FAQ

ABOUT THE FINLAY DONOVAN MYSTERIES . . .

If you want something in a similar vibe, consider reading the Stephanie Plum mysteries by Janet Evanovich, The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz, Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala, Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto, The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley, Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest, and A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones.

It’s really exactly what it sounds like—a wig sewn into a headscarf so that it can be pulled on easily, concealing the hairline. I’ve seen it called a scarf wig, a headband wig, and a bandfall wig. I adopted the term “wig scarf” because it seemed like a logical term Finlay might use to describe it. You can see some examples of what I was imagining when I wrote about it here, here, and here.

You can find the answer to that here.

Find out more here.

You can read more about that here.

The answer to this question will depend on where you’re purchasing your books! If you’re buying your books through your local independent bookseller, then your books are probably all the same size with lovely matching covers and spines. If you’re purchasing them through online discount retailers (ie: Amazon or Book Depository), then you might unknowingly be purchasing editions that have been printed by different publishers in different countries. My Canadian editions, UK editions, and US editions are all slightly different from one another. There are US trade paperback size (larger format), US mass market size (smaller format), and Canadian paperback size (which are larger than both US editions). There are also multiple UK editions, which use similar sizing terminology as the US but whose sizes are actually very different! I know, confusing right?! They even have different color spines!

With all those editions out there, how can you avoid buying the wrong size?

Before purchasing a paperback online, check the product information page . . . Who is the publisher of this edition? What are the dimensions shown? (Remember, trade paperback doesn’t mean the same thing in every country—the sizes may be different—so check the dimensions!) Where is it shipping from? All the information you need to make an informed buying decision should be right there on the product page of the retailer’s website. Or, you can save yourself the trouble by purchasing from your favorite local independent bookseller!

The Finlay books are currently on a one book per year release schedule in the US and Canada. It takes approximately that long for me to write them, for my editors to edit them, and for our production team to make them, ship them, and distribute them. Release dates will be posted for each book here, on my social media channels, and on retailer websites as soon as we have them available. I’m flattered that you’re eager to read more of them. We’re working as fast as we can. 🙂

Note: For translated and international editions, please check with the publisher in your territory or region. You can find a complete list of publishers who have obtained the rights to translate the Finlay books on this website. Click on the Books tab, then the name of the specific book. From there, scroll down to the drop down menu called International Editions. If a publisher has obtained the rights to publish it in your language, the name of that publisher will be posted there.

FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT was the first book in a planned series. The longevity of the series will depend on the volume of ongoing sales. The more books we sell, the longer the publisher will continue to invest in them. Finlay Donovan Book #4 is scheduled for release in 2024. Books 5, 6, and 7 will follow (one per year). Stay tuned to my website and social media pages for updates on additional forthcoming books in the series.

You can find all the guides at the bottom of each of the book pages, or linked under the descriptions of the Young Adult novels.

For a quick reference, here are a few:

The Finlay Donovan Is Killing It Hit-mom book club discussion guide and downloadable PDF is located here.

The Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead Hit-mom book club discussion guide and downloadable PDF is located here.

The Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun Hit-mom book club discussion guide and downloadable PDF is located here.

Nearly Gone discussion guides are here.

Holding Smoke discussion guides are here.

ABOUT ELLE . . .

Essay in TIME.com about why and how I started writing

Essay in Huffington Post about my father’s career as a prison warden and how it shaped my writing

Essay in The Nerd Daily about the origins of Finlay Donovan

Essay in CrimeReads about crime authors who got their starts writing YA fiction

Essay in CrimeReads about sex in mystery novels

Essay on John Scalzi’s “The Big Idea” blog about the origins of Nearly Boswell’s name

New York Times Bestselling Author (Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun)

USA TODAY Bestselling Author (Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead)

2022 Lefty Award Nominee for Best Humorous Mystery (Finlay Donovan Is Killing It)

2017 Bram Stoker Award® Nominee (Holding Smoke)

2017 International Thriller Award Nominee: Best Young Adult Novel (Holding Smoke)

2015 Edgar Award Finalist (Nearly Gone)

2015 International Thriller Award Winner: Best Young Adult Novel (Nearly Gone)

2015 Winner of the Mathical Book Award: grade 9-12 category (Nearly Gone)

2015 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award Finalist: Best Young Adult (Nearly Gone)

2017-2018 Georgia Peach Book Award Nominee (Holding Smoke)

2015-2016 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award Nominee (Nearly Gone)

2015-2016 Georgia Peach Book Award Nominee (Nearly Gone)

2016-2017 Louisiana Teen Readers’ Choice Nominee (Nearly Gone)

2016-2017 Florida Teens Read List (Nearly Gone)

2016 – 2017 South Dakota Teen Choice Nominee (Nearly Gone)

2015 Kansas State Reading Circle, Starred Designation (Nearly Gone)

Starred Review, School Library Journal (Nearly Gone)

Bank Street College of Education’s Best of Children’s Books List – 2015 (Nearly Gone)

SWON (Southwest Ohio & Neighboring) Libraries 2014 Best Dark Mystery (Nearly Gone)

ABOUT WRITING AND PUBLISHING . . .

Here are some photos and articles about my experiences at the Writers’ Police Academy: here, here, and here.

Here’s a fun interview about my research.

Sadly, I am unable to read unpublished work for critique or feedback. I meet hundreds of student writers and aspiring authors every year, and many ask if I would be willing to read their drafts. My deadlines and family commitments keep me very busy, and I have a group of very prolific and devoted critique partners I’m beholden to. However, if you have a draft or sample of writing and you’re ready for feedback, I strongly recommend finding a critique group of your own! Sharing your work with other writers with whom you can exchange honest, constructive, supportive feedback is the best way to grow and improve. Check out some of the links below for more information about starting a crit group of your own.

