Η Φίνλεϊ Ντόνοβαν τζογάρει

Finlay Donovan #4

by Elle Cosimano, Νοέλα Ελιασά (Translator)

Η Φίνλεϊ Ντόνοβαν μαζί με την νταντά και συνεργό της στο έγκλημα, Βέρο, σχεδιάζουν ένα ταξίδι στο Ατλάντικ Σίτι μόνο για κορίτσια. Στην πραγματικότητα, πρόκειται να συναντήσουν έναν επικίνδυνο τοκογλύφο, να σώσουν τον παιδικό έρωτα της Βέρο, τον Χάβι, και να εντοπίσουν ένα κλεμμένο αυτοκίνητο.

Λίγες ώρες μετά την άφιξή τους στο ξενοδοχείο, γίνεται σαφές ότι η αποστολή διάσωσης θα καταλήξει σε αποτυχία. Ο απαγωγέας του Χάβι, ο Μάρκο, αρνείται να διαπραγματευτεί, απαιτώντας άμεση πληρωμή της οφειλής με αντάλλαγμα τη ζωή του Χάβι, ενώ επιμένει να μάθει πού βρίσκεται ο αγνοούμενος ανιψιός του, ο Ίκε. Αδυνατώντας να ομολογήσουν τι πραγματικά συνέβη στον Ίκε, η Φίνλεϊ και η Βέρο αναγκάζονται να καταστρώσουν ένα νέο σχέδιο. Όταν όμως μπαίνουν κρυφά στη σουίτα του τοκογλύφου, ο Μάρκο είναι ήδη νεκρός.

Δεν έχουν την παραμικρή ιδέα ποιος τον σκότωσε. Η κατάσταση περιπλέκεται ακόμα περισσότερο, καθώς η Φίνλεϊ πρέπει να χειριστεί έναν ζηλιάρη πρώην σύζυγο, δύο μικρά παιδιά, τα προβλήματα στον γάμο της μητέρας της και έναν τοκογλύφο που αποσυντίθεται. Θα υποκύψει στην πίεση και θα αποκαλύψει όσα έχει κάνει ή θα αναγκαστεί να ρισκάρει τα πάντα;

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Romance, Humor, Contemporary

464 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2024

About the author

USA TODAY and New York Times bestselling author, Edgar® Nominee, Bram Stoker® Nominee, & ITW Thriller Award winner.

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

“No good ever came out of laying everything on the table and rolling the dice. You gotta play smart.”

Life has been...chaotic...to say the least, and Finlay's decided to take Vero and the kids to Atlantic City for a bit of R&R...and gambling...and finding a kidnapped ex-boyfriend of Vero's.

“We can't go in there, Vero! Do you know what happens to women who go into creepy basements? Murder! Murder happens to women to go into creepy basements.”

Only their Girl's Weekend quickly gets derailed by Finlay's ex-husband (Steven) and her mom coming along. Then they stumble into a host of people they know from back home...and two more bodies. (And that's not even counting the pile of corpses they've dealt with back home.)

With dirty cops, murderous loan sharks, a hot detective, and more...how will they weasel their way out of this one?

“A parley?” he said, rubbing his watering eyes. “Who do you think you are, Jack Sparrow? This isn’t Pirates of the Caribbean.”

So, four books in and I'm starting to lose my steam (a little) for this series.

The plots are getting a bit same-y: Finlay and Vero find a body, hijinks, hiding from cops, juggling the corpse and scooby doo investigations, they win! (for now!).

It's not necessarily bad, and I'm still entertained BUT I want something newer/fresher happening.

There are little changes - like now they're running in and out of casinos, ditching the kids with Steven, and dealing with great amounts of money and bodies - but it's not enough.

I did enjoy the inclusion of Javi in this one - I think he's a good fit for Vero! The short story about the two of them was rather gosh dang cute!!

And it was kinda fun to see Steven so rocked by being the primary parent. It's not easy to be with the kids all day, and if you think it is...you aren't spending enough time! Cause while it's a joy, the kiddos also can wear you down in ways you can't imagine.

