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greatexpectations77's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ooh I loved this one. Probably partly because this is set just right near where we live, but it's also so well written and very fun and super funny. I love the idea of just completely accidentally becoming a hitwoman. I'm very excited to read more of this series and more of this author in general.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Alcohol, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abandonment, Drug use, and Gun violence
takahapa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Death
kaydeedickins's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexism, Blood, Alcohol, Death, Gaslighting, Cursing, Grief, Misogyny, Infidelity, and Murder
books4em's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Definitely loved Finlay Donovan is Killing It! I greatly enjoyed the twists and turns that this story went through and the massive cliffhanger it left us on. I will most definitely be getting my hands on book 2 very soon! The only reason this wasn’t 5 stars for me was because I wish there was more detail into the murderer as I thought it was kind of glossed over. The last 50 pages also seemed a bit rushed, but not badly. Loved the relationships in this book, especially the funny dynamics between Finlay and Vero (she’s hilarious). Can’t wait for the series to continue!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Infidelity, Stalking, Death, Gore, Kidnapping, Blood, and Gun violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Torture, and Gaslighting
Minor: Rape, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
nellkristen's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Rape, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, and Murder
bandysbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Finlay Donovan is Killing It? Right? Not so much in my opinion. This book is just not for me. I went in hoping for something funny and light, but this was well past over the top, unbelievable almost to the point of existing in a different world, and ultimately required more suspension of disbelief than most science fiction or fantasy. It was just kind of messy, but not in the way I'd hoped.
Finlay is a relatable character initially. She's recently divorced from an unfaithful husband who left her for a younger woman. She's desperately trying to cope with now being a single mother to two very young children and building a career as a writer. When we're introduced to her she's stressed out, exhausted, and just barely scraping through life. She's still reliant on her ex-husband for financial assistance and he lords it over her in the douchiest of ways. I could 100% see Finlay in all of the stressed out, overworked moms that I know and was really rooting for her at the start.
But then we get into the plot and suddenly Finlay becomes wildly unrelatable to me. Without spoiling the plot, let's just say that Finlay makes a series of horrendous choices. She goes from smart, but exhausted to a complete idiot who stumbles her way through bad choice after bad choice and is only saved by those around her. What's worse is there's never really a time when she learns from all of these bad decisions.
I did really enjoy Vero, Finlay's nanny turned sidekick. She was much more rational and kind of seemed like the adult in most situations, but even still makes some very questionable decisions too.
Then there's the plot. It's a murder mystery with humor mixed in...but it's hard to take the bad guys seriously at all because they're just as bumbling as Finlay is. You can't tell me that on one hand the baddie is one of the most infamous crime bosses in a region, but on the other hand he leaves himself open to some of the dumbest resolutions possible. I had such a hard time taking any of it seriously.
The one saving grace of this book is the humor. I did find moments funny. Sometimes I even laughed just because most of the plot was just so silly. That said, I think this would've actually been better had she reigned the slapstick qualities of this back just a bit.
All in all, this book just wasn't my cup of tea. I prefer a bit of subtlety to my humor instead of being beat over the head with it. I also find that if a book is supposed to be set in reality, I need it to have an actual grounding in reality instead of insane decisions for the sake of plot progression. (Clearly, I am in the minority with my feelings toward this book, so make sure you read all of the positive reviews for a balanced take.)
Finlay is a relatable character initially. She's recently divorced from an unfaithful husband who left her for a younger woman. She's desperately trying to cope with now being a single mother to two very young children and building a career as a writer. When we're introduced to her she's stressed out, exhausted, and just barely scraping through life. She's still reliant on her ex-husband for financial assistance and he lords it over her in the douchiest of ways. I could 100% see Finlay in all of the stressed out, overworked moms that I know and was really rooting for her at the start.
But then we get into the plot and suddenly Finlay becomes wildly unrelatable to me. Without spoiling the plot, let's just say that Finlay makes a series of horrendous choices. She goes from smart, but exhausted to a complete idiot who stumbles her way through bad choice after bad choice and is only saved by those around her. What's worse is there's never really a time when she learns from all of these bad decisions.
I did really enjoy Vero, Finlay's nanny turned sidekick. She was much more rational and kind of seemed like the adult in most situations, but even still makes some very questionable decisions too.
Then there's the plot. It's a murder mystery with humor mixed in...but it's hard to take the bad guys seriously at all because they're just as bumbling as Finlay is. You can't tell me that on one hand the baddie is one of the most infamous crime bosses in a region, but on the other hand he leaves himself open to some of the dumbest resolutions possible. I had such a hard time taking any of it seriously.
The one saving grace of this book is the humor. I did find moments funny. Sometimes I even laughed just because most of the plot was just so silly. That said, I think this would've actually been better had she reigned the slapstick qualities of this back just a bit.
All in all, this book just wasn't my cup of tea. I prefer a bit of subtlety to my humor instead of being beat over the head with it. I also find that if a book is supposed to be set in reality, I need it to have an actual grounding in reality instead of insane decisions for the sake of plot progression. (Clearly, I am in the minority with my feelings toward this book, so make sure you read all of the positive reviews for a balanced take.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gaslighting, Violence, Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, Murder, and Toxic relationship
atlas_shruggs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really really loved this book. The premise is hilarious, I ended up telling pretty much everyone I met up with to read this absolute chaotic mess of a book. Finlay is such a relatable main character, she's so messy and unhinged and weirdly okay with murder, definitely in need of some therapy. Vero was also absolutely amazing, an icon, and such a supportive friend. I definitely got a Thelma and Louise vibe off of their relationship.
But oh. my. god. I hate Steven so much. He is such a fucking jerk, I low key would not mind if he died.
The love triangle is also pretty interesting, but I would love it if it ended in a lovely poly relationship between Julian, Nick and Finlay, maybe even Vero too.
But oh. my. god. I hate Steven so much. He is such a fucking jerk, I low key would not mind if he died.
The love triangle is also pretty interesting, but I would love it if it ended in a lovely poly relationship between Julian, Nick and Finlay, maybe even Vero too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Murder, Sexual harassment, Gore, Infidelity, Sexual assault, and Body horror
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Rape, and Stalking
Minor: Trafficking
zoebill96's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Stalking, Rape, Sexual assault, Death, Emotional abuse, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
thebakerbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book surprised me in the best way because it is so much FUN! I don’t want to say too much about it because I think it’s more fun if you go in blind, but if you need a quick read that will make you laugh and keep you guessing, this is a great choice!
The steady plot is the main focus, but there are some nice character relationships and development also. The crazy predicaments that Finlay gets herself into were just the right amount of unbelievable mixed with totally plausible for Finlay. 😂
I know this one has been hyped a lot on bookstagram, but I think it’s #WorthTheHype and I can’t wait for the next one!
The steady plot is the main focus, but there are some nice character relationships and development also. The crazy predicaments that Finlay gets herself into were just the right amount of unbelievable mixed with totally plausible for Finlay. 😂
I know this one has been hyped a lot on bookstagram, but I think it’s #WorthTheHype and I can’t wait for the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
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