“Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun”

Finley finds hilarity and danger at a citizen’s police academy.

“Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun” is the third book in this hilarious series by Elle Cosimano. Findlay is a busy single mom who wrangles children, buries dead bodies, and runs from mob bosses. New readers get a hint of past characters and relationships as Findlay’s “adventure” unfolds, so this story can also be read first.

Finlay and Vera, her business partner/nanny, are attending the “local Citizens’ Police Academy.” Readers know immediately that things will be hilariously complicated. The two compete in the academy’s hands-on instruction in firearms, forensics, and crime scene investigations. In addition to the classes and activities, they also sell a luxury car with a questionable history to get “ransom” money demanded by a “Russian Mob Boss,”  and they search for a “secret mob source” who might be among the “Academy” attendees. Of course, there is also the ongoing “tension” between Findlay and local “Officer Nick.” It is a wild and entertaining ride.

I also listened to the audio version of “Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun” narrated by Angela Dawe. Dawe has a multi-dimensional voice that reflects just the right amount of mystery and tension to go with the hilarity of Finlay Donovan’s every day, complicated life. I have one caution for listening to the audio book – remember, no one else knows why you are laughing so much.

I received a review copy of “Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun” from Elle Cosimano, Angela Dawe, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio. It is a fun book with tons of laugh-out-loud moments. Those who somehow missed the first two books should go look for them now.

Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun” is now available in print, as an e-book, and on audio from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries, and anywhere you get your books.