Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano

Loan sharks, mobsters, and Finlay Donovan – what could possibly go wrong?

In a genre that can sometimes take itself too seriously, the Finlay Donovan series is a breath of fresh air. "Rolls the Dice" proves that you can have your cake and eat it too – delivering both a tightly plotted mystery and a comedy that will leave you in stitches.

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You know that feeling when you’re trying to have a relaxing girls’ weekend, but suddenly find yourself embroiled in a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse with loan sharks, the Russian mob, and your overly enthusiastic ex-husband? No? Well, buckle up buttercup, because Finlay Donovan is about to take you on one wild ride through the neon-lit streets of Atlantic City in Elle Cosimano’s latest laugh-out-loud thriller, “Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice.”

The House Always Wins… Or Does It?

In this fourth installment of the beloved Finlay Donovan series, our favorite accidental hitwoman-turned-amateur sleuth is back and better than ever. Cosimano has once again hit the jackpot with a perfect blend of heart-pounding suspense, side-splitting humor, and just enough romantic tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Finlay and her partner-in-crime (literally), Vero, head to Atlantic City for what’s supposed to be a much-needed break from the chaos of their everyday lives. But let’s face it, folks – when has anything ever gone according to plan for these two? Before you can say “double down,” they’re knee-deep in a convoluted plot involving a kidnapped boyfriend, a stolen Aston Martin, and a dangerous loan shark with a penchant for bathtub murders.

A Full House of Colorful Characters

One of the greatest strengths of the Finlay Donovan series has always been its cast of quirky, lovable characters, and “Rolls the Dice” doesn’t disappoint. Cosimano introduces us to a slew of new faces, each more delightfully absurd than the last:

  • Ricky, the hapless valet with a secret connection to the mob
  • Enzo Russo, a loan shark with a fondness for Speedos and saunas
  • Giada Toscano, a mob wife with impeccable fashion sense and a mean right hook

But it’s the returning characters that really shine in this installment. Finlay’s ex-husband Steven and her mother tag along for the ride, adding an extra layer of comedic tension to an already precarious situation. And let’s not forget about the swoon-worthy Detective Nick, who shows up in Atlantic City with his own agenda, sending Finlay’s heart (and libido) into overdrive.

Raising the Stakes

What sets “Rolls the Dice” apart from its predecessors is the way Cosimano ups the ante at every turn. Just when you think Finlay and Vero can’t possibly dig themselves any deeper, they manage to stumble into an even bigger mess. From accidentally kidnapping a mobster’s prized dachshund to impersonating pizza delivery girls to infiltrate a chop shop, the shenanigans come fast and furious.

But it’s not all fun and games. Cosimano expertly weaves in moments of genuine emotional depth, exploring themes of trust, loyalty, and the lengths we’ll go to protect the ones we love. Finlay’s struggle to balance her growing feelings for Nick with her increasingly complicated web of lies adds a poignant undercurrent to the madcap adventure.

A Winning Hand: Cosimano’s Signature Style

If you’ve read the previous books in the series (“Finlay Donovan Is Killing It,” “Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead,” and “Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun“), you’ll know that Cosimano has a knack for crafting page-turning plots with more twists than a pretzel factory. “Rolls the Dice” is no exception, keeping readers guessing until the very last page.

But what really makes this book sing is Cosimano’s razor-sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing. Her prose crackles with energy, peppered with one-liners and absurd situations that will have you laughing out loud. Take this gem, for example:

“I had not seen finding a marriage counselor for my parents on my New Year/New Me bingo card. For that matter, I had not anticipated finding a dead loan shark in a bathtub either.”

It’s this blend of humor and heart that has made the Finlay Donovan series such a runaway success, and “Rolls the Dice” proves that Cosimano isn’t running out of steam anytime soon.

A Roll of the Dice: Taking Risks and Reaping Rewards

One of the most fascinating aspects of “Rolls the Dice” is the way Cosimano explores the theme of risk-taking. Throughout the novel, Finlay is forced to make split-second decisions that could have dire consequences. Should she trust Charlie, Nick’s former partner with a shady past? Can she really pull off an elaborate con to save Vero’s kidnapped boyfriend? And perhaps most importantly, is she willing to risk her budding relationship with Nick by continuing to keep secrets from him?

These high-stakes gambles mirror the casino setting, creating a palpable sense of tension that keeps the pages turning. But Cosimano also uses this theme to delve deeper into Finlay’s character growth. As our heroine learns to trust her instincts and take calculated risks, we see her evolving from the somewhat hapless single mom of the first book into a confident and capable woman who’s not afraid to roll the dice when it really counts.

Hitting the Jackpot: Why “Rolls the Dice” Works

So, what makes “Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice” such a winning addition to the series? Let’s break it down:

Perfect Pacing

Cosimano keeps the plot moving at a breakneck speed, never letting the momentum flag. From the moment Finlay and Vero arrive in Atlantic City, it’s a non-stop rollercoaster of action, comedy, and suspense.

Character Development

While the book is undeniably fun, it also allows its characters room to grow. Finlay’s struggle with honesty and her evolving relationships with both Nick and Steven add depth to the story.

Masterful Plotting

Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Cosimano throws another curveball. The intricate web of lies, double-crosses, and mistaken identities keeps readers on their toes until the very end.

Laugh-Out-Loud Humor

From slapstick comedy to clever wordplay, the book is packed with moments that will have you giggling uncontrollably. Cosimano’s ability to find humor in even the most tense situations is truly impressive.

A Satisfying Conclusion… With a Twist

Without spoiling anything, let’s just say that the ending of “Rolls the Dice” manages to tie up loose ends while still leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment (rumored to be titled “Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave”).

Placing Your Bets: Is “Rolls the Dice” Worth the Gamble?

In case it isn’t already abundantly clear, I’m going all-in on “Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice.” It’s a riotously funny, cleverly plotted, and genuinely touching addition to a series that just keeps getting better with each book.

While newcomers to the series might find themselves a bit lost at times (there are quite a few callbacks to previous adventures), Cosimano does an admirable job of bringing new readers up to speed without bogging down the narrative with excessive exposition.

For fans of the series, “Rolls the Dice” is like hitting the jackpot. It takes everything we love about Finlay and her misadventures and cranks it up to eleven. The stakes are higher, the laughs are louder, and the emotional payoff is even more satisfying.

Final Thoughts: A Sure Bet

In a genre that can sometimes take itself too seriously, the Finlay Donovan series is a breath of fresh air. “Rolls the Dice” proves that you can have your cake and eat it too – delivering both a tightly plotted mystery and a comedy that will leave you in stitches.

So, should you take a chance on “Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice”? Absolutely. In fact, I’d bet my last chip on it being one of the most entertaining reads of the year. Just be prepared to stay up way past your bedtime, because once you start this wild ride, you won’t want to get off.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go practice my poker face for when the next Finlay Donovan book comes out. Something tells me we’re in for an even wilder adventure when our favorite accidental hitwoman starts digging her own grave. But knowing Finlay, she’ll probably stumble onto another dead body in the process. And honestly? I can’t wait.

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In a genre that can sometimes take itself too seriously, the Finlay Donovan series is a breath of fresh air. "Rolls the Dice" proves that you can have your cake and eat it too – delivering both a tightly plotted mystery and a comedy that will leave you in stitches.Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano