This was such a fun modern cozy mystery! Perfect for lighthearted mystery lovers and also book lovers.

Eleanor Dash is a famous murder mystery author on a book tour in Italy. While on tour Eleanor decides she’s going to kill off her main character, Connor, in the next book of her Vacation Mystery series. When an attempt is made on the real Connor’s life she decides she must help solve the case.

Listening to this book was like a travel guide to Italy. So atmospheric it had me craving an Aperol Spritz by the end and I’ve never even tried one before 🤣 Each of the characters had a fun quirkiness about them that made this book entertaining and the twists kept on coming. Each end of chapter had me intrigued.

I really loved the style that this book was written in. Elizabeth Evan’s is an excellent narrator. She executed the male and female voices perfectly. Our main character Eleanor scattered footnotes throughout the book and I really enjoyed the way they seamlessly paired with the audio.

This book is lighter than I’m used to reading but overall I enjoyed it so much and am looking forward to the next in the series!

Thank you @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for this advanced listening copy.

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies, is a fun, light mystery. It breaks the fourth wall with the main character, speaking directly to the reader. It has humor, a little romance and mystery to keep you reading. It seems to be set up to be a series and I’m excited to read the next one.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6458412437

This book is different from any book you've read before - I'm pretty sure of it.

OK, so it's a tour of Italy with 5 authors and some other book-related people. And a whole bunch of fans of Eleanor Dash, who are traveling alongside, but not really with the book people. Connor, a former lover of Eleanor, is there because he was the inspiration of the first book in the popular series and continued to be a prominent character in the series. He claims someone is trying to kill him. Eleanor doesn't believe him - at first. And then there are more attempts, including a (mistaken?) attempt on Eleanor's life. And there's a scene in a library with all the book people and an incompetent police investigator.

But have you ever read a book that's been footnoted by the author to give the reader background information, or to say "this might be a clue?" I've never read one like it before. Although I didn't read every footnote, it was a quirky and fun idea.

I listened to the audio book after I read the ebook. the footnotes are fully integrated into the story so it's seamless. The narrator was great. I especially enjoyed her pronunciation of Italian words. It almost made me feel like I was in Italy.

I enjoyed the book a lot. There was sex mentioned and happening in the book but it wasn't explicit so I'd say this book can be read and enjoyed by almost everyone.

Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies is a little outside of the genres I normally read, but I was enticed by the cover, title and description when I saw it on Netgalley. This funny amateur sleuth mystery turned out to be a great listen with a main character whose personality leapt off the page (or sprung from my headphones?).

Eleanor Dash has two priorities: get through her book tour in Italy for the latest installment of her Vacation Mysteries series and kill off her main character, Connor Smith. When a real-life attempt is made on the life of the actual Connor Smith—the charming con man who has long been the inspiration for Eleanor's popular book series character—the bestselling author finds herself reluctantly drawn into an intriguing real-life murder mystery.

With a colorful cast of potential suspects including jealous literary rivals, obsessive fans, and even an unexpected visit from her ex-lover Oliver, Eleanor must untangle a web of motives and tensions simmering just beneath the idyllic surface of her Italian book tour. Dash deftly weaves an engrossing whodunit brimming with delightful insider details about the book world, memorable characters you can't help but root for, and juicy romantic entanglements.

A light, immensely enjoyable read perfect for whiling away a sunny afternoon, this wry, witty mystery also offers interesting insights on the strange power our fictional creations can take on in our own lives. Verdict: add Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies to your TBR!

As for whether to read or listen to this one, I've seen other reviews talk about the footnotes being distracting if you're reading it. It took me a second to figure it out in the audiobook, because I wasn't expecting footnotes in a novel, but I thought they worked well in audio. It really felt like Eleanor was a good friend letting you in on all the juicy details. So, I highly recommend the audiobook for this one!