Overall, this one was good, but not as good as the others.

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ROAD TRIP!!!

How did Finlay and Vero end up on a road trip to Atlantic City, with Finlay’s ex husband, her two kids, and her mother?

Well, it all started with a ransom note, and a plan to rescue the kidnapped!

Book 4 picks up right where the last book ended! No spoilers for any of the books here, but it really is imperative to start at the beginning of this series, as each installment builds upon the last!

This is the SILLIEST CAPER yet, and all of your favorite characters (except for Mrs. Haggerty) will find their way to Atlantic City to participate in the shenanigans, including hot cop, Detective Nicholas Anthony…ooh la la!

But, if you are disappointed that Mrs. Haggerty didn’t tag along, do not worry! It looks like she will have a prominent role in the next book in the series (yay!)

These books are reminiscent of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series for me-so if you enjoy(ed) those-you will love these! Both feature a leading lady who is always finding trouble, a side kick who once had a questionable past, a love triangle, and a lot of laughs!

🍿Pop the popcorn and enjoy the ride! 🚗🚓

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up!

A buddy read with DeAnn and MarilynW. Check out their amazing reviews for additional insight!

AVAILABLE NOW!

Thank you to Minotaur Books for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

If ever a duo epitomized the saying Out of the frying pan and into the fire, it’s Finlay and Vero! My favorite magnets for trouble are back and as usual they’re attracting ALL of it!

This fourth book in the series hits the ground running immediately after the crazy events of the Citizens’ Police Academy in the previous book. Under the guise of needing a girls’ weekend in Atlantic City to recover, Finlay and Vero, in classic fashion, intend to fix a dangerous debt to the wrong person, recover a stolen Aston Martin and save Vero’s friend, all while trying to avoid the reach of Felix, the Russian mob boss!

There seems to be no mess that Finlay and Vero can’t find themselves in, but one they didn’t anticipate? Ending up with Finlay’s ex-husband Steven and their two kids, Delia and Zach, as well as her mom along for the ride, because … OF COURSE! When sexy Detective Nick Anthony unexpectedly shows up in Atlantic City with an FBI agent and several of his FCPD associates, including Finlay’s sister Georgia, to protect Finlay … typical craziness ensues!

Expecting a story with Finlay and Vero to be anything BUT over the top, is missing the point of this series, in my opinion. In the same spirit as Lucy and Ethel in I Love Lucy, the humor rests in the ridiculous, absurd scenarios they find themselves in. If you’re looking for believability, this is definitely not your series! Chuck your brain aside and just roll with it! Having said that, I can understand those who feel a bit fatigued by the silliness. I love it, but not everyone will.

I had a blast with this on audiobook. I don’t think I can do this series anymore without hearing Angela Dawe expertly embody every age, personality and gender. She nails every single voice - even the kids. As much as she is now Finlay in my mind, she’s Vero even more! I could listen to her do Vero’s snarky comebacks all day long and never tire of it!

If you enjoy a fast-paced, fun mystery with constant twists and turns and a host of hilariously charming characters, this is a book and series I highly recommend. After the first book, this may be my next favorite. As always, I can’t wait to see what misadventures lie ahead for Finlay and Vero. The last sentence of this book has me SO curious!

★★★★ ½

Thanks to Minotaur Books, NetGalley and author Elle Cosimano for this digital ARC and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC to honestly review. This will be out on March 5, 2024.

[megs_bookrack · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5-stars rounded up**

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is the highly-anticipated 4th-installment to Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan Cozy Mystery series, featuring my favorite gal pals, Finlay and Vero!



When Finlay and Vero mention they need a Girls Weekend, people think rest, relaxation, that the women need to let their hair down. After the events at the Citizen's Police Academy, it wouldn't be surprising if they needed a break.

This is Finlay and Vero though, so you know there's more to it than that. What they've really got planned is negotiating with a loan shark, rescuing Vero's childhood crush, Javi, and finding a stolen luxury car.



