Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley, MacMillan Audio, and Catherine Mack for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to listen to audiobooks. They have really been able to help me read during the moments where I can’t just sit down and pick up a physical book. I am also so grateful that I have been able to get a bit more audiobooks on Netgalley, so thank you for this opportunity.

I really enjoy cozy mysteries and snarky books and this was that. From the moment that I saw the title and read a bit of the synopsis – I try not to read too much of it so I can go into a book without any preconceived notions as much as possible – I had a feeling that it was going to be a fun time. The main character Eleanor is a mystery author – talk about meta – who is on a tour in Italy to promote and celebrate her book series. During this time, she finds out that someone is either trying to kill her or kill the guy that her books are based on, all while trying to figure out how to kill the guy her books are based on… on the page of course. The footnotes in this book were so seamless in the story that I didn’t even realize that I was listening to them until later on in the book where Eleanor mentioned that they were footnotes. It almost reminded me of Nevernight by Jay Kristoff, and I feel like audiobooks that do a great job of making the footnotes such a seamless part of the book.

The story itself was entertaining and I found it funny to follow. I think what helped make it enjoyable for me was the snark and sarcasm from Eleanor’s footnotes. It was cool to be able to get into her head as she’s going through this trip. There were even some breaking the fourth wall moments where she talked directly to the readers to get them to solve the mystery of who was the killer, which almost made it seem like a murder mystery dinner type of thing. I personally don’t remember seeing that happen in recent books that I’ve read, so it was fun to experience.

Elizabeth Evans was a great narrator for this book, and I feel like she gave Eleanor life and voice for the story, and not just physically. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought Elizabeth really was Eleanor and that this was based on a true story. I really enjoy when narrators are able to do this, and this is in no small part to Catherine Mack’s masterful writing style.

First of all, this title just screeeeeams FUN! And fun is what you’ll get with this one!

This was a debut of a new cozy mystery series titled The Vacation Mysteries brought to us by a pseudonym for a beloved Canadian author, Catherine McKenzie!

It was such an amusing take on the murder mystery genre and I always relish in a books about books concept!

Elenor was such a snarky and quirky MC and I enjoyed how her first hand narration broke down the fourth wall and let us into her inner thoughts! Mack does this through footnotes which can come across a bit distracting at first but once I switched to the audiobook version, they flowed seamlessly and I actually found they enhanced the story quite well and really brought it to life!

Readers beware: this story is going to leave you itching for a trip to Italy, a good Aperol spritz and all the pasta! You’ve been warned

This was a great audiobook! The narrator was engaging and it was perfect for this story. I appreciated Eleanor's snarky sense of humor. I enjoyed the relationship with her sister. There were some aspects of the plot that were not plausible. But it was still engaging. It was a super quick read.

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack is a smart and witty who-done-it, with a contemporary flare.

The story follows novelist Eleanor Dash on a tour of Italy celebrating ten years of her Vacation Mysteries series. After ten books, Eleanor contemplates killing off her main character, Conor Smith; however, she learns that someone else is looking to end him, too…in real life. Little does she know, Eleanor herself is also a target!

I laughed out loud while listening to this book. It’s so much fun, and the asides add so much to the overall story. Eleanor was equally intelligent and quick thinking, and I enjoyed her humor.

Narrator Elizabeth Evans is so good with this book! Her sarcastic tone made the character Eleanor jump off the page (err…phone?), and I could not stop listening.

Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who loves an Agatha Christie but is looking for a contemporary twist. It’s a must read!

Title: A Riveting Whodunit Packed with Humor and Intrigue

Rating: 5 Stars

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack is an absolute delight from start to finish. With its irresistible blend of mystery, humor, and unforgettable characters, this novel is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and literary whodunits.

At the center of the story is bestselling author Eleanor Dash, whose Italian book tour takes an unexpected turn when a real-life murder mystery unfolds. As Eleanor finds herself embroiled in the investigation, she must contend with literary rivals, rabid fans, and even her charming but infuriating ex, Oliver. Mack expertly weaves together multiple plot threads, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its cast of characters, each more eccentric and entertaining than the last. From the enigmatic Eleanor to the handsome yet mysterious Connor Smith, Mack brings her characters to life with vivid detail and sharp dialogue. Readers will find themselves fully immersed in the world of Eleanor Dash, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth behind the murder.

Mack's writing is witty and engaging, filled with clever wordplay and laugh-out-loud moments. The dialogue crackles with energy, and the pacing is pitch-perfect, keeping readers hooked from the first page to the last. The Italian setting adds an extra layer of charm to the story, transporting readers to picturesque locales as they follow Eleanor's adventures across the country.

