What a great story! Capri is a headstrong tour company operator with a colorful family history who is able to investigate and help solve two mysteries all while charming a local detective. I loved her character and the central mystery!

Wow, this is truly the best mystery I’ve read in a really long time. By the time the killer is revealed, you are literally confused as to who the killer actually is and why. I found myself trying to keep up with Capri and there just kept on being suspicious things happening every which way. If you’re going to read one mystery book this summer, THIS IS IT. You will not be disappointed!!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun little mystery, made more interesting by the simultaneous investigation of a past murder in the main character’s history. Diverting enough for a vacation read, but I never connected strongly with the characters. The plot moved along at a good pace, and I liked the short dividing chapters on the criminal history of San Francisco. I imagine if you know that city well this book will be a real gem of a read for you. Some reveals were a bit too convenient, but it kept me engaged throughout. A decent mystery read.

This book had an interesting premise - granddaughter of a notorious serial killer gets pulled into an investigation when a copycat killer turns up! - but it slowly but surely got annoying as the story progressed.

This story just had a weird sense of like...time. It frequently delved into the minutia of every single day in a way that was completely unnecessary (we don't need to know the details of every time she drives somewhere!) so you really also felt you were slogging through every hour with the MC. It was boring! Also I really feel like San Francisco has more shitty traffic than was ever mentioned!

But then this is also one of those books where a newfangled job (YouTuber! TikToker! Podcaster! - in this case, the latter) is added to the plot so it can be put into the book blurb and attract the Youths, without any sort of understanding of what that job entails or why you would do it or why it's interesting. The MC decides to start a podcast to prove her grandfather didn't do the crimes because a friend suggests it'll be a quick way to make money (the creative arts! ah, that old get rich quick scheme) but instead of this being woven into the plot it's just occasionally like "and then at the end of a tiring day driving from place to place, she wrote and recorded an episode of the podcast." I'm not kidding, that's it. I don't think she ever even puts up any episodes? Then after a bunch of weirdly paced incidents during which nobody acts like a normal person because that would mean the plot couldn't move forward, this final mystery is solved like an afterthought.

And while it was initially nice to read about a slightly different sort of protagonist - a divorced woman in her fifties! - I was INCREDIBLY disappointed by the ending from a character perspective. The MC's ex-husband sucks and is a shady, annoying cheater and liar so you're like girl, okay, happy to see you've moved on from that. Then she gets entangled with a police detective who's treating her as a suspect while letting her just like, do his job for him. In basically every one of their interactions she ends up telling him too much and then feeling really stupid about it, noting explicitly how manipulative this man is and how he's playing her for a sucker while using her for his own ends and also trying to pin the modern crimes on her or her daughter. Yikes, am I right?

Well, don't worry about it, because she's going to solve the crime for him and then when he asks her out at the end, she's going to say yes. So...your days of having absolutely wretched taste in men are certainly coming to a middle, huh? It's gnarly when I don't even have to lean on the ACAB of it all to disagree with this call even though yeah, also ACAB!!! That knocked a whole star off of what would have otherwise been a fine enough three star read. Heterosexual women, please love yourselves.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

I absolutely loved the cover of this book and was instantly drawn to it. This is definitely not my type of read as I mostly read rom-coms but the description drew me in. I was kept interested the whole book even if it went a little deep into crime lingo I couldn’t follow but I definitely ignored my family to finish it because I wanted to know how it ended. Thank you for the advanced copy of this fast paced mystery!

This book was good! I enjoyed the characters and the story and I found myself wanting to reread it to understand the plot more.

copycat-murders, serial-killer, serial-murder, unpleasant-in-laws, unpleasant-victims, secrets, lies, local-law-enforcement, California, podcaster, relationships, relatives, family, family-dynamics, family-drama, friendship, angst, investigations, amateur-sleuth, riveting*****

The publisher's blurb is a good prelude/background to the story. Main character is the granddaughter of a well-publicized serial killer who find herself and her PhD candidate daughter cast as suspects in copy-cat killings mimicking the earlier ones. The police are on this track because one of the new victims is her contentious mother-in-law who has just devastated their finances. Considering that Capri's main source of income is business running special interest tours, it seems somewhat plausible. Soon she is doing due diligence and a deep dive into the cases her grandfather was convicted of as well as the new ones and finding the road is as twisty and the red herrings as remarkable as anything by the classic writers. Excellent read.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof e-galley from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you. Avail Sep 24, 2024

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco is a captivating exploration of the city, brimming with quirky situations and colorful characters that truly bring San Francisco to life on the page. From the very start, I found myself completely engrossed in the narrative and unable to put the book down.

