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melmills's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
stephbakerbooks's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
I just love this book and this series! It's so much fun and I couldn't put it down—a stellar sequel!
The story picks up right where the first one left off (so this is definitely a series you should read in order), and it doesn't slow down. Though plot-driven, it still manages to give us a lot of nice character touches along the way; I especially love all the moments between Finlay and Vero, and that we finally get more of Vero's story. I don't think this unbelievably crazy story would work at all if we didn't have these two compelling characters taking us on this journey.
But back to the plot, I was convinced I had things figured out and was one hundred percent wrong haha. I loved how everything worked out though—we get just enough resolved to be satisfying but still have questions for the third book to answer! And I can't wait for that next book.
If you need a laugh, if you need a quick read, if you need a mystery to keep you on your toes, if you need a dream team power duo à la Thelma and Louise, then you should read Finlay Donovan!
The story picks up right where the first one left off (so this is definitely a series you should read in order), and it doesn't slow down. Though plot-driven, it still manages to give us a lot of nice character touches along the way; I especially love all the moments between Finlay and Vero, and that we finally get more of Vero's story. I don't think this unbelievably crazy story would work at all if we didn't have these two compelling characters taking us on this journey.
But back to the plot, I was convinced I had things figured out and was one hundred percent wrong haha. I loved how everything worked out though—we get just enough resolved to be satisfying but still have questions for the third book to answer! And I can't wait for that next book.
If you need a laugh, if you need a quick read, if you need a mystery to keep you on your toes, if you need a dream team power duo à la Thelma and Louise, then you should read Finlay Donovan!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
dalmavatai's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this sequel to Finlay Donovan Is Killing It! It was adventurous, funny, and just as charming as the first one. I still loved Finlay and Vero's relationship as well as the cozy family dynamics with Delia, Zach, and Fin's parents.
The plot was super crazy and adventurous which I really enjoyed, although I read the first book almost a year ago so at times it was a bit hard to follow all the allusions to what happened before. I would also say that the plot got perhaps a little bit too crazy for me and it became a bit hard to follow at times.
I also didn't love how focused the sequel was on Finlay's love life and the love triangle with Nick and Julian. I did enjoy the sexual tension but I just thought it took away the focus from the mystery and the relationship between Finlay and Vero that I enjoyed a lot more.
It got a bit silly at times, as is routine for a cozy mystery, like things being overly dramatic or too convenient, but I didn't mind that too much. Overall though, this was a solid sequel with much of the humor, adventure, and charm of the first book. We got a reveal at the end that I really enjoyed but there's quite a few things that remained a mystery so I'm super excited for the third instalment of this series!!
The plot was super crazy and adventurous which I really enjoyed, although I read the first book almost a year ago so at times it was a bit hard to follow all the allusions to what happened before. I would also say that the plot got perhaps a little bit too crazy for me and it became a bit hard to follow at times.
I also didn't love how focused the sequel was on Finlay's love life and the love triangle with Nick and Julian. I did enjoy the sexual tension but I just thought it took away the focus from the mystery and the relationship between Finlay and Vero that I enjoyed a lot more.
It got a bit silly at times, as is routine for a cozy mystery, like things being overly dramatic or too convenient, but I didn't mind that too much. Overall though, this was a solid sequel with much of the humor, adventure, and charm of the first book. We got a reveal at the end that I really enjoyed but there's quite a few things that remained a mystery so I'm super excited for the third instalment of this series!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
booksofautumn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Sexual harassment
Minor: Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
pageswithprosecco's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
amym84's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Finlay Donovan is back. It's only been a month since Finlay was mistaken for a hitwoman and became embroiled in a murder mystery to rival one of her own stories.
Now, she's struggling a bit with the sequel. Someone has put a hit out on her ex-husband, and it seems like someone is already on the job. In trying to discover who, Finlay finds herself a member of an underground chat forum which seems to specifically cater to women who want the problems in their lives taken care of...quietly. Luckily, Finlay has nanny turned friend/accomplice Vero on her side. Except, Vero is definitely keeping something from her.
With Detective Nick Anthony back in Finlay's orbit, and another body thrown in their laps again, Finlay and Vero will have to make some tough deals if they want to come out of this free and clear.
This sequel has been one of my most highly anticipated books of the year. I loved the first one, and I loved this one too.
There was a lot from the first book that wasn't entirely solved by the end, and Knocks 'Em Dead continues developing those story threads, almost actually knitting themselves into a fine throw blanket by now :).
I've been really impressed with how Elle Cosimano forms and twists the storyline, really taking into consideration all varying aspects and making the conclusion very plausible and worthwhile. All while dropping hints of where things will go in the next book.
A huge hint dropped is peeling back the layers of the mysterious Vero. She's been Finlay's right-hand person from the start, but really they've only known each other a short time. And while burying a body will bond people together, there's still a lot left open about who Vero is. I'm hoping the next book will give us more of these insights. I also read it as a possible spin-off with Vero at the foreground and Finlay on the assist, but either way, I'm here for it.
Finlay is a character that you root for. You want her to come out on top, you want to see her succeed. I feel the pressure of balancing being a mother with her writing career. Elle Cosimano writes about these things with compassion and understanding. But then we get the added pleasure of seeing Finlay become embroiled in solving her own mysteries and all the danger that goes along with it. I love seeing a smart, resourceful woman who is also self-employed and a mom getting stuff done.