Furthermore, Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is more than just a mystery novel—it's a love letter to the genre itself. Mack pays homage to classic whodunits while putting her own unique spin on the formula, resulting in a fresh and thoroughly entertaining read.

Overall, Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is a standout debut from Catherine Mack that is sure to leave readers clamoring for more. With its engaging plot, memorable characters, and delightful humor, this novel is a must-read for anyone looking for a cozy mystery with a twist. Catherine Mack has crafted a gem of a book that will keep readers guessing until the very end—a true five-star read in every sense of the word.

I really enjoy cozy murder mysteries. This book managed to capture my attention with its blend of humor and entertainment. Despite taking me a bit longer than usual to finish, the amusing moments sprinkled throughout kept me engaged until the end. While it didn't leave me disliking it, I'm uncertain if this series aligns with my preferences.

One feature of the book is its incorporation of footnotes, which I found incredibly distracting and annoying, however on audio, didn't detract from the experience. In fact, they added an extra layer of enjoyment, making the listening experience more dynamic. However, it seems that readers might find them less seamlessly integrated in the print version, which could affect the flow of the narrative.

The audio rendition, narrated by Elizabeth Evans, brought the characters to life, particularly Eleanor with her witty remarks and sarcastic humor. Yet, there were some shortcomings in portraying male voices convincingly. This is always something that I noticed if its not done correctly.

Despite its brisk pace and humorous undertones, some key scenes felt underdeveloped, leaving room for more vivid imagination. Additionally, a few plot points stretched the limits of plausibility. Nevertheless, the storyline remained entertaining, keeping me guessing until the end.

For those considering picking up this novel, I'd recommend the audio version for a smoother experience with the footnotes. It may not be a perfect fit for everyone, but for those seeking a lighthearted and quirky take on the genre, it's worth giving a try.

EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION SOMEONE DIES
Catherine Mack, Author
Cozy Mystery

In this debut book from Catherine Mack: ten days, eight suspects, six cities, five authors and three bodies is a trip to die for. While on a book tour in Italy, all Eleanor wants to do is go home and finish what she hopes will be the last in her ongoing series. All while being pursued by fans, stalkers, and a murderer.

This book is hilarious; you will go from one emotion to another. Between, laughing, being scared and saying “Ooh la la,” it has a little bit of everything in it. I give this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars.

This was a light, easy read. Apparently, there are a ton of footnotes in this book, so I’m thankful I listened to the audiobook; they flowed seamlessly into the narrative.

I loved the beautiful setting and the descriptions of Italy and it’s food. There were definitely a lot of suspects, which kept me questioning myself until the reveal.

There were a couple of characters I liked, but the main character was a little annoying. I mean what grown woman doesn’t handle her own finances? Who sleeps with someone who is blackmailing them? She seemed like a grown-up child, which didn’t really fit given that she became the guardian of her sister after their parents died. Eleanor did grow throughout the book though which was a relief.

One thing I absolutely hated about this book was all the foreshadowing. It was almost constant and it just became annoying. Some is fine, but this book just had too much. Also, the MC spoils The Murder of Roger Ackroyd for anyone who hasn’t read it, which is just wrong.

This book was light and had a slightly humorous tone, although I wouldn’t say it was laugh-out-loud funny. It was entertaining and I would probably try another book by this author in the future.

***I received this audiobook ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***

Every Time I go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack is a quick-witted, charming, and funny series debut. The author did a great job setting up the series. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. It also gives an interesting behind-the-scenes view of the publishing and social media world.

I adored this audiobook. If you are a fan of Agatha Christie or Sir Authur Conan Doyle, you can’t skip this one. I have recently discovered that I am smitten with a story that is self-aware and pokes fun at its own genre. Self-deprecation is my own personal brand of humor, and this book doubles down on it.
Our main character, Eleanor, is an author who just really wants to kill off her main character (who is based on a very real ex, and who she wouldn’t mind killing in real life, either. SHE HAS HER REASONS!). She never set out to write a book, but here she is on book tour with a slew of authors in her genre represented by the same publisher, two exes, and a sister that probably maybe is still bitter that she stole her dream. Somebody drops dead, and somebody in their group is the killer. But who?
My absolute favorite part of this whole book was that it had me so unsure if I was dealing with a reliable narrator OR NOT! I couldn’t decide. At one point, Eleanor even asks the question “can you trust me?” to the reader and my jaw hit the floor. Another hysterical moment is when Eleanor actually discusses closing versus opening the doors. 😉 There is, however, a lot of strong language. Not so much that I walked away, but had it heightened anymore, it would have been a problem. It was character-specific (some characters cursed, while others didn’t), but still… unnecessary to an already accomplished plot.