Getting away won't be so easy though. After Finlay's mother hears about the Girls Weekend to Atlantic City, she insists on going. They'll need help with the kids and she's a girl too. She wants in.

Then Steven, Finlay's ex-husband, gets word of the trip and insists that Finlay cannot take the kids over a state border without his permission, which he's not giving, but he's willing to go along.

Thus begins the most hilarious road trip from hell.



They check into a seedy casino hotel, two rooms of course, and Finlay and Vero get to work right away. It's tricky, but they don't have a lot of time.

After negotiations with the loan shark, Marco, fail, the gals have to move on to Plan B. They'll just have to find the whereabouts of Javi and the Aston Martin themselves, using nothing but their phenomenal sleuthing skills.



They figure out where Marco's suite is and decide to break in to search for clues. I mean, obviously, right!?

Unfortunately, they discover much more than they bargained for in that suite; Marco's dead body. With police circling like birds of prey, Finlay and Vero need to stay out of their sights, find Javi and get the heck out of dodge before they get accused of killing Marco themselves.



Y'all, I had so much fun with this. First of all, I was stoked to be back with this outrageous cast of characters. I love Finlay and Vero with my whole heart, but it's not just them. All the side characters are wildly entertaining as well.

The way this one kicked off, with the road trip to Atlantic City, was hilarious. Just how the girls thought they could get away real quick and do what they needed to do, and the next thing you know, we've got two rambunctious kids, a opinionated mother and a jerk of an ex-husband in tow.



Then Marco's hotel room. OMG, I was laughing out loud, exclaiming things. I couldn't believe how much they were bumbling up that crime scene. It was hilarious.

And people kept showing up! Like, oh, now Nick is here!? I loved that, how even though the setting had changed, we still ended up having the full cast of wacky characters.

I absolutely adored the Atlantic City setting. It's absurd how many opportunities for hi-jinks they had there. I was living for every minute of it.



This is an extremely strong addition to the series. At this point, my level of attachment for these characters is off the charts and this is one of my favorite mysteries so far.

Overall, Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is another well-plotted, explosive, uproarious, utterly ridiculous adventure with Finlay and friends. 100% recommend to Readers who have enjoyed other books in this series.



If you haven't started the series yet, but enjoy Cozy Mysteries full of OTT-humor and wild escapades, you definitely should give it a go.

I have listened to the audiobooks for the last three and have loved that format so much. The narration is perfect, A++!!!



Thank you so very much to the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I love this series and hope that it continues for a long, long time!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a big fan of the first two in the Finlay Donovan series. I was less impressed with the third and even less impressed with this, the fourth book. Light hearted humor has crossed over into silliness. None of the prior books have been exactly believable (in fact, quite the opposite). But this one felt incredulous. Coincidence piled on coincidence.
Picking up from the cliffhanger ending of book 3, Finlay and Vero are getting ready to hightail it to Atlantic City. Well, first Steven decided he had to come along, then Finlay’s mother and then it seems like everybody and his brother are there. They no sooner arrive in AC, then they find the man they’ve come to see dead in a hotel bathroom with his associate also dead in the suite. They have to hid the dead bodies, attempt to find the missing Aston Martin and the loan shark’s “book”, all while avoiding the police, the FBI and Finlay’s family members.
This does not work as a stand-alone and the series definitely needs to be read in order.
Another reviewer likened this series to Stephanie Plum and it’s a very apt comparison. If you like one, you’ll like the other. And in the same way I had a problem with the Stephanie Plum series, what was fresh in the first book is beginning to feel a little formulaic by book four.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

[Terrie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano is Book #4 in the Finlay Donovan Series!

Do you know how hard it is to begin this review without a spoiler from the previous book?

Under the guise of a girls' weekend, Finlay and Vero are headed to Atlantic City when Finlay's mother, ex-husband Stephen, and their two adorable kids insist on tagging along. Finlay and Vera feel like their adventure is beginning with all the odds against them.