Being a romance fan, I don't even mind the fact that Finlay's in a sort-of love triangle between law student Julian and Police Detective Nick (although I do have my favorite of the two). At the end of the day, this is about Finlay and I like that nothing takes away from that fact. Her choices are her own.
Honestly, I cannot wait to get another book in this series! If you haven't yet started it's highly recommended and definitely required to start at the beginning. If you are up to date. Buckle up, it's going to be a bumpy ride!
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Now, she's struggling a bit with the sequel. Someone has put a hit out on her ex-husband, and it seems like someone is already on the job. In trying to discover who, Finlay finds herself a member of an underground chat forum which seems to specifically cater to women who want the problems in their lives taken care of...quietly. Luckily, Finlay has nanny turned friend/accomplice Vero on her side. Except, Vero is definitely keeping something from her.
With Detective Nick Anthony back in Finlay's orbit, and another body thrown in their laps again, Finlay and Vero will have to make some tough deals if they want to come out of this free and clear.
This sequel has been one of my most highly anticipated books of the year. I loved the first one, and I loved this one too.
There was a lot from the first book that wasn't entirely solved by the end, and Knocks 'Em Dead continues developing those story threads, almost actually knitting themselves into a fine throw blanket by now :).
I've been really impressed with how Elle Cosimano forms and twists the storyline, really taking into consideration all varying aspects and making the conclusion very plausible and worthwhile. All while dropping hints of where things will go in the next book.
A huge hint dropped is peeling back the layers of the mysterious Vero. She's been Finlay's right-hand person from the start, but really they've only known each other a short time. And while burying a body will bond people together, there's still a lot left open about who Vero is. I'm hoping the next book will give us more of these insights. I also read it as a possible spin-off with Vero at the foreground and Finlay on the assist, but either way, I'm here for it.
Finlay is a character that you root for. You want her to come out on top, you want to see her succeed. I feel the pressure of balancing being a mother with her writing career. Elle Cosimano writes about these things with compassion and understanding. But then we get the added pleasure of seeing Finlay become embroiled in solving her own mysteries and all the danger that goes along with it. I love seeing a smart, resourceful woman who is also self-employed and a mom getting stuff done.
Being a romance fan, I don't even mind the fact that Finlay's in a sort-of love triangle between law student Julian and Police Detective Nick (although I do have my favorite of the two). At the end of the day, this is about Finlay and I like that nothing takes away from that fact. Her choices are her own.
Honestly, I cannot wait to get another book in this series! If you haven't yet started it's highly recommended and definitely required to start at the beginning. If you are up to date. Buckle up, it's going to be a bumpy ride!
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Murder
uranaishi's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer
librariangeorgia's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-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
I absolutely loved FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IS and was super excited to read this sequel!
I really enjoyed this book! It was just as good as the first one!
It is so chaotic and witty - a really fun read!
That ending though! I’m really looking forward to the next book!
I really enjoyed this book! It was just as good as the first one!
It is so chaotic and witty - a really fun read!
That ending though! I’m really looking forward to the next book!
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Gun violence, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
wanderonwards's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to Minotaur Books/St. Martin’s Publishing Group for sending me an ARC of this title. I received this copy for free and this review contains my honest opinions.
Finlay Donovan is back at it again! I picked up Finlay Donovan Is Killing It because of this ARC. This series hadn't made it onto my radar yet, but I'm so glad I started it! I was delighted with how humorous, surprising, and entertaining the first book was. It’s amazing what Finlay and Vero can get up to (and tangled up in) without even really trying: it’s ridiculous (in the best kind of way).
This second book doesn’t hold the same level of charm I found in the first, but it’s still an entertaining story with many levels of twists that will keep you guessing until the end. I found this book to be much more serious and tense than the first, and I was hoping it would keep more with the lighthearted humor. According to the author’s website, this is planned to be a four book series and I’m hoping the lighthearted side returns for the third installment. Thank you again to the publisher for sending me a free ARC of this title.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
katyisreading's review against another edition
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
4.0
Finlay is BACK 💕🔪
If you liked FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT, you will also enjoy FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS EM DEAD, out Feb 1, 2022. Thank you for my copy, Minotaur Books!
The sequel opens a month after the first book ends. Finlay is once again behind on writing her book because she's spending all her time trying to figure out who put a hit out on her ex-husband. It's a race against time as she and Vero try to stop his murder (and figure out if Finlay should date sexy almost-lawyer Julian, or hot cop Nick).
This book is more of the same (in a good way!): disguises, dead bodies, completely unbelievable plots that you just have to go with. I would say it wasn't as "unputdownable" as the first Finlay, but I still really enjoyed it. I also wish I had reread the first book before I read the second, because I forgot a lot of the details, and there isn't much recapping in this one.
If you liked FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT, you will also enjoy FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS EM DEAD, out Feb 1, 2022. Thank you for my copy, Minotaur Books!
The sequel opens a month after the first book ends. Finlay is once again behind on writing her book because she's spending all her time trying to figure out who put a hit out on her ex-husband. It's a race against time as she and Vero try to stop his murder (and figure out if Finlay should date sexy almost-lawyer Julian, or hot cop Nick).
This book is more of the same (in a good way!): disguises, dead bodies, completely unbelievable plots that you just have to go with. I would say it wasn't as "unputdownable" as the first Finlay, but I still really enjoyed it. I also wish I had reread the first book before I read the second, because I forgot a lot of the details, and there isn't much recapping in this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Murder
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