Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

Finding a good cozy mystery that really knocks your socks off is tough, but Elle Cosimano has written one with Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead, the second book in her new series. Finlay is struggling with writer’s block for her new book, trying to raise two young kids, dealing with ex-husband troubles as well as the attentions of a handsome young law student and an equally handsome police detective. Now, she discovers that someone appears to be posting on an online forum looking for someone to kill her ex-husband. Finlay and her live-in friend/babysitter/accountant Vero have to find out who is soliciting a killer and stop them before her kids are short one dad!

Finlay’s past adventures have put her on the periphery of Russian mobsters which turns out to be a blessing and a curse. Finlay and Vero make some choices and get themselves in some predicaments that would make Lucy Ricardo and Ethel blush. Finlay is quick on her feet and able to pivot from one suspect to the next with each new fact she discovers. Her quick thinking also keeps her agent and publisher at bay as she spins events from her life into a plot for a novel. Finlay also juggles a suspicious ex-husband who wants to spend more time with his kids and two love interests who want to spend more time with her. Add in some intrusive family members and you’ve got a fast-paced and very funny adventure.

The strong, entertaining characters and their relationship with each other and those around them are a big part of what makes this such a fun book. Readers new to the series jump into the deep end a little bit at the beginning, which picks up and builds on events from the first book in the series. It’s not a big hurdle and you’ll quickly find your feet and enjoy this fast-paced and wildly entertaining book. This series is going on my list of ones to keep up with and I can’t wait for the next adventure!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.