Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It (2021) is a novel by Elle Cosimano. The story follows Finlay Donovan, a 31-year-old divorcée and single mother who writes romance suspense novels for a living. Finlay is mistaken for a contract killer when someone overhears a conversation between Finlay and her agent, and Finlay is unwillingly and unwittingly drawn into a dangerous but extremely profitable life. The book explores themes of single motherhood, power and money, and women’s vengeance.

Elle Cosimano is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who writes mysteries, thrillers, and speculative fiction for adults and young adults. Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, the first in the Finlay Donovan series, is also Cosimano’s debut adult novel.

This guide is based on the 2021 Headline Kindle Edition.

Content Warning: This book contains mentions and descriptions of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Plot Summary

Finlay “Finn” Donovan is a 31-year-old divorcée with two children. She divorced her ex, Steven Donovan, because he was sleeping with their real estate agent, Theresa Hall, to whom he is now engaged. Finn writes romance suspense novels; she barely scrapes together a living and is overdue on a number of bills, including the “rent” that she pays Steven.