This was such a fun and different take on a murder mystery. It was fast paced, but kept everything pretty lighthearted with witty dialogue and ridiculous plot points. Kind of like the movie Knives Out, but in book form. Although even while reading it, it was playing through my head like a comedic mystery movie, which is a testament to the author’s writing capabilities. The writing is styled to where the MC is also the author and narrator, and at times she even breaks the fourth wall to speak to the reader. As far as the plot itself goes, we are following Eleanor, a famous author on a 10 day book tour around Italy, with an entourage of other authors, friends/frenemies, and a group of contest winners. They realize that someone is trying to murder one of them, or multiple among them, and it only progresses from there. It is full of twists that keep you guessing for a while, especially as the narrator doubts herself and makes you doubt yourself. I did feel like the ending was kind of like a “duh” moment rather than an “aha” moment, but still it was overall an enjoyable 4 star read, maybe even rounded to 4.5 due to the fun writing style. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely could not finish this book. After reading at least 2/3rds of it I couldn’t take it anymore. The idea was cute-I didn’t like the execution. The footnotes especially bothered me-maybe it was the kindle version I was reading but there was no easy way to go back and see what the heck she was noting and seriously, footnotes, in fiction work, come on! Also, I didn’t really like any of the characters as written, they were just ‘meh’. #everytimeigoonvacationsomeonedies for me is a 1 star-it actually kept me from reading!-don’t bother. Thank you #netgalley and #minotaurbooks for this arc to read and review, all opinions are my own

I’m hoping there will be a sequel! Every time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies was a fun book! Great location, family ties, old flames, and food. Eleanor is a writer on a tenth anniversary tour - a group that includes her sister, two exes, and other writers, as well as fans, in Italy. It becomes apparent someone is trying to kill her, so she spends most of the trip using life to develop the plot of her next book. At first the footnotes were annoying but quickly became my favorite part. Looking forward to the next one!

This is a fun “cozy” mystery set in the backdrop of beautiful Italy. It’s a fresh, witty, and modern take on the whole new dunnit with lots of banter, breaking the fourth wall, and a dash of romance.

I did figure out pretty early on part of the mystery but definitely not all of it so I had lots of surprises over the course of the book.

I am enjoying this new ploy in books of breaking the fourth wall and using footnotes, however this one maybe went a little overboard. Not enough for me stop reading and definitely not enough that I won’t continue on with the series. I’m definitely invested in these characters and where they go from here!!

I’m curious is the narrator aka the author is an actual character in the series or if it’s just actual insight into who the author really is. That’s one mystery I haven’t figured out yet!!

Thank you to Minotaur books and NetGalley for my advance copy.

This was a unique book I had never read one quite like this. The storyline was interesting an author who’s on promotional trip with other authors and connected with her. Then there is her ex who claims someone is trying to murder him and the adventure begins. The story is written in the characters point of view as an author and at the end of ever chapter there are notes like the author is keeping notes and we see her inner thoughts. The storyline is engaging and interesting at times I felt sad because I felt like the character was blaming herself for everything which is something I didn’t like I hope if the stories continue she has more confidence. I give the storyline and the characters four stars. As a Christian I’m not a fan of foul language so I’m giving a content warning there were a few bad words in the story.

100% wanted to read this because of the title and it did not disappoint!

I found the writing to be well done, the plot was well-executed (hehe), the characters were well developed.

I will definitely be recommending this to my friends and on my Instagram!

Just like its title, this novel was a fun, quirky, different cozy mystery. Completely breaking the 4th wall, our protagonist Eleanor is relaying the story, and backstory to her readers as it unfolds, even getting parts incorrect at times as the truth continues to be revealed. While this format isn't for everyone, it works in this format, as the author instantly feels like a friend.
I enjoyed this refreshing, cozy mystery and thought it was well done. Having said that, footnotes can be difficult, especially on a kindle, so I could see why it may be offputting to some.

