Monday, August 26, 2024

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

Title: Finlay Donovan Is Killing It
Author: Elle Cosimano
Published: February 2, 2021 by Minotaur Books
Format: Hardcover, 355 Pages
Genre: Women's Fiction
Series: Finlay Donovan #1

First Sentence: It’s a widely known fact that most moms are ready to kill someone by eight thirty a.m. on any given morning.

Blurb: Finlay Donovan is killing it . . . except, she’s really not. She’s a stressed-out single-mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay’s life is in the new book she promised her literary agent isn’t written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors.

When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she’s mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet . . . Soon, Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a real-life murder investigation.

Fast-paced, deliciously witty, and wholeheartedly authentic in depicting the frustrations and triumphs of motherhood in all its messiness, hilarity, and heartfelt moment, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is the first in a brilliant new series from YA Edgar Award nominee Elle Cosimano.

My Opinion: From the first pages, this book is engaging and delightful, blending humor, suspense, and the everyday chaos of motherhood. The reader follows Finlay Donovan, a struggling novelist and single mother, who accidentally becomes involved in a real-life murder plot after being mistaken for a contract killer during a conversation with her literary agent at Panera.

Initially, I wasn’t sure if I was the target audience for this book, yet I found Finlay incredibly relatable. She juggles children, an ex-husband, a demanding job, bills, and putting groceries on the table. She is both endearing and resilient, making readers root for her and her messy life from the beginning.

The plot is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists. Cosimano has found a balance between comedic situations and suspenseful moments, creating a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and makes them laugh out loud. The situations Finlay finds herself in are often absurd yet oddly believable, adding to her unique charm.

The supporting cast of characters is another highlight. From Finlay’s nanny Vero, to her ex-husband Steve, to detective Nicholas Anthony, their interactions are quirky and add multiple layers to the story.

Overall, the book is a quick and fun read. It’s often frantic and hilarious while also touching as it embraces friendship, inner strength, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.

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