I love mystery thrillers and this was a nice change of pace. Good mystery, little romance, just a fun cozy read. Will read more by this author.

Thank you to Michelle Chouinard, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I listened to the audiobook while reading, and thought the narrator did an amazing job. She was engaging and held my attention. She brought the story to life.

I was not a huge fan of this. The plot was overly complicated and hard to keep track of all of the characters. I begrudgingly finished it but did not enjoy many aspects. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Good choice of narrator. They kept a good pace and matched the energy of the plot. The book wasn’t my taste but thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen for review. I do know that I can recommend this title confidently.

This was a fun read. Lots of whodunit energy for both active murders and a few that had happened decades earlier, so there are a lot of threads to follow. It was fun following along with the main character as she starts unraveling the stories and how they’re tied together.

I have very mixed feelings about this book. I was very excited to be able to read this before it was released because it is in the categories I LOVE to read. Mystery ✔ humor✔ new to me author✔. But that is where it kind of ended for me. I am not sure if it was the writing style or the narrator that I struggled with on this one.

Sometimes there are books that are epic as audiobooks. I think there are many of us audiophiles that just know when a book is just on point and (for me) should only be consumed via audio. And there are other times, where I listen to a book and think to myself, alright, maybe this is a no go for audio and should only be read. I don't know if that is due to the writing style of the author or the narrator that was chosen, but it just falls short sometimes.

I think this book falls into the latter category. I think I may need to give this book a second chance and take the time to read it.

For me the plot of the book was decent, and it gets high marks for creativity and originality; so, it must come down to the narration and delivery. And I know that I can be quite picky if the delivery of a book is just, IMO, wrong.

So, at the end of that short, weird little rant, I want to say this: give it a try, but read it, don't listen to it- unless you are neurotypical, and sound isn't as big of an issue for you like it is for me. 🙉

3.5/5 rounded to 4
What a cute and unique story line, the granddaughter of a convicted serial killer starts investigating his copycat murderer. I was super invested before I even began reading!

Capri decided to use her grandfather Overkill Bill’s conviction to her advantage when she started running serial killer tours of San Francisco. Her daughter’s grad school was being funded by her ex-husband’s parents who are extremely wealthy when one day the cut her off.

Now, desperate to pay for her daughter’s education, Capri comes up with the plan to start a podcast and write a book examining her grandfather’s murder. Not long after, people (including her ex-mother-in-law) start turning up dead in the standard Overkill Bill fashion.

While investigating her grandfather’s case, Capri soon becomes the #1 suspect and is now in a race to find out who really is committing these copycat murders.

Loved 🤎
* The originality of the book’s concept
* Few action scenes throughout
* Narration was excellent
Disliked 👎🏼
* Was more of a mystery than a thriller
* The technical stuff to try and understand and keep track of
* Specific elements of the ending that I won’t give away


Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

"The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco" is an absolute gem for mystery lovers! Michelle Chouinard takes readers on a gripping journey through the foggy streets of San Francisco, blending suspense, family secrets, and true crime intrigue. Capri Sanzio, the granddaughter of a notorious serial killer, is a compelling protagonist whose personal connection to the case adds incredible depth to the story. Her need to uncover the truth, fueled by a mix of financial desperation and family loyalty, makes for a fascinating and tense narrative.

The plot is packed with twists and turns, and just when you think you've got it all figured out, Chouinard delivers another shocking surprise. The stakes are high, especially when Capri finds herself and her daughter in the crosshairs of a murder investigation. It’s hard not to get caught up in the race against time as Capri seeks to clear her name and solve the mystery behind the copycat killings.

Stephanie Németh-Parker's narration is flawless. She perfectly captures Capri’s voice—equal parts determined, vulnerable, and resourceful. Her pacing and tone kept me fully engaged, and I didn’t dare speed it up because every detail felt important. Her voice fits the tone of the story so well, I couldn’t imagine a better match.

This audiobook kept me hooked from start to finish, and I found myself listening every chance I got. If you're a fan of thrilling mysteries with sharp writing and an incredible narrator, "The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco" is a must-listen!

I really liked this book. Capri is the granddaughter of a famous unaliver and after copy cat killings start popping up her and her daughter become suspects. Capri starts hunting for the real killer because she's always believed her grandfather was innocent. This story was such a fun listen. There were nice little twists throughout I really thought I knew who did it but was nicely suprised by the end. Also, I really liked the narration too! Her voice was really soothing. If you like mysteries give this one a shot!

Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook.-Ash

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco. This is a fun cozy mystery that kept me guessing through out the book. I loved the prohibition aspects of the story. The plot moves quickly and I was never bored. Capri, our main character, tries to solve murders from the present time as well as murders that her grandfather supposedly committed in the 60s. I enjoyed learning more about San Francisco,. If you are a fan of light mysteries give this one a try.
I think the narrator did a fabulous job.

I was obsessed with the story and the narration. I loved it. The story was so intriguing—I could make out the ending by the midpoint, but I still loved how the entire story was brought together in the end. A+ in my book.

Even if The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco didn't have a super cute cover and a catchy title, I would still love it. It's a fun, addictive page-turner with a unique premise. Capri's grandfather is the notorious Overkill Bill serial killer, but she has always doubted his guilt. It's, after the death of her former mother-in-law, when she combines her love of true crime and research, that the book gets gets really good, with an ending that I didn't see coming. This is one that I will be recommending to all my thriller-loving friends!

