Author: Elle Cosimano
Genre: Mystery Novella / Heist Humour / Series Prequel
Ideal For: Fans of sharp, witty crime-capers with heart, readers of the Finlay Donovan Is Killing It series, and anyone who loves a sidekick finally getting her spotlight. If you relish clever twists, lovable rogues, and that delicious moment when a “small job” turns into that job—this is a treat.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
In Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank, Cosimano takes the series’ beloved partner-in-crime, Veronica “Vero” Ruiz, and gives us the origin story we’ve been waiting for. We learn how she ended up on the run, how she slipped into a janitor’s cover at a bank, and how her innate strategist senses a bigger opportunity—and sleuthing case—than she ever bargained for. The narrative is quick, fun, and loaded with Vero’s brand of mischief, wit, and smart ambition.
What Makes It So Enjoyable
1. Vero in full view: Instead of watching her from the sidelines, we get Vero’s voice, her motivations, her scars and her ambitions. Cosimano lets her shine—and it’s satisfying.
2. Mystery with comedy: The bank setting is a strong, fun backdrop—dirty money, janitors, thrill of the heist, surprise connections. The tone remains tight, the stakes manageable, and the humor sharp.
3. Series-building done right: For fans of the Finlay Donovan books, this fills in gaps, teases future arcs, and deepens the universe without requiring you to read the rest (though if you’re already invested, it’s pure gold).
4. Brevity with punch: At about 100 pages, this novella doesn’t overstay its welcome. It delivers character, setup, conflict and payoff in a quick, gratifying package.
Themes That Hit
Turning disadvantage into advantage: Vero’s underdog status isn’t a hurdle—it’s her edge. Her plan, her hustle, her willingness to step into the janitor’s shoes become her stealth entry.
Opportunity lurking in plain sight: The title says it all. Sometimes the “break” you need is not a vault, but the courage to risk the job you can get.
Serendipitous meetings: Without spoiling, the moment of Vero meeting the series’ protagonist (Finlay) is delightfully handled—a pivot that gives meaning to what comes before.
Identity and escape: Vero is fleeing a charge, reinventing herself, and discovering her value—not just as a sidekick, but as someone who makes things happen.
What Works Magnificently
Voice & Character: Vero’s narration is smart, witty, vulnerable. When she aches, she hides it behind scheming. When she laughs, it’s sharp. Her story works.
Plot economy: In a short form, Cosimano still gives us stakes, twists, a villain of sorts, and a satisfying resolution.
Connection to series: The book ties into the larger world beautifully, rewarding long-time readers without alienating new ones.
Tone balance: It’s playful without empty; fun without flippant. The stakes are lighter than a full novel, but still real enough to care.
A Tiny Caveat (but hardly a flaw)
Because it’s a novella and focused on Vero alone, the usual Finlay + Vero dynamic that fans adore is less present. For readers who come primarily for duets, banter and back-and-forth, this may feel slightly different. But once you lean into Vero’s solo ride, it proves entirely worthwhile.
Why You’ll Remember It
You’ll remember Vero stepping into the job nobody wants. You’ll remember the bank deposit room with the missing money. You’ll remember the claustrophobic janitor closet turning into a vantage point. You’ll remember the moment she realises this is the window she’s falling through—and owning it.
You’ll also likely find yourself recommending: “Read the side-story. Then you’ll appreciate the main series even more.” That’s a testament to how well this novella expands the world.
Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank earns its five stars because it takes a beloved secondary character and gives her a full, exhilarating spotlight—complete with mystery, wit, heart and momentum. It’s not just fan-service—it stands on its own as smart, fun, and emotionally satisfying. If you’re into capers, confident heroines, and series-world building done right, this is one you’ll enjoy and revisit.
