4.5 stars

The second installment in the Eleanor Dash series - I am happy to report that it does live up to the standards set in the first book. This was just as witty and comical, and being in Eleanor’s head is something that I love while reading these books.

I absolutely adore Catherine Mack’s writing style in these books. I enjoy how our main character talks to the reader and breaks that fourth wall, Eleanor’s humor is something I really enjoy. I love that she doesn’t take herself too seriously, but she preservers in trying to figure out these situations she somehow always finds herself in.

The character development throughout the series so far has been awesome, and I love that we have had our cast of returning characters so far. Also, the setting is so immersive. Both books in this series do such a good job of setting the scene for you, and making you feel like you are right there with the characters.

I did not see all the twists coming in this book, and I was constantly on my toes looking for anything suspicious. The plot itself moved along at a fast pace between the humor, mystery, setting, and the characters themselves.

This was truly another super fun read, and I can’t wait to read more from this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

A fun sequel with great spirit and momentum. I enjoyed revisiting these characters. The author's humor shines through, especially in the footnotes. The island setting was great, and the whodunnit kept me guessing.

This was such a fun sequel! I absolutely loved the combination of character banter and the mysterious plot. I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.

Catherine Mack's second installment in her gripping mystery series, *No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding*, exceeds expectations, delivering an enthralling tale of secrets, betrayal, and murder. With her signature style, Mack expertly weaves a web of suspense that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.

The story begins with what should be a joyous occasion—a grand wedding at a picturesque venue. But as the vows are exchanged, the carefully curated celebration unravels into chaos when a shocking murder shatters the event. The narrative follows the sharp and resourceful detective protagonist as they uncover dark truths hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect family. Mack’s talent for character development shines through, as each suspect is fleshed out with believable motives and compelling backstories.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its setting. Mack's vivid descriptions immerse the reader in the wedding’s opulent yet tension-filled atmosphere. From the glittering chandeliers to the whispered arguments in the shadows, every detail adds to the mounting suspense.

The plot is a masterclass in misdirection. Just when you think you've identified the killer, Mack introduces another twist that leaves you second-guessing. The pacing is impeccable, balancing fast-paced moments of action with quieter, introspective scenes that delve into the protagonist's personal struggles and moral dilemmas.

Catherine Mack once again proves why she is a standout voice in the mystery genre. *No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding* is a must-read for fans of intricate whodunits and richly drawn narratives. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, this book promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of mystery and intrigue.

Oh man, I love this series.
I absolutely loved book 1- I own two copies!!
This one did not disappoint- witty, fast-paced, and full of suspense!

Author Catherine Mack has such a way with words, and I find myself re-reading sentences and laughing out loud. I love how she writes as if she is chatting with you, I just can't get enough.

I blew through Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies in a weekend, and did the same with No One Was Supposed to Die At This Wedding.

Eleanor Dash is a murder mystery writer who keeps finding herself in real-life murder mysteries (think a blend of Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone and Finlay Donovan). She's charming, self-deferential, and a bit of a mess, which is why it's a good thing she has her sister Harper and her boyfriend Oliver. She's attending the whirlwind wedding of her best friend, actress Emma, and her actor fiance, Fred, when, surprise surprise, murder strikes. Filled with new and returning side characters (Allison makes a joke about Nazis towards the end that had me cracking up), it's a race for Eleanor to try to figure out who the murderer is. The best part? She's actually fairly bad at this, but she's persistent!

While I think the ending gets a bit convoluted, and I'm not sure I really grasped the entire reveal, this was just as much fun as the first book, and I'm really looking forward to the third book. Although if I'm Harper, I might look at finding a new job!

Love these books. Funny and witty, but still cozy. Like cozy mysteries, but for a younger audience. Remind me the Benjamin Stevenson books.

NO ONE WAS SUPPOSED TO DIE AT THIS WEDDING is the second book in The Vacation Mysteries by Catherine Mack. If you enjoy a witty and humorously sarcastic protagonist, laugh-out-loud situations, an island location hosting a celebrity wedding, and an unexpected murder to solve while trapped on the island, then this book is for you! Protagonist Eleanor Dash and her beau are on Catalina Island, off the coast of California, attending her best friend’s wedding. A hurricane is heading their way, yet the bride-to-be insisted on a tennis tournament with everyone dressed in their tennis whites, followed by a rope climbing course… all after receiving both an evacuation notice because of the storm and anonymous threatening notes warning that someone will die. I love how the author breaks the fourth wall and has Eleanor speaking directly to the reader. It gives you a sense of being there and being involved in the antics and the danger. Eleanor is hilarious, and it made me love the book even more. The mystery is solid and, between the humor and the plot, the story moves at a rapid pace. I’ll be on the lookout for additional books in this highly entertaining series!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was ok. I thought that the premise sounded interesting. Having a wedding that was supposed to end in a murder sounded fun. This book felt all over the place though. There was tons of different twists and turns. I definitely didn't see the ending coming at all.

A laugh out loud mystery filled with even funnier footnotes that make the story the gem that it is. As Eleanor attends her friend’s wedding, dead bodies pile up and the mystery feels convoluted but is actually quite clear once it’s resolved. Adding in characters from book 1, the ridiculousness multiplies and that’s what makes it better.

I do think reading book 1 helps to an extent but not critical. But book 2 does tell you how book 3 will start, and I can’t wait.

This book holds up to its predecessor. It’s got twists and turns and leaves you wanting more. The footnotes are interesting, as they are in first book. But once you get used to them, they add a hilarity that can’t be missed.

