I liked the voice in this one and all the tidbits about San Francisco; great mystery and supporting characters…a little more noir than cozy…

Capri Sanzio runs a company giving true crime tours of various locations around San Francisco. She's very familiar with the topic, as her own grandfather is the infamous "Overkill Bill" serial killer. Although Capri has always believed in his innocence, she's never wanted to dig into the case since her father is so reluctant to discuss it. But she is forced to dig up the past when two women, including Capri's ex-mother-in-law Sylvia, turn up dead, both killed in the same way as Overkill Bill. Given Capri's contentious relationship with Sylvia, she and her daughter are squarely in the detective's sights. To find out who is murdering women in the present, Capri must dig into the past and quickly, before she or her daughter are arrested for the crimes.

This was a fun, fast-paced mystery. I found Capri's narration a little annoying--she listed out everything she was doing and all the research she was doing for the cases with a little too much detail (every single thought she had while doing research was spelled out and it just got tedious). I also felt like some of the research she was doing was a bit too easy. I find it hard to believe she was able to dig up so much on a decades-old case in such a short time span. The family drama was interesting but the background/motivation for the murders that is eventually revealed was a little convoluted. Not a bad read, but not my favorite. Would recommend to fans of cozy mysteries though.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Capri has long dealt with the fact that her grandfather went to jail. He was arrested and convicted of being a serial killer. Her father won’t even discuss it, but Capri has always believed what her grandfather told her. He didn’t do it.
Capri runs her own business in San Francisco. Taking people on tours highlighting famous criminals. But when a woman murdered by a copycat of Overkill Bill (her grandfather), suspicion falls on Capri and her daughter Morgan. Then when someone closer to home dies, could history be repeating itself.
I loved learning more about this side of San Francisco. What really grabbed me though was Capri’s belief in her grandfather’s innocence. So, who would dig his MO up after all these years? Here is where I patted myself on the back because I figured out whodunnit the first time the character appeared. Not the why though.
An excellent location, interesting characters, and even the answer to an old crime. This publishes at the end of September, and in my opinion, it would make a great outdoor read. Fast paced, and plenty of red herrings.

3.75 stars rounded up to 4!

This was a fun little cozy mystery book, and as a Californian, I really enjoyed the inclusion of San Fransisco lore and the cute cover!

What I Liked:
- I really liked the main character, Capri, and how determined she was to figure out what was going on
- The connection between locations in San Fransisco and what was happening in the plot
- Characters were likeable, and I really didn't guess a lot of things that ended up happenikng

What I Didn't Like:
- I thought that the cold case component was going to be more relevant, but by the time we got there I was like okay I'm ready for the book to be over
- It was just a little too long

Overall, I thought this was a very fun time and I would definitely pick up more from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Capri Sanzo has always known she was the granddaughter of serial killer Overkill Bill but for years her efforts to find out more from her father have been to no avail. Drawn to true crime she establishes a lucrative tour guide business focusing on the serial killers of San Francisco. She is stunned to turn on the news to discover a copycat killer has struck killing a woman in a nearby park. When her ex mother-in-law is the next victim following a heated phone call she and her daughter Morgan come under suspicion. Using her research skills and contacts in the city Capri springs into action to clear not only her and her daughter but get answers to her grandfather's case. I found this mystery novel to be cleverly developed and as a true crime buff I relished the historical bread crumbs relating to the city's criminal history. Capri is an interesting character but not strongly drawn. The lead character is the city itself with the fog, the chill and the unique landmarks. I always enjoy a cold case narrative and I was really rooting that Capri would be able to provide information toward her grandfather's innocence. The relationship between Capri and her parents and her former in laws added tension to an already fraught situation. I am not familiar with this author but I would definite read her work again. Overall an engaging crime novel with some unique twists.

This novel written by Michelle Chouinard was fun, and light to read. The heroine, Capri, has quite the history! A grandfather, currently passed on, who was arrested for 2 murders in that city. Capri has a business of serial killer tours in San Francisco. Sounds fun, right? Well, there were so many twists and turns in the book, you have to keep up, yet it takes the author quite a while to get to the finish line. It's a fun and easy read while you're getting to that finish!

This was interesting. Definitely kept me reading. It’s an easy mystery read that has different turns! Would recommend .

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard is a light reading mystery that keeps your interrst.

