Reviews with content warning for Gun violence - Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

Reviews tagging 'Gun violence'

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

111 reviews

tori2629's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A very fast lighthearted read in the realm of murder mysteries. Not bad, if you're not looking for anything too serious.

This book is a much lighter mystery/crime novel than I am used to reading. It's not exactly a romance novel, but it reads like one, and I'll admit, romance is not my favorite genre. There's no dark and gritty detective vibes, even around the serious events (ie. murder, blackmail, etc.) It's described as "funny" by many reviews. I personally didn't find it "laugh out loud" funny, but guess I can get why some would.

I think that overall, it is more character focused than plot. The actual driving mystery is not super strong. The investigations and subsequent resolution is played much more loosey-goosey than I am used to and there are a lot of "convenient solutions". I raised an eyebrow at more than a few lines, thinking "Wow. This would definitely not fly on Forensic Files, or even CSI...maybe not even Brooklyn 99... " But, at the same time, Finlay's struggles with her kids, her ex, and her career were almost too realistic early on. Vero's superhuman ability to come in and save the day

to move in, take care of Finlay's kids, clean Finlay's house, organize her entire life, AND meet with would-be "clients" in just a few days!?

- was not as much. But hey, it's not that kind of book. I did like that as a duo, their relationship was pretty fun. The romance aspects I could take or leave. I'll probably end up reading the other two books in the series, just to see what happens, but overall it was just alright for me.

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taelights's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

Whenever I saw the cover of this book I always assumed these books would be horrible but like I didn't want to judge a book by it's cover especially seeing as I heard so much praise for this book but like anyone praising this book I'm convinced doesn't have taste. Like.... it was not good. Finlay was literally the least put together dumbest character I have ever had the displeasure of reading about. She literally only gets away with murder out of luck alone because there is no way she would actually be able to get away with it with all the dumb decisions she's made.

Also the lesbian cop sister was unnecessary, the cop romance was unnecessary, and Finley having not only 1 but 2 men somehow interested in her was unrealistic. This whole thing read like an unrealistic self insert fantasy.

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lez_whale's review against another edition

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challenging funny mysterious 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

4.0

The only reason that this book didn’t receive five stars is because I was under the impression that it was more lighthearted. I loved the plot, but it was more violent than I was expecting. However, the entire idea for the book was one of the most creative murder mysteries that I have read, not predictable at all. It was hard to see the protagonist making decisions that had such severe consequences, but every character needs their flaws! Overall, a great book.

Have the next in the series in hand, however, as the book ends on a cliffhanger!<

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gkaltam's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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tanvi45's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

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sarcasmpotato's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book is what Netflix needs to be creating mini-series out of. The episode cuts of a 30-minute episode are here!

While the plot was engaging, I didn’t love the characters but did grow to like them as the story went on. I could see myself reading more of the series.

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trips's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

4.5 Stars.
Super fun mystery novel that kept me excited to find out what happens next the whole time. Finlay Donovan has the wit and charm to entertain even those who don't normally read mystery novels, I think. Finlay makes a great 'not your usual' detective being a mystery novelist and her nanny Vero and honestly the whole cast were great! (Is Georgia named after George Fayne...? My Nancy Drew sense were tingling...).

Personally, I thought the first chapter was really rough and almost made me not want to read the book at all. I'm glad I'm a "first 50 pages" kind of reader though, its great from chapter 2 onward.

If you want something lighter but with darker elements, I'd recommend it!

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kaitlynnnng's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect mix of lighthearted yet suspenseful.

At times, it reminded me of Law & Order: Organized Crime, but that isn’t a bad thing.

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kdailyreads's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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megs23's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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