I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer and The Sunday Salon (TSS) hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking It's Monday! What Are you Reading? hosted by Kathryn of Book Date where readers talk about what they have been, are and will be reading.
I had good intentions and hoped to catch up on visiting your blogs and responding to comments this past week, but personal computer time has been scarce. With my in-laws visit last weekend, an overwhelming amount of work during the week, Girl Scout cookies season, dental appointments, and a general sense of exhaustion, I was only able to get so much done. Which is also why this post is on the shorter side this week.
Our Nina
I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun (#3) by Elle Cosimano (Minotaur Books, 2023; 304 pages). Thank goodness I did not have to get up extra early this morning to go to work.
Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series has become one of my favorites. It is funny and entertaining. Yes, it's a bit over the top--but in a good way. That's part of the fun of the series! The third book in the series, Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, is no different.
Finlay is an author and a divorced mother who, along with her nanny/accountant, trouble seems to find all too often. It is not Finlay and Vero's fault that people seem to die around them. Finlay is on a deadline to finish her latest novel, her ex-husband wants to reconcile, the sexy cop she has likes but is avoiding keeps calling, and she is trying to help Vero get out from under a debt she owes a not so nice person from her past. All the while parenting her two children. Oh, and Mob boss Feliks expects Finlay and Vero to figure out the identity of the contract killer that is out to undermine him. Finlay strongly suspects the killer is a cop, and she has two weeks to find out who he is. When the opportunity to attend a citizen's police academy comes, Vero and Finlay decide this may be their best chance--not only to find the killer, but also hide from the people after Vero.
Finlay and Vero find themselves in several tight situations as expected, and seeing how they will get out of those situations is half the fun. I loved that the author found a way to include Finlay's nosy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty. She's quite the character. Then there is Finlay's ex, Steven. By the end of the last book, Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead, I had begun to think that Finlay's ex might have some redeeming qualities, but I am back to disliking him completely. I enjoyed seeing detective Nick and Finlay's relationship go to the next level. The parallels between Finlay's struggle to finish her novel and her relationship with Nick were a nice touch.
Finding out the identity of the contract killer does not prove to be easy, although Vero and Finlay have a few ideas. Their efforts to find the killer are hampered by other crises that arise. My suspicions may have proved correct, but I enjoyed seeing how everything played out.
While this book can be read as a stand alone, I do not recommend reading the books out of order. Each book builds on the other and, while the author does a good job of catching the reader up in a natural way, having the full backstory is part of fun of this series.
There was plenty of action, humor, and a few moments of "what are you thinking?!" All the while I had a good time reading this book. I cannot get enough of this series. I enjoy spending time with the characters, and stepping into Finlay's world for a little while is a great escape.
My TBR List is hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Saturday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and let you vote for my next read during that month. My review will follow (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise).
Thank you to everyone who voted in my TBR List Poll this month! I am excited about reading all three of these and cannot wait to start reading the winner.
Five of you voted for Jennifer Ashley's The Secret of Bow Lane and seven people voted for A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn. The Deep End by Julie Mulhern came out on top with eight votes!
Thank you for voting!
This Past Week In Reading Mews
I hope you have a great week!
Let me know what you are up to and have been reading!
© 2023, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I really need to try the Finlay Donovan series. I keep hearing such good things about it.
ReplyDeleteIf I'd stopped by last week, I would have vote for The Deep End, too. I'm so far behind on that series, but it is good.
Mark - If you read Cosimano's series, I hope you like it! I am enjoying The Deep End. Ellison and Grace are great characters. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI can see why you haven't had time to visit this week. I hope life can slow down a bit for you soon.
ReplyDeleteI am eager to try the Finlay Donovan series. I have a friend who loves Janet Evanovich, and I think she might like Finlay Donovan, too.
Deb - I have today, which is nice. It's a work holiday for me but not for my daughter and husband. I don't know how much I'll get done before I pick her up from school, but it's nice to have some time to myself for a change.
DeleteI was thinking about Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series the other day. I dropped the series years ago because it was so repetitive, but it does have a similar feel to the Finlay Donovan's books. I like Cosimano's series better.
Thank you for stopping by!
Beautiful cats!
ReplyDeleteFreda - Thank you! I think so too. :-)
DeleteGlad you're enjoying the Finlay Donovan series, it sounds good. I hope you have some downtime this week. I had the same kind of week, it's just been so hectic. The cats look so cute and the two look so cozy on the pretty pink blanket!
ReplyDeleteNaida - Today is a calm day and I'm trying to take full advantage. :-) Thank you for visiting!
DeleteAw your kitties are so cute!!!
ReplyDeleteErin - Thank you!
DeleteFinlay Donovan is on my TBR, so I'm glad you liked it. I forgot that it's almost Girl Scout cookie time! I need to scrounge up some cash because I love those things.
ReplyDeleteAJ - I am counting down to the end of cookie season. Too much temptation in the house! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI also need to try the Finlay Donovan series as I keep hearing a lot of good things as well! I know what you mean about a busy week! I also can't help but take pictures of my dogs sleeping, they're just so cute! Your cats are so pretty! Love their markings. Here's to a good week!