Being the granddaughter of a notorious serial killer and the ex-wife to a cheating husband forced to support herself after the divorce gave Capri the idea of infamous area killers tours that are successful enough to pay the bills. When her daughter’s grandmother cut off her daughter's funds to finish her master's degree Capri needs to find another way to help. However, when copycat murders too close to home puts them both on the police radar Capri decides she needs to find the killer before they are accused of it. She also has been trying to find the original serial killer her grandfather died in prison for. Not believing it was him and he'd always professed his innocence.

This book is easy to read and keeps you entertained with good characters and fast pace. It has mystery, a bit of maybe a romance sprinkled in, and the who-done-it of an old case and new cases.
I enjoyed reading this book and the killer’s identities were not easily guessed,
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martins Press / Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and give my honest review.

After finding out about her grandfather’s trial for murder at school as a child, Capri just can’t let it go. She knows he’s innocent and starts reading everything she can find out about him even if it’s ruined her relationship with her father. As an adult, she leads serial killer tours, highlighting where grisly events took place, to make ends meet after her divorce. But when her ex mother in law is the victim of a copy cat crime, Capri knows she is the prime suspect and must race to solve the whodunnit. Not a bad story and the ending was a surprise for sure. Capri solves two current cases and Comes to terms with her grandfather’s death and overall it is an entertaining and enjoyable read.

Capri owns a tour company in San Fransisco, their niche is serial killers. She’s the ex-wife of Todd, the son of an affluent San Fransisco family, Philip and Sylvia Clement- Sylvia has never liked Capri. They have a daughter Morgan, who Sylvia has just cut off and she is left to pay for her the rest of her graduate school education. Capri is convinced by her bestie and business partner, Heather, and coworker Ryan to do a podcast and write the book she’s been wanting to write to help her daughter- and who better, because Capri is actually the granddaughter of a convicted serial killer.

When two women are murdered copy-catting Overkill Bill’s signature, not only is Capri personally effected, but she’s also a person of interest. She works the case personally to exonerate herself, her daughter, and maybe even her grandfather.

This book was a joy to read. The characters were complex and relatable. The San Fransisco detective collaboration was such a great storyline. While reading @mmchouinard I felt like I was reading a Kinsey Millhone alphabet book by Sue Grafton.

Although I’m not sure there will be a sequel I do want Michelle Chouinard to know that I’m super invested and would be the first in line to buy the next one. I’m a fan.

Thanks to @netgalley and @minotaur_books for this #advancedreaderscopy - pub date is 9/24/24- don’t sleep on this one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#netgalley
#theserialkillerguidetosanfrancisco
#2024bookchallenge69of75
#summer24book12

A Serial Killer Guide to San Fransisco by Michelle Chouinard

Published: September 24, 2024
Minotaur Books
Genre: Amateur Sleuth Mysteries
KKECReads Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for free and leave my review voluntarily.

I adore Michelle. I have to start with this because she is brilliant, talented, kind, and just wonderful. I will read anything she ever writes. She could write a phone book, and I would be engaged.

This was so different from the series I know Michelle from, but the charm, charisma, wit, and solid plot are here. These characters are memorable.

I enjoyed the humor woven throughout this story; it felt very authentic. I could see myself having many of the same thoughts or feelings as Capri as she attempts to navigate this situation.

I love how San Francisco is described. The scenery is one of the most significant characters in this novel, and it’s evident that the love, admiration, and need to share inner beauty are vital. You will see the steep streets, feel the wind, and sense the fog surrounding you.

I enjoyed this book. I found the characters well developed, their back and side stories meshed well with the general plot, and the female empowerment is on point.

I cannot wait to see what shenanigans await Capri and company. This is like a cozy mystery with a twist, and I am here for it.

Side note: the fact that Michelle mentioned me in her acknowledgments is so kind. The genuine and heartfelt words shared in her acknowledgment are so beautiful. I am so fortunate to be an arc reader for you and to call you a friend. Thank you.

Name of Book: The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco
Author: Michelle Chouinard
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Saint Martin’s Press- Minotaur Books
Pub Date: September 24, 2024
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 336

We have vacationed in San Francisco several times. True our ‘go-to’ vacation is always the beach but since we live in Southern California the beach is easy to get to. San Francisco on the other hand is unique – certainly very different than SoCal but is also fun. The idea of a serial killer tour is clever. Although we have never been on the serial killer tour - if there is one- but have been to Alcatraz, Fort Point, and crossed the Golden Gate Bridge many times. They are all part of the unique tours. I just knew this was going to be a fun story.

