Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle CosimanoFinlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
Series: Finlay Donovan #1
Published by Minotaur Books on February 2, 2021
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 355
Format: ARC
Source: NetGalley
Purchase on: Amazon// Barnes & Noble// BookBub
Add to: Goodreads // StoryGraph

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.



"Getting the job done" for one single mom takes on a whole new meaning in Finlay Donovan is Killing It.
Finlay Donovan is killing it . . . except, she’s really not. She’s a stressed-out single-mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay’s life is in chaos: the new book she promised her literary agent isn’t written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors.
When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she’s mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet . . . Soon, Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a real-life murder investigation.
Fast-paced, deliciously witty, and wholeheartedly authentic in depicting the frustrations and triumphs of motherhood in all its messiness, hilarity, and heartfelt moment, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is the first in a brilliant new series from YA Edgar Award nominee Elle Cosimano.

three-half-stars

review

A friend recommended this series to me, having read it as it came out. When I was offered the opportunity to review the series before the latest is released, I jumped at the chance. Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano is wild and frenetic in its storytelling, throwing so much into every page it left me in a whirlwind. But, it adds to the charm for this first book in the series, letting me relate to the chaos our protagonist lives with daily.

The initial setup for the mystery seemed simple. Desperate for money and a misunderstood conversation prompting a possible murder for hire. Things quickly go off the rails. This was full of humor and hijinks, with a wild sidekick (whom I understand the necessity of, but STRONGLY dislike.) Most of the other characters are great. I loved the bartender/law student Julian, but I don’t see how it can work longterm. Not only does he feel too young, but he and Finlay met under nefarious circumstances. Hell, he didn’t know her real name until much later. Now, Detective Nick? Delicious. I love him. I want to see more of him. Though, I don’t know how that will work considering Finlay’s escapades.

The crimes were interesting but I honestly didn’t buy the explanation for one of them. How did he just know where to go and what to do and the specifics? It didn’t make sense. It also seemed just too wildly coincidental, but this is a comedic mystery. Things never get too deep and despite the murder, things feel light.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano is a chaotic debut to a new series. Having already delved into the second book, I will say if you’re put off by how crazy things are in this first book, stick with it! It gets SO much better! If you like contemporary literature and cozy mysteries but want something lighter, funnier, with a strong focus on trying to find a work life balance as a newly single mother of two, this is absolutely the book for you!

Leave a Reply