A super fun murder mystery set in multiple cities in Italy. I love the lighthearted writing and found it similar to the Finlay Donovan book series. The story follows Eleanor Dash, who is a mystery series writer while she's on tour in Europe. But bodies start piling up around her, just like in her novels. I really enjoyed how meta this story was. The cast of characters was vibrant and well-written. I listened to the audiobook, which is perfectly narrated by Elizabeth Evans. She captures Eleanor's snark perfectly. It's quick moving and super fun. Definitely a perfect beach read!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for providing this ebook / audiobook ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Entertaining read , the author draws the reader in by have the main character "talk" to the reader . The storyline was more understandable when I listened on audio versus the written story . I did enjoy the story of authors and a who did it type mystery with a little "Clue " thrown in. I would read this author's work again for sure .

Fresh, clever, and laugh-out-loud funny! Catherine Mack crashes through the 4th wall in her Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies. It's about an author being an author. Told in 1st person, almost stream of consciousness, the narrator is the author of mystery novels and she gives an inside perspective on the complex and hilarious world of publishing, making the reader feel part of the story. It is fun, creative, sometimes confusing, but completely delightful. The author invites the reader to speculate 'whodunit' throughout the story. I listened to the audio and I think that is probably the best, most effective way to experience the book. Utterly entertaining and enjoyable.

Thank you @MinotaurBooks and @Netgalley for the ARC

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 Stars
Happy pub day to Catherine Mack and Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies! Thank you to Catherine Mack, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen 🎧 to this book for an honest review. Additionally, thank you to St. Martin’s Press (Minotaur Books) for allowing me to read 📖 this book for an honest review!

📅 Tuesday, April 30, 2024 is the pub date for Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies. 📅

🎧The narrator for this audiobook is Elizabeth Evans.🎧

Ten days, eight suspects, six cities, five authors, three bodies…one trip to die for.

Bestselling Author Eleanor Dash is on a book tour abroad with her sister (and assistant/consultant), a man (Connor - former love interest) that one of her main characters is based on, a few (roughly 20) fans, and a couple of friends (including current love interest). Eleanor plans to write Connor out of her next book but he starts to feel like someone is trying to kill him in real life. Multiple deaths ensue. Is anyone safe on the trip? Will they finish the book tour unscathed?

I love, love, loved the audiobook version! There were so many characters but Elizabeth Evans expertly crafted a distinct voice for each. Her narration helped me keep each character straight as I was listening. I originally started reading the ARC on my kindle but the footnotes were distracting to me. They didn’t provide for a smooth, seamless read. However when I switched to the audio ARC, the footnotes enhanced the experience and provided a fresh perspective with a lot humor. This was an engaging and fast paced listen that made me laugh out loud many times. It’s considered a cozy murder mystery. I suggest this read to any audiobook junkie!

We are are whisked away on a whirlwind book tour of Italy with main character Eleanor Dash on, her sister/assistant, a couple of exes, other fellow authors, and a few too many dead bodies. We get to follow along as secrets are revealed, and Italy is explored.

This is compulsively-readable book that seamlessly blends humor, mystery, and the charm of Italian locales. Much like an Aperol spritz on a hot summer day, this cozy mystery offers a delightful escape into a world where secrets unravel against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery.

Combining the wit and charm of the Finlay Donovan series with a hint of White Lotus ✨vibes✨, "Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies" offers a perfect escape for fans of lighthearted mysteries. Perfect for readers who enjoy a dose of humor with their whodunits, this promises a fun-filled journey that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Narrator Elizabeth Evans breathes life into each persona, her Selena Gomez-esque rasp adding an intriguing layer to Eleanor's enigmatic persona. From the bumbling tour guides to the unexpected revelations, Evans ensures that every moment is infused with personality and depth.

Mack crafts a fun story that keeps you guessing until the very end. I had a hunch about “who done it” but there was just enough misdirection to keep me unsure. With its blend of humor, intrigue, and unforgettable characters, I can’t wait for what is next for Eleanor Dash and company.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read. All opinions are my own.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Eleanor Dash is back in Italy, ten years after her first trip. The first time, she met a dashing investigator named Connor Smith and they solved a series of bank robberies together. She went back home to California with her head still spinning from everything that happened, so she decided to process it all by writing it down. That became her first book which became a runaway bestseller. Now, she’s back in Rome and working on the tenth book of her popular Vacation Mystery series. And she has a plan for it. But she’s not alone on the trip.

