Friday Favorites: Southern Cozy Mysteries

 

Southern Cozies are a favorite of mine at least in part because I live in the south. For the purpose of this post I am using the Census Bureau's definition of the south-- South Atlantic: Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, amd Delaware East South Central: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee West South Central: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas.

What makes a southern cozy? It takes place in the South. The dialogue is generally polite, but can be sharp (Bless her heart.) There is usually nothing overtly graphic in the way of violence, gore, or sex. The murderer is always caught and brought to justice and harmony restored. The main investigator is usually a likable, female character. And the villain is despicable.

I like the easy, light reading of the southern cozy. The banter is usually good. Settings for the most part are pleasant. I found when I was out of town for an extended period, that the southern cozies helped with my homesickness. 

Murder on a Girls' Night Out is the first in the Southern Sisters mysteries by Anne George. This is one of my all time favorite series. The books take place in Birmingham, Alabama. Patricia Anne (aka Mouse) and Mary Alice (aka Sister) are the sleuths. There is a lot of humor to the writing as well. There are 8 books in the series.

Another humorous series is the Cherry Tucker series that takes place in Halo, Georgia. Cherry Tucker is a talented artist who ends up having a skill for finding trouble as well. She has 6 novels and 2 novellas according to Goodreads. Portrait of a Dead Guy by Larissa Reinhart is the first book in the series.

Another humorous southern cozy is The Liz Talbot series by Susan Boyer. It starts with Lowcountry Boil. I love the description of the plot of the first book on Goodreads. There are 11 novels and one novella. The novels take place in South Carolina. "Private Investigator Liz Talbot is a modern Southern belle: she blesses hearts and takes names."

Some other humorous southern cozies include: The Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano (Virginia), The Miss Fortune series by Jana DeLeon (Louisiana), The Southern Ghost Hunter series by Angie Fox (Tennessee), The Claire Malloy series and The Arly Hanks series by Joan Hess (Arkansas).

Two series that I have on my TBR list, but haven't gotten to yet are The Sarah Booth Delaney series by Carolyn Haines (Mississippi) and The China Bayles series by Susan Wittig Albert (Texas).

Do you have a favorite southern cozy series? Or does one of these appeal to you? Share in the comments. Happy Reading!

(All links open in new tabs and come from Goodreads.)

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #610: Finlay Donovan Plays with Fire by Elle Cosimano

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

When Finlay Donovan showed up at Stacey Pickens’s house to defend herself and her loved ones against Stacey’s vicious rumor mill, she uttered a veiled threat, never daring to imagine she might be one of the last people to see her busy-body neighbor alive.

News gets out that Stacey has vanished and there are signs of foul play. Her jacket and keys were found discarded in the woods behind the community playground, covered in blood. To make matters worse, the forensic photographer documenting the crime scene is none other than the ex-fiancée of Finlay’s hot cop boyfriend Nick. The only bright spot is that no one seems to know about Finlay’s altercation with Stacey, except Finlay’s loyal nanny, Vero, who’s hiding a combustible secret of her own.

As the missing persons investigation escalates to a possible homicide, Finlay and Nick become the top suspects when a dogged detective learns Nick had beef with Stacey too. Determined to get him off their back, Finlay, Nick, and Vero discover more than they bargained for when they launch their own investigation into Stacey’s disappearance—their quiet suburban street is a tinderbox of scandals, blackmail, and lies, and the former president of the neighborhood watch could be holding a lit match . . .

Pitted against a mountain of evidence against them—and backstabbing neighbors with plenty to hide—Finlay and Nick are in a race against the cops to solve Stacey’s case before they both go down for the crime.

Finlay Donovan Plays with Fire by Elle Cosimano is expected out March 16, 2027 from Minotaur Books. It will be the seventh installment in the Finlay Donovan series.

Why am I waiting on this book? I've been following Finlay and Vero's adventures for some time now. Nick has become increasingly involved in Finlay's life. This book sounds like there might be less Vero and more Nick than in past books. I'm looking forward to finding more out about Nick other than that he seems to have the patience of a saint, is good looking, and is a good cop. I'm expecting humor and hijinks as they try to solve what happened to Stacey.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Audiobook Review: Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano

 From the publisher:

Life hasn’t been easy for Finlay Donovan lately, but it just got a whole lot harder. Her nanny and partner-in-crime, Vero, has been extradited from Virginia to Maryland, where she’s facing criminal charges for a theft she swears she didn’t commit. A prisoner to an ankle bracelet as she awaits her trial, Vero is forced to live with her overbearing mother and nosy aunt. Threatening messages keep arriving on her mother’s door, demanding Vero “turn over the money . . . or else.” And if she doesn’t figure out who really stole her former sorority’s treasury funds, her next home might be a prison cell.

But proving her innocence might be an impossible feat. Vero was the treasurer of her sorority when the money went missing—one of the only people who had access to the cash. And her alibi is a date who ghosted her. With her court date quickly approaching, and her mysterious stalker on her tail, Vero needs to clear her name fast.

Finlay decides a trip to Maryland is in order. After all, Vero stood by her through her darkest moments, and Finlay will be damned if she lets her best friend and children’s nanny be convicted for something she didn’t do. She sets off on a mission to suss out the real thief and bring Vero home.

Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano was released March 17, 2026 from Macmillan.

My Thoughts: 

Elle Cosimano brings us to a point to find out what happened to Vero that she got arrested and shipped to Maryland from Virginia. If you've been reading the series, then you know why already. But, it is brought up early in the book, so that part of the plot is easy enough to follow.

As usual, Vero and Finlay get up to shenanigans trying to solve the mystery and keep Vero out of jail. Meanwhile back at the ranch, Nick is babysitting the kids. No doubt this will lead to shenanigans as well. Taking care of young kids pretty much guarantees that.

I was listening to the 12 chapter sampler. It's well done. The narrator is clear and enjoyable to listen to. Now, I am going to get a copy of the book ASAP to find out what happens next.

I gave this book 5/5 stars. You really should read the books in order to see the relationships and attitudes toward each other develop. Vero has helped Finlay out many times. This time, it's Finlay to the rescue. If you enjoy your mysteries with a helping of humor, then you will enjoy this series.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions.

Happy Book Birthday to You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews and Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano

 

Through Raspberry Colored Glasses wishes a Happy Book Birthday to You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews and Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano. These are two very different books being born today but both are good reads in their own ways. CG Drews' book leans toward gothic suspense while Elle Cosimano's book is a humorous mystery.

From the publisher:

Dark domestic suspense meets haunted house horror in this unnerving adult debut guaranteed to keep you awake for days afterward, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Don’t Let the Forest In and Hazelthorn

The walls are closing in on her perfect new life.

Single mother Elodie’s life has become a fairy tale. She’s met Bren, equal parts Golden-retriever-devoted and sinfully handsome. He’s whisked her and her autistic son, Jude, to the crumbling family house he’s renovating. She has a new husband, a new house, and a new baby on the way. Everything is perfect.

Until Jude claims he can hear voices in the walls. He says their renovations are “hurting” the house. Even Elodie can’t ignore it―something strange is going on.

The question is, Is it with the house, or with her son?

And what is Elodie hiding?

From the publisher:

Life hasn’t been easy for Finlay Donovan lately, but it just got a whole lot harder. Her nanny and partner-in-crime, Vero, has been extradited from Virginia to Maryland, where she’s facing criminal charges for a theft she swears she didn’t commit. A prisoner to an ankle bracelet as she awaits her trial, Vero is forced to live with her overbearing mother and nosy aunt. Threatening messages keep arriving on her mother’s door, demanding Vero “turn over the money . . . or else.” And if she doesn’t figure out who really stole her former sorority’s treasury funds, her next home might be a prison cell.

But proving her innocence might be an impossible feat. Vero was the treasurer of her sorority when the money went missing—one of the only people who had access to the cash. And her alibi is a date who ghosted her. With her court date quickly approaching, and her mysterious stalker on her tail, Vero needs to clear her name fast.

Finlay decides a trip to Maryland is in order. After all, Vero stood by her through her darkest moments, and Finlay will be damned if she lets her best friend and children’s nanny be convicted for something she didn’t do. She sets off on a mission to suss out the real thief and bring Vero home.

I've read You Did Nothing Wrong and it's good. Review to come this week of this book that manages to be both a gothic horror story and a suspense title. This book was released today from St. Martin's Press.

And I listened to a 12 chapter sample of the audiobook for Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line. The audiobook version was released today by Macmillan Audio. I love the characters, especially Finlay and Vero. It's a good humorous cozy. So far it's not quite as wild as other titles in the series, but that's ok. I have to get the rest of the book now. I want to find out who is trying to frame Vero. And how do they get her out of hot water?

Hope you have a great Tuesday! 

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

 

From the publisher:

Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet . . . but at least there's not a body in her backyard.

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.

Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case—or sacrificing either of their bedrooms. After all, they’ve dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else.

