Engaging murder mystery! Capri is a smart and strong woman and I appreciate that she is not a young 20 something main character. I really enjoyed her sidekicks, Ryan and Heather and look forward to more of their presenting future books.

This one had me really intrigued until I got to the reveal and the resolution. I will say that I had a feeling about it, but was hoping that I"d be wrong. The ending felt very California-y if that makes any sense.

What a great first book in a series! I was hooked from the first chapter and did not want to put it down until I ended. While I did end up having to take breaks, they were few and far between.

I enjoyed that the FMC, Capri, is in her 40s, a mother, and is just trying to do her best in life and provide for her kid. She's a flawed character, doesn't always follow the 'rules' in order to protect her loved ones, is determined, intelligent, and refuses to just trust the system to protect her daughter when she becomes a suspect for her grandmother's murder.

The mystery was well-developed and I love how it paralleled the true crime tours that Capri does, and the little stories that would be shared between chapters.

I found that the clues planted led to a conclusion that made sense and didn't come out of nowhere, so I felt like I was able to consider all of the clues alongside Capri and try to figure out whodunnit with her.

I also liked the hint of romance we got and hope to see this included in future books.

I'll definitely be reading more books in this series!

A Serial Killers Guide to San Francisco

Hmmm idk 🤷🏻‍♀️ I feel pretty meh about this book. I mean it took me 3 tries to get thru the whole thing. But upon looking at reviews, it appears I might be in the minority here so that makes me feel better! I know this book has an audience, it’s just not me and that’s okay!

Here’s where I got lost a little bit. The whole book is about a serial killer and San Fran it’s right in the title. But I felt like we didn’t get much in the way of either. After finding out capri had a murder tour business, I was expecting her to visit all these places famous murders happened in the city & relate it to the current murders. And surprisingly, that’s not what happened. Her murder tour barely came up in the plot. 🤷🏻‍♀️ another thing that just isn’t for me is something I’m gonna call “business mystery” for lack of a better term. I tend to check out when there’s a business mystery or a tech company with shady characters get thrown into the mix. That’s more of a personal preference tho so you might like that!

Overall, I thought it was fine. I personally just wanted more out of the gimmick of the title! More fun! More murder! More mystery! 🤷🏻‍♀️

This book was a fun time! I found it funny and extremely entertaining. I love a mystery that keeps me laughing and this one was it. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next!

Fun and campy, this novel was thoroughly entertaining. Some parts got a little preposterous, but overall it was an enjoyable mystery with a new and different twist!

The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing, especially with the mystery surrounding Sylvia’s murder. The mix of Capri's personal stakes and the larger investigation makes for a compelling story, and the family dynamics—especially her complicated relationship with Sylvia—add emotional weight to the suspense.

While the mystery is intriguing and the pace is fast, the writing occasionally dips into melodrama, with some of the twists feeling a bit over-the-top or predictable. However, the overall suspense, the strong central character, and the compelling hook of the podcast and true crime elements make this a solid and entertaining read for fans of mystery and psychological thrillers.

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

Michelle Chouinard delivers an utterly delightful and irresistibly addictive cozy mystery with The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco. This novel strikes a perfect balance between lighthearted charm and just the right amount of dark intrigue, making it a must-read for mystery lovers of all stripes. The plot is expertly crafted—clever, fast-paced, and brimming with suspense—ensuring that readers are both entertained and utterly invested in uncovering the truth. Chouinard’s writing is as sharp as it is playful, drawing readers in with a whip-smart narrative that never takes itself too seriously but still delivers an exhilarating dose of tension.

One of the novel’s most spectacular achievements is its evocative sense of place. San Francisco isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing presence that pulses with energy and intrigue. Chouinard paints the city with such vivid, atmospheric detail that you can almost feel the fog rolling in and hear the hum of life on the streets. Adding to this immersive experience is the fantastic characterization, particularly with the protagonist, Capri. She is the epitome of a well-drawn, authentic character—witty, determined, and endlessly compelling. Her voice is so refreshingly real that readers will feel like they’ve made a new best friend by the book’s end.

Simply put, The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco is an absolute joy to read. It’s the perfect afternoon escape, whisking you away from the daily grind and plunging you into a mystery that’s equal parts fun and gripping. Chouinard’s storytelling is nothing short of masterful, offering a tale that is breezy yet bold, cozy yet compelling. Whether you’re a fan of lighter mysteries or a hardened thriller enthusiast looking for something refreshingly different, this book will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.

Thank you Netgalley, Minotaur books, & Michelle Chouinard for an eARC copy of this book!