The publisher has set up this tour of Italy to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Eleanor’s book, and they are going all out. Not only is Eleanor there with her sister Harper (who also acts as her assistant), but Connor is there too, along with several other authors and twenty fans who won the trip through social media. And just to make things more interesting, the tour also includes Eleanor’s ex (the one after Connor), and Connor’s ex-wife (and no, Eleanor didn’t know that Connor was married that first trip to Rome).

So Eleanor’s plan for this trip, as she’s plotting this tenth novel, is to kill Connor.

Not the actual Connor, of course. But the character of Connor. She wants to end the series. She wants to stop being tied to this man, especially since he’s been blackmailing her for a cut of her royalties. But then he tells her that someone is trying to kill him. Before they left on the trip, someone cut his brake lines. And then in Rome, someone tried to push him into traffic. But Eleanor isn’t true that he’s telling the truth. She’s never completely sure if Connor is telling the truth.

And then someone tries to push Eleanor off a cliff.

It has to be someone on the tour who is trying to kill them, but who would do that? And why? And what if someone kills off real-life Connor before Eleanor can kill him off in her book? And worse, what if someone kills her off before she can figure out who is trying to kill them?

Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies kicks off a new series with a bang. This mystery sparkles with intrigue and interest, from the strong characters to the settings spread around Italy. With layers of secrets and lies and an assortment of crimes and victims to sort through, this novel is filled with questions, more questions, and pizza, pasta, and gelato.

I listened to the audio book for this one, narrated by Elizabeth Evans. Evans brings the character of Eleanor to life, complete with her snark and many, many footnotes. I think anyone who might be annoyed by those footnotes should try the audio book, as it just rolls right into the narration seamlessly, adding to the strong personality that Eleanor brings to the story. But there are so many footnotes that I think reading them would have been irritating.

But that being said, I loved this book. Author Catherine Mack opens up that fourth wall and invites the reader into the story. She encourages us to solve the mystery before her character does and offers fun spoilers throughout (including references to more books, which I really hope is true). This is not a traditional cozy, but instead a playful twist on the mystery genre, with nods to Dame Agatha Christie and notes about other good books to read. Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is a brilliant start to this series, and I can’t wait to see where we go next!

Egalleys were provided by Minotaur Books and an early copy of the audio book was provided by Macmillan Audio through NetGalley, with many thanks.

Happy Pub Day to @catherinemckenzieauthor and her novel EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION, SOMEONE DIES. This was such a fun read. A cozy mystery set in Italy, this book has humor, sunshine, drinks, and drama. It’s a classic whodunnit like a good game of Clue.

Eleanor Dash, author of a mystery series, is on book tour with other authors and Connor, an ex-fling who she based one of her leading characters on. Cue the drama when Connor claims someone on the trip is trying to kill him and the number of suspects climb. Looking forward to a second book!

The narrator did a good job of giving a different voice to the majority of the characters- I got a little confused between some of them when they were all out to dinner so was glad to have the physical book to reference at that point. I also liked that the narrator incorporated all of the footnotes into her narration so it flowed well.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to @minotaur_books for inviting me to participate in this book tour! I had a great time reading this book and loved the goodies that accompanied it! I especially love the finished copy and signed bookplate (check out the inside cover illustrations too💗)!

This book is out today and will be a great one for fans of Finlay Donovan, Knives Out, and anyone that loves the Clue game.

"Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies" by Catherine Mack is a thrilling addition to the world of mystery novels, set against the backdrop of captivating vacation destinations, the story follows protagonist Eleanor as her seemingly tranquil getaway gets marred by murder.

Mack's storytelling prowess shines through in this novel, expertly weaving a tangled web of intrigue and suspense. Each chapter propels the plot forward, leaving readers on the edge of their seats and hungry for more. Chapter 22, in particular, stands out as a pivotal moment where the tension peaks and readers are given all the clues necessary to solve the case alongside Eleanor. It's a brilliant move by Mack, inviting readers to engage with the story on a deeper level and offering a truly satisfying experience akin to solving a puzzle.

In terms of narration, Elizabeth Evans delivers a stellar performance, breathing life into the diverse array of characters. Her portrayal adds depth and authenticity to the story, drawing listeners further into the world of the novel.

