Finlay Donovan Is Killing It Book Review

Book review by Dinh.

Read synopsis here.

Review:

I don’t know why Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano has not been talked about more since it’s publication in 2021. I bet it’s on people’s ‘to be read’ pile!

Here’s a public service announcement: now is the time to move it to the top on the pile!

This is my first book by Cosimano so I was unsure of what her writing is like. She was a nominee for the YA Edgar Award so she should be pretty good. This book is her adult book debut.

You can tell by the book cover that it’s going to be a light read. Going in, I was expecting that, but what I didn’t expect was how much I would enjoyed it!

Here’s why you should check it out:

Story Line

I love the story line. Newly divorce mom of 2 young kids, is down on her luck and somehow is mistaken for a contract killer.

At lunch with her agent, Finlay Donovan discusses the plot of her suspense book. A woman on a nearby table mistaken their conversation and thinks that they are hit women. Finlay Donovan gets a piece of paper with the details of the contract: $50,000 cash, Harris Mickler (name and address of the target) and a phone number.

Finlay is curious and starts investigating Harris Mickler. Before she knows it, she is tangled in a real life murder.

Author’s Style

Cosimano hits the mark with this fast pace novel and funny scenarios. The book pulls you in right at the beginning and before you know it the book is done! There was never a dull moment in the book.

Talk about laugh out loud funny! Finlay and Vero (her partner in crime) get themselves into situations that are just too comical. It’s almost slapstick humor!

Fun, twisty, and surprising are some key words that pop to mind, but also heartfelt when I think of Finlay’s and Vero’s relationship.

Find Elle Cosimano: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Characters

The characters in the book are fantastic.

Finlay is a relatable character and she’s very likable and endearing. Being a single mom, having a custody battle with her ex and having writer’s block which stops her from making her deadline for her book, makes you emphasize with her and root for her when things go wrong.

Whilst I loved the two main characters, Finlay and Vero, my intrigue was definitely spurred on by the love interest between Julian ‘the lawyer’ and Nick ‘the detective’. I loved how Finlay interacts with these two love interest!

Ending

I have to say I did see the ending coming, not that it was hard to guess. It was the only way forward seeing that it’s part of the series.

Nevertheless, it was a great way to end with a cliff hanger! After finishing the book, I did want to go on and read book 2, Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead.

My Final Thoughts

Finlay Donovan is Killing It a great light read for those that like murder mystery! It’s funny, fast pace and a page-turner. I recommend it whole heartedly.

Get your copy here. Or listen to the audio book for free with an Audible trial.

Belong to a book club? Check out Finlay Donovan Is Killing It book club discussion questions!