In this story Capri Sanzio, conducts serial killer tours of San Francisco.
When Capri was just a kid she founded out that she is the granddaughter of serial killer William ‘Overkill Bill’ Sanzio.
Capri always believed her grandfather was innocence and now there is a copycat killer so Capri is out to prove him innocent.

In the meantime, Sylvia, Capri’s former mother-in-law, just cut off Capri’s daughter’s tuition payments.
Even worse she just found out that the copycat’s latest victim is - Sylvia!!!
Capri and her daughter are prime suspects.

If you're a fan of San Francisco, as well as cool summer days that start out with great food- you surely will like this story.
Want to thank NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 24, 2022.

Capri has known her whole life that her grandfather was known as convicted serial killer, Overkill Bill. However, she has always believed his protests of innocence. When a copycat killer hits close to home (namely, Capri’s ex mother-in-law who has recently cut-off Capri’s daughter Morgan’s school payments), Capri decides it’s time to investigate both the historical and present crimes.

The book has a promising and unique premise, and I enjoyed the writing style. I was excited to read a fun and hopefully thrilling novel about solving these serial killings…. But while that does happen, I was disappointed to find that the majority of this book is spent digging into white collar crime. I don’t want to say more in fear of spoilers, but I also think this might be good information for someone to have before picking up this book. If that’s an interest for you, I believe you will really enjoy this! For me, I started finding it tough to stay interested in the plot around the middle of the book. The ending was a bit predictable and rushed but it was satisfying, and I really did like several of the characters. Overall, for me this book was a somewhat enjoyable read that didn’t quite live up to its promise- But I could see other people liking it! Therefore, my 3.5 is rounded up to a 4.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book and exchange for my honest review

I picked up this NetGalley ARC to accompany me during a recent trip to visit my family in San Francisco, a city filled with recognizable history, art, and attitude. It’s a perfect backdrop for this complicated generation-spanning mystery.

Capri Sanzio is a San Francisco tour guide who specializes in murder and mystery tours. Having grown up as the granddaughter of San Fran’s notorious “Overki|| Bill” serial ki||er, her lifelong ambition has been to prove her grandfather’s innocence. Out of the blue, a local socialite is found brutally murdered in the same characteristic fashion as Overki|| Bill, sixty years later and Capri’s grandfather having long passed in jail.

One death becomes two, and the next ki||ing hits closer to home. Capri, and her adult daughter Morgan, have shouldered the burden of Overki|| Bill’s legacy for so long. Will they now become prime suspects in these imitation murders? Or the next victims?

This murder mystery is clever, complex, and instantly addictive. I enjoyed the chapter epigraphs that take the reader on a tour of the shadier side of San Francisco’s landmarks. Capri is determined to prove her own, her daughter’s and her grandfather’s innocence by identifying the true ki||ers. Layer upon layer, she uncovers a medley of secrets that tantalize the curiosity and befuddle the uninitiated. This is a version of the San Francisco elite where everyone has a dirty secret and everyone is just keeping up appearances. Money may be in short supply but motive to murder is not.

The depth and deduction aspects are smart, reminding me of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. However, I was repeatedly disappointed in Capri’s naïveté and lack of discretion in her investigation, leaving her ultimately vulnerable in ways that would have left Miss Marple shaking her head in disbelief. Despite the transparent use of protagonist idiocy to further the plot, I am fully in Capri’s corner. She’s likeable, persistent, and deserves so much better. The positive tone of the denouement was just what I needed.

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco was such an enthralling read and had me so eager for more with every chapter. This was such a fantastic thriller, filled with murders and investigations into the culprit that provides the best aspects of the genre on every front.



There was so much about this book that I loved. Not only is there a race against the clock to find out who a murderer is, with multiple high stakes involved, but there’s also the unique aspect of the main character, Capri, being related to a convicted serial killer, which has affected the lives of herself and her family. Capri, having grown up with the stigma of a grandfather convicted of serial murders, has a fascination for true crime, in particular finding out if her grandfather actually committed the murders or not, as he claimed innocence to the accusations against him. Now, many years later and with her grandfather no longer alive, murders are being committed in the same way as the murders he was convicted for, and the police believe there is a copycat serial killer out there.



