3.5 stars

This cozy-ish mystery has a fantastic setting and setup, and while the execution fizzles a bit, there's enough intrigue to make this worth the read.

The m.c. is named Capri, and her ex-husband was born into San Francisco society. His mother - Capri's former mother-in-law - is at the heart of an investigation that also centers both Capri and her daughter, Morgan. Now, having had some odd but very much interior connections to SF society for a number of years, I can say that it's a nuanced little culture, and while there are elements of that coming through here (including a strange, frequent referencing of deb life), this background makes for an absolutely bizarre oversight in this novel. If these folks are so dialed into SF and, specifically, to SF society, why does the protagonist, whom readers are supposed to find more relatable because she married into this world instead of being born into it, insist on constantly using outdated terminology for sex workers? One can play a drinking game and find themselves quite addled based on the frequent appearance of the wrong word (and another option that may be even worse once or twice). This may seem like a small detail, but for a writer who's going to acknowledge the vegan and gluten free meal options likely to be found at some of these events, it's an important one. This choice - especially the repetition of it - made me question whether the writer has any knowledge of this particular enclave as well and completely distracted me every time it appeared. Again, I suspect most readers won't be as aware or put off by this, but I could not stand it.

Readers should come to this because they are interested in a relatively light and uncomplicated cozy that ties up loose ends a bit cleanly. If they are looking for relatable characters or other elements of authenticity, this may not be the best option.

THIS BOOK WAS OKAY IT MET MY EXPECATIONS BUT IT WAS NOTHING MIND BLOWING I WOULD READ SOMTHING ELSE BY THIS AUTHOR IN THE FUTURE FOR SURE.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to the publisher for the early copy

I apparently need to read more murder Mysteries, because despite guessing the killer very early on I loved reading as Capri found the evidence. I loved that there were also two serial killers being investigated by her at the same time. Trying to prove the innocence of her grandfather and discover the real killer, while also trying to prove her and her daughter's innocence.

Capri is also a tour guide in San Francisco that does tours about serial killers, so you also learn little fun facts on locations and other serial killers throughout.

Super fun read, and I definitely recommend!

Capri is a former journalist whose grandfather was a convicted serial killer, she questions his actual guilt and has for a large part of her life. She leads tourist tours in San Francisco focusing on local murders. She meets Inspector Dan Petito, a San Francisco homicide investigator after her former mother-in-law is murdered in a way that is eerily similar to her grandfather's alleged killing patterns. After another copycat murder springs up, Capri goes all Jessica Fletcher and uses her investigative skills to try to find out just why her mother-in-law was murdered, and also tries to keep herself and her family from being unjustly sent to jail.

Well-written and very engaging, twisty murder mystery where everyone is a suspect until they're not. It's more of a mystery within a mystery, with an interesting hook in the fmc as the granddaughter of a serial killer working to exonerate her grandfather. Feels like the start of a series. I always enjoy when the fmc is a bit older than the norm (here, she's a 49-year-old divorced mom of a 20-something daughter). I did get a little bogged down in the details, especially in the middle of the book, but I think that's mainly because I don't normally read murder mysteries so I'm out-of-step with their rhythm. Heavy on San Francisco history, especially murder history, which was fitting given the title and story. Given the level of detail it was easy to feel immersed in the San Francisco setting and the murder lore. Of course there's a handsome police investigator but a budding romantic relationship isn't a huge focus; he's introduced but is only tangentially present for the majority of the story (another reason why this feels like the start of a series). New-to-me author but I would definitely read her again. Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this story, which publishes 9-24-24.

Capri Sanzio, a San Francisco tour guide specializing in serial killers. She is the granddaughter of infamous convict 'Overkill Bill' Sanzio. Always believing in his innocence, she’s never fully investigated the case. When a copycat killer surfaces, Capri sees an opportunity to clear her grandfather’s name, potentially earning money through a podcast and book. The case is back in the news and the police will be looking to understand the past to catch a present-day killer.

I really enjoyed the book. Special thank to NetGalley for and ARC!

Expected publication is September 24, 2024

I enjoyed this one but not as much as I was hoping to. This novel took me awhile to read as I wasn’t hooked into the story right away and I found my thoughts drifting while reading. I like mysteries that hook me in and keep me hooked and unfortunately this one didn’t do that. I liked Capri and thought she was a strong and smart character but all the supporting characters were not great. I really liked all the San Francisco tidbits as I visited last year and fell in love with the city, it was nice learning more about it while reading. The premise of the story was so intriguing, I wanted more from the Overkill Bill side of the story though. Overall a fun not to challenging mystery read.

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco
3.5 ⭐️

Imagine it you found out in elementary school that your grandfather was a serial killer. Would you grow up to host tours around your city talking about it?!

