
Member Reviews

Overall really enjoyed this one! I found some of the investigation jargon a bit tough to read through and it wasn’t that interesting and kind of confusing but really liked fthe characters, especially Capri! The ending is what sold it to me and bumped this from a 3.5 to 4 star read! A fun modern cozy mystery

This was not what I was expecting, but I had a lot of fun with this cozy mystery. This book follows Capri a woman who’s the granddaughter of a known serial killer. Knowing her grandfather claims he’s innocent, Capri trying to prove her grandfathers innocence learned a lot about serial killers. She gives serial killer tours with this info. When Capris ex mother in law cuts off her daughter’s tuition and shows up dead, Capri and her daughter become persons of interest. Trying to prove her and her daughter’s innocence Capri starts investigating on her own. This was a good cozy mystery that kept me interested throughout. The characters were entertaining and the mystery kept me guessing. I was surprised by the ending and had a good time throughout. There were a few places where the pacing felt a little slow but look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

In this quirky mystery novel, Capri Sanzio is a tour guide to all the serial killer spots in San Francisco, and her grandfather is one of the most notorious serial killers. Although Capri questions if he actually is a serial killer after all. When bodies start dropping being killed with her grandfather's MO, she kicks her investigation into his innocence into high gear. Unfortunately, the killer strikes too close to home, and Capri herself becomes a suspect. I really enjoyed the ebb and flow of this novel. It made for interesting reading!

Capri Sanzio owns a serial killer tour company in San Francisco. She became interested in true crime as a child when she discovered that her grandfather William ‘Overkill Bill’ Sanzio was convicted of killing three women. But when her mother-in-law cuts off her daughter Morgan's tuition, Capri decides to write a book. The only problem is her dad who doesn't want to discuss his father. And Capri's mother-in-law's murder by a copycat killer further complicates her life. She must clear her and Morgan's names before Detective Petito arrests them both.
I really liked the history in this book! It features multiple historic sites with information about murder, crime and movie trivia.
Likewise, the author references self-awareness. She mentions various ways to manage with stress and our lizard brain as Capri copes with the police investigation, her childhood trauma and challenging family dynamics.
Plus, the writing is clever. Capri has a sense of humor that makes the book more enjoyable.
I didn't fully suspect the ending, and that was a surprise!
Capri uses her phone while driving a lot. Even though she "keeps her eyes on the road," this practice is dangerous.
I'm ready to read book number 2 in this series!

I happily admit that I had fun listening to THE SERIAL KILLER GUIDE TO SAN FRANCISCO by Michelle Chouinard and read by Stephanie Németh-Parker. I mean, we have the granddaughter of a convicted serial killer leading tours around San Franscisco’s notorious spots. Capri’s always been convinced her grandfather was innocent, and just when her friends convince her to start a podcast of her investigations into his innocence, a victim of a copycat is found. When the second victim is her ex-mother-in-law, she becomes a suspect, as does her daughter (motive, of course). Now Capri is trying to clear herself and her daughter, while also trying to exonerate her grandfather.
Németh-Parker did an excellent job narrating, keeping me entertained. There were some surprises, which made this even more fun. I was excited to see this listed as book 1, I can’t wait to see what Chouinard had in store for Capri next.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#MacAudio2024

This murder mystery set in San Francisco is an entertaining and atmospheric read. Capri, a tour guide specializing in serial killer lore and the granddaughter of a notorious murderer, must solve a present-day copycat killing to protect her family. While the mystery itself is solid but not groundbreaking, the real standout is the vivid depiction of San Francisco, with its famous landmarks and eerie fog adding depth to the story. Capri’s connection to her grandfather adds intrigue, though some plot elements, like Ryan’s over-the-top hacking skills, feel a bit contrived. A fun and suspenseful read, even if not entirely original. Three stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC!