This was so much fun!! Part rom-com, part murder mystery, but all enjoyable! This was something a little different than your typical rom-com, and I absolutely loved it. Between the cast of characters, the narrator breaking the fourth wall frequently to speak to the reader, and great audio narration with different voices and accents, I loved every second of this one. It sounds like it's going to be a series, and I'll be first in line for the next one! This is definitely a fun read for vacation this summer.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC of this audiobook! All thoughts in this review are my own.

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐈 𝐆𝐨 𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐁𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐤
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟒.𝟑𝟎.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒


Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook.


I love books that let you inside a writer's life (or even better - inside their head). I had so much fun listening to author Eleanor Dash as she heads out on her book tour - in Italy.

It all becomes a tangled mess as Eleanor plans to kill off the main character in her popular book series, Connor Smith. The problem is that she based it on her real ex, Connor, and now someone seems to be trying to kill him.

I found this a light and breezy, cozy mystery that was entertaining and refreshing. I loved that it all takes place on a book tour. Several authors are on tour, and a fan club called the “book-face ladies” and Eleanor’s sister, plus Conner, are along, too, which lends for plenty of suspects when the bodies start dropping.

Besides the fabulous setting of the European cities and all the book talk, I loved Eleanor’s snark and humor. She would also break the fourth wall, speaking directly to the reader, which I found delightful.

I highly recommend the audiobook as Elizabeth Evans’ narration perfectly brought Eleanor’s character to life.

Thank you to McMillan Audio as well as Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This is the story of Eleanor Dash, who is on a book tour through Italy and is just ready to get it over with. She is wanting to kill off her main character of her story who is a real life con man.

The book had lots of humor but some scenes seemed to move along very fast. I was not a fan of the breaking of the fourth wall part I felt like it took me out of the story and I lost a little interest after that.

I had so much fun with this book. I quickly read it and then got an audio copy and LOVED the audio version so much, if not more. Eleanor is an author and while on vacation with the book ladies they are joined by other authors represented by the publisher. When people start dying there is definitely something going on. I love that it is sort of narrated by the main character and she is talking to us through the entire story and walking us through the mystery and helping us figure it out. Will you figure it out before it is too late?

Catherine Mack’s travel murder mystery was a fun and entertaining read (and listen)! Best-selling author Eleanor Nash is on the book tour of a lifetime in Italy with a group of fans and friends - and some enemies. After there is an attempt on someone’s life, everyone becomes a suspect and red herrings abound. Will they make it out of Italy alive?

This is a start to a new series and I thought it was a fresh and enjoyable story. Narrator Elizabeth Evans did a great job with the cast of characters and I kept looking forward to listening to it on my commute. Eleanor breaks the fourth wall quite a bit, leading the reader to feel like part of the story. I will definitely pick up the next book in this series to see what Eleanor & co. get up to next! I recommend this to fans of funny and witty mysteries, like the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano.
I Received an advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.

Holy Moly. This book is incredible. I absolutely can not say enough things about this book. Its Fantastic. Its cozy romance + cozy mystery + hilariousness. It was just perfection!!

"Every Time I Go on Vacation, Somebody Dies" is an absolute gem in the world of mystery novels! Catherine Mack's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this witty, suspenseful, and utterly enjoyable read. From the charming backdrop of Italy to the quirky characters and the intricate plot, Mack keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last. The way she seamlessly blends humor with suspense is nothing short of brilliant, making this book a delightful rollercoaster of emotions. With each page turn, you'll find yourself drawn deeper into Eleanor Dash's world, rooting for her as she navigates through literary rivalries, unexpected twists, and heartwarming moments. Mack has crafted a masterpiece that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this captivating series. If you're looking for a mystery novel that will keep you guessing while also leaving you in stitches, "Every Time I Go on Vacation, Somebody Dies" is the perfect choice!

I listened to and read an ARC via NetGalley

A different, fun read - an author writing about an author. It mixes an interesting blend of humor and murder, with a little romance. Obviously gorgeous setting. And breaking of the fourth wall, which made this unique. The audio definitely made you feel more a part of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fun story. I listened to the audio version and loved the narrator. She did a great job with all of the voices. I loved the pace of this book. I will definitely be looking for the next book in this new series. It’s the perfect book to read on your next vacation!

The title of this one grabbed my attention and from the beginning I was intrigued in what was going to happen. I liked the fourth wall breaks which made me feel like I was part of the story. I think the beginning/ending was more successful as I found my attention wandering at times in the middle of the story. I will say that I wasn't fully invested in continuing the series, but there was a part where the author says something along the lines of you don't know this character yet you will meet them in the next book, which actually made me want to continue on with the series.