Experiencing roadblock after roadblock from family, friends, lovers, and bad guys, Finlay and Vero are doubling down on this crapshoot with every gimmick and wild card they can line up. This isn't Penny ante poker they're playing and the stakes are high for these two female super sleuths to hit the jackpot...

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice picks up right where Book #3 - Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun leaves off. It takes a while for the familiar rhythm of this series to kick in but once it does the shenanigans begin and the entertainment delivers full-on.

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice has an almost perfect ending with a segue into the next book that may take a different direction with a reoccurring character who was absent in this book taking center stage in the storyline. I'll be there for Book #5 in the Finlay Donovan Series and recommend all previous books to be read in chronological order for the best experience.

3.75⭐rounded up!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books for a widget of this ARC through NetGalley. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.

[mimi (catching up) · Rating 3 out of 5]

What if I tell you Finlay Donovan: Mission Atlantic City is the funniest book in the series? Four books in, and Elle Cosimano is still capable of writing masterpieces.

I’ve concluded that my expectations for the other books were too high and I wasn't treating them for what they were: a fun escape from reality.
I’m still of the idea that things worked a little too well for Finlay, way detached from reality, but for this one, my only goal was to enjoy the journey. And what an adventure!

So, Finaly still has awful timing and ends up being a crucial part of someone else murders, but everything ends up fine thanks to her endless luck and the attitude of a spy. And the crush the detective has for her. And the poor opinions her ex-husband has on her. And the unlimited trust of her best friend. You get the drill.
I mean, did you think Steven was a better person after someone tried very hard to kill him? Well, you're wrong.
Also, no sexy lawyer here, but I'm not giving up; I know we’ll see him again, especially after the final twist.

As an Italian, I feel I must emphasize the stereotypes of only Russians and Italians being the bad guys and the difference between them. I mean, it's all fun, but don't we forget how the real Italian mafia really works.
Anyway, the so-called Italian gangsters are the funniest part of the story, so I'll hold on to the lecture and say that yes, we could kill whoever threatens our dog.

Now, how long do I have to wait for the next one? Because I needed it yesterday!

↠ 3.8 stars

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun! So much drama, with plenty of smiles due to those feisty characters and their strange ways.

[lauren‎♡₊˚ 🦢・₊✧ (ia) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5💫

finlay just gets herself in so much trouble omg. there wasn't anything too special about this one, but i enjoyed following along with the characters i know and love.

the first two books were definitely my favorite, but i still have a fun time reading these books. she just gets in so many messes and its honestly impressive.

i recommend this series for a fun mystery if you are looking for one! i have a great time with each of her books.

[Tracy P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice Finlay and the whole gang take a road trip to Atlantic City.

It quickly becomes apparent they aren't familiar with the ole saying: "Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you." Because this group pokes too many bears to count before it's time to go home.

True to form, Finlay and Vero spend the whole trip trying to find ways out of their most troublesome and hilarious situations to date.

Narrator Angela Dawe is fantabulous. Thank you for keeping me laughing from start to finish. Bravo.

[Rachel L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

After the events of the third book, Finlay and Vero find themselves on a road trip to Atlantic City to track down a stolen car and Vero's old friend Javi. Except Finlay's husband, mother and two children are along for the ride as well. Hiding their true mission becomes even harder when Finlay's cop boyfriend Nick shows up with all of this colleagues chasing a lead and won't let Finlay out of his sight.

I think what is bringing these books down now is the stakes: there's too many of them and they just keep going on and on. A lot was resolved by the end of the book but I remember thinking as I was listening that it was all getting a bit over the top (and I enjoyed the first three books!) and if Finlay wanted a relationship with Nick, how could she ever come clean with him? There's too much built up at this point. The highlights of this book were the dog Kevin Bacon, some resolution with Finlay's ex-husband, and some plot lines closed. I'll still be reading these books, I just didn't enjoy the direction this fourth book went in.

An advanced listening copy was provided by the libro.fm librarian ALC program

[Blaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update 3/5/24: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!

