Skip to main content

Reading Group Guide

Discussion Questions

Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line

1. Stacey’s social media page becomes a hub for Finlay’s gossiping neighbors. Do you think public figures (including authors) deserve privacy? Do you feel Stacey’s posts violated Finlay’s?

2. Nick’s offer to watch the children so Finlay could go to Maryland to help Vero marks a big step forward in Finlay and Nick’s relationship. How do you feel about the direction of their relationship and the secret Zach accidentally revealed?

3. How did you feel about Bennett at the beginning of the story versus the end? Why do you think he came to Finlay’s aid when she was confronted by Officer Oates?

4. In what ways do Norma and Gloria’s relationship and antics mirror those of Finlay and Vero? When you picture Vero and Finlay five, 10 and 20 years in the future, what do you imagine?

5. Vero’s family has different feelings about law enforcement than Finlay does. Why do you think that is? In what ways have your own cultural and life experiences shaped your attitudes toward law enforcement and the legal system?

6. Do you feel Vero responded appropriately to each of her sorority sisters’ apologies at the end of the book? Was she right to forgive them? How would you have responded if you had been in Vero’s shoes?

7. In the book, Vero says, “Why is it always up to the victim to be the bigger person?” Do you feel this is an accurate statement? Can you think of a time in your own life when you were hurt and you were expected to be the bigger person?

8. Javi’s relationship with his mother is strained. Did your attitude toward Regina shift from the beginning to the end of the story? What, if anything, changed your feelings about her?

9. Jealousy is one theme explored in the book. Which characters were forced to confront their jealousy? How did you feel about the ways those characters dealt with their feelings?

10. The shower curtain became a metaphor through the story. What do you think it represents? Have you ever jumped to a conclusion only to discover you were wrong? Can you think of a few instances in the book when Finlay or Vero let their imaginations get the best of them?

11. Found family is a theme in this installment of the series more so than the rest. What examples of found families can you identify in this story? Do you have a found family in your own life?

12. At the end of the story, Finlay confronts Stacey about her social media posts. Do you think Finlay made the right decision to speak up? Do you agree with the way she handled the situation? How do you think her choice might impact her in the next installment of the series?

Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line
by Elle Cosimano

  • Publication Date: March 17, 2026
  • Genres: Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Women's Fiction
  • Hardcover: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Minotaur Books
  • ISBN-10: 1250337593
  • ISBN-13: 9781250337597