Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

Who knew crime could be this funny? Finlay Donovan’s adventure is a laugh-out-loud riot.

"Finlay Donovan Is Killing It" lives up to its cheeky title. It's a breath of fresh air in the mystery genre – funny, fast-paced, and with a heroine you can't help but root for. Cosimano has crafted a story that's perfect for anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed by life's demands...

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You know those days when everything’s going wrong and you think, “Could this get any worse?” Well, for Finlay Donovan, the answer is a resounding “Oh honey, you have no idea.”

Elle Cosimano’s adult debut “Finlay Donovan Is Killing It” takes that feeling of barely keeping your head above water and cranks it up to eleven, tossing our harried heroine into a whirlwind of mistaken identities, accidental crime-solving, and the kind of shenanigans that’ll make you snort-laugh into your wine glass. Trust me, you’ll want a full glass for this wild ride.

The Plot: From Desperate Housewife to Reluctant Hitwoman

Finlay Donovan is… well, she’s not exactly killing it. She’s a stressed-out single mom of two young kids, struggling to make ends meet as a romance novelist with a bad case of writer’s block. Oh, and did I mention her ex-husband just fired the nanny without telling her? Yeah, it’s that kind of day.

But Fin’s luck takes a bizarre turn when she’s overheard discussing the plot of her unwritten suspense novel with her literary agent. Next thing she knows, she’s mistaken for a contract killer and offered a hefty sum to “take care of” someone’s problem husband. And because the universe has a twisted sense of humor, Finlay finds herself inadvertently tangled up in a real-life murder investigation.

What follows is a madcap adventure as Finlay tries to juggle motherhood, her floundering writing career, and her new accidental side gig as a maybe-hitwoman. It’s like if “Weeds” and “Mommy Blogs” had a baby, and that baby was raised by Janet Evanovich.

Characters: A Lovable Mess and Her Motley Crew

Finlay herself is an absolute delight. She’s frazzled, sarcastic, and just trying to keep her head above water. Her internal monologue had me cackling out loud more times than I care to admit. She’s the kind of character you want to befriend, partly because she’s hilarious and partly because you know your life would never be boring with her around.

The supporting cast is equally entertaining. There’s Vero, Finlay’s nanny-turned-partner-in-crime, who brings a delightful mix of level-headedness and “screw it, let’s do this” energy. Then we’ve got the hot bartender/law student Julian, who adds some much-needed eye candy and romantic tension to the mix.

And let’s not forget the antagonists – from Finlay’s infuriating ex-husband to the actual criminals she gets tangled up with. They’re all wonderfully drawn and add layers of complication to Finlay’s already chaotic life.

Writing Style: Witty, Fast-Paced, and Addictive

Cosimano’s writing is a perfect blend of snappy dialogue, laugh-out-loud internal monologues, and just enough suspense to keep you on your toes. The pacing is relentless – in the best way possible. I found myself saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly it was 2 AM and I’d finished the book.

What really sets this apart is how Cosimano balances the humor with genuine heart. Amidst all the chaos, there are touching moments that explore motherhood, friendship, and finding your self-worth. It’s like getting a warm hug right after someone’s made you laugh so hard you snorted wine out your nose.

Themes: More Than Just Laughs

While “Finlay Donovan Is Killing It” is undeniably a comedic romp, it’s got some meat on its bones too. Here are a few of the meatier themes Cosimano explores:

The Juggling Act of Modern Motherhood

Finlay’s constant struggle to balance her kids’ needs, her career, and her own sanity is painfully relatable. The book doesn’t shy away from showing the messy, exhausting reality of being a single parent. There’s a scene where Finlay has to duct tape her daughter’s hair after a scissor incident that had me laughing and cringing in equal measure.

Female Friendship and Solidarity

The relationship between Finlay and Vero is a highlight of the book. These two women from different backgrounds come together and form an unexpected but fierce bond. It’s refreshing to see female characters supporting each other instead of tearing each other down.

