Well. Here I am again.

I’m sorry. I just didn’t love this book.

The vibe is definitely cozy, heavy on the amateur sleuth, with a strong dose of family drama.

I really enjoyed the beginning. Like Capri, I wanted to figure out whether or not her grandfather was, in fact, a serial killer.

Then we get to the current murder and the copycat killer investigation. From there, the story fell apart for me. Content is heavy on all the intricacies of white collar, financial crimes—excruciating, repetitive, and unnecessary detail.

At the same time, we’re given virtually no detail on things in Capri’s life that would have been interesting, such as the podcast she was putting together and the book she was writing. Apparently, she magically did these things after working all day and playing amateur investigator for endless hours. All we get is a line here and there, as if she wrote and recorded the podcast in the roughly ten minutes of downtime she had each evening. Despite knowing nothing about podcasts or the platforms, she managed, somehow, to become a major success.

The ending spiraled into ridiculousness.

I desperately wanted more quirkiness. All the ingredients were there, waiting to be teased out.

*I received an eARC from Minotaur Books, via NetGalley.*

This feel good mystery is like an onion with so many layers I just kept peeling all the way to the end. She hooked me from the beginning and her character development and story telling kept me eagerly turning pages to find out the next clue.

This mystery of Capri and her family is very well thought out and so well written that I just wanted more and more. There is family betrayal, secrets, murder, and hidden agendas all along the way. I loved her business of yours for crime lovers in San Fran and wished while reading that I could go on one.

The family dynamics with so many characters was written so well and developed so naturally that I really cared and wanted to know what was going to happen to each and every one of them.

There are enough clues throughout the story so that you could conceivably put it together with Capri as she helps to put to rest if her grandfather was really “Overkill Bill.”

Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who loves true crime and a good mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me an ARC in return for an honest review!

3⭐️ this book follows a middle aged woman, capri, as she lives in san francisco. she has her own business of giving tours around the area which are based on themes such as serial killers, hitchcock movies, alcatraz, and other spooky elements that people are interested in learning about within san fran.

her grandfather was convicted guilty of murdering three women, but she does not think he was truly the culprit. meanwhile, there are murders that begin to happen within capri’s circle which seem to be copycat killings from her the killings that took place when her grandfather was convicted.

this story has a fun little detective/murder mystery vibe to it which has me interested. it was slightly too much information regarding certain legal issues and internet searching etc that had me a little overloaded with info. the main character was quirky but also meddlesome and definitely stubborn. there were a lot of mentions to society and the elite, showcasing the discrepancies and also the discussion that not everyone who is arrested is guilty.

i thought the reveal at the end was a little bit of a cop out and i wanted more of a twist, but this story was good nonetheless! it was entertaining and a mystery, but not too spooky, gory or disturbing. definitely a lighter mystery read for those that want some laughs and funny references.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Serial Killers Guide to San Francisco was one of my most anticipated reads for the year and it didn't disappoint. The main character Capri is thrown in the middle of a murder investigation when her mother-in-law is murder and the method used is a copycat to the murders her grandfather supposedly committed in the 60s. Because of this Capri is forced to prove hers and her daughter Morgans innocence while also trying to prove that her Grandfather wasn't the original killer.

This book has so much going for it. I loved that Capri took her families history and made of career of giving serial killer tours in San Francisco. I liked the inclusion of little tidbits of San Francisco's murderous past they were really interesting.

II really loved Sylvia's character. When you first meet her she comes off as a bitter ex-mother-in-law but that was far from what was really going on. She was just a woman who wanted to protect her family even if that meant that she needed to push them away in order to save them

The one character I really disliked was Capri's dad. I don't know why or how her mother would have stayed with him given the way he acted and talked to Capri. He came off as kind of abusive. I don't think that was what the author was going for with his character but thats what the vibe ended up being.

To me A Serial Killers Guide to San Francisco was a story of what lengths we are will to go to for the people that we love. It was a solid read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This unique mystery completely captured my attention, leading to a day long binge to finish it.