I liked the voice in this one and all the tidbits about San Francisco; great mystery and supporting characters…a little more noir than cozy…

Capri Sanzio runs a company giving true crime tours of various locations around San Francisco. She's very familiar with the topic, as her own grandfather is the infamous "Overkill Bill" serial killer. Although Capri has always believed in his innocence, she's never wanted to dig into the case since her father is so reluctant to discuss it. But she is forced to dig up the past when two women, including Capri's ex-mother-in-law Sylvia, turn up dead, both killed in the same way as Overkill Bill. Given Capri's contentious relationship with Sylvia, she and her daughter are squarely in the detective's sights. To find out who is murdering women in the present, Capri must dig into the past and quickly, before she or her daughter are arrested for the crimes.

This was a fun, fast-paced mystery. I found Capri's narration a little annoying--she listed out everything she was doing and all the research she was doing for the cases with a little too much detail (every single thought she had while doing research was spelled out and it just got tedious). I also felt like some of the research she was doing was a bit too easy. I find it hard to believe she was able to dig up so much on a decades-old case in such a short time span. The family drama was interesting but the background/motivation for the murders that is eventually revealed was a little convoluted. Not a bad read, but not my favorite. Would recommend to fans of cozy mysteries though.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Capri has long dealt with the fact that her grandfather went to jail. He was arrested and convicted of being a serial killer. Her father won’t even discuss it, but Capri has always believed what her grandfather told her. He didn’t do it.
Capri runs her own business in San Francisco. Taking people on tours highlighting famous criminals. But when a woman murdered by a copycat of Overkill Bill (her grandfather), suspicion falls on Capri and her daughter Morgan. Then when someone closer to home dies, could history be repeating itself.
I loved learning more about this side of San Francisco. What really grabbed me though was Capri’s belief in her grandfather’s innocence. So, who would dig his MO up after all these years? Here is where I patted myself on the back because I figured out whodunnit the first time the character appeared. Not the why though.
An excellent location, interesting characters, and even the answer to an old crime. This publishes at the end of September, and in my opinion, it would make a great outdoor read. Fast paced, and plenty of red herrings.

3.75 stars rounded up to 4!

This was a fun little cozy mystery book, and as a Californian, I really enjoyed the inclusion of San Fransisco lore and the cute cover!

What I Liked:
- I really liked the main character, Capri, and how determined she was to figure out what was going on
- The connection between locations in San Fransisco and what was happening in the plot
- Characters were likeable, and I really didn't guess a lot of things that ended up happenikng

What I Didn't Like:
- I thought that the cold case component was going to be more relevant, but by the time we got there I was like okay I'm ready for the book to be over
- It was just a little too long

Overall, I thought this was a very fun time and I would definitely pick up more from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Capri Sanzo has always known she was the granddaughter of serial killer Overkill Bill but for years her efforts to find out more from her father have been to no avail. Drawn to true crime she establishes a lucrative tour guide business focusing on the serial killers of San Francisco. She is stunned to turn on the news to discover a copycat killer has struck killing a woman in a nearby park. When her ex mother-in-law is the next victim following a heated phone call she and her daughter Morgan come under suspicion. Using her research skills and contacts in the city Capri springs into action to clear not only her and her daughter but get answers to her grandfather's case. I found this mystery novel to be cleverly developed and as a true crime buff I relished the historical bread crumbs relating to the city's criminal history. Capri is an interesting character but not strongly drawn. The lead character is the city itself with the fog, the chill and the unique landmarks. I always enjoy a cold case narrative and I was really rooting that Capri would be able to provide information toward her grandfather's innocence. The relationship between Capri and her parents and her former in laws added tension to an already fraught situation. I am not familiar with this author but I would definite read her work again. Overall an engaging crime novel with some unique twists.

This novel written by Michelle Chouinard was fun, and light to read. The heroine, Capri, has quite the history! A grandfather, currently passed on, who was arrested for 2 murders in that city. Capri has a business of serial killer tours in San Francisco. Sounds fun, right? Well, there were so many twists and turns in the book, you have to keep up, yet it takes the author quite a while to get to the finish line. It's a fun and easy read while you're getting to that finish!

This was interesting. Definitely kept me reading. It’s an easy mystery read that has different turns! Would recommend .

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard is a light reading mystery that keeps your interrst.

Being the granddaughter of a notorious serial killer and the ex-wife to a cheating husband forced to support herself after the divorce gave Capri the idea of infamous area killers tours that are successful enough to pay the bills. When her daughter’s grandmother cut off her daughter's funds to finish her master's degree Capri needs to find another way to help. However, when copycat murders too close to home puts them both on the police radar Capri decides she needs to find the killer before they are accused of it. She also has been trying to find the original serial killer her grandfather died in prison for. Not believing it was him and he'd always professed his innocence.

