Finlay Donovan is Killing It is some of the most fun, reading-wise, I’ve had in ages. In this slapstick comedy meets murder mystery meets romance, struggling author and single mom Finlay gets mistaken for a hit-woman while discussing plot points over lunch with her editor. The wife of a mob-affiliated accountant tries to hire Finlay to kill her husband, and she, of course, refuses. However, Finlay’s writerly curiosity pushes her to investigate the situation further and she somehow ends up with a dead body in her minivan. This is all just the start of the adventure (crazily enough), and I absolutely loved all the other twists and turns this story takes.

One of my favorite things about Finlay Donovan is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Would a person ever hire a hit-woman in a Panera? Probably not. Would Finlay and her sidekick be able to pull of their crazy stunts in real life? Definitely not. But is it entertaining to believe they do? Absolutely. And despite the absurdity of it all, this book manages to feel grounded due to relatable, likable characters. Cosimano’s voice is warm and her dialogue is witty; she makes me want to be friends with all of her characters (maybe not the mob bosses, though). Also, even though this book is playful at its core, there are moments of high suspense that had me speed-reading to make sure Finlay ended up safe. I love reading in the romantic comedy genre, but sometimes find myself wishing the books had a little more depth and a little more gumption. Finlay Donovan is Killing It provides on both accounts, so if you’re a hesitant rom com reader take this as a hearty recommendation to start here.

Also — Elle Cosimano just came out with a sequel! Check out Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead.

I’d recommend this novel to…

• Anyone who wants their heroines funny, relatable, and sarcastic… it’s similar in tone to Emily Henry’sBeach Read
• Anyone who likes a murder story that creeps you out but also makes you laugh… it’s similar in theme to the Netflix show Dead to Me
• Anyone who craves a mystery that will keep you reading until two in the morning… it’s similar in style to Liane Moriarty’sWhat Alice Forgot