Capri’s grandfather was found guilty of killing multiple women years ago, and Capri has always believed in his innocence. Now, a copycat killer has struck close to home, and Capri’s investigation into the past murders is clouded by those in the present day.

Capri runs tours about famous killers in San Francisco, hence the book title. What a fun job! A bit macabre, but definitely intriguing for us thriller lovers out there. The little parts between chapters giving information about the dark history of San Fran were fascinating and horrifying all at once.

The mystery and investigation were well written and twisty, with red herrings and shocking moments galore. I enjoyed this quirky mystery on both audio and ebook, with the audiobook narrator adding the perfect tone for the story and pacing it well.

Thank you to Minotaur books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - July 30, 2024
Publication Date - September 24, 2024

*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @mmchouinard, @stmartinspress, @minotaur_books and @netgalley!

I was so excited to read the Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco and it did not disappoint! The concept of serial killer tours is so fun and I have not read anything involving them before. I liked the depth in this book because the author could have decided to solely focus on solving the mystery but she also made a point to explore human nature and the role of choices. This book is perfect for people who enjoy slower paced but still interesting murder mysteries. I didn’t guess who did it, which is always a good sign when reading a mystery!

If you like true crime, murder mystery or cozy mystery, you should check out The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco!

Get excited to read The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco, available September 24! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

I recently finished *The Serial Killer's Guide to San Francisco* by Michelle Chouinard, and I have to say, it's a chilling and captivating read. This thriller immerses you in the mind of a serial killer prowling the streets of San Francisco, blending dark humor with a deep psychological exploration that truly stood out.

Chouinard’s portrayal of San Francisco is both vivid and unsettling. The city feels alive, with its iconic landmarks and hidden corners contributing to the novel's suspenseful atmosphere. It’s clear that Chouinard has a knack for creating a setting that feels integral to the story.

The protagonist is another highlight. Described by reviewers as charismatic yet deeply unsettling, the character’s psychological depth is both fascinating and disturbing. The way Chouinard delves into the killer’s motives and internal struggles adds a layer of complexity that kept me hooked.

The pacing and plot twists are also worth noting. The book’s narrative is well-constructed, and I found myself eagerly turning pages to uncover what would happen next. The dialogue is sharp, and the climax offers a satisfying conclusion that ties together the story's threads.

However, I should mention that the book's intense depiction of violence and dark themes might not be for everyone. While this didn’t detract from my enjoyment, it’s something potential readers should be aware of.

Overall, *The Serial Killer's Guide to San Francisco* is a standout thriller that I would highly recommend. Michelle Chouinard has crafted a gripping and original story that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and crime fiction. If you’re looking for a book that combines suspense, dark humor, and complex characters, this one’s definitely worth a read.

Thank you for this complimentary review copy.

Feel free to tweak it to better reflect your personal experience!

Loved this fun feel good mystery.
Such an easy listen, which I’m sure would also be an easy read. Loved the pace of the book, the characters, and the colorful San Francisco history.
This story is told from the main character, Capri’s point of view. She is such a fun and well developed character, and makes you immediately care about what is going on with all the players in this story.
Capri is a tour guide in San Francisco, and is the granddaughter of a famous serial killer. When someone close to her turns up dead, she has to figure out why and if there is some kind of connection to her past.
Loved the way she was investigating murders in different time periods. The flow of this book was just so easy. Would totally recommend!
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan audio for the AAC

