This story kept me on my toes and was a thoroughly delightful audiobook. The concept of the main character being a tour guide in San Francisco provided an opportunity to share facts about the area and its notorious criminals, which appealed to the history/true crime lover in me. The fact that the MC was more on the mature side was refreshing to read. Also, the red herrings were so good that I was completely thrown for a loop when the true killer was discovered.

Additionally, Stephanie Nemeth-Parker was a fantastic narrator and she kept the story at a great pace to continually keep me engaged.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the alc. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Capri is the granddaughter of a convicted serial killer who does serial killer themed tours of San Francisco. A copycat to her grandpa starts murdering people, and she begins investigating when the cops start treating her and her daughter as suspects.

Pick this up if you love:
- mysteries
- puzzles
- true crime

The only criticism I have of this one is there is a bit too much inner monologuing of different theories for the murders. It got a bit tiring. Otherwise, it was fast paced and I needed to know what happened. I had a guess half way through, but I was wrong.

The narrator was fantastic. The main character was making a podcast and I think it would have been awesome if we had gotten to hear some episodes.

I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did, it felt like a more realistic mystery. I feel like I could see something like this happen in real life, where when I read of Freida McFadden, I don’t often feel that way. It was so fun to have more of a realistic mystery and I never saw the twists coming or guessed who the killer was. I love being surprised and was very happy to have a jaw dropping moment when finding out who the killer was. I was obsessed with Finley Donovan is Killing it and this book gave me that feeling again, but was way more realistic than Finley Donovan. LOVE! If anyone has any recommendations like this I’d read it in a heartbeat.

I was lucky enough to be approved for a NetGalley audio book & it was pretty fun.
Granddaughter of a serial killer finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation when her ex-mother-in-law is murdered in the same style as her grandfather's murders & she looks like a good suspect.
Since I have a personal tie-in to serial killers as I got married in the backyard of the house where Richard Ramirez (the night Stalker) killed his last victims, I thought this would be perfect for me to read & it definitely didn't disappoint. Lots of twists & kept me guessing until the end.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for letting me listen to an advance copy of this title!

I didn't know exactly what to expect from The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco. If it had focused on the crime podcast aspect, it would have been a completely different story—a lesser one, in my opinion. Instead, it was a good mix of Capri's tour business, her family of origin's history, her ex-in-laws' present story, her life as a single mother of a young adult and a small business owner, and her pulling together all the pieces (the process of which is frustrating to the actual detective on the case). I was thoroughly entertained. If there is to be a sequel or series, I will gladly continue reading.

On the violence/gore spectrum, this book falls neither on the cozy end nor the no-holds-barred trigger-warnings-galore end.

A couple of word choices leapt out and tweaked my nose. At one point, a character is described as “still hisspering.” [I don't know if it's written with one “s” or two.] I've never heard this before—and couldn't find any evidence that it's A Thing—but it really painted the picture for me. I like it—I'm going to keep hisspering in my lexicon! I know this is A Thing, but I can't remember where I first read or heard “you've got another think coming”—the original usage, according to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Narrator Stephanie Németh-Parker is versatile in voicing characters across age, gender, and cultural ranges. This is at least the second book I've read that she has narrated (and the second this year alone).

Under the name M.M. Chouinard, the author has written nine previous books, eight of which comprise a female detective mystery series. I might explore her backlist when I'm in the mood for a grittier read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Stephanie Németh-Parker narrates this and does a superb job! I love her velvety smooth voice!

This is such a fun book about a family whose heritage has long been overshadowed by a grandfather sent to prison for being an infamous serial killer. For many years, its impacted relationships and how they see each other. But when a copycat starts killing socialites in place of hookers, decades later and its strikingly the same MO, Capri is determined to figure out who is doing the killing.

This is a well written read that is fast paced and light-hearted despite being focused on serial killers.

If you enjoy detective style reads, this is one that should not be missed!

I thought this would be a lighthearted mystery about being the granddaughter of a serial killer, and I couldn’t have been more wrong! It turned into a deep study into the psychology of killing, what makes a serial killer, and even a deep dive into San Fran old vs new money. All set against the backdrop of a tourism industry and family drama that only gets more intense when more money is in play.

The audio was AMAZING. I felt like I was in the middle of the story, experiencing the drama, the investigation, the mystery, the sneaking around, and the secrets. Not to mention the places described on the tours! While I haven’t been to San Fran on vacation, this made me feel like I’ll be right at home when I do get there.

