The cover page of the book "Finlay Donovan is killing it" by Elle Cosimano.
Posted on by Pinkii Bakshi

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

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When you read, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano, be prepared to dive into a quirky, thrilling, and hilariously chaotic adventure. It is the first book in a five-book series (the 6th book to be launched this year, 2025). As someone who appreciates stories with strong female leads and unexpected twists, I find this book hit the mark perfectly for me.

It is an absolute page-turner that had me hooked from start to finish. I loved everything about this book—the story, the pace, and the characters. It’s a perfectly balanced mix of humour, suspense, and chaos that kept me entertained throughout.

THE STORY

Finlay is one of those characters you can’t help but root for. She’s a struggling single mom, a writer facing deadlines, and somehow finds herself mistaken for a contract killer. During a lunch meeting with her literary agent to discuss her upcoming crime novel, a nearby diner misinterprets their conversation and mistakes Finlay for a contract killer. The diner leaves her a note offering $50,000 to kill her problem husband. At first, Finlay’s conscience balks—after all, she’s just a crime fiction writer, not a real killer. But mounting bills and the looming threat of losing custody of her two children to her ex-husband make her pause and reconsider. Will she accept the offer? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

It’s absurd yet so brilliantly executed that I couldn’t stop reading. The twists, one after the other, kept me guessing and completely immersed in the story. Who wouldn’t be curious to see how she untangles herself from this mess?

ANALYSIS

What stood out to me was how crisp the plot is. The story doesn’t meander or feel overstuffed—it sticks to its lane, delivering sharp, witty, and fast-paced fun. The dynamic between Finlay and Vero, her savvy and unflappable nanny-turned-partner-in-crime, adds a lot of heart and humour to the narrative. Their banter and camaraderie added a layer of warmth and fun to the story. I became a fan of both the characters.

There’s also a subtle love angle involving a hotshot cop and a charming attorney, but it’s refreshingly natural and never feels cheesy. Instead, it blends seamlessly into the story which adds an extra layer of charm without overshadowing the main plot

If I had to nitpick, I’d say some situations bordered on the absurd. But honestly, that’s part of its charm, which makes it such an enjoyable ride. Elle Cosimano’s writing style shines, it’s conversational, engaging, and brimming with cleverness.

For anyone who loves fast-paced, witty mysteries with a dose of heart, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, is a must-read. After finishing the book, I was missing Finlay so I am hopping onto the next book from the series because I cannot wait to see what shenanigans Finlay would get into next.

PS1: This post is a part of #ReadingWithMuffy hosted by gorgeous Shalini and her pawsome friend Muffy.

PS2: This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

44 Replies to “Book Review: Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano”

  2. I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts! The way you described Finlay’s chaotic life and the absurd yet thrilling plot twists had me nodding along. Your insight into the dynamic between Finlay and Vero, and the subtle romantic angles, added depth to my understanding of the story. I also appreciated your note on the crispness of the plot and Cosimano’s engaging writing style. Your review has me excited to dive into the rest of the series and see what shenanigans Finlay gets into next!

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  4. I absolutely loved your review! You captured the essence of the book so well, quirky, fast-paced, and downright fun. I also enjoyed Finlay and Vero’s dynamic; their partnership made the story even more entertaining. Now I’m tempted to start this series!

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  7. An absolute bang on review of the book I read today and that is enough for me to take the call to buy the book. Your review is detailed yet so crisp. I just loved the way you presented the book, that’s the highlight of a quality book reviewer.

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    1. Thank you so much, this truly means a lot. I don’t write reviews often, as I’ve always felt I lack the art of writing them. But your comment has given me the confidence to write and share more.

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  12. I love how your review highlights the quirky characters, especially Finlay’s partner-in-crime, Vero. Finlay’s accidental venture into crime-solving seems both entertaining and unpredictable, just the kind I like. Definitely adding this book to my reading list after reading your review.

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  13. I absolutely loved your review! Finlay’s chaotic journey sounds like a fun and unexpected ride. The mix of humor, suspense, and heart is exactly what makes a book like this stand out.Looking forward to reading it myself.

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  15. Imagine being overheard at a restaurant and getting mistaken for a contract killer! The premise itself sounds quirky and with the added elements of a love story and all it sure promises to be a fun read. Good review!

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  17. I loved reading your review! “Finlay Donovan Is Killing It” sounds like a perfect mix of humor and suspense. I can totally relate to the main character’s chaotic life and witty moments!

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  22. Oh this is such a fun series, right? I started reading the first book on a train journey and I immediately had to get the second one upon finishing it. So quirky! Thanks for the review.

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