This book started off really strong, but, honestly, it lost some momentum as it went on. At first, I liked how the story was told from Capri's point of view, where we got to see every single thought she had while trying to solve the mystery. But eventually, I got tired of being stuck in her head and just wanted the story to move on. A big part of that was how much the book focused on Sylvia's business world. I get that it was important, but it felt like it took up a bit too much time. I think more of that time could’ve been spent showing the police actually doing something, or maybe giving more attention to the characters' relationships.

Providing a review in exchange for NetGalley ARC.

I have always been a fan of murder mysteries and true crime stories / documentaries. Something about them is just so interesting. What leads people to commit crimes, to commit murder? I have always found it fascinating to be honest. This was definitely an enjoyable and suspenseful murder mystery. I have enjoyed when characters like Capri are related to criminals, it makes their history and background interesting and I always enjoy when they try to prove they aren't like that family member or use that history to solve some sort of mystery which was what happened in this book.

I have always wanted to visit the city of San Francisco itself. I enjoyed learning about the darker side of the city's history and it truly makes you feel like you are in the city.

I also found it interesting how Capri was solving two mysteries at once. I could never. I feel like my brain would be all over the place and I would be mixing up the facts and evidence of both mysteries.

A quick and fun read for sure!

Capri Sanzio, the granddaughter of San Francisco's own notorious Overkill Bill, now runs a tour company, giving true crime enthusiasts an insider's look at the darker side of the city. While she's always believed in her grandfather's innocence, she's never put in the time to devote to his case -- until now. A copycat killer has appeared; and just as her ex-MIL cut off her daughter's grad school tuition, she's found as one of the victims. To clear her name (and earn some much-needed cash), Capri races the clock to solve the crime and potential prove her grandfather's innocence.

I went into this expecting a MUCH different book. Cozy mystery with a true crime bent, yes. The city's Old Money crowd committing fraud and insider-trading through dating apps...not so much. I'm not sure how a book pitched as a serial killer's granddaughter doing serial killer tours of the city could be so boring. I really hope to enjoy this one but it was a massive disappointment.

This was a cute cozy mystery. It definitely had some suspense, but I enjoyed it a lot and found it easy to relax with and read as opposed to being on edge for majority of the time. A good read!

Thanks to Minotaur and Netgalley for the arc

This was a really interesting premise! The granddaughter of a serial killer becomes a serial killer tour guide in the city of San Francisco. When her mother-in-law is murdered in the same fashion of her serial killer grandfather our heroine resolves to solve the murder.

A fun murder mystery where San Francisco shined as much as the characters.

3.5 stars

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco is a twisty, atmospheric mystery that blends true crime fascination with personal stakes. Capri Sanzio, a serial killer tour guide and granddaughter of the infamous "Overkill Bill," is drawn into a chilling investigation when a copycat killer emerges. As she races to prove her grandfather’s innocence, financial struggles push her toward launching a podcast and book—but the case takes a deadly turn when her former mother-in-law is murdered. Suddenly, Capri and her daughter become prime suspects, forcing her to untangle decades-old secrets while dodging the police. Chouinard crafts a gripping narrative filled with rich San Francisco settings, eerie murder lore, and complex family dynamics. This smart, suspenseful read is perfect for fans of crime thrillers with a personal edge.

What a fun time I had reading this novel! Michelle Chouinard did an amazing job with the plot and the characters. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!

Thank you for the ARC opportunity, unfortunately for this one I did not make the deadline. Now that I have finally read it I wish I read it sooner (like I was supposed to). I want to visit San Francisco myself and go on one of Capri’s tours. I felt like I was in an episode of CSI with the way the case was unfolding even if it wasn’t by someone who was supposed to be involved in that way. I definitely enjoyed it and look forward to the next one in the series and hope we get some follow up with how things left off. I did not expect either twist to happen but they were so good and worth it!

The premise was interesting, and I liked the mix of true crime and fiction. The setting and the main character's perspective kept me engaged, and there were some good twists. But the pacing was uneven, and parts of the story were meh. A decent read.

The premise of this book was so unique - an accused serial killer's granddaughter is doing crime tours in San Francisco? I'm already hooked just from the summary! I love cozy mysteries and read this one in one sitting. I loved the supporting characters and wanted to know them better so I hope this book is the first in a series, fingers-crossed. I liked the interspersing of the crime tour business and locations into the story. I look forward to what else the author has to come!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

This book was such a fun and eerie mix of mystery, history, and dark humor! The Serial Killer’s Guide to San Francisco takes readers on a thrilling journey through the city’s sinister past while weaving in a gripping present-day mystery. Michelle Chouinard’s writing is engaging, and I loved how she blended real-life crime history with a fictional investigation. The pacing kept me hooked, though some parts felt a bit drawn out. Overall, it’s a unique and entertaining read, perfect for true crime fans who also love a good whodunit!