Comparable to acclaimed titles like "Knives Out" and "One for the Money," "Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies" is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Mack's ability to keep the momentum going throughout the entire book is commendable, and it's a crime that more people haven't heard of this captivating read.

I give "Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies" a solid five stars out of five and highly recommend it to anyone in search of a gripping and entertaining mystery. Whether you're a fan of crime fiction or simply enjoy a good whodunit, this novel is sure to satisfy.

This book follows a group of authors who go on a tour of Italy. When one of them thinks someone is trying to murder them and a body drops, the story takes a sudden turn.

I really enjoyed the lighthearted and cozy feeling of the murder mystery. The fourth wall break near the end of book was so refreshing and it added a more personal feel to the book. Even though I enjoyed the fourth wall break, I didn't like the footnotes throughout the book or the references to pop culture as I felt it took me out of the story.

Eleanor Dash, best selling author, wants to finish this book tour and get home and kill off her main character, Conner. She has had enough of him, in her books and in real life. So, when Conner (real life Conner!) insists that someone is trying to kill him, no one really believes him. But strange things start happening and it just might land Eleanor in jail!

This is a novel by Catherine McKenzie, writing as Catherine Mack. I have been a fan of this author since I read her first novel, Spin. She has changed genres quite a few times…Romance, and women’s fiction then on to suspense and thrillers and now, this tale. This is more of a cozy mystery style.

I enjoyed how Catherine Mack portrays the narrator of this little jaunt through Italy. The narrator is the best selling author, Eleanor Dash. And she is very close, not quite, but close to a hot mess. She is a bit self centered and egotistical. So, you can just imagine some of her comments…these had me laughing out loud!

Now, this is not my favorite by this author but I did enjoy the hunt for the killer…did I figure it out…yep! But y’all it is a fun read! It has great characters, good setting, and cute quips!

The audiobook narrator, Elizabeth Evans, is impressive. Lots of characters and she distinguishes them all!

Need a good murder mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Happy pub day to Catherine Mack and Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies!

Thanks @macmillan.audio for my ALC of this book.

Ya’ll this was such a fun one! Author, Eleanor is on vacation in Italy for her book tour with her main character/ real life arch nemesis Connor. She’s planning on killing him off in her next book but is someone planning to kill him IRL??

I loved the narrator of this story. She gave Eleanor the perfect amount of attitude! I loved the breaking of the fourth wall so she could talk to the reader directly. This story had fun and funny moments. It was a quick read and had great pacing. I loved how the further along I got, the juicier the story got. Oliver was my fave! The ending was awesome. I’d definitely recommend you give this one a listen. It’s a great summer read.

✨Pub Day Review: EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION, SOMEONE DIES

I spent the morning finishing up Catherine Mack’s EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION, SOMEONE DIES and I have to say, that it was the *perfect way* to spend this rainy Tuesday morning.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I love this book, but I especially love the main character, Eleanor Dash, who simply brings the book to life.

Eleanor is funny, witty, and a little quirky. I love how she breaks through the fourth wall and talks directly to the reader in her re-telling of the mystery, in her personal journal notes (excerpts laced throughout the book in-between chapters), and in my absolute favourite part of the book—the footnotes.

I find that the footnotes *make* the book. I’ve never seen footnotes in a novel and I absolutely LOVED them. They add such a unique and fun extra layer to the story. If you listen to the audiobook (which is SO GOOD, by the way) you’ll notice that Elizabeth Evans reads them seamlessly as if they’re part of the main story. The footnotes provide the reader with so much insight into Eleanor’s thoughts, while also helping Eleanor’s personality shine through.

✨It’s also clear through the footnotes that Eleanor is a fan of Taylor Swift—which makes me love her even more—as there are numerous Midnights references hidden in them (footnote # 104 is my absolute fav)✨

ETIGOVSD is the first cozy mystery in a new series of Vacation Mysteries and I definitely recommend picking it up. You will absolutely want to meet Eleanor. Plus, books 2 & 3 are already on the way 😍

Thank you to @raincoastbooks, @minotaur_books and @stmartinspress for the review copies!

4.5/5!