Having a book involving serial killers, and a copycat murderer many decades later made this such an enthralling read. And Capri’s personal relation to the murders/murderer made the story hit so much closer to home to the character, and allowed for a closeness to the case that made the experience all the more unique. I loved how both the past and the present tied together with Capri trying to figure out who was murdering people in the here and now, but also trying to figure out if her grandfather was really the one responsible for the original murders, a question she has wondered since she was a child and first learned of her grandfather’s background. The duality of the crimes and the ties they had to Capri and her family had me so much more intrigued, particularly with the questions it brought out, and the need to know just how connected they were beyond just the method of killing the victims.



The fact that Capri is a regular person investigating the deaths adds an element of true crime civilian armchair detective investigation to it which I really enjoyed as it gave a podcast element to it (particularly as she was considering tracking her investigation into her grandfather’s guilt or innocence this way). In a world where it’s more common to see documentaries involving investigations done by regular people who discover details previously missed by the police, this felt like a very similar to this experience in fiction and I very much enjoyed this vibe to the book. Having her investigation into the past tie so deeply into that of the present was enthralling and getting to experience the deep dive into a cold case and Capri trying to come at each crime with new eyes really got the gears going trying to piece together the clues with her. For this reason it was a very fun read, because I felt like I was working out the clues and the mystery with Capri. With the new motivations and information that kept popping up, I would develop my own theories and it was super satisfying to find out when I was correct.



Capri herself is very tenacious and I love how smart and thorough she is. She has a researcher’s mind, and a fascination with finding out the truth about her grandfather which made her so an engaging character to read about. She is also fiercely protective of those she loves, and is there for those she considers family, no matter how they have treated her. This says a lot about her character, especially considering how much she is there for a husband who cheated on her, and a mother-in-law who has never been kind to her.



All together The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco was a very enjoyable read. I quite honestly am a bit sad to have finished it because I loved all the ups and downs of the story and watching the story steadily unravel. I would very much like to pick up more books by this author now.

Great sharply fun story about the granddaughter of a convicted serial killer. Capri (Capricorn) makes her life running "killer tours," in San Fran when she gets tangled up in a local murder. Suddenly her past and her relatives put her in the crosshairs of the police. Can she solve the murders
before it is too late! #stmartins #theserialkillerguidetosanfrancisco #michellechouninard

Such a fun read! I seriously enjoyed the story and the main character, especially because of how relatable she is. I would definitely read more by this author! This book is a must read!

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun fast read that I struggled putting down. The author does such a great job mixing true crime facts and serial killer psychology into the story, I had to remind myself that this was fiction! I also enjoyed the fact that it’s written in a way where the need to know is what drives you, not suspense or tension.

Capri is a great character. I loved her determination to find the truth and the lengths she was willing to go to get her answers. More than anything, I appreciated the fact that she’s an everyday person, whose strengths lie in her conviction, intelligence, and the friends who are their to support her along the way. She’s someone anyone can relate to and I loved that.

If you’re a fan of true crime and cozy murder mysteries I highly recommend giving this a try. It’s filled with red herrings and my kindle was full of annotations as I tried to solve the murders too! Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pub Date: September 23, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my free e-reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

this book really takes you on a journey as Capri tries to find out whether or not her grandfather is guilty of a crime he was convicted for decades earlier, while she navigates two murders in present day that copycats her grandfather's alleged MO.

i was hooked in in the first few chapters and then more so as things slowly escalated in the story. it felt like there were at least half a dozen possibilities of who the murderer could've been in the past and present murders, and the author did well to have you guessing and second guessing as the main character does.

in the end, things get wrapped up pretty well and didn't feel rushed. the revelation of the past & present murders was a bit shocking, but still made sense. i enjoyed how the author wrote the story so vividly, you could easily picture every scene... especially the scenes & atmosphere of San Francisco. tidbits of the city's history also made it extra interesting.

i give this a 4 stars. i would definitely recommend this to those who enjoy cozy mysteries with just a hint of a thriller.

thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book. i received this book as an ARC and leave this review voluntarily

Pretty good read. There were some things I wasn’t the biggest fan of but it was a quick and entertaining read! I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC