’s writing. The premise is great and the most pace picks up eventually, but it took too long get going for me. I might read the next one because of how this one ended but I’m not sure I want to read her work again. 

Rachael Neal

My jaw did hit the floor when I read the epilogue

Michelle Johnson

Teeeeeesha

A fast paced story about an overworked divorced mom who's 
hired as a hitman accidentally. It's witty with relatable moments for any woman. I mean a divorced mom killing shitty husbands? Sign me up!

"It’s murder being a hit-mom."

Finlay Donovan is killing it . . . except, she’s really not. 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.

When Finlay’s overheard discussing the plot of her new 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 . . . and she soon discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart.

I waffled and almost DNF’d but ultimately I’m really glad I stuck with this one! The hilarious ineptitude of Finlay and her babysitter-turned-accomplice, the woes of a broke aspiring author, and not one but two cuties pining after her. I snorted with laughter numerous times.

Also, this book reaffirms my decision to NEVER have children.

CW: murder, blackmail, infidelity/cheating, rape (discussed but never shown on-page)

Liz Griffin

I waffled and almost DNF’d but ultimately I’m really glad I stuck with this one! The hilarious ineptitude of Finlay and her babysitter-turned-accomplice, the woes of a broke aspiring author, and not one but two cuties pining after her. I snorted with laughter numerous times.

Also, this book reaffirms my decision to NEVER have children.

CW: murder, blackmail, infidelity/cheating, rape (discussed but never shown on-page)

Carissa 

FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT is one of those mysteries that you can’t put down and stay up all night reading. Finlay is a writer, mother and newly single woman who has promised her agent a new book but is faced with so many obstacles from her ex and his fiancé that she is thrown for a loop and causes her life to quickly take a detour. She not only has to write a murder mystery but quickly begins living one too. This is a wonderful book of wits and laughter that will keep you turning pages for hours.

Ward

Colleen

4 Stars

*A far-fetched but fun story about an average woman mistaken for an assassin*


Several people recommended Finlay Donovan is Killing It. It sounded like an entertaining story that would be quick to read and palette cleansing. And it certainly lived up to that expectation.

The story does start a little bleakly since it has to set the stage of Finlay hitting rock bottom. Despite starting off this side of pathetic, Finlay was a relatable character. A series of unfortunate mishaps lead the romantic suspense novelist to be mistaken for a hired killer, and before she knows it, Finlay is stuck dodging mob men as well as her d-bag ex-husband.


  “It’s a widely known fact that most moms are ready to kill someone by eight thirty A.M. on any given morning. On the particular morning of Tuesday, October eighth, I was ready by seven forty-five.”

Sure the story had its far-fetched aspects. But it hovered close enough to the line of plausible to keep it from being absurd. It had some early Stephanie Plum vibes (before that series turned into ghostwritten, syndicated repetition). 

I wasn’t particularly invested in the romance subplot, but I did like the characters. The story was told in first person, past tense by Finlay, and I was rooting for her the whole time. And the plot did keep me guessing as well. I easily read this in two days. But I could have read it in one day if that pesky adulting hadn’t gotten in the way. The story also had a humorous edge to it although I never found it laugh-out-loud funny. But overall, Finlay Donovan is Killing It was enjoyable, fun, and easy to read. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a light sort of mystery/romance with an edge of humor. 


RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 5 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 4 Stars

This book was amazing!! Finished it in two days on libby as an audiobook. It was so complex, i wanna make one of those charts where they connect how people are connected. I felt a bit creeped out at parts but also i scare REALLY easily. I hated Nick, he felt so toxic idk why. And this murder mystery type book didn't give me a weird yucky feeling at the end of it, I genuinely really enjoyed it. AND I LOVE THE AUTHORS WRITING READ AS A AUDIOBOOK, ITS AMZING 

Maria

Lane Hokanson

Ready for a delightful suspense? Meet Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. You'll discover charmingly realistic characters, witty repartee, and your new favorite read.

Steffi J

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I actually had pretty high hopes for this book. Its synopsis made it sound funnier than it actually was. It turned out to be a pretty average read for me, though the situations that Finlay seems to get herself into and the pure luck that enabled her to work her way out of her messes are just too absurd to be believable. I'm actually a lot more interested in the romance subplot - this book has a love triangle! Now I've gotta read the next book to find out who she ends up with.

Samantha 

Melyssa Tromberg 

Finlay Donovan is a struggling novelist who is getting over her divorce from her cheating husband. Her bills are piling up and she is behind on writing her latest book. While meeting with her agent one afternoon, Finlay is accidentally mistaken for a contract assasian. Facing an expensive custody battle and her electricity being cut, what will Finlay do?

HERE'S THE THING...unpopular opinion coming at ya. Soooooo many people loved this book. Being that it was a mix of murder, mystery and comedy- it wasn't my cup of tea. I don't enjoy rom coms, like at all- nothing against Elle Cosimano!! I just can't say I'm surprised with my rating/experience. But I'm glad I went out of my comfort zone and gave it a shot!