Did I just find my new favorite humor-filled mystery series? I think so!

From the first chapter I fell in love with Eleanor Dash. I feel like we have the same personality. The same level of self-deprecating sarcasm. I love her! I want to be her bestie!

This book is so entertaining! The premise is one filled with secrets that the reader needs to figure out in order to guess who’s life or lives are in danger. Everything is told from Eleanor’s perspective, so we get to know right off the bat who of the secondary characters around her annoy her and should be considered as top-tier suspects. It seems like everyone has a motive to dislike each other, but who would go as far to attempt murder?

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the footnotes. I’m not sure that they’ll be for everyone, but I loved that they gave me that extra level of insider knowledge into what makes Eleanor tick.

The mystery itself has a lot of layers and there are several red herrings to be on the lookout for. I was able to guess part of the reveal, but this didn’t take away anything from my reading experience.

The book already hinted that there will be at least 2 more books in this series and I’m 100% going to be pre-ordering those once they become available!

Ten days, eight suspects, six cities, five authors, three bodies…and one trip to die for!

This was such a fun book! I loved the setting of a book tour throughout Italy. I was transported there and wanted to eat everything they ate and drink everything they drank! I’m thinking of gelato and Aperol spritz while writing this!

Eleanor was a quirky character. She’s snarky, opinionated, and kind of a wise a$$, and I loved that she said what she thought regardless of the consequences. It brought a lot of humor to this story. I did think she made some bad choices at times, but I guess that’s typical in this kind of mystery. There are a lot of characters in this book, and at times I found myself struggling to remember who was who. None of them were particularly likable except Eleanor’s ex, Oliver. I don’t think I’d want to be stuck on a ten day vacation with any of them though!

This book is written in a unique way where the author had Eleanor talk directly to the reader. She also included footnotes and a lot of opinions on writing, publishers, and other authors. I enjoyed this writing style and liked that it wasn’t a cookie cutter cozy mystery.

I listened to the audiobook, and I thought that Elizabeth Evans was the perfect narrator for this story. She sounded exactly like what I expected Eleanor to sound like, and really brought her character to life. As I mentioned above, there are a lot of characters to keep track of so I really wish I read along with my ARC, but overall I really enjoyed the audiobook and would recommend this format.

This is book one in The Vacation Mysteries, and I’m excited to see where book two takes us. If you’re a fan of the Stephanie Plum series and looking for a humorous mystery, then I recommend reading this one! It’s a great summer read so grab a copy, some sunscreen, an Aperol spritz, and enjoy!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest review!

OMG this book was everything I never knew I needed!! If you like the Finlay Donavan series then this will be the perfect book for you. I absolutely devoured red this audiobook. Elizabeth Evans did a PHENOMENAL job narrating this book. I was laughing out loud so much through this book .She made you feel like you were right there the whole time. This is a fun mystery with lots of LOL moments. The characters were well written. Eleanor is a fantastic main character. She's hilarious and snarky, and this combined with her total distain for Connor really makes the book. You will get some romance in this book as well. I did think I had the twist figured out but I didn't. I had such a fun time listening to this book and I can't wait for the next one. I would HIGHLY recommend this book.

Thank You NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC for my honest opinion.

Eleanore is a best selling author but she realizes she needs to kill off her leading man, who is based upon an ex, Connor. As the lines between who she needs to kill off, her character or the real Connor become blurred, he tells her that someone is trying to kill him. Could her problems really be solved so easily if someone does murder him?
Eleanore thanks luck for everything in her life, one of them being her best sellers. But it seems luck has run out for her when she is almost murdered while on a book tour in Rome. is she the true target or is Connor? Has the terrible thing they did in the past come back to haunt them? Eleanore must find the true killer and put her experience of writing crimes to the test before she eats, prays, and dies.

I really enjoyed Mack’s take on breaking the 4th wall! She made it seem so seamless and it added to the story in such a unique way. Narrated by Elizabeth Evans who brings these characters to life in such a fun way. It was so refreshing to see “behind the scenes” with a writer while writing a book and their innermost thoughts, most of them regarding Goodreads, fans and the demand for writing the next best seller. Such a fun summer read!

*Thank you to Catherine Mack, Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.