Finlay Donovan books in order: Complete reading guide
Looking for the Finlay Donovan books in order? Here's the complete reading guide, including the companion novella and the latest book in Elle Cosimano's bestselling mystery series.
There are currently six novels, one novella, and another book on the way, and I definitely recommend reading them in publication order since the characters and storylines build from one book to the next.
I was hooked from Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. What begins as a simple misunderstanding quickly turns a struggling novelist and single mom into an unlikely suspect—and occasional participant—in a series of increasingly outrageous crimes. Blending cozy mystery, sharp humour, memorable characters, and plenty of twists, it's one of my favourite mystery series to recommend.
Below, you'll find the complete Finlay Donovan reading order, along with a quick overview of every book in the series.
The Finlay Donovan Series by Elle Cosimano
If you’re planning to start the series, I definitely recommend reading the books in order. While each novel has its own mystery, the characters and relationships develop from one book to the next, and it’s especially fun to follow Finlay’s increasingly complicated adventures from the beginning. Below, I’ve listed the Finlay Donovan books in order, along with a quick look at each one.
Finlay Donovan books in order
BOOK 1
Finlay Donovan is Killing It
Struggling novelist and single mom Finlay Donovan is mistaken for a contract killer after discussing the plot of her latest book in a café. Before long, she's caught up in a real murder investigation where nothing goes according to plan.
BOOK 2
Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead
When someone appears to be targeting Finlay's ex-husband, she and her partner-in-crime Vero race to uncover the truth before another body turns up and before they become the next suspects.
BOOK 3
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
Finlay reluctantly teams up with Detective Nick Anthony during a police training exercise, but a dangerous criminal and another tangled mystery quickly derail everyone's plans.
BOOK 3.5 - SHORT STORY
Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank
This companion novella follows fan-favourite Vero as she embarks on a chaotic solo adventure, revealing more about her past while delivering the same blend of humour, suspense, and outrageous situations.
BOOK 4
Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice
A weekend getaway to Atlantic City takes a disastrous turn when Finlay, Vero, and the rest of the gang become entangled in yet another murder mystery filled with secrets, mistaken identities, and high-stakes chaos.
BOOK 5
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave
Finlay returns to her Virginia hometown, where an unexpected death, old family tensions, and dangerous secrets force her to confront both the past and another increasingly complicated investigation.
BOOK 6
Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line
When a body is discovered outside her home, Finlay once again finds herself at the centre of a murder investigation. As the evidence mounts, she and Vero scramble to uncover the real killer before time, and luck, run out.
BOOK 7
(COMING IN MARCH 2027)
Finlay Donovan Plays with Fire
When Finlay's meddling neighbour disappears without a trace, she and Vero are pulled into another twist-filled investigation. With Detective Nick Anthony involved and suspicion falling close to home, Finlay must solve the case before she becomes the prime suspect.
Frequently asked questions
How many Finlay Donovan books are there?
As of 2026, there are six full-length Finlay Donovan novels and one companion novella, Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank. A seventh novel, Finlay Donovan Plays with Fire, is scheduled for publication in March 2027.
Do you need to read the Finlay Donovan books in order?
Yes. Although each book features its own mystery, the series follows an ongoing storyline, and the relationships between Finlay, Vero, Detective Nick Anthony, and the rest of the cast develop from one novel to the next. Reading the books in publication order will give you the best experience.
Is Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank required reading?
No, but I recommend it. This companion novella focuses on fan-favourite Veronica Ruiz and fits between Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun and Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice. While you can enjoy the main novels without it, the novella adds extra backstory and character development.
What is the first Finlay Donovan book?
The series begins with Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. It introduces struggling novelist and single mother Finlay Donovan, whose life is turned upside down after someone mistakes her for a contract killer, setting off the hilarious and suspenseful adventures that follow.
Will there be another Finlay Donovan book?
Yes. Elle Cosimano's next novel in the series, Finlay Donovan Plays with Fire, is expected to be published in March 2027, continuing Finlay's increasingly chaotic adventures.
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About Elle Cosimano
Elle Cosimano is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, an International Thriller Award winner, a Bram Stoker Award finalist, and an Edgar® Award nominee. Her acclaimed young adult novels include Nearly Gone, Holding Smoke, The Suffering Tree, and Seasons of the Storm. Elle’s debut novel for adults, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, kicked off a witty, fast-paced contemporary mystery series, which was a PEOPLE Magazine Pick and was named one of New York Public Library’s Best Books of 2021. In addition to writing novels for teens and adults, her essays have appeared in The Huffington Post and Time. Elle lives with her husband and two sons in Virginia.