I enjoyed this novel because of the main character, Capri. Capri is a divorced woman with a grown daughter. She earns her living giving murder tours in San Francisco. She is the granddaughter of a convicted serial killer, and someone is copying his murderous style. When Capri's former mother-in-law is murdered , Capri feels compelled to launch her own investigation. She wants to prove her grandfather's innocence and find her mother-in-law's killer. Interesting characters and great settings make this an entertaining mystery.

I would like to start by standing on my soapbox and begging everyone to stop naming books “xx guide to xx.” I HATE it. And yet, I still drank this one up because I love a serial killer story. Capri was a smart amateur detective who didn’t put herself in risky situations. Her tour team need their own book s because I ate up the chapters with them talking through their theories. I didn’t love the reveal but enjoyed what happened afterward. The audiobook was done well and the narration was perfect.

4.5 Stars
Capri became interested in true crime when she discovered her grandfather was convicted as a serial killer nicknamed: Overkill Bill. Her father has always refused to talk about it, and so Capri always did research under the radar. However, when a copycat emerges and Capri is implicated, she decides to investigate both cases, not only to clear her name and her daughter’s (also under suspicion), but also her grandfather’s.

I was a big fan of Capri, a hardworking single mother who turned her passion of true crime into a way to support her and her daughter, Morgan, now grown, by hosting tours that featured the history of crime and serial killers around San Francisco.

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco was superb! I was glued to the pages as Capri ferreted out clues and motivations both for the current murders and the past. I enjoyed her methodical approach to finding the killer and clearing her name. Capri ends up in danger by the end, and the mystery wraps up in a thrilling conclusion!

I also enjoyed the setting of San Francisco, mentions of film noir set in the city and some of its crime history! I hope we get more stories with Capri and Detective Pietro in the future! There are hints of a romance in the works and maybe they’ll work together solving crimes? *crosses fingers*

I alternately read an e-copy and listened to an audio version. I think you’d enjoy the story through either version. I’ve listened to and enjoyed Stephanie Németh-Parker’s narration in the past and her excellent performance enhanced my experience! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

I was anticipating a different kind of read- I was thinking there would be more of the podcast and book investigating teamwork angle versus a lot of sole investigating narrated by her inner monologue. It felt really slow to me and it only sped up at the very end where everything got wrapped up neatly in a little bow with discovering who the copycat killer was and how was the killer her grandfather took the fall for.

I did like that Capri was an older MC who had a college aged daughter. I also enjoyed all the mentioning of various points of interests in San Francisco since we are planning a trip there in the future.



Thank you publishers and netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback

Not my favorite mystery that I’ve read. The overall mystery and plot was interesting and had so much potential. However, it felt like so much information was being dumped and *so* many theories were being thrown together back to back that when the revelation finally came, it was anti-climatic. I will say that both reveals weren’t really what I was thinking would happen but it still fell kind of flat.

I liked Capri a lot. I like how dedicated she was to finding the truth about both the old murders and the present day ones. She was trusting when she shouldn’t be but also was not afraid to throw down for the truth.

I wish we got more of Morgan, especially with how her alibi was playing out. The other side characters were just kind of “eh”. I didn’t care for anyone too much. I do also wish we got more of Petito and wish he was more involved in Capri’s investigation. But I also get why he wasn’t.

Overall, wasn’t terrible but just fell kind of flat for me.

Capricorn (Capri) Sanzio runs a unique tour company, San Francisco Killer Crime Tours taking tourists to view sites where some of the more famous crimes have occurred. Coincidentally, her grandfather was convicted of being the serial killer, Overkill Bill, who died in prison years ago still protesting that he was innocent.

A woman is murdered in the same manner as those murdered by Overkill Bill, reinforcing Capri's believe that her grandfather was innocent. A second murder follows this time, the victim is Sylvia, Capri's ex-mother-in-law. Sylvia had just informed, Morgan, Capri's daughter, that she will no longer pay for her grad school. Now it seems, Capri and Morgan are suspects. Capri gets to work to clear the both of them and her grandfather. She uncovers family secrets along the way. Are these murders the work of the original Overkill Bill or a copycat?

This is a fun murder mystery. I found some parts slowed the plot down. The supporting characters were not developed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for an ARC. The review is my own.

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard was a fascinating read. In this thriller, we follow Capri as she navigates being the granddaughter of an alleged serial killer after a copycat appears and she’s thrown into the middle of the case.

I absolutely loved that we got to play detective alongside our MC and that we were uncovering details in real-time instead of a surprise reveal at the end.

