Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

The Delightful Chaos Continues

You know that feeling when you’re juggling a dozen flaming chainsaws while riding a unicycle on a tightrope over a pit of hungry alligators? No? Well, welcome to Finlay Donovan’s world. Elle Cosimano’s second installment in the Finlay Donovan series, “Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead,” throws our favorite accidental hitwoman-slash-struggling author back into the deep end of the crazy pool, and boy, does she make a splash.

A Quick Recap for the Uninitiated

For those who missed the first book, “Finlay Donovan Is Killing It” (and seriously, where have you been?), our heroine Finlay is a divorced mom of two who moonlights as a mystery novelist. In a hilarious case of mistaken identity, she ends up embroiled in a real-life murder plot. Hijinks, as they say, ensue.

The Plot Thickens… Like Really Thick Gravy

In “Knocks ‘Em Dead,” Finlay’s life hasn’t exactly calmed down. She’s still struggling to meet her next book deadline, juggling single motherhood, and oh yeah, trying to prevent her ex-husband from being assassinated. Just your average Tuesday, right?

The Good, The Bad, and The Downright Hilarious

Let’s break this down:

The Good:

• Finlay’s character development is perfect
• The chemistry between Finlay and… well, everyone
• Vero, the nanny-turned-partner-in-crime, steals every scene she’s in
• The pacing is tighter than my jeans after Thanksgiving dinner

The Bad:

• You might get weird looks when you snort-laugh in public while reading
• Sleep deprivation from staying up “just one more chapter”
• Potential side effects include an irresistible urge to sign up for self-defense classes

The Downright Hilarious:

• Finlay’s attempts at sleuthing while maintaining a semblance of normalcy
• The Russian mob scenes (trust me, you’ll never look at a borscht restaurant the same way again)
• Every single interaction between Finlay and her well-meaning but oh-so-nosy mother

Characters That Feel Like Your Slightly Unhinged Best Friends

Cosimano has a gift for creating characters that leap off the page and make themselves at home in your heart. Finlay continues to be a delightful mess of contradictions—a loving mother who can’t seem to keep her kids’ schedules straight, a romance author who’s hopeless at her own love life, and an accidental detective who can barely keep her own life together.

But it’s the supporting cast that really shines in this sequel. Vero, Finlay’s live-in nanny and partner in crime-solving, gets more depth and backstory. Her mysterious past and questionable skills add layers to her character that leave you wanting more.

And let’s not forget about the men in Finlay’s life. Detective Nick Anthony continues to be a delicious complication, walking that fine line between potential love interest and potential arresting officer. Meanwhile, Julian, the law student bartender, adds just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

A Plot More Twisted Than a Pretzel Factory

Cosimano weaves a plot that’s as intricate as it is entertaining. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, she throws in another twist that leaves you gasping (and occasionally cackling). The central mystery – who wants Finlay’s ex-husband dead and why – is layered with subplots involving the Russian mob, a mysterious online forum, and the ever-present challenge of balancing motherhood with, you know, preventing murders.

The Fine Art of Balancing Genres

What sets this series apart is its ability to seamlessly blend genres. It’s part domestic comedy, part crime thriller, with a healthy dose of romance thrown in for good measure. Cosimano navigates these shifts with the skill of a Formula One driver, never letting the tone become too dark or too frivolous.

Writing That’ll Make You Laugh, Gasp, and Maybe Snort Your Coffee

Cosimano’s writing style is like that friend who always has the perfect quip for every situation. Her dialogue crackles with wit, and her descriptions paint vivid pictures without bogging down the pacing. Take this gem, for example:

“I had become one of Feliks’s shell companies. At any point, Feliks could tip off the police and Nick would jump down the rabbit hole and find me. Feliks knew exactly what Nick and I had been doing after our dinner at Kvass. And this was a message in return: Feliks Zhirov owned me.”

It’s tense, it’s funny, and it encapsulates the absurd situation Finlay finds herself in perfectly.

The Evolution of a Series

“Knocks ‘Em Dead” builds beautifully on the foundation laid in “Finlay Donovan Is Killing It.” While the first book introduced us to Finlay’s world, this sequel expands it, deepening relationships and raising the stakes. It’s like the difference between the first and second season of your favorite TV show – everything’s familiar, but richer and more complex.

And with the upcoming books in the series – “Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun” and “Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice” – it’s clear that Cosimano has plenty more tricks up her sleeve. The yet-to-be-released “Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave” promises even more delightful chaos on the horizon.

A Love Letter to Moms Everywhere

At its heart, the Finlay Donovan series is a love letter to moms everywhere who are just trying to keep it together. Finlay’s constant juggling act – between her kids, her career, and the occasional dead body – will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like they’re barely keeping their head above water.

The Relatability Factor

Sure, most of us aren’t solving murders or dodging the Russian mob, but who hasn’t felt the panic of forgetting a school event or the guilt of ordering takeout for the third time in a week? Finlay’s imperfections make her relatable, and her determination makes her admirable.

Comparisons and Contrasts

If you’re a fan of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series or Lisa Lutz’s Spellman Files, you’ll find a kindred spirit in Finlay Donovan. However, Cosimano brings a freshness to the genre that sets her apart. Her blend of domestic comedy with high-stakes crime feels uniquely modern and utterly addictive.

The Verdict

“Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead” is the literary equivalent of a perfect cocktail – strong, sweet, with just the right amount of kick. It’s a book that will make you laugh out loud, grip the edges in suspense, and occasionally yell “No, Finlay, don’t do that!” at the pages.

Who Should Read This?

• Anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by life (so, everyone?)
• Mystery lovers who don’t mind a hefty dose of humor with their whodunnits
• Moms who fantasize about swapping carpool duty for car chases
• Readers who appreciate a strong female lead who’s allowed to be imperfect

Who Should Maybe Skip It?

• People who take their crime novels very, very seriously
• Anyone who’s never accidentally sent their kid to school with their shirt on backwards (you won’t relate)
• Readers who prefer their protagonists to have their lives completely together (boring!)

Final Thoughts

“Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead” is a triumph of a sequel that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment. It’s the perfect escape read, blending laugh-out-loud humor with genuine heart and just enough suspense to keep you on your toes.

So grab a copy, find a comfy spot, and prepare to enter Finlay’s world. Just maybe don’t read it while drinking hot beverages – I can’t be held responsible for any coffee-snorting incidents.

P.S. If you see a harried-looking mom in the grocery store eyeing the produce section suspiciously, maybe give her some space. She might just be channeling her inner Finlay Donovan.