Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano Book Review

1 Shares

“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. 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. She soon 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 moments, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is the first in a brilliant new series from award-winning Elle Cosimano.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It Book Review

After hearing so many wonderful things about Finlay Donovan is Killing It, I immediately added it to my list of books to read. I’m so glad I did because it was a really great book and I enjoyed every minute!

Finlay Donovan is Killing It follows Finlay, a single mother who is struggling to support her children and write her next novel. When a lady overhears Finlay discussing the plot for her next mystery novel, she tries to hire Finlay as a contract killer. Since Finlay is desperate for money, she reluctantly agrees and involves herself in a real murder investigation.

I really enjoyed Finlay in this book. There’s something about her that is so sweet — even though her life is in total chaos. Her desire to be there for her children and give them the best life she can is really heartwarming. I also really enjoyed her interactions with her children throughout the book. There are so many sweet moments between them, even through the chaos.

Finlay’s relationship with Vero is adorable and also hilarious. I love that Finlay has someone she can lean on for support. It’s so interesting to see how Vero navigates the chaos while trying to support Finlay.

I absolutely loved the plot of this book. It’s the perfect mix of cozy mystery with some romance that really worked for me. There are so many moments that made me laugh and moments that had me turning the page to know more. I really think it’s a great option for people (like me) who enjoy mystery but on a cozier level.

Overall, Finlay Donovan is Killing It was a fantastic read and I’m so glad I finally made the time to read it. I immediately jumped into reading the sequel and am hoping I enjoy it just as much! I definitely recommend picking this book up if you haven’t already.

Rating: ★★★★☆

About the Author

Elle Cosimano is an award-winning author whose young adult debut, Nearly Gone, was an Edgar Award finalist and winner of the International Thriller Award. Her novel Holding Smoke was a finalist for the International Thriller Award and the Bram Stoker Award. Her essays have appeared in The Huffington Post and Time. Elle lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with her husband, two sons, and her dog. Finlay Donovan is Killing It is her adult debut.

Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter | Website

Buy Finlay Donovan is Killing It

Amazon CA | Amazon US | Bookshop | Indigo