DNF @ 30% - I’m usually all for a cozy mystery but the writing style in this one just was not for me at all. it was a bit too juvenile, and I would say that the target audience for this one is more for an NA audience. however, the setting was fantastic, and the characters had me laughing out loud at moments! thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Eleanor Dash (or El, as she’s frequently called) is a best-selling author of the 'Vacation Mystery' series. The first book in the series, ‘When in Rome,’ is a semi-autobiographical true crime novel; she wrote it after she lived the experience to process what had happened. She changed all the names of course, except for one, unfortunately: Connor Smith. He was the hero of ‘When in Rome,’ and her true love. That is, until she found out he had lied to her and was in fact married. Because she used his name, he demanded a percentage of her sales as a 'consultant.' Jump forward 10 years. El is over having Connor in her life, over having him 'blackmail' her for a percentage of her earnings. So, she decides to do what any good writer does and bump off the character (literary, not literally). Only she's suffering from writer's block. Since it's approaching the 10-year anniversary of ‘When in Rome,’ her publisher suggests a book tour of Italy with several other authors they publish. El agrees, hoping it will inspire her on how exactly to bump off her detective. Only in true El fashion, she doesn't read the itinerary and is a bit shocked by the cast of characters accompanying her.

First, there's her younger sister, BBF, and personal assistant Harper Dash (okay, she knew Harper was going to be there). About 20 years earlier, their parents were killed in a tragic, senseless accident, leading 18-year-old El to become a single parent to 15-year-old Harper. Despite being close, there's some tension between the sisters; El is afraid that Harper is going to finally quit as her assistant to follow her dream of being a writer.

Next there's Connor Smith, El’s ex. He's convinced someone is trying to kill him and wants El's help figuring out who. Also on the trip is Allison Smith, Connor's ex-wife, who divorced him when ‘When in Rome’ was published and his infidelity revealed. (Of course, I must wonder: didn't she realize what he was like before? At dinner one evening, someone asks Connor who hasn't he slept with, only for El to realize, he's slept with all the woman at the table. All of 'em. And it's a big table.)

Also on the tour is Guy Charles, Connor's former private detective partner. Connor ended their partnership soon after he became a celebrity. There is also Oliver Forrest, another ex of El. He was there to help El pickup the pieces after Connor broke her heart. Despite them no longer being together, there is still a lot of affection between the two of them.

The final two authors on the tour are Emily Ma and Abishek Botha (Shek (pronounced 'Shake') to his friends.) Emily is a former Tik-Tok influencer and now an up and coming author who is basically copying El's plots while Shek is a long established author whose book sales have been slipping.

Rounding out the tour is a group of about twenty fans who won the trip. Known as the BookFace Ladies, they're mostly harmless except maybe for Crazy Cathy, the stalker whom El had to get a restraining order in the US.

El is initially skeptical of Connor's claims that someone's trying to kill him. Yes, his brakes gave out, but his car is over 60 years old. Someone pushed him into traffic, but was it deliberate, or someone accidently jostling him in the crowd? When someone dies of poisoning after drinking Connor's glass of champaign, the question is resolved. But who? Unfortunately, El can easily come up with motives for everyone in the group, but can she figure out whodunnit before they kill again?

This was a fun book! The footnotes were hysterical at times (yes, the book has 250 - 300 footnotes in it!) It's also a bit like ‘Everyone in My Family has Killed Someone’ with how frequently and deliberately the author breaks the fourth wall. For example, at one point, El confesses to the reader that she's a liar and not a nice person. The epilogue was terrific, both tying up loose ends and introducing the next book (and murder) (along with an accompanying footnote, suggesting the title of the third book in the series, of course).

Highly recommended for those tolerant of breaking the fourth wall and quirky characters.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.

Elanor, a mystery writer on tour in Italy becomes involved with a blackmail plot. She is the perfect main character, snarky and funny. The story builds quickly and while I could figure out some things, I didn't quite figure it all out by the end, which makes for a much better read.

I was not a fan of the footnotes, but I can understand how this writing style could be for some. I found them a bit distracting on the kindle format. I do think they would be easier to read on a physical copy. I ended up skipping over many of these and was still able to follow the story!

Thank you NetGalley for the review!

I love a good mystery novel. This book has all the makings of a classic Agatha Christie with a touch of Mean Girls, and a dash of Nancy Drew. Chick lit is not one of my favorite genres, I think this book carries a bit too much into that category for me personally, but I did enjoy reading this.

I think anyone who saw the film The Lost City with Sandra Bullock would totally enjoy this story. Right along the same lines of humor, crime and mystery.

*** Thank you to St. Martin's Press & Minotaur Books for providing this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is a fun read. It was thrilling and kept the pages turning. I loveed the characters and the story.