Reinvention and Finding Your Strength

Throughout the book, Finlay discovers reserves of strength and cleverness she never knew she had. It’s a journey of self-discovery wrapped in a zany crime caper. By the end, she’s not just surviving – she’s thriving (in her own chaotic way).

Series Potential: A Promising Start

“Finlay Donovan Is Killing It” is the first in what promises to be a highly entertaining series. The sequel, “Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead,” is already out and continues Finlay’s misadventures. Book three, “Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun,” hit shelves in January 2023, proving that Finlay’s life isn’t getting any less complicated.

The most recent installment, “Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice,” came out in early 2024, and fans are already eagerly anticipating the next book, “Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave.” If the quality stays this high, I can see this series becoming a long-running favorite for readers who like their mysteries with a heavy dose of humor.

Comparisons and Context

For readers familiar with Cosimano’s YA work (like the Edgar Award-nominated “Nearly Gone”), this marks a successful transition into adult fiction. She brings the same sharp wit and page-turning suspense, but with a more mature edge.

If you’re a fan of authors like Janet Evanovich, Darynda Jones, or Lisa Lutz, you’ll find a lot to love here. “Finlay Donovan Is Killing It” sits comfortably in that sweet spot between cozy mystery and madcap adventure.

Final Verdict: A Killer Good Time

“Finlay Donovan Is Killing It” lives up to its cheeky title. It’s a breath of fresh air in the mystery genre – funny, fast-paced, and with a heroine you can’t help but root for. Cosimano has crafted a story that’s perfect for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by life’s demands and fantasized about a complete change of pace (even if that change doesn’t usually involve accidental contract killing).

Is it sometimes ridiculous? Absolutely. But it’s the kind of ridiculousness that makes you grin and keeps you turning pages well past your bedtime. It’s the literary equivalent of a girls’ night out – fun, a little chaotic, and leaving you eager for the next round.

So pour yourself a glass of wine (or a strong cup of coffee—Finlay would approve of either), settle in, and prepare to laugh your way through one of the most entertaining books you’ll read this year. Just maybe don’t read it in public unless you’re comfortable with strangers giving you odd looks when you burst out laughing.

Praise and Quibbles

What Worked:

  • Finlay’s voice is pitch-perfect – relatable, funny, and endearingly flawed
  • The pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish
  • Secondary characters are well-developed and add depth to the story
  • A satisfying blend of humor, heart, and suspense

Room for Improvement:

  • Some plot points require a bit of suspension of disbelief
  • A few loose ends that will presumably be addressed in future books

Who Should Read This Book:

  • Mystery lovers who don’t mind their whodunits with a heavy dose of humor
  • Fans of “mommy lit” looking for something with a bit more edge
  • Anyone who’s ever felt like they’re barely keeping it together (so… everyone?)
  • Readers who enjoy strong female friendships in their fiction

Who Might Want to Skip It:

  • Those looking for a gritty, realistic crime novel
  • Readers who prefer their mysteries dead serious (emphasis on the dead)
  • People who are easily scandalized by fictional moms behaving badly

In Conclusion: A Series to Watch

“Finlay Donovan Is Killing It” kicks off a series that promises to be a standout in the humorous mystery genre. Elle Cosimano has created a world and characters that readers will be eager to revisit. With each new book (“Knocks ‘Em Dead,” “Jumps the Gun,” “Rolls the Dice,” and the upcoming “Digs Her Own Grave”), Finlay’s misadventures seem to get more outrageous – and more addictive.

So if you’re looking for a book that’ll make you laugh, keep you guessing, and maybe make you feel a little better about your own chaotic life, give Finlay Donovan a shot. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking at your neighborhood moms’ group with newfound suspicion. After all, you never know which of them might be moonlighting as an accidental hitwoman.

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"Finlay Donovan Is Killing It" lives up to its cheeky title. It's a breath of fresh air in the mystery genre – funny, fast-paced, and with a heroine you can't help but root for. Cosimano has crafted a story that's perfect for anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed by life's demands...Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano