Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano

The Accidental Sleuth Strikes Again

Ever had one of those days where you accidentally stumble into a life of crime? No? Just Finlay Donovan then. In Elle Cosimano’s third installment of the Finlay Donovan series, our favorite hot-mess mom-turned-accidental-hitwoman is back, and she’s jumping headfirst into a whole new world of trouble.

“Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun” picks up where “Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead” left off, with Finlay and her partner-in-crime (and nanny extraordinaire) Vero neck-deep in mob debt and desperately trying to keep their heads above water. It’s a bit like watching a cat try to swim – hilarious, slightly concerning, but you can’t help but root for them.

A Citizen’s Police Academy? What Could Go Wrong?

In a twist that had me laughing out loud, Finlay and Vero find themselves enrolling in a citizen’s police academy. It’s like sending a fox to guard the henhouse, except in this case, the fox is wearing mom jeans and has spit-up on her shoulder. Their mission? Find a contract killer before the cops do. Oh, and did I mention the killer might be a cop themselves? No pressure, right?

The Finlay Donovan Series: A Recap

Before we dive deeper into this latest escapade, let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane:

1. “Finlay Donovan Is Killing It“: We met Finlay, a struggling author and single mom who gets mistaken for a contract killer. Hilarity and danger ensue.
2. “Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead“: Finlay’s back, this time trying to save her ex-husband from a hit. Because what’s a little attempted murder between exes?
3. “Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun”: Our current adventure, where Finlay’s playing cop to catch a killer.
4. “Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice“: Coming soon! I’m betting it involves Vegas, mobsters, and probably a body in a casino vault.
5. “Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave”: Upcoming. Literally? Figuratively? With Finlay, it could go either way.

The Good, The Bad, and The Hilarious

What Works

1. Character Development: Cosimano continues to flesh out Finlay and Vero’s characters beautifully. They’re flawed, relatable, and you can’t help but love them. Finlay’s growth from the first book is evident, but she’s still delightfully chaotic.
2. Humor: The situational comedy is spot-on. From Finlay’s attempts at firearms training to Vero’s unorthodox approach to “undercover” work, I found myself snorting with laughter more times than I care to admit.
3. Pacing: The story moves at a breakneck speed, keeping you on your toes and flipping pages faster than Finlay can get into trouble (which is saying something).
4. Romance: The slow-burn romance between Finlay and hot cop Nick continues to simmer. It’s like watching two awkward teenagers try to flirt, if those teenagers were in their thirties and one of them was constantly lying to the other. Adorable and anxiety-inducing.

What Could Be Better

1. Plausibility: Look, I’m all for suspension of disbelief, but at times, the plot stretches credibility thinner than Finlay’s excuses to her ex-husband. However, if you’re here for realism, you’re probably reading the wrong series.
2. Supporting Characters: While Finlay and Vero shine, some of the supporting characters could use a bit more depth. They occasionally feel like plot devices rather than fully realized people.

Standout Moments

The Good, The Bad, and The Awkward

1. Firearms Training: Watching Finlay attempt to handle a gun is like watching a giraffe try to use chopsticks – clumsy, potentially dangerous, but oddly endearing.
2. The Great Escape: Without spoiling too much, there’s a scene involving a fire tower that had me holding my breath and then laughing hysterically. It’s peak Finlay.
3. Undercover Shenanigans: Vero’s approach to going undercover is… unique. Let’s just say it involves borrowed underwear and a very confused rookie cop.

Themes and Depth

More Than Just Laughs

While “Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun” is undeniably hilarious, Cosimano doesn’t shy away from deeper themes:

1. Motherhood and Identity: Finlay’s constant struggle to balance her roles as a mother, writer, and accidental criminal is relatable and poignant.
2. Trust and Loyalty: The evolving relationship between Finlay and Vero, as well as Finlay’s complicated feelings for Nick, explore the nuances of trust in both friendships and romantic relationships.
3. Morality in Shades of Gray: As Finlay delves deeper into the world of crime, the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurry. It’s a fascinating exploration of morality in impossible situations.

Writing Style: A Masterclass in Comedic Suspense

Cosimano’s writing is like a perfectly mixed cocktail – smooth, with just the right amount of kick. Her ability to blend humor with genuine suspense is remarkable. One moment you’re laughing at Finlay’s internal monologue, the next you’re gripping the book in tension as she narrowly escapes danger.

The first-person narrative puts us squarely in Finlay’s head, which is a delightfully chaotic place to be. It’s like listening to your funniest friend recount their wildest adventure, if that adventure involved the Russian mob and potential murder.

Comparison to Other Works

If you enjoy the humor of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series or the wit of Sophie Kinsella’s heroines, but want a bit more suspense and a lot more accidental crime, the Finlay Donovan series is your perfect match.

Final Thoughts: To Read or Not to Read?

The Verdict

“Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun” is a rollicking good time. It’s the literary equivalent of a theme park ride – thrilling, occasionally terrifying, but ultimately leaving you with a big grin on your face and a desire to go again.

Is it perfect? No. Is it plausible? Not entirely. But is it fun? Absolutely. Cosimano has created a world and characters that are so engaging, you’re willing to overlook the occasional eyebrow-raising plot point.

If you’re new to the series, I’d recommend starting with the first book to fully appreciate Finlay’s journey. But for those already invested in Finlay’s misadventures, this latest installment does not disappoint.

So, grab a copy, settle in with your favorite snack (maybe avoid anything tomato-based, just in case), and prepare for a wild ride. Just remember, if anyone asks, you’re totally not researching how to dispose of a body. It’s for a book. Really.