When the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, though, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets . . . before the police start digging up theirs. But who will solve the mystery first?

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano was published March 4th, 2025 by Minotaur Books. This is book 5 in the series.

My thoughts: I was really looking forward to this book. I was not disappointed. There is a really good mystery. A little less Vero than I would have liked, but more Mrs. Haggerty. Mrs. Haggerty is often a scene stealer, but this book couldn't have happened without her.

Characterizations were well done. Finlay continues to grow in her relationship with Nick. Vero and Javi are struggling to grow as a couple. Mrs. Haggerty is gradually revealed as the plot goes on.

The story moves along at a good pace. It kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. As in the other books some of the goings on are a stretch of the imagination, but overall it's a fun read.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. I wasn't crazy about the cliffhanger at the end of the book, but I was happy with the way the mystery was resolved. I would recommend this series to people who enjoy humorous cozies. And it's better read from book one on. This series would make a great beach read.

Teaser Tuesday: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

 

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR! You can also just share what you are currently reading. We make it very easy to play along, it is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Ambrosia at the Purple Booker.

1: Grab your current read 2: Open to a random page 3: Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! Everyone loves Teaser Tuesday.

“I’m covered in tree sap, there’s a pinecone jabbing my ass, and a dead dude in fishnets is lying on top of me. Please tell me you have a plan!”

p. 250

I'm still reading Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano. I'm about 80% through. It's really a good and fun read. If you're looking for light reading for the summer, this series could be just the ticket.

Teaser Tuesday: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

 

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR! You can also just share what you are currently reading. We make it very easy to play along, it is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Ambrosia at the Purple Booker.

1: Grab your current read 2: Open to a random page 3: Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! Everyone loves Teaser Tuesday.

"Speaking of cops. does your new boyfriend have any idea when they're going to take down the police tape across the street? I know it's only been a week since they found the body at Mrs. Haggerty's place, but the Patels are getting ready to put their house on the market and they're worried the whole crime-scene vibe will make it harder to sell."

-- page 13

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano was released March 4th, 2025 from Minotaur Books. It's the fifth book in the series.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #558: Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

From the publisher: Life hasn’t been easy for Finlay Donovan lately, but it just got a whole lot harder. Her nanny and partner-in-crime, Vero, has been extradited from Virginia to Maryland, where she’s facing criminal charges for a theft she swears she didn’t commit. A prisoner to an ankle bracelet as she awaits her trial, Vero is forced to live with her overbearing mother and nosy aunt. Threatening messages keep arriving on her mother’s door, demanding Vero “turn over the money . . . or else.” And if she doesn’t figure out who really stole her former sorority’s treasury funds, her next home might be a prison cell.

But proving her innocence might be an impossible feat. Vero was the treasurer of her sorority when the money went missing—one of the only people who had access to the cash. And her alibi is a date who ghosted her. With her court date quickly approaching, and her mysterious stalker on her tail, Vero needs to clear her name fast.

Finlay decides a trip to Maryland is in order. After all, Vero stood by her through her darkest moments, and Finlay will be damned if she lets her best friend and children’s nanny be convicted for something she didn’t do. She sets off on a mission to sus out the real thief and bring Vero home.

Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano is expected out March 10, 2026 from Minotaur Books. It's book 6 in the Finlay Donovan series.

Why am I waiting on this book? It's a bit of a wait, but I think it will be worth it. This series is hilarious. The situations and the things that Finlay and Vero have done are sometimes way over the top, but they are funny. It's a cozy mystery and an adventure when the two of them are involved. It is light reading, which sometimes we really need.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Busybodies Collection

 

From the publisher: 

Every nosy neighbor, gossipy friend, and meddling relative is just one good mystery away from becoming a detective. From behind locked doors or out in broad daylight, driven by chance or curiosity, amateur sleuths get in over their heads in these six hair-raising, hilarious stories.

The Busybodies Collection became available October 15, 2024 from Amazon Original Stories.

There are 6 stories in the collection by various authors: Staged by Elle Cosimano, The Reunion Dinner by Jesse Q. Sutanto, Crime of Fashion by Emma Rosenblum, The Nosy Neighbor by Nita Prose, One Lucky Subscriber by Kellye Garrett, and A Classic Case by Alicia Thompson. Each mystery features a character that could be seen in some light as a busybody. 

All of the stories in the collection were good. I did have my favorites though. In particular I enjoyed the stories by Elle Cosimano, Jesse Q. Sutanto, and Nita Prose. To be fair, Elle Cosimano and Jesse Q. Sutanto were already among my favorite authors. But, this was the first time I'd read stories by the other authors. 

