Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is the second book in the Finlay Donovan series, and it is fabulous! I loved Finlay Donovan #1, and I love Finlay Donovan #2 EVEN MORE!
Format: Minotaur Books Advanced Reader Copy
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Thriller
Page Length: 368 pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books (February 1, 2022)
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mr. Darcy‘s Rating: “You have bewitched me, body and soul.”
A Chasing Mr. Darcy Review
Here’s a summary from GoodReads: Finlay Donovan is—once again—struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish. On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of soccer moms disguised as hit-women, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like. Meanwhile, Vero's keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay's first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes... and if that means bending a few laws then so be it. With her next book's deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn't a noose at the end of it...
This book picks up pretty much where the first leaves off, and Finlay's shenanigans are even crazier in this story. I love Finlay and Vero in this book. While I feel like the first book focuses a lot on Finlay and her romantic relationships, the second book definitely focuses more on Finlay's relationship with Vero...and I'm here for it! This kick-ass duo is constantly doing the wrong thing for the right reasons, and it is worth every page. I like that their friendship was explored more in depth, and that I learned more about Vero this go around. Vero is an interesting character, and I think Cosimano did a wonderful job unveiling Vero's character in layers during this book.
I also, as much as I hate to admit it, found myself sympathizing with Stephen more in this book. His struggles with understanding Finlay's motivations were endearing at times, and I really felt for him. His feelings for Finlay also became more clear in this story, and I'm curious if the love triangle moving forward will be between Nick and Stephen. I'm also questioning Nick's motives after this book...but MAYBE that's what Elle Cosimano wants me to do, so I'm all confused.
By the end of this book, Finlay is neck deep in it again. I was really convinced I knew who the culprit was, but I was foiled in my predictions! I thought the ending was exciting and fast paced, and the twist at the end left me wondering...where will book three take me??
Overall, I loved this book, even more than the first one, and I can't wait for the third. Please let there be a third!
Thank you to Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, and Elle Cosimano for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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