The author did a great job in staging this well-written drama that I could not put down, quickly becoming a page-turner. The multi-plot storyline kept me immersed in that was happening, especially when the similarities connect the recent murder of two women to what her grandfather was accused and found guilty of. Determined to clear both her and her daughter’s name while looking into her grandfather’s case who she believes was innocent, Capri, with help from her friends, uncovers enough clues to pinpoint the recent murder to another suspect. When I thought I had a handle with was going on, the author placed several strategically placed twists that blew the bubble on what I was thinking and boy what a twist it was when the killer’s identity was revealed, I did not see that coming. Boasting a great and eclectic cast of characters, engaging dialogue, a small-town atmosphere with a backdrop of San Francisco, this was a terrific read and I would love to see this as a series.

✨️ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎✨️

I received an ARC from Netgalley of this book.

Will be available September 25, 2024 👀

Secrets, secrets, and more secrets. What lengths are you willing to go to to keep your family's/friends' secrets hidden? 🤫

The dual mystery was enticing, and I loved the feeling of mixing the vibe of a true crime podcast with a fictional mystery.
It definitely kept me hooked, but with that being said, I was a little disappointed in the ending. It felt very cliché to me. I was also frustrated by the FMC. For her knowledge and interest in crimes and investigative skills, she was slow to catch onto the obvious twists.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
No spice

"Money may buy a lot of things, but an escape from the dark side of human nature ain't one of them."

And a quote I can relate to... 😂
"To drown out the remaining voices, I flipped my platlist on and sang with Taylor Swift at the top of my lungs about shaking everything off."

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco, I was able to get an ARC thanks to NetGalley , St. Martin’s Press and Michelle Chouinard. This book was so good. A classic who did it beautifully told in the setting of San Francisco. Capri's mother in law is found dead and Capri decides to follow the clues to the killer in order to clear her name and that of her daughters especially with the case being similar to a closed case where her grandpa was said to be a serial killer overkill Bill. The more she finds the more secrets that get dug up. This book threw me through a loop and the person I thought for sure did it was not who it was. Unpredictable ending would recommend this book to any that like mystery books. I felt as if I was the one solving the mystery. Get your copy 9-24-24 you won’t want to miss this!

I loved this book. It was awesome to read how the story was so embedded within San Francisco. The plot kept you intrigued, and it didn’t feel like how everything turned out was obvious or predictable. I finished this book in one day!

So, this one gets slow.

It starts out just fine. I was loving our MC and adored the serial killer aspect. The problem was that the serial killer aspect was really not all that important to the plot. The actual reason behind everything is really kind of dull.

You do start off with a bang, but the actual investigation seems to take a hundred years.

I did find that the author did a good job of adding some complexity and pathos to our victim, but the other characters were thin and a bit dull.

Not for me.

• ARC via Publisher

I DNF this book. The pace was quite slow, and the involvement of technology and accounts did not interest me. The premise of the book was interesting, but the style was not for me. This book would be a good read if you enjoy silicon valley thrillers.

This book was a solid mystery. It had some pacing issues, the middle of the book was so much in the weeds and the main mystery didn’t actually didn’t have all that much to do with the serial killer piece of the puzzle, but overall it was enjoyable. I hope it finds its audience as I don’t feel the cover accurately reflects the tone of the book..

3.75 ⭐️This was such a fun read! I loved the family dynamics and thought the end was surprising enough! I would LOVE a prequel with all of the details about Overkill Bill!!! would def recommend this one!

This was my first time reading this author. It had all the things you want in a murder mystery. There were a few spots where I did laugh out loud. Which was great. And the fact that they researched real life serial killers were great. I like that there were little alternative chapters where there were some facts given to the readers. This book had me trying so hard to figure out if the killer was a copy cat or just a prodigy of the original killer. It was a great read.

I enjoyed the main character and the fact that she had a true crime tour business in San Francisco. There was good family drama and I did not guess who committed the murders. I was a little disappointed that the investigation of Capri’s grandfather’s story was kind of rushed at the end. In addition, the story dragged some, especially towards the end. Nonetheless, it was a quick, enjoyable read.

"The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco" is a cozy murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Capri, a unique and intriguing character who gives serial killer tours of San Francisco—and did I mention she's the granddaughter of a convicted serial killer? When a copycat killer starts using her grandfather's methods, Capri becomes the prime suspect in protecting herself and her family.

You'll fall in love with the city of San Francisco as it becomes a character in itself. The author's vivid descriptions transport you to iconic landmarks like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fort Point. You'll even get to explore some of the city's fascinating neighborhoods and experience the infamous fog that plays a spooky role in the story.
One of the book's strengths is the relationship between Capri and her tech-savvy partner, Ryan. Their banter and chemistry add a touch of humor to the suspense, and you'll find yourself laughing out loud at some of their exchanges. However, I couldn't help but wonder why Ryan isn't using his impressive hacking skills for the greater good, like joining the CIA or something.

In conclusion, this is a fun and entertaining murder mystery. The pacing was a little slow and the book a little too long, but if you're looking for a thrilling read with a touch of San Francisco charm, this book is definitely worth checking out!