Well done!

Rating: 3.75⭐️
📖 Pub date: 9/23/24
Publisher: Macmillan Audio (thank you for this advanced listener copy!!)
recommend audio?: yes!!!

1 sentence review: similar vibes to AGGGTM but less satisfying twists!

This book a lighter, medium paced, crime solving type of read! I definitely found the copycat murder aspect of this book to be the most intriguing and I thought I discovered the twist early on, but I was wrong! There were 2 mysteries going on at the same time in this book and I found that to be fun and engaging.

While the characters were working the case, there was some tech jargon having to do with apps, algorithms, insider trading, etc. that went a bit over my head but didn’t necessarily take away from the story at all. I found this aspect a bit dull but thoroughly enjoyed the other parts!

Also, the main character’s name being “Capricorn” is my favorite thing ever lol😂

Read This if You Like:
🌁 Tech, apps, and software
🔪 Investigative murder mysteries
📓 Books like ‘A Good Girls Guide to Murder’

This was so fun! The granddaughter of a serial killer who ends up getting caught up in a murder case. For a murder mystery, this was really light-hearted and fun.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

I thought this book was super enjoyable and fun. I was pleasantly surprised that this book wasn't very scary. I was thinking because it was about a serial killer, that the book would be at least a little bit scary. But it wasn't. So if you are like me and don't like too much blood or gore, I think you would be ok reading this book. I would also recommend it to anyone who loves Finlay Donovan or the Aunties series.

I was lucky enough to also receive an ALC. I thought that Stephanie Nemeth Parker did a great job with the narration and this is probably the third or fourth book that I have listened to that was narrated by her.

Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

********


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3.5⭐️

Capri Sanzio, the granddaughter of an alleged serial killer, leads serial killer tours in San Francisco. She has always had questions and doubts concerning her grandfather and has vowed to discover more about his case. After two murders seemingly carried out by a copycat killer, the case becomes even more personal as Capri becomes a person of interest. She must work tirelessly to find the murderer.


This was an interesting whodunnit! The narrator was great and the lead up interesting. San Francisco is such a magical city and I loved the background details. The conclusion fell flat for me, but otherwise an enjoyable read.

Capri Sanzio has long thought that her grandfather, nicknamed “Overkill Bill” for the manner in which the victims were killed, was innocent. Finally, she decides to try to prove his innocence. Before that can happen, however, a copycat killer strikes and this time a little too close to home forcing Capri to follow clues to prove the innocence of both her and her daughter in Michelle Chouinard’s clever twisty mystery, The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco.

I feel a little like I’m becoming macabre when I call murder mysteries and thrillers “fun” but hopefully you’ve come to expect that from me. The Serial Killers Guide to San Francisco is fun, quite reminiscent tonally of the Finlay Donovan series with its clever observations and wittiness.

Capri is a great main character, vulnerable and intelligent who would fight like a typical mother bear to protect her cub. While she thinks fast on her feet that doesn’t stop her from getting into bad situations. She has assets and foils in her co-workers, one her best friend forever and the other a young computer nerd.

Stephanie Németh-Parker’s narration is spot on and enhances an already enjoyable read. The playfulness in her voice makes the humor sparkle.

This one is for you all who like a little humor with your serial killer fiction. 😉

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for sending me a copy.

Again, apologies for brevity (although you may think no apologies necessary, haha).

Thank you Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for my #gifted ALC of The Serial Killer Guide to San Fransisco! #MacAudio2024 #macmillanaudio #minotaurbooks

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐍é𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡-𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

𝟒★

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco was a really fun read! I knew when I saw that it was blurbed by Jesse Q. Sutanto, that I was going to want to read this one, and I’m glad I did! I loved the main character, Capri! I thought she was quirky yet ready to solve a mystery. I loved the premise and how she wants to uncover the truth about Overkill Bill, and decides to do so by documenting the process with a podcast and a book, hoping to make some money along the way. I think this book will appeal to anyone who loves cozy mysteries with a side of humor along the way.

🚎Murder Mysteries
🚎Family Drama
🚎Amateur Sleuthing
🚎Quirky Main Character

🎧I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker. I thought Németh-Parker did a phenomenal job bringing this one to life. I would highly recommend listening to this one on audio!

