Elle Cosimano’s latest crime novel is full of emotional plot twists and humor

If you have a short attention span, enjoy chaotic situations and bizarre characters, you’re in for a real treat!

“Finlay Donavan Rolls the Dice” from bestselling author Elle Cosimano (Minotaur Books, $28) is a strange, quirky, fun crime novel full of nonstop action.

It is the fourth book in her series that focuses on romantic suspense writer Finlay Donovan, mother of two young children, her mother, her ex-husband Steven and her nanny Vero.

They all go from Virginia to Atlantic City for a “Girl’s Night Out”, with visits to the gambling casinos – in one SUV.

In reality, Finlay and Vero plan to negotiate with Marcos, a devious loan shark who has kidnapped Javi, Vero’s handsome boyfriend.

Marcos has his own new demands on Vero to collect her enormous debt to him, seemingly impossible.

Now the pair face even more challenges as they try to locate a rare Aston Martin and track down Javi.

Other characters from previous books pop up, including Cam, a young hacker, Finlay’s sister Georgia, and of course Detective Nick Andrews of the Fairfax County Police Department.

There is a lot of interaction, stalking, corruption and bad behavior. With so much happening, you need a scorecard to keep track of everything. Or two.

It’s full of emotional plot twists and useful information, such as the best way to deal with dead bodies and live dogs.

Hilarious scenes take place in a seedy hotel, gambling casinos and a strip club; each chapter contains blood-curdling, dangerous events.

“Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice” by Elle Cosimano is a very quick, easy, and goofy book.

The author, who has also written four novels for young adults, is often compared to Janet Evanovich.

While this works well as a standalone novel, to appreciate the strange interpersonal relationships, it’s best to read the others in the series first, starting with “Finlay Donovan is Killing It.”

Ray Walsh, owner of the Curious Book Shop of East Lansing, has regularly reviewed crime fiction and Michigan books since 1987. His email address is [email protected].

This article originally appeared in Lansing State Journal: Elle Cosimano’s latest crime novel is full of emotional plot twists