Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano
Publication Date: January 31, 2023
Summary from NetGalley:
Dating. Diapers. And dodging bullets. Who said single moms can’t have fun?
Finlay Donovan has been in messes before—after all, she’s an author and single mom who’s a pro at getting out bloodstains for rather unexpected reasons—but none quite like this. After she and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero accidentally destroyed a luxury car that they may have “borrowed” in the process of saving the life of Finlay’s ex-husband, the Russian mob got her out of debt. But now Finlay owes them
Still running the show from behind bars, mob boss Feliks has a task for Finlay: find a contract killer before the cops do. Problem is, the killer might be an officer.
Luckily, hot cop Nick has started up a citizen’s police academy, and combined pressure from Finlay’s looming book deadline and Feliks is enough to convince Finlay and Vero to get involved. Through firearm training and forensic classes (and some hands-on research with the tempting detective), Finlay and Vero have the perfect cover-up to sleuth out the real criminal and free themselves from the mob’s clutches—all the while dodging spies, confronting Vero’s past, and juggling the daily trials of parenthood.
ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
Confession:
Please be aware that this is the third in a series, and while I will try really hard not to spoil anything from any of the books, I can’t promise. You have been warned so continue to read at your own risk.
I just adored this third installment of this fun and entertaining series about a couple of amateur sleuths who just get in way over their heads, but always manage to land on their feet. If you haven’t dived into this laugh out loud series yet, you really should get it on your to do list.
Finlay and Vero are back and dealing with the russian mob, corrupt cops and loan sharks. They just can’t seem to get a break! Plus taking care of the kids and dealing with an ex-husband can certainly put a crimp in your love life. Finlay is also struggling with writer’s block, especially writing a steamy scene with a certain hot cop has her agent on her case as well. I just adore both of these women and how they stand by each other, even when things get tough.
The setting of the citizen’s police academy was an interesting one. At first I was pretty dubious about the reality of such a thing, but I checked and they really do exist. Even though Finlay had her doubts about it, I think it would be a great opportunity for a mystery writer to learn more about police procedures. But, besides that it certainly gave her time to spend with all of the suspects she has on her list for Easyclean, the contract killer the mob wants her to find, and to spend time with Nick.
I like Nick, and I even like the romance that is developing between him and Finlay, but not sure that is the best idea she has had. She has been involved with lots of things that could send her to jail and Nick just seems too straight to let those things slide. But we shall see. In the meantime, they are so cute together and I love their banter and their steamy love scene.
The plot was very fast paced and of course all of the witty banter and comments between the characters just made for a great time. The ending was pretty spectacular and I almost had the mystery solved, but for that twist at the end. And in case you are keeping count, Vero and Finlay are responsible for only one death in this book, accidental of course.
I was so glad that this isn’t the final installment of this series. Not sure how many more are planned, but I will keep reading them. I can’t wait for the next one!
Confessions of a Serial Reader 