Finlay Donovan Is Killing It: A Novel

Elle Cosimano

Feb 2021 · The Finlay Donovan Series Book 1 · Sold by Minotaur Books

About this ebook

"Getting the job done" for one single mom takes on a whole new meaning in Finlay Donovan is Killing It.

A USA Today bestseller!
One of Suspense Magazine's "Best Thrillers of 2021"
One of New York Public Library's Best Books of 2021
Nominated for the Left Coast Crime 2022 Lefty Award for the Best Humorous Mystery

“Finlay Donovan is irresistible!”—Janet Evanovich

Finlay Donovan is killing it . . . except, she’s really not. She’s 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 . . . Soon, Finlay 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 YA Edgar Award nominee Elle Cosimano.

Ratings and reviews

A thoroughly enjoyable romp, Finlay Donovan is Killing It is the newest release from Elle Cosimano, author of thrillers for teens and adults. This title is aimed toward an adult audience, but older teens might enjoy it as well. Dismayed by her current circumstances, Finlay Donovan is a single mom whose life is on the brink of collapse. Her middling literary career is stalled out, she is in danger of breaching the contract on her next book and is already deeply in debt despite her small advance. To add to her troubles, her ex-husband and his enviable fiancé are threatening to sue for custody of their two young children. It is no surprise then, that her desperation leads her to contemplate an outrageous offer of a job as a contract killer. A woman overhears Finlay’s description of her latest work-in-progress and jumps to the conclusion that Finlay might provide the solution to her dangerous marriage. Even though she explains that the woman is mistaken, Finlay’s insatiable curiosity leads her to stake out the proposed target. Through a series of unlikely events, this decision drops Finlay right into a murder mystery that rivals her wildest literary imaginings. All the tropes are here: the inept “fish-out-of-water” heroine whose bravery and luck alternatingly places her in danger and saves her; the side-kick Nanny who comes to her aid, but also becomes overly enthusiastic; the cop and the bartender who vie for her affections; and the one-dimensional stereotypical bad guys that menace but underestimate her. To Cosimano’s credit, these well-worn roles are refreshingly depicted, and wholly engaging despite their familiarity. Fans of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum or Lisa Lutz’ Izzy Spellman would be delighted to discover this book, as well as devotees of the old “I Love Lucy” escapades. Finlay Donovan is Killing It is a truly enjoyable read, with a main character who is relatable and fun to watch in a “train-wreck” sort of way. It would not be surprising if this title were swooped up to be developed into a movie or series that would be a huge success if given the right treatment and casting. Thanks to the author, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

This was a fast-paced read that was hilariously entertaining. The bad decisions that Finlay Donovan makes keep getting her into deeper and deeper trouble until she is finally forced to solve a mystery herself. Many can identify with Finlay as she is a struggling single mom, divorced from her philandering husband and hard pressed to pay her bills and survive. When a fellow diner at Panera’s mistakes her for a contract killer, the fun begins! The plot was original, the characters were well-developed and I absolutely loved this book! Thanks to #StMartinsPress and #Netgalley for the ARC to read and review. I am definitely looking for more Finlay Donovan in my future!

This book was very easy to read. I could easily loose 2 or 3 hours in this book. The plot twist got me a lot sadly they were mainly in the first 2/3rds of the book but after that it felt like a will they won't they end up together love maybe square maybe triangle. Sure Finlay wasn't attached to anyone but it felt like a subplot I had to keep in my head was "who will she choose?" Mainly because I know whoever she hung around added to the plot. Everytime I thought I had something figured out they'd swerve me and I think a lot of people that read this would feel that way. This book is extremely smart and things fall into place perfectly and that's kind of my main issue. I knew everything would work out for Finlay no matter if it subverted every expectation I had I knew she would be fine and it took away from the tension for me. Spoilery thoughts * Many Kisses, no sex (Which I liked) contrary to many horror related things. * Finlay's sister is a lesbian. * Finlay could've stayed single.

About the author

Elle Cosimano is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, an International Thriller Award winner, and an Edgar Award nominee. Elle’s debut novel for adults, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, kicked off a witty, fast-paced contemporary mystery series, which was a People magazine pick and was named one of New York Public Library's Best Books of 2021. The third book in the series, Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, was an instant New York Times bestseller. In addition to writing novels for teens and adults, her essays have appeared in HuffPost and Time. Cosimano lives with her husband and two sons in Virginia.