This book was a little bit of a mystery within a mystery. Capri was trying to solve her grandfather’s alleged crime while also hunting for a modern day copycat.

While this didn’t have a ton of character development, the plot moved pretty quickly. An easy mystery!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me an advance reader copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this one! I can only describe this one as Finlay Donovan meets your favorite ghost tour of all time! The setting and characters are superb! This one had me flying thru the pages until the end. Would love to see this one turn into a series! Capri would make a great guide through many mysteries!

Description
Welcome to San Francisco, a city with killer charm.

The chill of a San Francisco summer can be deadly. No one knows this better than Capri Sanzio, who makes her living giving serial killer tours of the city. Capri has been interested in the topic since she was a kid, when she discovered she’s the granddaughter of serial killer William ‘Overkill Bill’ Sanzio. She’s always believed in his innocence, though she's never taken the leap to fully dive into the case.

But now an Overkill Bill copycat has struck in San Francisco. And Capri’s former mother-in-law, Sylvia, just cut off Capri’s daughter’s tuition payments. Needing cash, Capri wonders if this is the time to exonerate her grandfather. The case is back in the news and the police will be looking to understand the past to catch a present-day killer. Capri could finally uncover the truth about Overkill Bill—documenting the process with a podcast and a book—and hopefully earn some money.

Before Capri can get very far, the cops discover the copycat’s latest victim: Sylvia. Capri soon finds herself at the heart of the police’s investigation for an entirely different reason. She and her daughter are prime suspects.

This book was such a refreshing read! I really enjoyed the diverse cast of characters and the intriguing plot centered around an old murder case. The added layer of mystery with the new murders kept me hooked, making me constantly guess who the killer might be. I also loved the San Francisco setting, especially the fact that the main character, Capri, runs a guided tour company that focuses on crime scenes. Honestly, I'd be totally up for taking a tour like that in any city!

Capri has always believed that her grandfather, known as "Overkill Bill," was wrongfully convicted of the three murders he was charged with decades ago. Despite her mother and father refusing to discuss the case, Capri has lived with the stigma of being related to him. She’s turned her fascination with crime into a successful business, running crime-themed tours in San Francisco with her best friend. However, things take a turn when Capri’s daughter finds out she’s being cut off financially by her wealthy grandmother, prompting Capri to finally take the plunge and start a podcast to clear her grandfather’s name. As Capri dives into the case, she uncovers details that don’t add up, and when two women are murdered—one being her ex-mother-in-law—in the same style as "Overkill Bill," she’s thrust into a new mystery. Is it a copycat? Or has the real killer resurfaced? Determined to uncover the truth about both the past and the present, Capri embarks on her own investigation, convinced the two cases are connected, though not in the way she initially thought.

This was a fast-paced read that kept me engaged from start to finish. I was eager to find out how the old murders were linked to the new ones, and the flirty tension between Capri and the head detective added an extra layer of interest. I’m definitely rooting for them! I highly recommend this book.

This was a suspenseful murder mystery book that I really enjoyed. Capri is the granddaughter of a serial killer and makes a living giving serial killer tours of San Francisco. When someone kills her ex-mother-in-law as a copycat of his grandfather's methods, she wants to solve the case to protect her family. I really enjoyed the setting of this book most of all. San Francisco's dark history was intriguing and well-researched. The mystery component takes on the classic format, which isn't anything special. However, the connection to a serial killer makes the plot more interesting. It was an entertaining read overall.

This book is similar in detective style to A Good Girls Guide to Murder. The main character, with no real background in detective work, is somehow much better at everything and figures it out. I will be recommending it to my friends who love AGGGTM but want older main characters, or just a new book to check out. 3.5/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

This book was SO FUN! It really does make you think about what happens to the family of a serial killer. How do they live with the trauma and notoriety of having a family member who has committed these atrocious crimes? In this story Capri is the granddaughter of a convicted serial killer. She doesn't believe that he committed the crimes but her father has never let her speak about the murders or her grandfather. When a copy cat murder occurs decades after the original crimes and after many of the key players (detectives, witnesses, grandfather) have passed. Capri knows there is a connection to the original murders. As the granddaughter of the original murderer she is considered a suspect. Setting out to find out the truth about the past murders and the current one, Capri is racing against the clock. Its a fun read that will consume your entire day (and you won't regret it).

Summary: Capri Sanzio runs her own tour company giving tours of San Francisco with a focus on the city’s history of serial killers. Years before, Capri’s own grandfather was convicted of being a serial killer, known as Overkill Bill, although Capri believes in his innocence. A copycat killer has recently struck the city, copying Overkill Bill’s pattern, and bringing up unpleasant memories for Capri’s family. In a terrifying turn of events, Capri’s former mother-in-law Sylvia becomes a victim of the serial killer. Although Capri has a generally cordial relationship with her ex-husband and his wealthy family, she and Sylvia have never really gotten along well, and unfortunately Sylvia had cut off payments to Capri’s daughter Morgan only the day before. Now Capri and Morgan are the focus of the police investigation, while Capri scrambles to figure out who the copycat is before they strike again.