“But I’m telling you, Finlay, this book is good. This whole series is good. The plots may be a little far-fetched, but these characters are so real! It’s like they just leap off the page!”

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me an ARC of Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice picks up almost immediately after Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun. Soon-to-be-breakout author Finlay and her best friend and literal partner-in-crime Vero have to get to Atlantic City to try to negotiate with Marco, a New Jersey loan shark, who kidnapped Vero’s former and maybe future flame, Javi. But their plan is going to be more difficult than they hoped when Finlay’s ex-husband Steven, her mother, and her two young children insist on joining them on their trip. And their plan gets even more difficult when someone murders Marco, and several officers of the law—including Finlay’s new boyfriend Nick—also arrive on the scene to watch over Finlay and Vero. Is this the book where Finlay either finally gets caught or finally comes clean (I wouldn’t bet on either 😄).

The Finlay Donovan series is telling one long story, and Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is a continuation of the first three books. In addition to the ones above, this book brings back many of the other surviving characters: Cameron, the teen hacker; Georgia, Finlay’s sister; Georgia’s FBI girlfriend Sam; Joey and Charlie, Nick’s current and former partners; Russian mobster Feliks Zhirov and his right-hand woman Ekatarina Rybakov. And the novel ends on a cliffhanger that guarantees that the next book will tell the next part of the story—apparently involving Finlay’s nosy neighbor Mrs. Haggerty.

As with the earlier entries in the series, Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is not gritty, realistic crime fiction. This story was probably the busiest one in the series, maybe too busy. So much was happening between the different characters and storylines that it was a bit hard to keep straight at times. At its best, this series works because Finlay is a well-developed character who you can’t help but root for, the snarky banter between Finlay and Vero, and the chemistry between Finlay and Nick. I felt like this book was so plot-focused that it moved away from those elements. I still enjoyed the book, but I’m glad that several plot lines and characters were finally resolved in this book. Hopefully the next book will be a little funnier, and a little more character-focused. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Recommended.

[Melissa ~ Bantering Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re not listening to the Finlay Donovan series on audio, you’re missing out. Narrator Angela Dawe is amazing. She makes the books better. I’m convinced I would not be enjoying the series nearly as much if I were reading it instead. The way she embodies Finlay, Vero, and the rest of the cast and delivers spot-on, comedic performances for each and every character, it’s hard to believe it’s just one voice behind it all.

In this fourth book, Finlay and the gang take a road trip to Atlantic City to rescue Vero’s kidnapped ex-boyfriend, Javi. And with Finlay and Vero stuck in the same car and hotel as Finlay’s mom, ex-husband, and kids … it’s nothing but hilarious shenanigans.

The series is such a dichotomy. What makes the books so fun – and funny -- are the absurd situations that Finlay and Vero find themselves in. Yet so much about the character of Finlay is relatable. She’s a single mom trying to balance finances, two children, a best friend, a hot cop boyfriend, and an annoying ex-husband who won’t go away. These are real struggles we recognize, though, admittedly, most of us aren’t worried about being arrested for murder while we’re at it. (I told you – ridiculous!)

I hope Elle Cosimano keeps doing what she’s doing. Angela Dawe, too. Together, they’re a killer combo.

[EmBibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

”Give them a blow.”
“Why?”
“For luck.”
“You said we were supposed to lose all our chips.”
“Why do you think I asked you to blow on them?”

Finlay and Vero’s shenanigans never go out of style. Being with them and all those characters are always such a fun time. Their adventures are silly, getting kinda repetitive tho, but i still end up enjoying my time.

Huge Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy.

#1 Finlay Donovan is killing it ~ 4 stars
#2 Finlay Donovan knocks ‘em dead ~ 3.75 stars
#3 Finlay Donovan jumps the gun ~ 3.5 stars
#4 Finlay Donovan rolls the dice ~ 3.5 stars

[Fairuz ᥫ᭡. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars—rounded up because THE ROMANCE??? 💘 I wasn’t expecting it, but I was absolutely here for it.

