Book #1 of the Finlay Donovan series introduces Finlay Donovan alongside other recurring characters who are sure to endear themselves to the reader. A single mom of two adorable kids Delia & Zach, Finlay Donovan is struggling to write her novel with the deadline looming, 2 young kids needing her, unpaid bills and a babysitter fired by her ex husband.
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It hits the perfect note right from the word go with some utterly funny situational comic scenes and a wacky protagonist fighting her way through her daily grind. A discussion of her plot for the new novel with her agent is overheard by a by-sitter who mistakes Finlay for a contract killer & hands her a job to kill her problem husband. A unique storyline in itself, the book is full of adventure, hilarious situations, unexpected turns and a fun-filled, light hearted mystery.
As Finlay finds herself drawn unsuspectingly into this perilous situation, she realises she infact is not guilty of the crime which she is trying to hide. And then she is tasked with trying to figure out the actual culprit to be able to vindicate herself. Her partner in crime – the badass babysitter – Veronica aka Vero who is one heck of a friend to have! It is enjoyable, funny & heart warming to watch Vero have the back of Finlay, be it admonishing Steven left, right & centre, or digging Finlay out of every pitfall in this adventurous ride.
I feel, one of the USPs of this book (and the series) is the wonderfully conceived characters that Elle Cosimano has created. Starting with her lead heroine, the over sized glasses, the wig scarf & Finlay’s minivan etch a clear & indelible image in your mind that continues through the series. Vero’s fearless & ferocious character with total loyalty & genuineness towards Finlay & the kids adds a perfect measure of spice & fizz to the story. The innocence of the kids will win you over quickly – the unfiltered talk from Delia or the messy little toddler Zach. The villains turn out what they are supposed to be – dangerous, ruthless & scary, yet not making the book in itself tense or scary at any time – thanks to the witty & humorous writing!
And talking of the characters, who can forget the busybody neighbour Mrs. Haggerty! She keeps popping up every now and then adding a humor element to the overall feel of the book. And as I have already read the sequel to this book, Mrs. Haggerty retains her spot in it amongst most other prominent characters.
To conclude, the Finlay Donovan series is an out-and-out entertainer. If you need to lighten up your mood, here is a laugh-out-loud read that never would fail to lighten up your spirits. A unique & rare combination of humour and mystery, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is a lovable book. Make sure you get this book at once 🙂 Finlay Donovan Is Killing It