Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books/St. Martin’s Press for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own. Hilarious and wacky – these novels keep getting more zany, madcap, and fun to read. This fourth in the series picks up right where #3 leaves off, and I found myself breathless from following Finlay and Vero’s antics as they try to rescue Vero’s long-time crush, find a stolen Astin Martin, keep themselves safe from a Russian mob boss and a short-tempered loan shark, and prevent Finlay’s hot cop boyfriend from discovering what’s really going on – he thinks this is a girls’ weekend. The novel takes place in the casinos and hotels of Atlantic City, including a day spa, a male strip club, and parking garages, with Finlay’s mother, ex-husband, and two young children along for the weekend – not realizing they’re part of the coverup for Finlay and Vero’s heroic hijinks. The Marx Brothers-like plot is convoluted with dead bodies needing to be hidden, wild car chases, guns, unlimited cash, and everyone searching for the incriminating information on an elusive flash drive. It all comes together in the end, even for the loan shark’s little dog named Kevin Bacon (a running gag that’s actually funny). In addition to the fast-paced mystery with a twisty plot and quirky characters, each novel in the series includes Finlay trying to write a romance novel while her publishing agent keeps following up to ensure deadlines are met. I recommend starting with the very funny and clever first book “Finlay Donvan Is Killing It” as each novel picks up right where the other leaves off. But don’t worry if you forget some of the details of earlier books because author Cosimano expertly provides back up information that will fill in the gaps. If you’re looking for a humorous mom-com thriller/mystery with some romance, where you don’t have to think too much and where coincidences rule the day, this is the book and series for you.