The mystery? 🕵️‍♀️ Decent. The chaos? 🔥 Off the charts. But the real plot twist? JAVI AND VERO GOT DRUNK MARRIED. 🍾💍 Not legally, but still!! And we FINALLY got a Finn & Nick makeout scene?? 😭🔥 Elle Cosimano heard our pleas and delivered some much-needed romance, and I’m living for it.

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is pure madness, and I ate it up. This series has always been an absurd, laugh-out-loud ride 🤣, but this book? FULL THROTTLE CHAOS. 🚗💨 Road trips, kidnappings, stolen luxury cars, a casino heist—plus Finlay’s ex-husband, two kids, and her meddlesome mother crashing the trip. Like, girl just wanted to commit some light crime with her bestie, and now she’s stuck on a family vacation from hell. 😭

And THEN—boom—dead body. 💀 Because obviously. And as if things weren’t wild enough, hot cop 🚔 Nick shows up in Atlantic City with the FBI. Sir, you are NOT helping me focus on the mystery.

Look, this book isn’t meant to be believable, okay? It’s meant to be FUN. 🎉 If you’re here for realism, you took a wrong turn. But if you want hijinks, ridiculous scenarios, and a duo who somehow always finds themselves in a dumpster fire 🔥 of their own making, you’ll love this.

Final verdict: Not my favorite in the series, but still a wildly entertaining ride. That last line??? Yeah, I need the next book ASAP. 😭📖

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finlay and Vera sure knows how to keep us entertained! Back with their "odd" detective ways, we go on a journey to Atlantic City in search of Javi, Vera's childhood friend. Of course Finlay's Mom, Steve the ex-husband and the kids all go with providing us with laugh's, nail-biting moments and pure disbelief of what these two ladies get up. Not forgetting her new cop boyfriend who shows up too ;)

The Finlay Donovan is such a feel good series that you want more when the book is done. Narrated by Angela Dawe, Angela brings this story to life. Elle Cosimano does a fantastic job keeping the story going with little breathing room in between. Definitely waiting for the next instalment!

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook ARC.

[Dee (in the Desert) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up for 🤣🤣🤣 More OTT cray-cray with Finn & Vero on an Atlantic City road trip, but way too many characters to follow the plot. Definitely some hilarious moments and crazy antics (Weekends at Bernies meets Chippendale’s🤯). It’s still pretty fun, so just go with it & don’t overthink this series.

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finlay Donovan and crew are back in the most outrageously funny, sexy, fast paced story yet in FINLAY DONOVAN ROLLS THE DICE. Author Elle Cosimano doesn’t miss a beat or trick in giving fans of the series all they’ve been clamoring for and then some in book four of the Finlay Donovan series. Get ready to repeatedly laugh out loud while holding your breath in anticipation of the next fine mess these two hard luck ladies will inadvertently land in. It’s never a matter of “if” but rather “when” another dead body will surface as Finlay and Vero entertain readers in another adventure of a lifetime. They’re in Atlantic City, baby! Let the good times and dice roll!

Under the guise of a girl’s weekend away, Finlay and Vero plan to slip away in a desperate search for Vero’s guy Javi who’s been kidnapped by a loan shark willing to exchange him for the money Vero owes him. Simple, right? Not with these two self-appointed sleuths! Before they can skip town, an entourage including Finlay’s mother and kids plus her annoying ex Steven pile into their rental to join their getaway. It’s only a matter of hours after their arrival at a rundown hotel until Finlay and Vero break into the loan shark’s room and discover him and an accomplice dead. They do what any responsible citizen would do . . . put the bodies on ice in the bathtub and start covering their tracks, of course! Complicating an already stressful situation, they return to their seedy hotel to discover that Finlay’s crush hunky cop Nick and dirty partner Charlie plus Finlay’s sister and her cop lady friend have checked into rooms across the hall under the ruse of protecting Finlay and family from Russian mobster Feliks Zhirov. In a matter of hours, a bad situation hits rock bottom with conflicting personalities, desires and motives clashing and more dead bodies surfacing. The story that unfolds is a hysterical runaway train of impossible situations careening off the tracks as the twists and turns keep coming page after page. Plan on reading straight through as there’s no more chance of you pausing reading than there is a prayer of stopping the train wreck happening on page.

