A review by hangryforfiction
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

dark funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I finished Finlay Donovan is Killing it last week and I loved it. I received this book randomly in the mail and then I went in completely blind when I started. I had no idea what to expect, and it was such a fun ride. Elle Cosimano somehow weaves together humor and wit with mystery and suspense with a tiny dash of angsty romance. Finlay Donovan is a novel writer and single mother to two young humans. She has a terrible ex who is marrying an awful woman, a cop sister (who I do wish there was more of), and a nosey neighbor. Disguised in big sunglasses and a wig scarf (what is a wig scarf? Google wasn't really helpful), a short series of misunderstandings lead her right in the middle of a huge murder plot. I don't want to give away too much here because I promise it is very satisfying if you don't know what to expect. The story requires you to somewhat suspend reality, not the least of which concerns how often Finn is able to leave parenting to her nanny/accomplice/bff. Even with that considered, I absolutely adored this book. Cosimano somehow maintains an upbeat theme, even with some dark and suspenseful elements involved. The ending of the book was satisfying but was somewhat open ended, leaving the possibility of hope, at least in this reader's mind, that maybe this could turn into a series? I'd love to see more of Finn and Vero. I loved them and I loved this story. More stories like this, please!
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Though I would not classify this book as a thriller necessarily, and is in no way scary even for this chicken, there are a few triggers present in the story.

Thank you so much to minotaur books for the beautiful ARC of this book