Looking back, one aspect of the book I really did enjoy was Finlay and Vero's relationship + watching it grow/change throughout the book. They were quite the duo .

I ended up getting the audiobook through my library and the narration was a fun experience- she did an excellent job with this and switching character roles without confusion!

All in all, I'd recommend this book if you enjoy a light-hearted, comedy, murder/mystery. Who knows, I might even read the sequel. 😉

Shareca

** spoiler alert **
           Finlay Donovan Is Killing It
★★★★ 🌶 (kissing, light flirting, tw: sexual assault + domestic abuse)

“Finlay Donovan” was a lot of fun, despite giving off "would this really happen" vibes. Although I found some of the plots a little too perfectly placed, I must admit that she gets away with a lot more than I could ever hope to. There are times when I wonder about her parenting; it is difficult to discern why no one would notice a baby in public 😂 What makes Finlay so intriguing is how this Nancy Drew story has been re-written in such a way that I would struggle to explain it to someone; it is this characteristic of "Finlay Donovan” that is so fascinating. Of course, it is unlikely that this event would ever occur in reality, at least not in a manner so drastic, but what if it did? 💭 There are many interrelationships between the plots, and other than the cliffhanger, I appreciate the way each plot is tied together. I would have preferred a slightly different conclusion; I think some elements (when everything goes down) were too convenient; however, the prose was excellent. Previously, I discussed how it was my inner voice, and it certainly is. The feminist component of the novel was particularly appealing to me as well. The story took on a new genesis that I did not expect, and I only guessed one plot twist and part of another ✨

I was kept on my toes the entire time and I enjoyed this novel very much. It is fast-paced, but it also adds a sense of normality. The story is not all about Bonnie and Clyde; it is more about a regular mom who accidentally got involved in the wrong venture. It was surprising to discover how much I enjoyed each character. Despite feeling that the villains were generic, Finlay's relationship with her ex-husband is compelling. All in all, I enjoyed reading this book, and I was surprised by a number of plots, especially the murder-for-hire plot. It was an intriguing twist, and I am still unsure how I feel about it 🤔 It has never occurred to me that a writer can weave plots so neatly together and then leave me anticipating a sequel as much as Finlay Donovan did. Also Nick 💔

Single mum and struggling crime writer Finlay Donovan is ready to kill someone by 7.45AM:
– Her two-year-old is slathered in maple syrup
– Her four-year-old has a new self-inflicted haircut
– Her TOTALLY VINDICTIVE ex-husband has fired the nanny without warning

But nothing is going to stop her from making it to lunch with her literary agent.
Not even being banned from the restaurant they’re meeting at.

When the discussion about Finlay’s latest crime novel is misinterpreted by a woman sitting nearby as the plans of a hit-woman offering up her services, Finlay is finally promised the large sum of cash she’s always hoped for. Just not for her writing.

For this, she’ll need to plot something much bigger than her novel.

They do always say: write what you know. . .

Murder, mayhem and – maybe – a touch of romance, the warm, hilarious and instantly-lovable FINLAY DONOVAN series is perfect for fans of Emily Henry, DIAL A FOR AUNTIES and Janet Evanovich’s STEPHANIE PLUM series.

Claire Durand

I love the concept for this book, the way everything fits together in the end is really cool. All of the characters that you’re introduced to have a purpose. Also the fact that they didn’t actually have to kill someone was really funny. The couple things that I didn’t like was, how are they going to say where they got the money from. They told the husband it was from signing the book deal. Which she did sign the book deal but what happens when they get that money? The only other thing is that they man shot himself(I can’t remember his name). That didn’t really make sense to me, I know the cop said it hurts really, really bad but this guy is supposed to be a hardened criminal. Maybe he was trying to shoot them? Overall, it was pretty funny and had a good mystery.

It’s been so long since I haven’t been this HOOKED by a mystery thriller. 

The pacing and the plot were just on point. 

I quickly got attached to Finlay. And then Vero. 

Their newly-formed friendship is everything ! 

I found myself laughing way too many times haha. I needed this

And I am so curious to see what the author will bring us new in the second book 🙊

I swear it’s been so long since I gave a book 5 stars, that I thought it was overkill to rate it this way. But I can’t find any defaults in this book. Everything was nicely crafted imo

It’s been so long since I haven’t been this HOOKED by a mystery thriller. 

The pacing and the plot were just on point. 

I quickly got attached to Finlay. And then Vero. 

Their newly-formed friendship is everything ! 

I found myself laughing way too many times haha. I needed this

And I am so curious to see what the author will bring us new in the second book 🙊

I swear it’s been so long since I gave a book 5 stars, that I thought it was overkill to rate it this way. But I can’t find any defaults in this book. Everything was nicely crafted imo

Molly Morgan

THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD. I really really enjoyed this read and am excited to read the next one. It gave me Stephanie Plum vibes. Finlay is a struggling author and a single mom. While running through the plot of her latest thriller romance with her editor at a coffee shop, a woman eavesdropping mistakes her for a hitwoman. Chaos ensues.

Highly recommend this book if this sounds even a little bit interesting to you, I promise it's going to be fun.

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It A Mystery

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