From start to finish, FINLAY DONOVAN ROLLS THE DICE is pure reading entertainment with fast-paced action, over the top suspense and slapstick style comedy reminiscent of the age-old antics of Lucy and Ethel fame. If that’s not enough, it’s also sensuously sexy and steamy as affairs between Finlay and Nick heat up much to the delight of fans, but the despair of Steven who’s delusional in clinging to hope of a reconciliation with Finlay. Cosimano excels at rendering visual scenes that draw readers into the story while charging them with figuring out how in the world these two seemingly doomed characters will worm their way out of another catastrophe resulting from being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Highly entertaining, hilarious and heartwarming, FINLAY DONOVAN ROLLS THE DICE pushes all the right buttons for fans of the series. While each book stands alone, I recommend beginning with book 1 and enjoy each subsequent title in turn. You won’t regret getting to know these characters firsthand as the overall story arc unfolds from book to book. This reader’s already looking forward to the next addition to the series and the convoluted adventures this duo will undoubtedly find themselves in. Highly recommended to fans of the series and readers who enjoy a hardy laugh along with their suspense.
Special thanks to Minotaur Books for an advanced readers' copy of this title. It's scheduled for release on March 5, 2024 and available for preorder on Amazon. This review is published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lauren Lombardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for this!! For the love of all things unholy please let there be some SPICEEEEEEEE with Nick and Finn!

[✨️ Jessica's Bookshelf ✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this entire series. Each book was a great and easy palate cleanser. Funny, fast-paced, and a little mystery, I mean, what else could be better? As a person who lives in Northern VA, I could really sppreElle Cosimano's geographical detail and could relate to her accurate locations and detail so Thank you.

I love Finlay and Vero's friendship, but also how Elle keeps it real with love isn't always a fairy tale, and life can be messy.
#FinlayDonovanRollstheDice.

[Sheyla ✎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I swear this series is much funnier if you listen to the audiobooks!

I didn't think I was going to enjoy this one as much as the first Finlay book but surprisingly, I did. I had so much fun with it.

I recommend reading this series in order. By the end of Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice. It felt like an arc had ended. So I'm excited about next Finlay's adventure.

This novel begins with Finlay and Vero planning to travel to Atlantic City to find Javi and the Aston Martin but their girls' weekend becomes complicated when they can't leave alone. Finlay's ex-husband Steven, her children, and her mother are all coming with them.

Their trip became even more complicated when the cops showed up.

I loved the emerging Finlay. The character continues to evolve and is becoming more assertive. I also love her friendship with Vero. They are a great duo.

I look forward to reading the next one.

Cliffhanger: No

4.5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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[Vanessa · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I just love these books so much. So much so I ignore all the plot holes🥰

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for book 4 in the Finlay Donovan series. I have been reading the books in order and recommend that you do the same, as each book builds on the previous book. This book has Finlay and Vero, her accountant/nanny, traveling to Atlantic City to resolve an outstanding gambling loan from a loan shark. But then Finlay's ex husband and her mother demand to come with them. There are encounters with a Russian mobster, a corrupt cop, another cop who is love with Finlay, Finlay's sister and other diverse characters.
Some people die, but there is a satisfactory ending.
One quote on some of the things going on in the book, by Finlay: "My schedule? Besides playing 'Weekend at Bernie's' with two corpses while concealing the murders from the cops, hiding an irreverent teenager from people who wanted to kill him, and tracking down a stolen sports car so I could take down the leader of the Russian mob before he got to me first?"
Thank You Minotaur Books for sending this eBook through NetGalley.

