Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead (The Finlay Donovan Series, 2) - book cover
  • Publisher : Minotaur
  • Published : 10 Jan 2023
  • Pages : 384
  • ISBN-10 : 125087517X
  • ISBN-13 : 9781250875174
  • Language : English

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead (The Finlay Donovan Series, 2)

A USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

From Edgar-Award nominee Elle Cosimano, comes Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead―the hilarious and heart-pounding follow-up to Finlay Donovan is Killing It.

"Cosimano skillfully combines suspense and laughs in the manner of Janet Evanovich's early (and best) novels, finished off with a metafictional twist."―New York Times Book Review

"A funny and smart, twisty and surprising series."―Megan Miranda

Finlay Donovan is―once again―struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish.

On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of hit-women disguised as soccer moms, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like.

Meanwhile, Vero's keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay's first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes... and if that means bending a few laws then so be it.

With her next book's deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn't a noose at the end of it...

Editorial Reviews

A February 2022 LibraryReads Pick

One of Bustle's "Most Anticipated Books of 2022"
One of Business Insider's "Most Anticipated Books of 2022"
One of The Bibliofile's "Best New Mystery & Thriller Books for 2022"
One of Bookbub's "Most Anticipated Books of 2022"
One of Goodreads "Most Anticipated Mysteries of 2022"
One of POPSUGAR's "Must-Read Thrillers and Mystery Books" of 2022
One of Canadian Living Magazine's "2022 TBR List"

"Riotous . . . Given the challenge of matching her first novel's gorgeous premise, Cosimano does a remarkable job. What next?"―Kirkus Reviews

"Cosimano builds on Finlay Donovan is Killing It (2021) for another rollicking adventure in which the tribulations of single parenthood feel just as high stakes as the attempted murders. A sharp, slick sequel."―Booklist

"Diverting . . . such fun. Fans of wacky, offbeat mysteries will eagerly await Finlay's further exploits."―Publishers Weekly

"Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano was a delightfully fun surprise in 2021, and Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead is every bit as bright and hilarious as its predecessor."―PopSugar

"Elle Cosimano spins a twisted and hilarious tale that is well plotted, suspenseful, and is marvelously outfitted with multiple colorful characters are both flaws and believable. This propulsive page turner is a welcome antidote to everyone's angst."―Mystery Scene Magazine

"Read for round two of the fun, light-hearted mystery series. From assassins and contending with the mob to balancing life as a mother and writer while entertaining suitors, Finlay has a lot going on and it's all explored in hilarious ways. The titular character's high jinks and her best friend/partner's fun, snarky personality are sure to entertain."―Book Riot

"The second entry in Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series, another bumbling comedy of errors and hilarious, fast-paced mystery, upends the life of a struggling writer and single mother."―Shelf Awareness

"Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead could easily have become a ri...

Readers Top Reviews

momreadsbooksinbt
Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead, Book #2 of the series, did not disappoint. Finlay Donovan becomes aware that someone wants her ex-husband dead. She and Vero, her live-in nanny and literal partner in crime, are frantically trying to discover who initiated the hit, keep Steven and their family safe, all while trying to write her next book. On the heels of her first successful novel, Finlay’s agent and publisher are anxious to get their hands on her next masterpiece. Finlay and Vero become entangled in more treacherous criminal activities involving Russian mob bosses, dead bodies, lots of money, and expensive cars. Finlay’s romantic life is flourishing. Her love triangle, with soon-to-be lawyer young Julian and very masculine detective Nick, is making it harder for her to decide which direction to turn. The story is fast paced, it will keep your attention while you laugh out loud and on your toes with all the twists and turns. Elle Cosimano introduces a few new characters, that are just as intriguing and hysterical as the cast from “Finlay Donovan is Killing It.” Angela Dawe did another outstanding job in giving each character a unique voice and adding that punch of excitement during climactic parts of the story. So glad to know that the Finlay Donovan series is under contract for at least 2 more books and has just been picked up by 20th Television Studies to be adapted for a TV series that will be produced by Marlene King (Pretty Little Liars). Elle Cosimano’s recipe for dark comedic mystery is definitely working and I cannot wait for Book #3.
Laurel-Rain Snowm
Finlay Donovan is—once again—struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she’s dealt with lately is that of her daughter’s pet goldfish. On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he’s a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of hit-women disguised as soccer moms, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she’d like. Meanwhile, Vero’s keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay’s first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes… and if that means bending a few laws then so be it. With her next book’s deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn’t a noose at the end of it… mythoughts-laurelrainsnow-serendipity As we dive into Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead, we are rapidly turning pages and trying to keep track of all the twists and turns. As usual, Finlay is funny and a character we want to root for. I am not so sure about her nanny Vero, however, and hope that whatever she is up to doesn’t ruin things. A unique website offers some answers about what might be going on with some of the characters. But will Finlay figure things out so she and those she cares about can be safe? I liked how the ending wrapped up, so I give this one 4.5 stars.
Steph E.Laurel-Ra
I'm not a huge fan of this series BUT for some reason I have to keep reading. I want to know more. I want to know what happens next. I like Finlay and Vero. I like that Finlay is a single mother. I cannot stand Steven. He makes me not want to read this series. Maybe that why I'm not a huge fan? He is annoying. I'm glad Finlay doesn't want a relationship with him. I hope they never get back together. Speaking of relationships, I'm not crazy about Julian or Nick. I want Finlay and Vero. Not romantically but just them. Two women not killing and hunting down online contract killers. Wonderful duo.
Trish ClineSteph
Another great Finlay mystery! I had trouble putting the book down. Anxiously waiting for book number three. The Finlay books are a must read
Eileen GoudgeTris
This is the second book I’m the Finlay Donovan series that I’ve read. With plot twists coming fast and furious enough to give you whiplash, it’s a most entertaining read. The characters are vividly portrayed with real-life -sized problems amid the wildly improbable. A good book to escape one’s own problems.

Featured Video