There were some moments that felt a little dense with details—mapping out a tour of the city really dragged on too long—and there were so many characters to keep track of, but overall, it was very engaging.

MC having such a crush on the detective was so funny, too, like she full on forgot that she was a person of interest.

I have such a soft spot for San Fran, so getting to learn more about its history was also such a treat. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who wants a quick and light mystery.

In The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco, Michelle Chouinard crafts a compelling mystery that blends the charm of the iconic city with the chilling legacy of its dark past. Capri Sanzio, the granddaughter of infamous serial killer William ‘Overkill Bill’ Sanzio, navigates the unique world of serial killer tourism while grappling with her family’s history. The concept of using her lineage as a lens to explore San Francisco's notorious crimes is not only creative but also adds depth to the narrative. Capri's determination to prove her grandfather's innocence amidst the backdrop of a copycat killer keeps the tension high and the stakes personal.

Chouinard excels in creating a vivid sense of place, capturing the essence of San Francisco while weaving in elements of suspense and dark humor. The character dynamics, particularly Capri's interactions with her mother-in-law and daughter, add layers to her journey. While the plot occasionally feels a bit convoluted, especially with the intertwining timelines, it ultimately delivers a satisfying blend of intrigue and emotional depth. This book is a must-read for fans of quirky mysteries and anyone intrigued by the darker side of true crime, making it a standout in the genre.

After having tried a few ARCs similar to this one, I realize now that cozy murder mystery/amateur sleuth books are not for me. With that being said, if you do enjoy these types of books, this one is more unique than the others with the main character being the granddaughter of a famous serial killer. I did enjoy the writing style, but didn’t love the story line! Thank you to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for a review!

Capri makes a living giving guided serial killer tours of San Francisco. Ever since she found out her grandfather was a convicted serial killer, she’s been fascinated in the topic and the chance to maybe one day prove his innocence. When a copycat killer suddenly pops up in town, Capri dives back into all of those unanswered questions to figure out who was murdering in the past and also the present.

THE SERIAL KILLER GUIDE TO SAN FRANCISCO by Michelle Chouinard pulled me in from the jump when we joined Capri on one of her infamous serial killer tours and found out her origin story - so so fascinating and I couldn’t wait to keep on reading!

The story did devolve a bit for me as the copycat killer emerged and we seemed to lose focus on both the tours and the Overkill Bill case - they became background players to a mystery that I found far less interesting.

This was overall and intriguing mystery, but based on the other elements within this story, I felt that it had the chance to be so much more!

A good debut from Chouinard, regardless.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Publication Date: September 24

When Capri Sanzio got divorced a decade ago, she parlayed the knowledge she'd gained over her life about local serial killers (being the granddaughter of one herself) to start a company that gives "serial killer tours" of San Francisco. When her mother-in-law is found dead, the second victim in a week killed with Carpi's grandfather's signature, she worries that she and her daughter are suspects since they argued with the woman shortly before she was killed. Capri sets out to find evidence to exonerate them, while also taking the opportunity to re-investigate her grandfather's case, and his claim of innocence. I liked the characters and the pacing of the story. The mystery shares the spotlight with the city by the bay but is not outshone; red herrings are deftly thrown in the readers path and whodunit is logical yet difficult to predict. An impressive first novel --I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for Chouinard's next book!

Capri Sanzio, granddaughter of serial killer "Overkill Bill" Sanzio, operates a company hiving serial killer tours
of San Francisco. When a woman is killed, the method resembles that of "Overkill Bill'. Needing additional
money for her daughter's college expenses, Capri is interested in pursuing her deceased grandfather's claim of
innocence, When her ex-mother-in-law is killed, Capri ends up investigating both present and past murders.
Family secrets are revealed and the real murderers exposed.
Fast paced read filled with twists and turns.
#TheSerialKillerGuidetoSanFrancisco #StmartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley

Michelle Chouinard's not-quite-cozy mystery brings a sense of levity to the City by the Bay, even as the main character becomes an amateur investigator. Capri has made a path for herself, owning a San Francisco tour business with a true crime angle and shepherding her grad student daughter into adulthood -- despite being the granddaughter of a convicted murderer. When two copycat murders occur, including that of her own mother-in-law, Capri leaps into action, fighting to prove the innocence of those she loves, as well as herself.

I always enjoy a San Francisco-based story, and I especially liked how the narrative is interspersed with "tour guide" synopses of real-life historic crimes that happened around the city. Characters are well-fleshed out, and the mystery is just convoluted enough. The last few chapters felt a bit rushed -- I anticipated a cliffhanger leading to a sequel, but I was struck by how much was wrapped up so quickly.