What I liked about all of the stories was that they were good mysteries with twists and some humor. Regarding the humor, there was more in some than others. When considering the twists, two stories stood out the most for me. They were the stories by Jesse Q. Sutanto and the one by Nita Prose. 

I gave this collection 5 out of 5 stars. I liked all of the stories in the collection, which is unusual. Usually it's hit or miss. I would recommend this collection to people who enjoy well-written short mysteries with twists and humor.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not influence my review.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #526: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

From the publisher:

Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet . . . but at least there's not a body in her backyard.

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.

Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case—or sacrificing either of their bedrooms. After all, they’ve dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else.

When the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, though, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets . . . before the police start digging up theirs. But who will solve the mystery first?

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is expected out March 4, 2025 from Minotaur.

Why am I waiting on this book? I have really enjoyed this series since the first book, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. This book will be the fifth book in the series. Finlay and Vero get into such trouble that at times their predicaments rival those of Lucy and Ethel. Each book seems a little more outrageous than the last, but in a good way. There's a mystery. But, there is also humor. And I love a good humorous mystery. 

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to out TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano

 

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano is the 4th book in the Finlay Donovan series. It picks up where book 3, Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, leaves off.

Finlay and Vero must get to Atlantic City for a number of urgent reasons including saving Vero's crush Javi and locating a stolen car. So they concoct a story saying they need a Girl's weekend and are taking the kids with them. Finlay's ex-husband digs in his heels and says the kids are not leaving the state without him. And Finlay's mom is determined to accompany them for her own reasons.

Because it's Finlay and Vero, it hasn't been 24 hours and already trouble is finding them. Marco wants payment in full of what Vero owes him before he will free Javi. And he wants to know where his nephew Ike is. The women can't own up to that. So, they are at an impasse.

Finlay and Vero decide to break into Marco's suite to look for clues as to where Javi and the stolen car might be. Someone has beaten them to it, though, and left behind a dead Marco. They have no idea who did it. It adds to their workload. Find who killed Marco, they are probably looking for the car as well.

Then Nick, Charlie, Georgia, and Samantha show up at their hotel (all cops.) Nick is very eager to keep Finlay close to him to keep her safe. Rumor has it that the Russian mob boss who owns the car is on his way back to the states flying into Newark.

Finlay has to juggle people and responsibilities to continue to pursue the questions that brought them to Atlantic City. If things don't go off as planned, will she have to confess to the things that lead up to this mess?

This is not a standalone book. You must read them in order to appreciate the mess that Finlay and Vero are in.

Finlay and Vero are fun characters to read about. So often it seems they are going out of the frying pan and into the fire. This is a good escape from reality. The ladies are funny in an almost Lucy and Ethel way. Thing after thing happens to them escalating the danger and action. Basically, the premise for the plot is wild and bears little resemblance to reality which makes it a good read if you want something different. 

The action moves the plot forward at a good rate. There are very few times when Finlay and Vero aren't actively doing something. But, even then you are learning more about them and the other characters.

I gave it 5 stars out of 5. The series would make for good beach reading. But, it also makes for fun reading if you need a break from reality. If you enjoy humorous mysteries with lots of action, this could be a good book and series for you.

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano was released March 5th, 2024 from Minotaur Books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion.

Happy Book Birthday to Two Very Different Books

 

Two very different books come out today, but they do have one thing in common. They both have at their center female relationships.

From the publisher:

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero are in sore need of a girls’ weekend away. They plan a trip to Atlantic City, but odds are—seeing as it’s actually a cover story to negotiate a deal with a dangerous loan shark, save Vero’s childhood crush Javi, and hunt down a stolen car—it won’t be all fun and games. When Finlay’s ex-husband Steven and her mother insist on tagging along too, Finlay and Vero suddenly have a few too many meddlesome passengers along for the ride.

Within hours of arriving in their seedy casino hotel, it becomes clear their rescue mission is going to be a bust. Javi’s kidnapper, Marco, refuses to negotiate, demanding payment in full in exchange for Javi’s life. But that’s not all—he insists on knowing the whereabouts of his missing nephew, Ike, who mysteriously disappeared. Unable to confess what really happened to Ike, Finlay and Vero are forced to come up with a new plan: sleuth out the location of Javi and the Aston Martin, then steal them both back.

But when they sneak into the loan shark’s suite to search for clues, they find more than they bargained for—Marco's already dead. They don’t have a clue who murdered him, only that they themselves have a very convincing motive. Then four members of the police department unexpectedly show up in town, also looking for Ike—and after Finlay's night with hot cop Nick at the police academy, he’s a little too eager to keep her close to his side.