Posted on Goodreads on September 19, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around September 20, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on September 24, 2024
**-will post on designated date

A fast-paced who-done-it with a witty female lead. Capri is a character who has a strong sense of right and wrong and a protective streak a mile-wide when it comes to the ones she loves. When her ex-mother-in-law is killed by a someone copying the same methods as the notorious serial killer "Overkill Bill" - who also happens to be Capris's grandfather - all eyes turn towards Capri and her daughter as prime suspects. Capri knows she has to figure out who the real killer is ASAP, before she or her daughter take the fall for a murder they didn't commit, just like her grandfather did.

The story was excellent and kept me guessing who the real killer was throughout. The audio was well done and easy to listen to. I will definitely be recommending this to my friends and the adult patrons of my library.

Unfortunately this one was a bit boring. So much of the plot was fleshed out in conversations between characters, with very little actual action. It tries to be funny but reads a bit like a first draft. Some of the phrasing and metaphors are very awkward. The narrator did a nice job but the story just wasn't appealing to me.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

An enjoyable and suspenseful murder mystery!

The main character, Capri, makes a living giving serial killer tours of San Francisco … and just happens to be the granddaughter of a convicted serial killer herself. When her ex-mother-in-law is killed by a copycat killer using her grandfather's methods, she must rush to find the culprit in order to protect herself and her family.

If you're a fan of San Francisco, this book is probably worth reading for that reason alone.

The mystery itself is solid with an “amateur sleuth/suspect investigating a murder and irritating the police” setup.

I loved that Capri is attempting to solve two mysteries at the same time, one from many years in the past. Will she posthumously exonerate her grandfather while investigating the present day murders? Or will she confirm his guilt?

This is a fun mystery that kept me entertained from beginning to end.

Thank you Minotaur for providing me with my ARC in exchange for my review!.

4.5 stars rounded down

The audio of this book was great! The tone, cadence, etc. felt exactly like the narrator of the story would sound.

The story was so clever, down to the details including that Capri is the granddaughter of a serial killer and that she gives tours of serial killer spots in San Francisco. The characters are likable (except her ex-husband, and maybe her MIL) and their dialogue propels the story forward, giving lots of information in a natural way.

Overall an entertaining mystery without being grim, macabre or frightening!

Advance reader copy provided by Macmillan Audio and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pub date: September 24

This was an enjoyable read! It’s an investigative mystery with a dash of suspense but an overall lighter tone.

I would say it doesn’t have a comedic base like Finlay Donovan or Dial A for Aunties, but it isn’t an intense thriller.The story kept me entertained throughout and had a good pace.

I listened to this on audio and enjoyed the performance! Thank you @macmillan.audio for the advanced review copy.

Perfect for you if you like:
Investigative mystery
Lighter tone
She’s determined to find who did it
Secrets and lies revealed

This crime thriller was a fun ride that left me eager to visit San Francisco and ready to binge some true crime podcasts! I really enjoyed the mixed media format, as the author used the main character's job as a tour guide of the city and it's rich crime history and notorious serial killers to intersperse some real cases between sections of the book.

Capri's grandfather is the infamous serial killer known as 'Overkill Bill' and she is shocked when someone starts killing new victims and emulating his style; especially when one of the victims is her former mother-in-law. This places Capri slap in the middle of an ongoing police investigation, and she insists on helping to solve the case in order to clear her name and involvement.
I love amateur sleuths, and Capri's familial connection to the case, as well as her unique profession of running crime tours of the city, made for a fun context. Capri is also working to clear her grandfather's name, as she believes his innocence. As the danger increases, Capri has to try and make connections between the current victims, her family, and all before the danger reaches her.
This audiobook was so bingeable and I found myself finishing the listen over two days; the narrator did a fantastic job denoting Capri's wit, anxiety, frustration, and determination. As the danger increased, I found the narration appropriately building suspense and tension as well.
Readers who enjoy true crime connections, family drama, and amateur detectives will enjoy this new release! I especially enjoyed the satisfying ending!

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. Unlike the usual cozy mysteries that take place in charming small towns, the setting in a vibrant city offered a refreshing change. I also found it easier to connect with the main character, who was older. The unexpected twist at the end truly surprised me, which is a rarity in cozy mysteries. The cast of characters was delightful, and the audiobook narrator provided a fantastic performance. I received this audiobook from MacMillan Audio in exchange for an honest review.