ReplyDeletehttps://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2023/02/12/weekly-wrap-up-106-february-12th-2023/
Lisa - Animals sleeping are adorable. :-) I always want to cuddle up next to them. I have to remind myself it will only disturb them though. I hope you have a good week too! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI too wanted to visit and blog hop a lot buuuut... and I adore Fuinlay Donovan too!
ReplyDeleteSophie - Finding the time and energy can be a challenge, can't it? I am glad you enjoy the Finlay Donovan series too! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI hope this week is less tiring for you. I'm happy to have even a short Sunday post to catch up a bit with you.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
Anne - Today has been a bit calmer, although work is still extra busy. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteSometimes I lose track of the early books in a series before I get anywhere near the end. So many murders, so many clues. This sounds like it would strike me the same way.
ReplyDeletebest… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Mae - The best authors are able to catch the reader up enough so they don't feel too lost if it's been awhile between books. I find when I'm starting a new series, it's best not to wait too long between the first, second and third books or else the overreaching story or characters won't stick as well. So the author's review of past books is so important. Cosimano does a good job of rehashing what's important from book to book so I have never felt lost. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI hope you are able to catch up on some rest this week. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteCindy - Thank you!
DeleteNina's eyes are gorgeous! And I hope this week is a less busy one for you so you're able to catch up on all the things you want to. :D
ReplyDeleteLark - Aren't they? I love cats' eyes. This week has been a little better. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteA busy week for you! Finlay Donovan is high on my list for this year.....it sure seems popular - don't think I've seen one negative comment. Have a terrific week!
ReplyDeleteTerrie @ Bookshelf Journeys
https://www.bookshelfjourneys.com/post/sunday-post-37
Terrie - I hope you enjoy the Finlay Donovan series if you read it. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteCute cat pics! And don't feel bad about a short post- I think mine might be the shortest this week!
ReplyDeleteYay for The Deep End!
Greg - I am loving The Deep End. Why didn't I start this series sooner?! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteYour cats are so cute.
ReplyDeleteMary - Thank you!
DeleteI have been meaning to start the Finlay book series for years now.. hopefully soon.
ReplyDeleteHena - I hope you enjoy it if you try it! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThe Finlay Donovan series sounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteInteresting that the reader poll picked the one book I haven't read. I didn't have a chance to vote, but I think I would have picked the Jennifer Ashley mystery... although the Deanna Raybourn was also really good.
Not all cats bond with each other. Our cats would do that exact thing -- curled up next to each other, but not (or barely) touching. (Alas, they are both gone now.)
Lark - It is a fun series. :-) I am looking forward to reading by Ashley and Raybourn's books. I am thinking of picking one of them up after I finish The Deep End. I'm not ready to leave this genre yet.
DeleteMy two cats tolerate each other and I think like each other to some degree (wishful thinking?). They play together occasionally and Nina lets Gracie groom her head a little. Gracie and Parker, when he was alive, were closer and would cuddle. I kind of hoped Nina and Gracie would be close too, but they both have very strong personalities and are very independent.
Thank you for visiting!
You have been busy. I love your cat photos, they are both so pretty.
ReplyDeleteWendy - Thank you!
DeleteI'm looking forward to trying the Finlay Donovan books. The first few books of Julie Mulhern's series were a lot of fun... I enjoyed the 70s setting. It's so hard to keep up with series!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn - I am enjoying The Deep End quite a bit. I would never fit into the country club scene, especially not back in the 70's, but I really like Ellison and Grace. I am not even sure how many books there are in the series. I remember when the first book came out and wanting to read it. I am way behind now. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteIf you're short on time, you should definitely spend the free time reading and resting rather than blog hopping (imo, anyway). Incidentally, I JUST started on The Secret of Bow Lane - super excited because I love the Kat Holloway series!
ReplyDeleteEustacia - I can't wait to read The Secret of Bow Lane. I hope to read it soon. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteEveryone has been showing pictures of their cat this week. I guess it a cat party.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Snapdragon - Cat picture therapy. :-) Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI still haven't tried the Finlay Donovan books. I need to add those to my list!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy them if you read them! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteLove the kitty pics! I'm glad you are reading The Deep End. I loved that book and I really need to catch up on this series. Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteYvonne - I am nearly finished with The Deep End and loving it. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI've been slow on blog hopping and commenting too so you are not alone. ;) Your kitties are adorable! They're the cutest when they're sleeping.
ReplyDeleteMelody - I am glad I am not alone. :-) Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI've only read the first Finlay Donovan book, but I enjoyed it. I also look forward to seeing what you think of The Deep End.
ReplyDeleteHelen - I hope you get a chance to read the other books in the series. I loved The Deep End. So glad I read it! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI loved the latest Finlay Donovan book, but haven't posted my review yet. I love that pic of your cats. Cats aren't the most friendly with other animals, are they, Wendy?
ReplyDeleteCarla - I am glad to hear you enjoyed it too! Gracie got along really well with Parker when he was alive. Parker was a lover. :-) He got along really well with our dog and other cat when they were alive as well. These two are my first experience with cats that didn't have a strong bond, so it's a bit new to me. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteVicki - Thank you!
ReplyDelete