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Sept. 24, 2024
Capri Sanzio is a tour guide in San Francisco, providing guided tours of all things “serial killer”. An added bonus, Capri is the granddaughter of William Sanzio, a.k.a. “Overkill Bill”, one of the most infamous serial killers in San Franciso history. For many years following the death of her grandfather, Capri believed he was innocent, held in jail on charges that should’ve been placed on someone else although she’s never been able to prove it, mostly because her father has expressly forbidden her to pursue it farther. It isn’t until Capri’s ex-mother-in-law is murdered, and the similarities to Overkill Bill start piling up, that Capri’s hopes of clearing her grandfather’s name may actually come to be.
“The Serial Killers Guide to San Francisco” is a debut novel by author Michelle Chouinard. Creative, spunky and full of killer fun, “Guide” is the perfect fiction novel for true-crime fans! Chouinard, raised in San Francisco, definitely shows her love for the city. Many chapters are prefaced by a location in San Francisco with ties to a serial killer or another grisly crime, written as a newspaper article or other official channel of media coverage. So, in between the pages of a fictional crime novel, I got to read about real-life locations that were connected with serial killers? I mean, what more could a girl want?
The story veers off on several paths as Capri investigates her ex-mother-in-law, Sylvia’s, death. As a wealthy socialite, Sylvia has a lot of connections to many corrupt businessmen and has made some pretty shady business and investment deals. So don’t expect this story to be easy to predict- there are many ways this story could end and full attention is needed to keep up with the quick pacing. The final ending reveal came out of nowhere, also, and I was not prepared for the unexpected twist it delivered!
“Guide” is definitely unlike any novel I’ve read before, in either the fiction or the true crime genre (and that’s saying something, as I’ve read quite a bit of both!) and I think it is this level of unique creativity that will bring Chouinard’s debut into the spotlight where it belongs.

This felt very much more like a who-dun-it (ish) mystery than a suspenseful thriller but nevertheless enjoyable! If you’re looking for something that’s mysterious but maybe not so action packed and eerie, this could be for you!

I love that we were following the granddaughter of a famous serial killer who is a tour guide for serial killer (and such) hotspots throughout San Francisco! It’s such a cute and smart idea for a plot! And of course the fact that recent murders have happened with her grandfathers same MO but he has already passed on. I don’t know, such a cute plot idea in my opinion lol!

I had fun with this one. It wasn’t anything spectacular but definitely entertaining and perfect for murder mystery fans! Also the audiobook narrator was fantastic, I really loved her voice!

4.25 rounded down to 4.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Capri is a tour guide in San Francisco - and she gives serial killer tours. With her grandfather in prison as one of the notorious serial killers on her tour, Capri finds herself brought into more drama when a copycat killer emerges and her ex-mother-in-law turns up deceased.

This book definitely met all my expectations. It was such a fun little mystery, and it wasn't really too slow or overly informative at any time. Capri finds herself drawn to the history around her grandfather, who she believes to be innocent. While trying to solve this cold case/historical mystery, she finds herself involved in the murder investigation of her affluent mother-in-law. The dual-mystery was an interesting touch, and I really liked how it was all loosely connected. I do wish there was a bit more to her grandfather's side of things, however it felt like it fleshed out perfectly. By the end, I was able to somewhat figure things out, but not entirely. Everything did wrap up nicely and didn't feel rushed or too over-the-top. At first I was slightly irritated with the seemingly unnecessary romance tossed in at the end, however after thinking on it a bit, I felt like it provided a sweet moment for Capri, and ended on a positive note for new beginnings.

Overall this was a fun, quick read, especially if you want a cozy little mystery.

This was a fun ride through the streets of San Francisco with a dash of true crime sprinkled in! Capri is a solid lead who believes her grandfather was wrongfully accused of some pretty horrific murders. She decides to start a podcast to clear his name and make some extra cash after her mother-in-law decides to cut off her daughter's school tuition payments. The setup is clever—Capri turns her knowledge of the city’s dark history into a true crime tour, and we get to tag along for the ride!

The story has an easy flow, and the fabulous narrator really brings it to life. Capri’s dynamic with her daughter is both sweet and believable; it’s refreshing to see a character balancing the role of a parent with some good ol’ crime-solving on the side! I especially loved the little tidbits of true crime facts that popped up throughout—like hidden Easter eggs for crime junkies.

While the book's premise is unique, the execution sometimes felt like it was just shy of being truly gripping. Still, it’s worth a read if you're into podcasts, true crime, or just want to get lost in the foggy, eerie streets of San Francisco for a while!