I loved this one! The granddaughter of a serial killer gives serial killer tours in San Francisco, but there’s a catch. She doesn’t believe her grandfather is actually guilty. When a copycat killer strikes all hell breaks loose and Capri is in the middle of it all.
Thank you #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received a free copy from NetGalley. What a great idea for a job for the main character. The details of the city combined with the family drama made for an original and interesting read.

Received a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.
Naturally interested in true crime as her grandpa is an accused serial killer, Capri finds herself in the middle of a copycat killing. Everyone close to her is a suspect and she’s fighting to uncover the truth. The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco is from a debut author and I’m excited to see where they take this series. This was a quick read that features a smart, determined lead female character.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

DNF'ed as a "will try again later." The writing and story is not currently grabbing my attention but will come back to this at a later period

Wowww such a thriller! I flew through the pages. I bet this one ends up popular! Highly recommend for someone looking for a quick, intriguing read. Cover is adorable too.

The title captured my attention and I’m happy to report this book did not disappoint! I was entertained and interested from start to finish.
The story is about Capri Sanzio, middle aged granddaughter of a serial killer, she made killing her career post divorce with her wealthy ex-husband. She leads tours about famous serial killers in San Francisco, but suddenly finds herself caught up in an investigation of a copy cat of her grandfather’s murders. Will she be able to prove her innocence and that of her adult daughter?
Highly recommend this California thriller! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#serialkillerthriller
#californiamystery
#fourstarmystery
Michelle Chouinard
Minotaur

The Serial Killer’s Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard
.
Granddaughter of a serial killer. ✅
Runs tours of San Fran that features historic facts about serial killers from the area. ✅
Copycat killer strikes in her city and she decides to investigate it herself. ✅
Might as well start a podcast about her serial killer grandfather to prove he was innocent. ✅
.
This book was SO entertaining. I did the audio and listened to it in less than 24 hours. I was completely drawn in and needed ALL the answers. I loved every minute of it.
Capri was awesome and I am really excited to see in Goodreads that this is going to be a series. I can’t wait to read more about Capri.
The mystery was riveting and I needed all the answers.
Also, Capri was closer to my own age, which I loved. She was so good at chasing down leads and searching out clues, it made me wonder if her character also read a lot of Nancy Drew growing up (like me!).
I LOVED that she really leaned in to the whole “granddaughter of a serial killer” with her business. So smart. Another reason to adore her.
.
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 The only thing I’m mad about is that I did not read this the day it was sent to me. I wasted months not enjoying this book. Do better me!

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard is a fun, twisty cozy mystery that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The writing was light, making it easy to follow, while the mystery itself provided enough twists to keep me guessing. The characters were interesting, especially Capri’s complicated family dynamic, which added some extra depth to the story.
If you enjoy a cozy mystery with a touch of true crime and a strong-willed, relatable lead, The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco is definitely worth checking out. It’s a perfect mix of suspense and charm! 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

If you are a fan of mystery books with a spunky female main character, you will love this book. It has humor, it has mystery and is has perseverance. Plus it is a new series. And it has a satisfying ending. The main character runs a tour in San Francisco that looks at famous murders and serial killers. The reason for his fascination is her grandpa is in jail as a notorious serial killer. She is dead set on proving his innocence in her free time. As if this isn’t enough her mother in law is brutally killed and she is one of the suspects so she is off on her own investigation.
Thank you to Minotaur books for a Net Galley copy

Overall, I enjoyed The Killer Guide to San Francisco. It kept me guessing and while I enjoyed the characters, there was something missing for me that I can't quite pinpoint. If you enjoy a mystery, I recommend giving this one a chance.

A cozy mystery set in San Francisco? I am all in for that! Suspenseful, enjoyable, with an interesting cast of characters this book delivers on the scenic SF vibe and amateur sleuthing. Fun and entertaining.
**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review an electronic ARC of this book.

After taking a trip to San Francisco this was the perfect book to read. The setting description was spot on and I felt like I was right there. I loved the characters and the funny moments

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was twisty and fun. I would definitely consider reading more from this author!