This book was enjoyable! I love a mystery that's a little cheeky at the same time (gives me a break from all the psychological thrillers I read). I wish there wasn't quite so much self-doubt from our main character in her relationship (it started to feel...icky), but it was good. Nothing groundbreaking here, but it would make for a good vacation read.

I’m sorry to say, I’m not a fan of this book. No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding, by Catherine Mack, is a topsy-turvy mystery with wacky characters and a whirling dervish plot. Ms. Mack’s writing style is my least favorite of writing styles, too casual and informal, offering one sided conversations with her reader. Additionally, it is almost impossible to follow the plot if you are unfamiliar with Ms. Mack’s first book, Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies. Lastly, the addition of narrator lead footnotes added to my confusion. If you are a fan of Ms. Macks, then no doubt you will enjoy this sequel, but if you have never read her books before I suggest you read her first novel and decide if her style is right for you.

This was such a fun book! Eleanor Dash is a great protagonist—she's smart and funny and more than a little snarky—and the plot is over the top in the very best way. Movie stars, a surprise wedding on a secluded island, luxe events ... and murder! (Multiple!) Come for the Agatha Christie-style mystery, stay for the banter and the footnotes. (Yes! Footnotes! This book has it all.)

Anytime Eleanor Dash decides to travel, she seems to encounter murder. After nearly being murdered herself, she thought that was a last of her being caught up in a murder mystery straight out of one of her books. That is, until her best friend Emma's wedding, a wedding that was only possible as Emma had met her future husband Fred Winters on the set of the movie adaptation of Eleanor's book. Now it seems someone doesn't want this wedding to happen, enough so that they may be willing to kill for it. What I love about these books is that they give the perfect combination of cozy mystery and humor. I love a book with footnotes and while it was very annoying to read in this proof as they were at the end of the chapter, I still enjoy them so much as they bring something new to the reading experience. Eleanor is a great character to follow as she tries to solve this mystery with her boyfriend, sister, ex-beau, and the other new side characters. I love this series and will continue to read whatever Catherine Mack puts out!

A cozy vacation mystery with a hilarious cast of characters that had me smiling almost the entire time I was reading. I do believe you should read book 1 before you read book 2. This was a quick read but not extremely memorably which is why I gave it 3⭐️. I would have enjoyed more twists and turns with this mystery but overall it was enjoyable

Thank You Minotaur books for giving me early access on Netgalley so I could read and review this book. I appreciate so much.

Your best friend's wedding should be a piece of cake to attend, but not for Ms. Dash. She is the best selling author of the Vacation Mystery series. Murder seems to follow her everywhere, it's her plus one that she did not want to bring. Emma Wood, Elenor's best friend since childhood is starring in a movie adaptions of When in Rome, Elenor's first novel. Emma is so to be married to Fred Winter's playing Connor Smith. Elenor's pain in the ass ex, but he is also the main focus of the book.

When everything is wrapped and finished they invite everyone to their wedding on Catalina Island. There is also a storm that is supposed to head their way as well. Nothing will stop them from getting married, not even murder.

Can we just talk about one thing for a second. The first book in this series is paperback, this is the second book in the series and it's hardcover. If books are in the same series, make them the same format, make them all paperback, instead of switching it when it's the second book in the series. That is one thing that author's/ publishers do that piss me off. Anyways back to the review.

I've read the first book, and now I have read the second will I be reading the third most likely.I also think that these books could be read as standalone's, you don't have to read them in order.

I will say however that I do think that I like the audiobooks more than just plainly reading the book. The audiobook just adds something to it. It was not a bad book, I did manage to get through it without a struggle and I finished this book pretty fast as well. The author of the book is funny as well, there's just something about this book that makes it just meh. I think it might be Connor Smith. He's just a really bad person and honestly makes Elenor miserable. I do like Elenor as a character and I like her boyfriends who's name escapes me right now. I do want to read the third book in the series, because it is entertaining. This time around when I was reading the book, I did not bother to read the footnotes, because there is no point. Some of the footnotes are funny, but to be honest most of them are pointless. I wouldn't say this book is thrilling or if has you on the edge of you seat, it was just okay and entertaining enough to be able to get through. I hope people enjoy this book, it is a decent read. Happy Reading!!!!!

The Vacation Mysteries series is back with Book 2: No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding by Catherine Mack. Author Eleanor Dash is attending her best friend's wedding on the picturesque Catalina Island. Even though an ominous storm threatens to cut off the island, the wedding goes on as planned. But when a murder occurs, Eleanor must solve the mystery to keep the celebration on track.

I was completely engaged in the story as I was drawn in by its intriguing plot and well-paced action. Eleanor's witty and snarky inner monologue adds depth and entertainment, making this cozy mystery extra enjoyable. The clever use of footnotes and breaking the fourth wall gives the narrative a unique touch.

I liked the pace of the story and the reveals and humor sprinkled throughout. Eleanor's sarcasm is particularly appealing, making for an enjoyable read. The satisfying conclusion left me eagerly anticipating Eleanor's next adventure.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Book for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

The second book in the Vacation Mysteries series does not hit a sophomore slump. If you enjoy your murder mysteries with a bit of humor, banter, as well as breaking of the 4th wall, I'd say this is a perfect book for you. (It reminds me of the vibes I got from watching the movie Clue.) Just such an enjoyable read from start to finish.

Thank you to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Another great, fast-paced thriller from Catherine Mack! While I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book in the series, I loved being back in the mind of Eleanor and being thrown back into her shenanigans! I feel like this was a bit slower at the beginning and I felt thrown into the solving of the murder, but I still really enjoyed this! The ending tho…can’t wait for the next book! Murder and death seem to follow these characters no matter where the go and I can’t wait to see her next adventure & crime solving!