This book is easy to read and keeps you entertained with good characters and fast pace. It has mystery, a bit of maybe a romance sprinkled in, and the who-done-it of an old case and new cases.
I enjoyed reading this book and the killer’s identities were not easily guessed,
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martins Press / Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and give my honest review.

After finding out about her grandfather’s trial for murder at school as a child, Capri just can’t let it go. She knows he’s innocent and starts reading everything she can find out about him even if it’s ruined her relationship with her father. As an adult, she leads serial killer tours, highlighting where grisly events took place, to make ends meet after her divorce. But when her ex mother in law is the victim of a copy cat crime, Capri knows she is the prime suspect and must race to solve the whodunnit. Not a bad story and the ending was a surprise for sure. Capri solves two current cases and Comes to terms with her grandfather’s death and overall it is an entertaining and enjoyable read.

Capri owns a tour company in San Fransisco, their niche is serial killers. She’s the ex-wife of Todd, the son of an affluent San Fransisco family, Philip and Sylvia Clement- Sylvia has never liked Capri. They have a daughter Morgan, who Sylvia has just cut off and she is left to pay for her the rest of her graduate school education. Capri is convinced by her bestie and business partner, Heather, and coworker Ryan to do a podcast and write the book she’s been wanting to write to help her daughter- and who better, because Capri is actually the granddaughter of a convicted serial killer.

When two women are murdered copy-catting Overkill Bill’s signature, not only is Capri personally effected, but she’s also a person of interest. She works the case personally to exonerate herself, her daughter, and maybe even her grandfather.

This book was a joy to read. The characters were complex and relatable. The San Fransisco detective collaboration was such a great storyline. While reading @mmchouinard I felt like I was reading a Kinsey Millhone alphabet book by Sue Grafton.

Although I’m not sure there will be a sequel I do want Michelle Chouinard to know that I’m super invested and would be the first in line to buy the next one. I’m a fan.

Thanks to @netgalley and @minotaur_books for this #advancedreaderscopy - pub date is 9/24/24- don’t sleep on this one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#netgalley
#theserialkillerguidetosanfrancisco
#2024bookchallenge69of75
#summer24book12

A Serial Killer Guide to San Fransisco by Michelle Chouinard

Published: September 24, 2024
Minotaur Books
Genre: Amateur Sleuth Mysteries
KKECReads Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for free and leave my review voluntarily.

I adore Michelle. I have to start with this because she is brilliant, talented, kind, and just wonderful. I will read anything she ever writes. She could write a phone book, and I would be engaged.

This was so different from the series I know Michelle from, but the charm, charisma, wit, and solid plot are here. These characters are memorable.

I enjoyed the humor woven throughout this story; it felt very authentic. I could see myself having many of the same thoughts or feelings as Capri as she attempts to navigate this situation.

I love how San Francisco is described. The scenery is one of the most significant characters in this novel, and it’s evident that the love, admiration, and need to share inner beauty are vital. You will see the steep streets, feel the wind, and sense the fog surrounding you.

I enjoyed this book. I found the characters well developed, their back and side stories meshed well with the general plot, and the female empowerment is on point.

I cannot wait to see what shenanigans await Capri and company. This is like a cozy mystery with a twist, and I am here for it.

Side note: the fact that Michelle mentioned me in her acknowledgments is so kind. The genuine and heartfelt words shared in her acknowledgment are so beautiful. I am so fortunate to be an arc reader for you and to call you a friend. Thank you.

Name of Book: The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco
Author: Michelle Chouinard
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Saint Martin’s Press- Minotaur Books
Pub Date: September 24, 2024
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 336

We have vacationed in San Francisco several times. True our ‘go-to’ vacation is always the beach but since we live in Southern California the beach is easy to get to. San Francisco on the other hand is unique – certainly very different than SoCal but is also fun. The idea of a serial killer tour is clever. Although we have never been on the serial killer tour - if there is one- but have been to Alcatraz, Fort Point, and crossed the Golden Gate Bridge many times. They are all part of the unique tours. I just knew this was going to be a fun story.

In this story Capri Sanzio, conducts serial killer tours of San Francisco.
When Capri was just a kid she founded out that she is the granddaughter of serial killer William ‘Overkill Bill’ Sanzio.
Capri always believed her grandfather was innocence and now there is a copycat killer so Capri is out to prove him innocent.

In the meantime, Sylvia, Capri’s former mother-in-law, just cut off Capri’s daughter’s tuition payments.
Even worse she just found out that the copycat’s latest victim is - Sylvia!!!
Capri and her daughter are prime suspects.

If you're a fan of San Francisco, as well as cool summer days that start out with great food- you surely will like this story.
Want to thank NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 24, 2022.