How Could You Resist Being Intrigued by a Title Like This?

This mystery was both captivating and delightfully quirky, and I thoroughly enjoyed its humor!

I primarily listened to the audiobook version and found Stephanie Németh-Parker to be an outstanding narrator. I particularly appreciated her ability to switch between distinct voices for each character.

While I found this to be an entertaining debut, I'm unsure about its lasting impact and how long it will stick with me. That said, I sense a sequel coming, and I'm definitely curious to continue with the series!

Warning - this story will definitely spark the urge to book a trip to San Francisco!

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads!

4.5⭐ Okay - I LOVED this! It gave major Good Girls Guide to Murder meets Finlay Donovan vibes. This is such a fun read that needs to be on the top of your TBR! + the narrator did a phenomenal job! Posted on IG & storygraph 9/26 - posting on IG 9/27

Capri makes her living off of giving serial killer tours in San Francisco. She has been fascinated by the topic since she was little. The fascination started when Capri learned who her paternal grandfather was…serial killer William ‘Overkill Bill’ Sanzio.
Fast forward to today. A copycat killer of ‘Overkill Bill’ has struck the city. Capri has been cut off financially and needs money for tuition. Is it time to exonerate her grandfather? Capri could finally let the world know the truth…that it was never her grandfather. Hopefully with a podcast and a book, she could earn some tuition money in the process.
As she begins the process, she discovers her former mother-in-law is the latest victim. Capri and her daughter are the prime suspects. Will the real ‘Overkill Bill’ be caught? Will Capri’s grandfather be exonerated?

I’m starting with this; if you enjoy mysteries or serial killers, read this book.

I listened to the audio version of this book. I thought the narrator did a terrific job. The narrator kept me interested in the book.

I adored this book. It was a very fun and interesting read that kept my attention and kept me wanting more. It is your typical amateur detective mystery, but with a twist…it has the whole serial killer aspect added.
Capri takes it upon herself to try to figure out both mysteries; who is the true ‘Overkill Bill’ and who killed her mother-in-law.

loved the concept of this book! I’m in my thriller/serial killer/spooky era and this was a great read to read about murder but in a fun way? Am I allowed to say that? Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a lighter way to read a thriller!

Well, that was fun!

I wonder why more books aren’t set in this location. New York gets all the glory, but my heart is firmly planted in San Franscisco.

I enjoyed the family drama of it all, particularly the history with OverKill Bill, and the tension between her and her father.

I loved that the MFC was middle aged, that she had a fully-fleshed out life, and I enjoyed being privvy to all the mildly neurotic ramblings of Capri’s brain.

Really, my only disappointment was that there wasn’t more about the true crime podcast.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for this clever ARC.

I was super excited for this book.. The cover is cute and the description sounded great. However, I found it to be a tiny bit more cutesy than I think I was in the mood for. It read a bit like a procedural tv show, having a serial killer tour guide help with a case in which she is also a suspect.

The story was slower than I hoped but there were some twists that I enjoyed throughout the book. I also had a few hunches that were not correct but I think that is due to me watching too many procedurals with my mom growing up.. I also found the MCs daughter to be very annoying for an.. adult woman.

Title: The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco
Author: Michelle Chouinard
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: September 24, 2024

I received complimentary eARC and ALC copies from Minotaur Books (St. Martin's Press) and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted

T H R E E • W O R D S

Creative • Fun • Predictable

📖 S Y N O P S I S

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.

💭 T H O U G H T S

The fun title and lighthearted cover were what originally drew me to The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco. After reading the synopsis, I was drawn to the idea of city tours, a main character with a mysterious past, and the amateur sleuthing. It felt like the perfect place to jumpstart my fall reading.

Told in the present timeline with glimpses into the past, this novel has a creative and clever plot. It unfolds at a slower pace that I was anticipating and the mystery is a little too simple, yet the lack of character development was what kept this from being an entirely engaging experience.

I really enjoyed the main character, her tour guide company, and the San Francisco setting. It is the tours that provide a background guide to San Francisco and offer the historical context to the plot. This element really bring the city to life as San Francisco becomes a character in itself.

The audiobook narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker is very well executed. Each character has a distinct tone, allowing to easily distinguish between them. The pacing suits the plot and the interviews make it feel like a true crime series.

Overall, The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco is a fun read with complex family dynamics that made me want to travel to the city. There are certainly flaws in the execution, yet it's a palette cleanser worth picking up this fall, especially when looking for something lighter.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• learning about a city's history
• amateur sleuthing
• true crime

⚠️ CW: murder, gun violence, violence, death, death of parent, grief, blood, infidelity, classism, injury/injury detail, alcohol, suicide

The Serial Killer Guide to San Fransisco is literally about someone who does just that. Capri runs tours of the whats and wheres of serial killers who have roamed San Fransisco. She is also the granddaughter of a convicted serial killer. Capri doesn’t believe he was guilty and has always wanted to prove it. Well after her grandfather has passed, a new set of crimes exaclty matching the crimes on which he was convicted. The rest is her running around proving that neither she nor her daughter didn’t do it. As all civilians in books, she stumbles onto clues and, eventually, the killer.

The book was fun to read but it didn’t offer anything that was new or inventive. The one crime I was really interested in solving was shoved in at the very end. I’d have much rather the story been about that.