I thought this would be a book with quirky humor. It was much deeper than that and was more than I expected it to be.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook in exchange for my review.

I really enjoyed this. It was one of those fun reads where you can’t wait to get back to the story. Just like always, I was so sure I had it figured out, but I was wrong. Closer than I’ve been before though!

I thought the overall plot was fresh and interesting.

The narrator did a great job—my only issue was a couple of distracting mispronunciations of foreign words. Otherwise, easy to tell characters apart and easy to listen to.

I’d definitely read more from this author.

I was originally drawn to this book just based on the title and went into it completely blind! So glad I did because I enjoyed every minute of it. The granddaughter of a serial killer having to solve a copy cat murder that just keeps getting more messy the more you dig… Living for the drama! And perfect for spooky season! Highly recommend!

Take one part cozy, a pinch of city mystery, a dash of historical whodunit, and a smattering of true crime and you get The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco. The story felt both familiar and new all at the same time. I can't really think of one particular element of The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco that was 100% original (except, perhaps, when Michelle Chouinard interspersed true crime synopses into an otherwise fictional story). It was the way she spun all of these familiar elements that made the story so engaging. Having a main character that I could identify with didn't hurt, either. Capri came across as someone who could exist in the real world. As for the plot, elements of it might as well be true crime.

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco also has the distinction of being added to my list of books that make me proud to be a poor white trash introvert. Someone cue Good Charlotte, because "lifestyles of the rich and the famous, they're always complainin'." (Heather had some valuable thoughts on this matter.) Another moral, pointed out by Capri, is that how many conflicts could be avoided by trusting people, letting them in, not trying to imitate Atlas.

My understanding is that #SKGSF is going to start a series. If this is indeed the case, though, I feel like the ending was rushed. I figured that the Overkill Bill story would be a common thread tying the series together. Imagine my surprise when it was "solved" in the final pages. That said, there were some plotlines that were left open-ended. Luckily, none so unresolved that they annoyed me. Not only would I enjoy catching up with Capri and co. again, but moreso if we could get some resolution to some of the unanswered questions. (Like, maybe, justice for Margie Francis?)

Stephanie Nemeth-Parker's narration was solid; no complaints here. The voices were distinct enough for me to keep the characters straight and she made Capri feel extra-real through her inflections.

I would like to thank Macmillan Audio for allowing me to experience this NetGalley audiobook. Four stars easy and I look forward to the next installment!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC!

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco has a very interesting protagonist: the family member of a convicted serial killer. It also takes place in one of the most interesting cities in the world, not least because of the true crimes of its past. It was a solidly constructed book with plenty of humor to offset the darkness, and I would definitely recommend it to cozy crime enthusiasts.

I just read The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco and it was so much fun. A clever mystery about a woman who leads guided tours of serial killers in San Francisco who happens to be the granddaughter of a man convicted of being a serial killer. When her former mother in law is murdered, she does a deep dive to try and solve the murder mystery but also exonerate her grandfather. Such a fun book despite the topic. It really showcased the City in such a way that it became its own character. I loved the little historical tidbits. And I liked seeing Capri figure it all out, like putting puzzle pieces together. She was solving two different crimes simultaneously to add to the twists and turns. Overall, very fun.

An interesting premise with just a so-so execution.

Capri is a somewhat relatable protagonist, but I just couldn't find myself caring about her or her family. The fact that her grandpa was arrested for being a serial killer should have been enough to keep me interested, let alone the fact that he's more than likely being framed for it, but I just didn't have any dying need to know what truly happened to him by the end of this book. (Also, Capri's dad is so annoying and just really soured a lot of the family dynamics.)

The rest of the plot is fine, but everything just seemed too far fetched to me. The police officers being convinced that Capri committed her ex mother-in-law's murder was so stupid, especially since they didn't look to anyone else first (every cop normally looks at husbands or children first!!!)

Overall, a decent read that held my attention just enough, but isn't my top pick for a serial killer comedy book.

Michelle Chouinard’s “The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco” is a masterful blend of suspense, intrigue, and richly developed characters that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very end. This book is a top-tier thriller that stands out in the genre for its originality and depth.

From the outset, Chouinard introduces us to a cast of characters that are not only well-built but also incredibly relatable. Each character is meticulously crafted, with their own unique backstories and motivations that add layers of complexity to the narrative. The protagonist, in particular, is a standout, navigating the dark and twisted streets of San Francisco with a mix of determination and vulnerability that makes you root for them at every turn.

The story itself is a rollercoaster of twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Chouinard’s writing is both engaging and immersive, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The plot is intricately woven, with each chapter revealing new clues and secrets that propel the story forward. The pacing is perfect, balancing moments of intense action with quieter, more introspective scenes that allow for character development and reflection.

One of the most impressive aspects of this book is how Chouinard brings San Francisco to life. The city itself becomes a character, with its iconic landmarks and hidden corners providing the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama. The attention to detail in the setting adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story, making it feel all the more real and immediate.

In conclusion, “The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco” is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre. Michelle Chouinard has crafted a compelling and original story that is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its well-built characters, gripping plot, and vivid setting, this book is a true page-turner that you won’t want to miss.