This was a quick read and the storyline flowed nicely. I had a couple issues with the main character. I found her a little too immature and annoying at times, but I would still read the rest of the series if it comes.

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read Every Time I Go on Vaction, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read Every Time I Go on Vaction, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack in exchange for my honest review.

In Every Time, we follow MC Eleanor Dash who is an author and lazy adult. While on a trip to Italy when she was younger, she met a man, fell hard, had an adventure, and then returned home and wrote about it. The story she writes turns into a best selling book series and in Every Time Elle is back in Italy with her sister (who takes care of her because Elle refuses to be a responsible adult), a crew of other authors, and potenial enemies or friends.

If you didn’t pick up on my frustration with the MC from the above statements, I will share it here. Elle is not a good person. She was forced to raise her younger sister when their parents died, and apparently she decided to stop being a responsible adult in the mean time. Personally, I found her SO annoying that I almost quit reading multiple time. Why did I keep reading? The other characters were just as ridiculous.

This is one of those stories where everyone or almost every character is horrible. The location is by far the best part and makes me want a large plate of pasta and/or pizza.

As far as the story goes overall - it’s a quick read that flows easily. You may know the plot twists before they happen, but if you’re looking for a little mystery with a side of red wine and Mederterannian weather, I hope you enjoy Every Tiem I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies.

I just received "Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies" by Catherine Mack is a quirky book that pulled me in on the very first page. The title is what caught my eyes to begin with and I'm glad that i decided to read it. This book is a easy read and has several twists and turns. The characters are well written and likable. I can't wait to read more books by this author.

I know that this book deserves a 5 out 5 stars.

I received this complimentary copy from the Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine.

This was such a fun romp of a book. Murder mystery - Check, lovers to enemies - Check, Pettiness- Check. The book centers around a main character who is an author and has a series of books where her main character is a former boyfriend and current PITA- it is written from the first person and the writing is very witty with a number of red herrings thrown in. Perfect for your next beach read.

*4.5 stars* This was such a fun read! I’m excited already that this is going to be a series, because I can’t wait to read the next one!

The main character was unreliable at times, but I really enjoy that. But it does make her a little unlikeable, but also likeable, lol! I wish we had a little more back info for some of the characters, but hopefully that will come in future books. I didn’t figure out the killer which was exciting. I really enjoyed the setting and I kept imagining the scenes on a big screen.

I would suggest this as a physical copy. There are a lot of footnotes, which is different but in a good way. However they didn’t line up well in the kindle edition so you wouldn’t get a footnote for a little bit sometimes and would forgot what it was even in reference too.

Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this advanced copy!

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack is a witty mystery that takes readers on a captivating journey through Italy, blending the lines between fiction and reality in a brilliantly entertaining manner.

Eleanor Dash, the bestselling author intending to conclude her Vacation Mysteries series by killing off her protagonist, Connor Smith, embarks on a book tour in Italy with that precise goal in mind. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when an attempt is made on the life of the real Connor Smith, a charming yet vexing con man from Eleanor's past.

Catherine Mack's novel is a cleverly crafted blend of mystery, humor, and intrigue. The premise itself sets the stage for an engaging narrative, weaving together literary rivalry, unexpected alliances, and a dash of romance against the picturesque backdrop of Italy.
The character of Eleanor Dash is brilliantly portrayed—a strong-willed and relatable protagonist whose life mirrors her fictional creations in unexpected ways. Mack skillfully navigates the complexities of Eleanor's relationships with her ex, Oliver, and the enigmatic Connor, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.

What truly stands out in Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is Mack's ability to infuse humor into the narrative without compromising the intensity of the mystery. The witty dialogue, amusing situations, and clever nods to the world of publishing create a light-hearted atmosphere that complements the suspenseful elements of the story. (I received an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.) Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries, offering a unique premise and a charming protagonist that will leave readers eagerly awaiting more adventures from Eleanor Dash.

Wow! This was such a fun book! I loved the footnotes.
I loved all of the characters. The plot was fantastic. I didn’t see the ending coming at all!
I cant wait to recommend this one!

Best selling author, Eleanor Dash, is doing a big book tour through Italy. During her tour bodies start piling up and she must solve the mystery because she is a top suspect. This book was a fun easy read. It was a little too slow moving for my taste and the characters weren’t very likable. All in all it was a solid 3 stars.