Elle Cosimano’s “Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead”

If you haven’t read Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano, then A) what are you doing with your life? and B) this review is going to be full of spoilers for the first book.

You.

Have.

Been.

Warned.

Okay, so, Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead picks up shortly after the end of the first book where Finlay learns someone put a hit out on her ex-husband. She and her live-in nanny/accountant Vero have spent the time between trying to figure out who that person is. That’s the gist of her journey through this book, but man, it is one twisty ride.

Of course, Finlay and Vero end up with yet another body in their possession, or at least part of a body, which is a delightful staple of the series thus far. I love the shenanigans they get themselves into trying to hide/get rid of bodies and the creativity of preserving them.

While all of this investigating and body concealment is going on, Finlay is also dealing with professional demands from her agent and editor demanding pages. Once again, Finlay is pulling from her real life dramatics to come up with a plot for her next book, but who has the time to write when you’re trying to figure out who wants your kids’ father dead?

Especially when she’s also trying to juggle her two love interests… sort of. Julian is off on a Florida trip with his college buddies, so of course, Finlay thinks the worst is happening. The course of her investigation and Finlay’s cop sister bring hot detective Anthony back into her life. He’s hopeful she will leave the lawyer behind and makes himself quite useful, especially in a couple adorable scenes with her kids. Try not to smile through those.

I freaking love the Finlay Donovan books thus far, in case you couldn’t tell. They are a refreshing blend of mystery, love, humor, and the relatability of having your life be a mess. I don’t have any kids or an ex-husband, but her struggle to pay the bills and deal with people in her life feels so genuine and real. Knocks ‘Em Dead was so delightful and intense, I stress ate probably 100 Tootsie Rolls while reading and zero recollection of it. I’m ready for the third book, stat.

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