This book sounded like a fun mystery, but it just didn't keep me in it. It seemed to move too slow in areas throughout the book, losing my attention.
Thank you to netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC.

Capri is a special kind of tour guide - she gives tours about the most prominent serial killers in San Francisco's history. Her own grandfather was arrested for being the famous serial killer "Overkill Bill."

A new serial killer shows up, with a similar MO to her grandfather. She decides to try and cash in by making a podcast. Unfortunately one of the victims is her ex mother-in-law, drawing the attention of the police and pointing the suspicion on her that maybe she's taken up her grandfather's craft.

This was a lot of fun, I usually don't like cozy mysteries but this had a great mystery and lots of twists while still being fun.

Thank you netgalley and Macmillan audio for giving me an advanced review copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun mystery! As you’d expect of a guide book, there is lots of local color. I sometimes found myself a bit lost/bogged down in the midst of discussion of investment portfolios and societal connections of San Francisco’s elite, on which the heroine is on the border, having married into an Old Money family. Overall, however, I enjoyed it, and I didn’t guess the culprit(s)!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing a free arc of this novel.

*4.5 stars

There’s nothing better than reading a good thriller to start off the fall season, and this book delivers. The premise had me absolutely hooked: Capri Sanzio, a San Francisco tour guide that shows people infamous serial killer spots around the city, becomes involved in an active serial killer case. As the Granddaughter of a convicted serial killer, she quickly becomes a prime suspect since the active murderer copies her Grandfather’s style. It doesn’t help that her ex-mother-in-law is one of the victims, too. Capri sets out to solve the recent murders, as well as digging into her Grandfather’s cold case, believing he may have actually been innocent of the crimes he was convicted of.

Capri is a delightful, quirky, and clever character to follow throughout the book, and it was so fun to see her dig through piles of clues (and carefully tread frequent run-ins with the police). I think Capri’s personality and the writing style balance out the unsavory subject matter, so this book is more on the lighter side rather than being super dark and gritty. I know it takes place in San Francisco (awesome location choice!), but it almost has a “small town detective” sort of vibe.

One of the best things about the plot is how many layers it had. The clues are there from the beginning, and yet I couldn’t have imagined how they would all come together in the end. The book plays on a lot of common themes in mystery novels but puts a modern spin on them, bringing everything together in a mind-bending final solution. There were multiple twists I didn’t see coming, and honestly, I was just along for the ride while Capri dug up some pretty insane stuff going on behind the scenes.

I’m noticing that I really enjoy books that bring in a lot of details set in modern times. For instance, Capri’s tour guide business is such a niche idea I can see appealing to people these days. Also, the fascination with true crime felt very time appropriate. During the book, she’s recording a true crime podcast, which again makes it feel like this story could really be going on at this very moment. I just loved those little details of realism about the plot that tapped into modern problems or experiences. (I also learned some new techy things, which was really cool, too!)

This was such a fun, ingenious read that brings a fresh take to mystery and true crime novels.

This was such a fun read - there were so many aspects to the plot that were unexpected and throughly enjoyed. What I loved most about this story is that at its core, the main characters want to find the truth and honor the victims by doing it. Whether it’s the crimes that happened in history that the tours are about, to her grandfathers alleged victims, to the new bodies piling up, Capri wants to hunt down the truth about what happened and make sure everybody knows. I truly loved the way the book wove the past and current crimes together, and how the entire cast of characters played a role in this story. I really enjoyed it and the audiobook and can’t wait to see what comes next!

A unique and suspenseful murder mystery. Capri, the main character, makes a living giving serial killer themed tours of San Francisco. Coincidentally, she is the granddaughter of infamous serial killer Overkill Bill. When a copycat killer strikes close to home, Capri sets out to find answers to protect her family.
I was hooked on this book from the first page. Capri is highly relatable and actually makes relatively good choices compared to main characters in other mystery/thriller novels. The pacing of this book is wonderful and keeps you wanting more. The double mystery element of learning about the past and present creates double the drama and double the suspense. The author places little bits of trivia throughout in the perspective of Capri as a tour guide which is very unique. I didn’t expect to learn so much about San Francisco's dark history from a fictional novel. It made the setting feel more lifelike and I enjoyed learning something new.

If you enjoy a classic mystery/thriller with a unique setting and likable humorous characters, this one's for you!

Thank you Macmillan Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Michelle Chouinard for writing such a wonderful book.

The granddaughter of a serial killer, Capri, gives serial killer tours of San Francisco. She always believed in her grandfather’s innocence. A copycat killer of “Overkill Bill” is now prowling the city. After her ‘s grandmother cuts off her daughter’s tuition payments, Capri decides to write and podcast about her investigation into her grandfather. When her ex mother in law ends up dead, she finds herself as a prime suspect.

I was intrigued the entire book. I didn’t even have a clue who did it. I loved how the book didn’t stop upon solving the current murder, but continued to solve both crimes. The narration was great!