Such a good mystery! I loved the serial killer tour tie-in, and all the info related to that subject. A good mystery with an ending I was not expecting. Well written characters who pull you into the story & keep it entertaining. I can't wait to read more by this author in the future.

This was such a cozy mystery that I loved curling up with each night.

I love the story line, the characters, the unknowns. It tied high society, serial killers, dysfunctional families and a mystery or two.

The granddaughter of a convicted serial killer finds herself in the center of a present-day murder investigation in the The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco.

Capri Sanzio has always believed in her grandfather’s innocence. Growing up, her grandfather was a banned topic in the household, but the suppression of those discussions only fueled Capri’s curiosity more. Now in her 40s, Capri has spun that interest in her grandfather’s alleged guilt into a tour business: she offers serial killer tours of San Francisco.

When her ex-mother-in-law cuts off funding for Capri’s daughter’s grad school tuition, Capri needs additional income to help out. She starts digging more into what happened when her grandfather was convicted so long ago, hoping to both prove his innocence and make some money from creating a podcast and writing a book in the process.

Then a copycat killer strikes in San Francisco, and Capri finds herself trying to figure out the culprit in those original murders and the ones impacting her family today.

This book ended up falling somewhere in the middle for me. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it.

It’s not a long book—in print or on audio—but it ended up feeling long to me. I liked the setting and setup but wasn’t enamored with the pacing and delivery of information. I liked when you get glimpses of information shared on tours as interstitials and would have loved to have seen more of that. I also wish that some of the details from the original murders had been included in a podcast format instead of getting into the weeds as Capri discovers that information.

I liked the hint of a budding romance but wish the little details and interactions had been played up a bit more.

Side note: I will admit that I am too much of a scaredy-cat to go on the serial killer tours based on true crimes in the book, but if that tour agency were to put together the Alfred Hitchcock tour that's discussed, I would gladly go on that.

I had an advance copy of the ebook from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco was not what i was expecting. By the cover I thought it would be more of a comedy type book(like Stephanie Plum or Finlay Donovan). But I did really enjoy the book. I enjoyed the digging into the past investigation of Overkill Bill more than the in present investigation. I thought I had it down, who the killer was for the past but I was wrong, but I was right for the present one.

Overall, It was a great book. And if you do the audio, the wonderful Stephanie Nemeth- Parker is the narrator.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book started out strong, but really lost steam as it went along. I think for me, I got sick of Capri and that really colored the rest of my reading since it was first person. It was fun, but I ended up being pretty bored and over it as I went through.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this title. This book is great for fans of true crime and mysterys!

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC and SMP for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Receiving an advanced gifted book copy does not impact or influence my review in any way. #MacAudio2024

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco was an unexpectedly fun read with a mix of a new and old crime case that the MC investigates! It wasn't until the new case opened that I found myself interested in the story and thrown into really interesting characters. I'm not sure if the author intended to be a little funny, but I did find the MC and her close friends humorous and found myself enjoying them the most.

While there was plenty of investigation and a lot of moving pieces that really brought the picture together, the pacing could've been better and some parts felt dragged out. The book also touched on several points like: old vs new money, family dysfunction, single mom challenges, family trauma, social hierarchies, and more, but still never fully fleshed any of them out. This made the story feel odd at times and disjointed. I also managed to predict the ending, which didn't ruin the story for me but fell a little flat for me. Still, I have to give the book huge credit for being the first mystery novel I finish!

I really enjoyed the bit of romance sprinkled in the book and really liked the main character! The audiobook narrator did a great job voicing Capri, and made her seem like a real person. I think overall, this book was a fun read! I just needed a bit more suspense.

A fun cmystery set in LA that is about the granddaughter of a famous serial killer. She actually does serial killer tours in San Francisco.

She is determined to find out if her grandfather was really guilty because other murders with the same MO are occurring while he’s in prison .

This was a great mystery , more on the cozy side which I love .

Well developed characters and a great story !

Loved the San Fran history that was included.