This was a really fun mystery! It was more on the light and cozy side, and I enjoyed the fast pace. I loved Capri and thought it was so fun that she owned a tour guide company that did tours of serial killer hot spots! Her true crime knowledge made her pretty good at investing the copy cat killer, as well as trying to exonerate her grandfather, whom she always felt was innocent. I enjoyed the relationship between Capri and the lead detective, and I thought the twists were good!

Thank you, @Netgalley and @stmartinspress, for the #gifted e-arc!

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard offers a captivating twist on the cozy mystery genre. With its intriguing premise, the story draws you in from the start, featuring relatable characters that feel both fresh and familiar. The vibrant backdrop of San Francisco adds an extra layer of charm, enhancing the overall experience. (I received an advance ready copy and all opinions are my own.) This book is a delightful blend of suspense and humor, perfect for mystery lovers looking for something uniquely entertaining!

A Serial Killers Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard is a great murder mystery inside another murder mystery. The novel takes place in San Francisco with Capri Sanzio as the main character. She is a strong woman who took charge of her life and found a unique way to make a living for herself and her daughter.

Capri Sanzio runs a company called Serial Killer Tours. She helps people discover San Francisco while telling them all about various murders and creating a creepy atmosphere to add to the allure. It doesn’t hurt that Capri’s grandfather William ‘Overkill Bill’ Sanzio was a convicted serial killer. She believed he was innocent.

However, her father-in-law called asking for her help, because his wife is missing. It doesn’t help that the night before she called Capri’s daughter and told her that she was going to have to pay her own way through college from now on. Capri comes over and helps look for Sylvia and then into her desk figuring out what is going on. She discovered that they are flat broke and not the ‘old rich’ that they displayed. Then the body was discovered. It isn’t too long before Capri and her daughter are considered suspects.

The novel was interesting. I enjoyed the investigation into the new and the old murders. I loved the understanding of the rich old school versus the newer rich. Capri and her friends were really interesting characters. The book moves right along and it is difficult to put down. I think Michelle Chouinard is a great storyteller as evidenced by this novel. A Serial Killers Guide to San Francisco is a fun read!

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books, for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco caught my attention from the time I read the description! I’ve traveled to San Francisco a few times, so I found the combination of detective mystery and city tour highlights to be an entertaining touch. The story was well-paced, and I liked how the story balanced the main characters with interesting side characters. I can see this being the start of a series, and if it is I look forward to seeing what mystery Capri solves next!

I’ll be recommending this book to:

- Anyone looking for a solid mystery without an overwhelming amount of tension
- Fans of mysteries with amateur/informal detectives

*Welcome to San Francisco, a city with killer charm* 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!

I was really excited to read this one, and it did not disappoint! This was a fun and cozy murder mystery with a good mix of drama and suspense! I love true crime so I loved the idea of the true crime tours, and San Francisco was the perfect setting for this story.

This book had a few laugh out loud moments and also had my heart pounding with the twists and turns! I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be watching out for more books by this author!

Capri Sanzio is the granddaughter of a San Francisco serial killer. She has never believed her grandfather was guilty of the murders, and her father refuses to even acknowledge or talk about his father.

When two women, one of whom was Capri’s, ex mother-in-law, are murdered in a copy cat manner, Capri must put her journalistic skills to good use. Especially since she and her daughter are on the suspect list. Can Capri find the killer to both clear herself and her daughter from suspicion, and maybe even clear her grandfather’s name? Not the killer has any say in the matter.

While this is being a marketed as a novel, it reads like a cozy mystery. And I loved it! Being a tour guide that takes visitors on guided tours of serial killing locations in San Francisco, this certainly leaves the door open to expand this into a series. It is well written, uses a little fact, along with a lot of fiction, and delivers one heck of a mystery. Please, turn this into a series!

As I had hoped, San Francisco is a star in this new mystery from Michelle Chouinard. The mystery is neatly layered and Capri, our main character, essentially has two mysteries to solve and both have affected her family.

Here are some things I really liked about this new release:

🎥 There are some classic Hitchcock elements that are incorporated into the narrative in overt and more subtle ways. Since I just finished The Hitchcock Hotel, I loved those connections.

👪 Capri I determined to help her family through the current murder crisis and also overturn the conviction of her grandfather. Having grown up as the granddaughter of a serial killer gives her a unique lens on murder.

🌁 You can't set a story in San Francisco without fog. There are not one, but two characters who find themselves in a foggy perilous position.

🌉 Capri's business provides virtual and in-person tours around San Francisco. The author gives us some factual pages about the different areas and we also learn some additional city trivia from the characters.

Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.