Thank you to Michelle Chouinard, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Capri's grandfather is a very well known serial killer but she has always thought he was innocent. What do you do when you want to prove someone innocent nowadays? You start a podcast, duh! But then women start to become murdered in her grandfather's "kill style" and it's a race to find out who is doing the killing. Loved Capri! Loved the narration. This audio was so cute and fun. I really enjoyed it a lot.

I listened to this in 2 stretches - like, I even wore my Beats in the grocery store because I didn’t want to stop.

A copycat killer is striking in San Francisco, and true crime lover and serial killer tour guide, Capri finds herself right in the middle of it. Turns out the killer the new copy cat is copying is none other than Capri’s grandfather.

There’s lots of red herrings and a few super cringy moments with the detective and Capri, and I couldn’t handle how many times “drew themselves up to their full height” was said while listening, but other than that, the pacing was great, and there was a handful of likely suspects. Capri finds herself at the top of the suspect list, and needs to solve the case — so that aspect was fun to “solve” it alongside her.

A solid 4, as I enjoyed it and genuinely wanted to know how it ended, but I wouldn’t call it a groundbreaking read that will haunt me for days after I’ve finished it!

Thank you @NetGalley and @Macmillan.Audio for the ARC. This is a must read for everyone. It was funny, interesting location for a serial murderer. I did not see the ending coming. The audio was very well done, look forward to reading more by Michelle Chouinard.

4.5 stars

This one was definitely a more lighthearted style than a thriller. It never gets too heavy, but you still feel that something sinister is brewing the entire time. I liked the unique premise with the tour guide motif. I almost wish it was even more employed like other people guiding her to the truth.

I wouldn't necessarily say there is a major plot twist but the plot as a whole is very twisty. As more is revealed, the entire direction of the story shifts multiple times. As a result, it was always a bit hard to tell if any given character was important to remember in the story or not. In a way that helped keep me on my toes having no idea who the real killer is.

I was on the edge of the seat the whole time excited to listen to more of it unfold. The characters were interesting and had a nice mix of personalities and dynamics. The contrast was definitely where this book shined the most. Each character's status heavily shaped their actions and motives.

The only thing I didn't love as much was that the people who did it didn't really have any vibes of ill intent earlier in the book. I didn't get the sense of unease from them that I wanted from a good mystery.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the alc! My review is honest and voluntary.

Capri Sanzio has a unique view of San Francisco, and she enjoys sharing it with tourists and residents through her tours of the city. She opened her tour business after her divorce, and she’s done well. Her serial killer tour is particularly popular, as it should be. She has special expertise on serial killers, as her grandfather was convicted and imprisoned as William “Overkill Bill” Sanzio.

Capri had studied journalism in school, but she put that aside to raise her daughter. Now her daughter is in graduate school, studying forensic psychology, when her grandmother called her up to let her know she was not going to keep paying for her school. Capri was furious at her former mother-in-law Sylvia for pulling the rug out from under her daughter like that. Her husband’s family was old school money, which Sylvia had always held over Capri’s head while she was married, and now she’s suddenly cutting off her daughter’s education?

Capri decides that now is the time to put together that book on her grandfather she’d always wanted to do. If she can put together some new tours, add blog posts, do a podcast, and write a book about Overkill Bill, she should be able to earn enough money to keep her daughter in school until she gets her degree. Especially when there is a new murder, echoing the style of Overkill Bill.

The original women targeted by the serial killer were prostitutes, and this new victim is not. She was married to a tech millionaire and doing everything she could to breakthrough to the old money elite. She was getting involved with charity events and trying to impress all the right people. Her death was a surprise to her husband, to the police, and to the city. Once again, Overkill Bill is front and center on everyone’s minds.

But when there is a second murder, Capri’s research gets even more personal, as it’s Sylvia who is the latest victim of the copycat. Now Capri is investigating her former mother-in-law as well as her grandfather, and what she finds shocks her. But there is one person out there who knows the truth already, or at least part of it. The killer knows who Capri is and what she’s investigating. Will she be able to find the answers before the copycat runs out of patience and makes her their third victim? Or will she figure out a way to save herself and her beloved city from another murderer?

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco is an interesting perspective on a serial killer story. The intelligent charm of Capri and the people who work with her on the tour guides adds some humor and heart to what is a dark story of deceit, fraud, and old money. The mystery is complex and seductive, and well paced through this novel.

I listened to The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco on audio, with narrator Stephanie Nemeth-Parker spinning a convincing story in the voice of Capri. I thought she did an excellent job of bring Capri and her investigation to life.

I enjoyed this book a lot, but there is a lot going on in this story. I actually wanted to slow some things down and get more details from time to time. I thought this could have been broken up into two books. I would have loved to read the transcripts of Capri’s podcast and maybe some of her blog posts. I would have loved to go on more of the tours, to be with her and her team as they bring the city to life. These details would have slowed down the mystery solving, but I think they would have added rich details. But the book is what it is, and I still really loved listening to it. Capri is a good character, and I hope there are more books about her adventures in my future.

Egalleys for The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco were provided by Minotaur Books and a copy of the audiobook was provided by Macmillan Audio, both through NetGalley, with many thanks.