[Kelly • Kell of a Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ I think this has to be my last rodeo with Finlay and her merry band of misfits. The hijinks and chaos and suspension of all disbelief is just getting to be too much for me.

I loved the first book so much and I have a lot appreciation for it specifically because it encouraged me to branch out and try some less gritty thrillers and mysteries. While I still prefer the darker books, stories like Finlay’s showed me just how fun FUN mysteries can be!

The writing is good and the story is entertaining here but in my opinion, Finlay & Friends have lost some of their luster and I just don’t care to keep going with the series. If you loved the last few books you’ll very likely enjoy this one! If you’ve started to feel a bit blah about the series, I don’t think book four will knock your socks off.

Either way, kudos to Elle Cosimano for such fun characters and a hugely successful series! Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this silly series. I read the last book so long ago that it took a while for me to remember all the characters and where the story had left off.

It’s not a piece of profound literature, but I still give it five stars because I love all the main women characters, and it’s a fun book that can make any bad day easier.

Can't wait for #5 to get to my library!

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read and a great addition to the series. It progressed some storylines and wrapped up others. I really liked the position it left the series in and I'm looking forward to reading the next book. The prologue was great. I'm so curious where the next book will go with it.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

They said it was going to be a girl’s weekend in Atlantic City, but Finlay Donovan and Vero, her live in nanny, had other things up their sleeves! Steven, Finlay's ex-husband, and his mother, insist on tagging along. Finlay is betting that this will be an easy mission, but she will need more than a few cards up her sleeve to pull this mission off! Throw in a loan shark and Finaly and Vero attempt to save Vero's childhood crush, Javi and you have yourself a fun filled crazy ride.

I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration. This is such a fun, entertaining, and humorous series. I love the characters and the way they always seem to get in and out of trouble. Finlay and Vero got into some comical over the top situations which kept me fully invested and enjoying the ride. I adore the characters, their banter, Finlay's thoughts, and the character’s relationships with others in their lives. No wonder Finlay never gets that book written; she is too busy being a modern day single mom crime solving machine.

If you have not read this series yet, I would like to place a bet that you will enjoy this one! The mysteries are silly, cozy, comical, and so much fun! The books are full of twists, turns, reveals, hilarious antics, and ridiculous situations that have me smiling with glee and loving every second of it. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have binged this whole series in the past month or so and I am greatly enjoying it. That being said this one took longer for me to get into than the others. I still liked it, and the ending definitely hit the right notes for me, but the first half of the book just didn’t catch me the same. I think maybe it had something to do with there being so much Steven (I really despise him, and I don’t love where things with him go, but it could have been far worse. This book has definitely shifted more towards the romance although there is still plenty of accidentally stumbled upon bodies, humor, and the mob for Finlay and Vero to try to navigate. The whole group including our friends with the police take a trip to Atlantic City and of course hilarious chaos ensues. Overall I gave this one 3.5 stars that I rounded up because the humor of the book is still excellent and the resolution at the end was great. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Susan Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

the most fun since the first one. actually lol'd quite a bit 😂

[Corina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bromance - Womance - Sisterhood - Soul-sisters

Whatever the word - Finlay and Vero are IT ♡

A bromance is cool and fun, but I'm so glad we have the female version of it now too, thanks to Elle Cosimano. Thank you!!!


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I still very much enjoy this series. Especially the audiobooks.

They feel at times like a soap opera. Since there is always something happening, and most of it is a bit over the top but the books are also very entertaining and never boring.

The audiobook was really well done, especially the narration kept me glued to the book and I actually finished it in one day, from morning to evening. It was a fun read!

AND, there is no end in sight.

The relationship between Finlay and her detective is looking great. They are on solid footing.
Finlay and Vero are still going strong. It's the kind of bestie friendship we are probably all looking for.
And I'm glad Finlay is putting down her food when it comes to her looser exhusband.
I also appreciate that many of the open questions have been answered. It feels like a new plot arc might be coming.....

So it was very much what I was expecting from this series. The author delivered a wonderful new edition. And I'm here for more...

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I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.