Thoughts: This was such a creative and fun novel, and I enjoyed reading it so much! As a reader who has explored San Francisco and really loved the city, I appreciated seeing the landmarks and history of the city incorporated into the story. The historical serial killers associated with the town are also interspersed throughout the novel, which adds to the atmosphere and mystique of the famed city. It is also interesting to follow the two investigations which are woven together – while the police are only focused on the present day killer, Capri is convinced there is a link to the past and is determined to figure out who the real serial killer was and why her grandfather took the blame. I also enjoyed the way the author made history and tradition omnipresent in the novel, not just through architecture and historical events, but also in the prevailing attitudes about class structure and wealth in the city. It was a fascinating and fun read – highly recommended to any mystery or thriller fan.

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard
Narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker

While this story mentions serial killing in the title, has serial killers in the book, and has a main character running a business giving online and in person serial killer tours through San Francisco, it really is a cozy mystery. Capri Sanzio is the granddaughter of serial killer William ‘Overkill Bill’ Sanzio. Her dad will never discuss his late murderous father with her but she probably knows as much as anyone about her grandfather and his crimes. Afterall, serial killing is her business.

When a woman is killed in what looks like an Overkill Bill copy cat manner, Capri and her family are open to unwanted attention. Then, when someone close to Capri is killed in the same manner, all the sudden Capri and her college age daughter are considered suspects. Never mind they actually do look a bit suspicious, Capri is going to insert herself into the case because who better to prove her innocence then Capri. And she hopes her daughter isn't a killer, of course she's not a killer, but why is she acting suspicious? Actually, a lot of people could have a motive for the second killing. Let's just bend a few laws then, that's better than being wrongly accused for something she didn't do. Not only that, Capri doesn't think her grandfather did all those murders decades ago. So many mysteries, so many ways for Capri to dig a deeper hole for herself.

IF Capri can figure all of this out, a podcast and book would go a long way to helping to pay for the rest of her daughter's graduate degree. The story really is cozy, Capri is very sensible, well organized, and has great friends to help her hack, I mean crack, stuff and encourage her. And the detective on the case, the one who thinks Capri is a murderer, is nice looking, very polite and interesting. I alternated between reading the ebook and listening to the audiobook, a great choice when in waiting rooms (ebook) and on the treadmill (audiobook). The narrator did a fantastic job on all the voices, everyone had a distinct sound and all the men actually sounded like men. I'll be sure to listen to her narrations again.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This book is a thrill ride through San Francisco.... and its murders. Capri is juggling her serial killer tour business, her daughter's pending tuition payment, and her grandfather's continuously looming murder legacy. Now there's someone copying the crimes her grandfather was punished for, targeting Carpri's mother in law. If she wants to keep herself and her family out of jail, she'll need to solve the case, and maybe she'll be able to find out what happened all those years ago as well.

I liked the concept of this book a lot- it was semi predictable at times but nothing I couldn’t look over in order to see the plot for what it was.

Capri has lived her entire life in San Fransisco, so she knows a lot about the crime that has made the city what it is. She also knows because her grandfather was one of the most notorious serial killers in the area as well. This book takes us on a tour of the city just like Capri does for work (tour guide of famous crime stomping grounds) all while a copy cat is in her midst.

Not only does this book provide us with a murderous undertone which was far darker than what I expected, it also gives us little history blurbs, just like Capri’s tours do. Honestly it made me want to go on one of Capri’s tours 🤣. A little bit of a predictable ending, but definitely not the cozy mystery I thought it would be. Unexpectedly juicy!

I judged a book by its cover and snagged this E-ARC and am so glad I did! I really enjoyed this one and absolutely love this cover!!

Capri is the granddaughter of a famous serial killer who finds herself in the midst of an investigation of copycat killer. With suspicion on her and her daughter she deep dives into the murder of her mother in law. This was such a fun family drama murder mystery!

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur books publishing for an advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

A great mashup of real life San Francisco area murder history and a suspenseful modern day killer, putting the tour guide (whose grandfather was an alleged serial killer) under suspicion. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting and compelling murder mystery where the main character not only solves two recent murders, but also manages to suss out the identity of a cold case murderer.

This was a fun read that kept my mind engaged. The story was compelling. And I loved all the interesting tidbits of San Francisco history. It made me homesick for the Bay Area.

3.5 stars

This was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I absolutely loved the premise, but the pace was slower than I preferred, and I struggled to maintain interest at some points. The quirkiness and humor were a hit for me, although the ending wasn't really a mystery. Still a fun read.