Review of Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead (Finlay Donovan, #2)
As I flipped open the pages of Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead, I was brimming with anticipation. After loving Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, I couldn’t wait to dive back into Elle Cosimano’s quirky world of chaos, crime, and that cheeky humor that made the first book so delightful. However, the reality I encountered was akin to stepping on a rickety bridge—what I expected turned out to be a rather shaky experience.
In this sequel, we find our protagonist, Finlay Donovan, struggling with life’s complexities, but instead of clever resolutions and character growth, I was met with frustration. Gone was the vibrant, sharp-witted character I had fallen for; in her place was a version that sometimes felt like a caricature of herself. Finlay’s journey through motherhood and an increasingly tangled web of relationships did not evoke the charm I once cherished. Instead, I found myself wishing for the old Finlay to come back, pondering how a character could devolve rather than develop.
The narrative revolves around the fallout from her complicated love life and the ever-looming presence of her ex-husband, Steven—a character so infuriating that I almost wished he would disappear entirely from the story. Finlay spends far too much time tiptoeing around him, and instead of empowering growth, it felt like a regression, painting her as vulnerable in all the wrong ways. I craved to see her take charge of her life, but every turn seemed to plunge her deeper into tumult, amplifying my irritation rather than engaging me in empathetic understanding.
The story did have bright spots, with Vero remaining the shining beacon amidst the muddle of Finlay’s choices. Her enigmatic nature and developing backstory added a refreshing depth to the narrative, serving as a reminder of the mystery and charm that drew me to the first book. Honestly, if I had to rate the story based solely on Vero, it would be an entirely different review!
Cosimano’s writing style captured my attention, as it is always a blend of witty dialogue and humorous observations. However, the pacing sometimes felt uneven, dragging through certain plot points without sufficient character insight. I kept waiting for a moment of clarity from Finlay, a moment when the chaos would coalesce into something meaningful, but that moment never quite arrived.
Despite my frustrations, I recognized that this sequel could resonate with readers who appreciate complex love stories or enjoy the exploration of messy, relatable lives. However, for those seeking growth and resolution, you may find yourself as disheartened as I was.
In conclusion, I’m left feeling a bittersweet connection to the series. While Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead struck a discordant note in my reading journey—especially marking my 1500th book read—there remains a slight hope nestled in the potential of future installments. Perhaps as we continue to uncover Vero’s layers, the series can reclaim its former charm. Until then, I’ll tread carefully into the next chapter, eager yet cautious.
Discover more about Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead (Finlay Donovan, #2) on GoodReads >>