ABOUT THE SEASONS OF THE STORM DUOLOGY . . .

If you live in the US and would like copies of the character art prints, fill out the contact form on my website to request a set. At this time, I do not have maps to mail out, but stay tuned to my social media pages for contests and giveaways.

If you are just looking for the graphic art, you can find them here.

You can read more about that here. [“Q&A: Elle Cosimano, Author of ‘Seasons of the Storm’.” G, Anuska. Nerd Daily, The. 2020 June 9.]

Seasons of the Storm (2020) and Seasons of Chaos (2021) are the only books planned for the series.

ABOUT THE NEARLY BOSWELL MYSTERIES . . .

If you love young adult thrillers with a hint of mystery, consider trying books by these fantastic YA authors: Megan Miranda, Ashley Elston, Kimberly Derting, Kim Harrington, Romily Bernard, LR Giles, Lydia Kang, Kara Taylor, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and Andrea Contos.

This is not a cliffhanger. If you read the book carefully, the clue to figuring out the identity of the bad element can be found on page 122.

Read about the origin of Nearly’s name here. [“The Big Idea: Elle Cosimano.” Scalzi, John. 2014 March 26.]

Nearly Gone and Nearly Found are the only books planned. There are no plans for a third book at this time, but that could always change.

You can find all the guides at the bottom of each of the book pages, or linked under the descriptions of the Young Adult novels.

For a quick reference, here are a few:

The Finlay Donovan Is Killing It Hit-mom book club discussion guide and downloadable PDF is located here.

The Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead Hit-mom book club discussion guide and downloadable PDF is located here.

The Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun Hit-mom book club discussion guide and downloadable PDF is located here.

Nearly Gone discussion guides are here.

Holding Smoke discussion guides are here.

ABOUT HOLDING SMOKE and THE SUFFERING TREE . . .

No. Both of these books were written as stand-alone novels, and they are complete. I’m so glad you loved them. Knowing this makes me happy.

You can find all the guides at the bottom of each of the book pages, or linked under the descriptions of the Young Adult novels.

For a quick reference, here are a few:

The Finlay Donovan Is Killing It Hit-mom book club discussion guide and downloadable PDF is located here.

The Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead Hit-mom book club discussion guide and downloadable PDF is located here.

The Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun Hit-mom book club discussion guide and downloadable PDF is located here.

Nearly Gone discussion guides are here.

Holding Smoke discussion guides are here.

ABOUT BOOK CLUBS, SCHOOL VISITS, AND OTHER EVENTS . . .

As time permits, I do occasionally attend virtual book clubs or buddy chats! Send me the details through the Contact form of my website. I’ll check my calendar and let you know if I am available to join you.

You can find all the guides at the bottom of each of the book pages, or linked under the descriptions of the Young Adult novels.

For a quick reference, here are a few:

The Finlay Donovan Is Killing It Hit-mom book club discussion guide and downloadable PDF is located here.

The Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead Hit-mom book club discussion guide and downloadable PDF is located here.

The Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun Hit-mom book club discussion guide and downloadable PDF is located here.

Nearly Gone discussion guides are here.

Holding Smoke discussion guides are here.

I would love to visit all of my readers in their hometowns and countries, but traveling for signings is not as easy as it sounds. It can be very costly and requires time away from my writing and my family. As much as I wish I could, it’s not possible to accept every invitation, but if you would like to request a signing in your city, ask your favorite local independent bookseller (ideally one that frequently organizes author events) to consider hosting me. If the store is interested in hosting a signing, they can reach out to my publisher in their country or territory and submit their request. If you would like your local store to be included in my next book tour, those requests should be submitted to the publisher several months in advance.

Another option would be to ask your favorite local book/author festivals to consider inviting me to present and sign books. While I can’t attend every festival, I’m always happy to consider invitations and see if it might be possible.

I love talking with students and meeting with readers. If you’d like to host an author event at your school, please ask a teacher, librarian, or PTA administrator to contact my speaking agent for details. Information may be found on the contact page of my website.

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS . . .

You can find a list of all published and forthcoming translated editions of each of my books here. Questions about translated editions and their release dates should be directed to the publisher.

Nope. I’m sorry. Not because I don’t want to, but because I can’t. Because I honestly don’t know the answer. Developing a story takes years. It happens over painstaking trials and failures, through many drafts, and often, I don’t even know the endings to the stories I’m writing until I get to that point on the page. For me, my stories are complete as they stand. Just like none of us are truly able to see our future laid out in front of us, I can’t see my characters’ futures beyond the stories they’ve lived in my books. I will say this, however. I am hopeful for all of them. I imagine they’ll enjoy some wild adventures–that they’ll live and learn a lot as they grow. I know they will face challenges and obstacles and come out on the other side better and stronger than they once were. I wish for them the same things I wish for all of you–a full, satisfying life shared with people who love you, and most of all, a happy ending.

As time permits, I do offer interviews. Please email your request through the Contact page of my website, and I will respond as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately no, I do not keep review copies. Bloggers, librarians, and reviewers may reach out directly to my publicists to request copies for review. You may find contact information on my Press Kit page or the Contact page.

SIGNED, PERSONALIZED COPIES OF ANY OF MY BOOKS MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH Bluebird Bookstop.

Email me through the contact form to request a signed custom bookplate. Please remember to specify the name of the book.

Herehere, and here are some fascinating articles I read while researching the two undercover characters in the Nearly books.