If Finlay can juggle a jealous ex-husband, two precocious kids, her mother’s marital issues, a decomposing loan shark, and find Vero’s missing boyfriend, she might get out of Atlantic City in one piece. But will she fold under the pressure and come clean about the things she’s done, or be forced to double down?

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano is out today from Minotaur Books.

Next up is Thirst by Marina Yuszczuk which is out today from Dutton.

From the publisher:

It is the twilight of Europe’s bloody bacchanals, of murder and feasting without end. In the nineteenth century, a vampire arrives from Europe to the coast of Buenos Aires and, for the second time in her life, watches as villages transform into a cosmopolitan city, one that will soon be ravaged by yellow fever. She must adapt, intermingle with humans, and be discreet.

In present-day Buenos Aires, a woman finds herself at an impasse as she grapples with her mother's terminal illness and her own relationship with motherhood. When she first encounters the vampire in a cemetery, something ignites within the two women—and they cross a threshold from which there’s no turning back.

With echoes of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and written in the vein of feminist Gothic writers like Shirley Jackson, Daphne du Maurier, and Carmen Maria Machado, Thirst plays with the boundaries of genre while exploring the limits of female agency, the consuming power of desire, and the fragile vitality of even the most immortal of creatures.

What books have you  been waiting for today? Are you more of a Finlay Donovan person or Gothic vampire or both? I'm both. Reviews to follow.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #477: Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher: 

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero are in sore need of a girls’ weekend away. They plan a trip to Atlantic City, but odds are—seeing as it’s actually a cover story to negotiate a deal with a dangerous loan shark, save Vero’s childhood crush Javi, and hunt down a stolen car—it won’t be all fun and games. When Finlay’s ex-husband Steven and her mother insist on tagging along too, Finlay and Vero suddenly have a few too many meddlesome passengers along for the ride.

Within hours of arriving in their seedy casino hotel, it becomes clear their rescue mission is going to be a bust. Javi’s kidnapper, Marco, refuses to negotiate, demanding payment in full in exchange for Javi’s life. But that’s not all—he insists on knowing the whereabouts of his missing nephew, Ike, who mysteriously disappeared. Unable to confess what really happened to Ike, Finlay and Vero are forced to come up with a new plan: sleuth out the location of Javi and the Aston Martin, then steal them both back.

But when they sneak into the loan shark’s suite to search for clues, they find more than they bargained for—Marco's already dead. They don’t have a clue who murdered him, only that they themselves have a very convincing motive. Then four members of the police department unexpectedly show up in town, also looking for Ike—and after Finlay's night with hot cop Nick at the police academy, he’s a little too eager to keep her close to his side.

If Finlay can juggle a jealous ex-husband, two precocious kids, her mother’s marital issues, a decomposing loan shark, and find Vero’s missing boyfriend, she might get out of Atlantic City in one piece. But will she fold under the pressure and come clean about the things she’s done, or be forced to double down?

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano is expected out March 5th, 2024 from Minotaur Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? I like humorous mysteries and this definitely qualifies as one. The whole series is humorous starting with Finlay Donovan is Killing It. This is the fourth book .And the series is light reading. I'm really looking forward to reading the further adventures of Finlay and her babysitter and partner in crime, Vero.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

 

From the publisher:

FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT . . . except, she’s really not. 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.

When Finlay’s overheard discussing the plot of her new 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 . . . and she soon discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano was released February 2, 2021 from Minotaur Books. It is the first in the Finlay Donovan series. There are currently 3 books in the series with a fourth planned for release in March of 2024.

My Thoughts:

Finlay Donovan is stretched thin trying to care for her children and write a book. And she's not making ends meet. Her soon to be ex-husband Steven pays the electric only because his children are living there. In the middle of a contentious divorce, they are barely civil to each other while arguing custody issues. Finlay Donovan is a sympathetic character. Even more so after the morning she has at the beginning of the book. Duct tape doesn't fasten hair back on a child very well.

I enjoyed the outrageousness of the plot. I could see that possibly happening in real life. The whole thing is a humorous mystery. There is banter between parents, conversations with the nanny, and words out of the mouths of babes (Are you dating him, Mommy?)

I liked the twisted plot lines from the beginning to the somewhat unexpected ending. The book moved along at a good pace. The ending was satisfying. I look forward to seeing what happens next for Finlay and Vero.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to people who enjoy humorous mysteries with female main characters.

This book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.