My overall rating: 3.75 stars, rounded up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

A serial killers granddaughter, who gives tours of infamous murder sites, is on a quest to find out more about her grandfather and if he is truly the horrible killer everyone thinks he is….such a fun premise and quirky read. Kept me wanting to read more. Did not know what to expect going in, especially with the cover art. What is it with main characters fully thinking they can solve these mysteries on their own? I constantly talked to the character while I was reading! Haha. This was 3.5 stars rounded up, still thinking about the story. I had fun with this one!!
Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur books for this advance reader copy. So very much appreciated!!!

3.25/5 stars! This book sounded quirky and silly and I was excited to read it. I really enjoyed the first 1/3 of this book. Capri is a delightful character and I found myself laughing as she gets into shenanigans. My struggle with this book was the pacing. It felt like it just dragged on and on and I wasn't surprised by any of the late developments. Overall a fun read but too long.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

"The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco" offers a unique twist on the murder mystery genre that fans are sure to appreciate. The protagonist, Capri, runs a tour company highlighting locations famous for local murders and has a notorious convicted serial killer for a grandfather. The plot thickens when Capri becomes a prime suspect in the murder of her ex-mother-in-law, killed in a manner reminiscent of her late grandfather’s crimes. Determined to clear her name, our heroine embarks on a dual quest: proving her innocence and investigating her grandfather’s case to seek his exoneration.

Despite its title, the novel veers more towards a cozy mystery than a dark serial killer story, characterized by a brisk pace and engaging secondary characters. However, the connection between present-day murders and those of the past is somewhat tenuous. Additionally, the narrative's first half is somewhat marred by an overuse of random similes, which may distract some readers. Despite these critiques, the book remains a light and enjoyable read for those who love a good mystery.

Granddaughter of a serial killer, Capri Sanzio is a tour guide running serial killer tours of San Francisco. Capri and her daughter find themselves prime suspects when her former mother-in-law is found dead under similar circumstances as the victims of her grandfather, dubbed 'Overkill Bill'.

While it took me a few chapters to really get into this book, once I was hooked I breezed right through. I loved the intrepedness of Capri and her friends and colleagues trying to solve not only who killed Sylvia, but to clear her grandfather's name, as Capri finds evidence that the original police investigation wasn't thorough. It was also refreshing to read about a fortysomething woman as the heroine, as well as an amateur detective, jumping from clue to clue. I also liked the slight tension between her and a certain police detective.

The real star of the book, however was the vivid descriptions of San Francisco, a city that is now an extremely high cost of living area thanks to the tech boom. The city came alive for me in the way that I, a non-native, will never experience and I really appreciated way the places depicted were woven in seamlessly from the city streets to the parks. I am hope we get more adventures with Capri, I will sure be reading them.

Thanks to St Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Michelle Chouinard kept me guessing til the very end. Every time I thought I had a handle on the truth, there was a new twist. The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco has everything you could want — a relatable (and funny) MC, a wonderful plot that makes it nearly impossible to put the book down, and fantastic writing. One of my top reads for year and an overall favorite.

I love everything about this book. The cover is what first caught my eye, colorful and just so San Francisco fun. I liked the synopsis too. I have not read anything by Michelle Chouinard but I will add her to my must-read list, as she is wonderful. From the beginning, I was caught up in the storyline. I fell in love with Capri Sanzio and her unique job and life. She would be someone I would love to meet and chat with. Can you imagine the stories a tour guide of serial killing locations in San Francisco could share? Plus she is the granddaughter of a serial killer, who by the way Capri has never believed was guilty. Then add in her Father who will not even allow her to talk about her belief that her grandfather is innocent. All that and I haven't even gotten to the murders that take place that Capri needs to solve. This book is wonderful and I sure hope there are more in this series..
Huge thank you to Netgally, Minotaur Books, and Michelle Chouinard for the ARC. This review is my honest review.

The plot of this book was so, so interesting, and I found myself very invested in the main character's life because it was so unusual. Some aspects of the book weren't very believable for me, but the main character had a very fun voice and I liked the mystery aspect.

When I saw the cover of this book on Net Galley, I knew it was right up my alley. I was not disappointed! Capri lives in San Francisco and leads true crime tours (what a cool job!). Meanwhile, the fact that her grandfather was a convicted serial killer never sat right with her. Throughout the book, Capri is intent on discovering the real story of her grandfather’s life, while also unearthing details on a more recent murder.

This was a fun read, though the subject matter was heavy. Reading along while Capri unraveled these cases was entertaining and I hope the author keeps writing about Capri and her family. Or keeps writing, period! This was a very enjoyable first book!

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press Minotaur Books and Net Galley for this digital ARC!!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Capri Sanzio, the granddaughter of infamous serial killer William 'Overkill Bill' Sanzio, finds herself thrust into the spotlight when a copycat killer begins terrorizing San Francisco. As a tour guide specializing in serial killer tours, Capri's fascination with the topic is deeply ingrained, but her own family ties to the case add an unexpected layer of complexity to her involvement. Chouinard masterfully weaves together a tale of suspense, intrigue, and family drama, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. As Capri delves deeper into her grandfather's past in an attempt to clear his name, she finds herself entangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and murder.The supporting cast adds depth and dimension to the story, each with their own secrets and motivations. The writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the gritty atmosphere of San Francisco and the chilling allure of its darker side. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers guessing until the very end. With its atmospheric setting, compelling characters, and twisty plot, this novel is sure to keep you hooked from start to finish.