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

This was such a fun, engaging read. The story really pulled me in and I loved her sidekick that added depth to the story along with humor. Even as there is one crazy thing after another happening, the danger begins to feel very real. I appreciated the layers this author created along the way. And of course there’s the touch of romance that Finlay is exploring. Not sure where that’s going to go but I’m definitely reading the next book to find out more about all of these incredible characters

Mistaken impressions end in drama & skullduggery😯 I thought the main idea was really well developed, with Finlay, the divorced mother of two tots, falling into the role of a reluctant suburban assassin quite by accident. Her adventures in the world of paid hits on erring husbands and Mafia figures was entertaining, especially the way, through dumb luck, she and her intrepid sidekick Vero skate through dangerous situations. Innocent coffee shop meeting with her agent to paid assassin? Whimsy+!

Accidental assassin single mom chaos found family partners in crime This book quickly sucked me in! Elle Cosimano delivers a razor-sharp and witty read. The friendship between Finlay and Ver is one of the most endearing aspects of this book. If you love your crime with comedy, chaos, and a little bit of heart-run, don't walk Content Warnings: -Violence & murder (comedic tone) -Gun violence -Kidnapping -Attempted sexual assault (off-page) -Divorce/custody battle -Mild language -Sexual innuendo

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.