No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding - Catherine Mack
Pub Date - 5/13/25
Rating - 3/5
Thoughts - Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for this gifted advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. This book is a very interesting cozy mystery set on Catalina Island. The main character, Eleanor, is a best selling author of the Vacation Mystery Series, who writes her books based on her real life. One of those books, When In Rome, is finishing up filming at the beginning of this book, leading the reader into a wedding weekend. Eleanor is the maid of honor at this wedding since the bride is her childhood best friend and lead actress in the movie. Since death seems to always follow Eleanor, naturally someone dies.

This was a very witty and fun book! It gives Finlay Donovan vibes, which is a series I absolutely love. The story, plot, and events were well written. I felt like the story could have moved a little faster, which is why i gave it a lower rating. Overall, great story, and will definitely be checking out the first installation to this series.

Book 2 in The Vacation Mysteries series was a hit! I just LOVE the FMC, Eleanor- and her footnotes! Eleanor is super witty, and had me laughing out loud through the whole book! I thought this storyline was really unique, and the pacing worked really well. I was able to fly through this book, and DID NOT predict the twists. I'm hoping there are more stories in this series, because I really enjoy them.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I truly appreciate when an author can make me laugh out loud when I'm reading. To accomplish that in the midst of wedding drama, mysterious threatening notes, and bodies dropping like flies, I'm even more impressed. I was thrilled when I received the eARC for No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding, as I had just finished the first book in the series Everytime I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies. Finding another series of cozy mysteries with a side order of snark has this reader very happy.

These characters. Eleanor simply can't walk away from anything that slightly resembles a mystery. And she drags poor Oliver and Harper along, ignoring all the dangers, and putting herself into the crazies of situations. The twists and turns in this book kept me guessing all the way through, and although I had one plot line figured out, there were a lot of surprises by the time I reached the end. The footnotes add the perfect amount of snark and sarcasm, and they might be my favorite aspect of these books.

Looking forward to seeing where Eleanor and her motley crew end up next. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I anticipate many positive reviews for this book.

My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Publishing for the ARC of No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding" in exchange for an honest review.

With open arms, I welcome back Eleanor Dash, best selling mystery author and world's most luckless traveler to beautiful places. Because where El goes, fictional murders turn into real ones. Yes somehow, with her first person narration dripping with witty sarcasm, she stumbles her way into identifying the killer. And readers get a far more sunny, funny vacation than Eleanor's coterie of friends, enemies, frenemies, lovers and suspects.

After her calamitous book tour through Italy, El's on gorgeous Catalina Island not only to watch the filming of her book, but to attend the wedding of her movie star friend Emma and her co-star Fred. From the cast and crew, the guest list is of course rounded out with every Hollywood arch=type you can think of., along with the Eleanor's current love-of-her-life novelist Oliver and the never ending thorn-in-her-side, the dashing rogue, Connor. (She's still living with the mistake of making him the romantic lead in her mysteries.)

Like the most beloved murder mysteries set in islands off the coastline, a hurricane's headed for Catalina to coincide with the wedding. Also coinciding with the nuptials......simmering rivalries, ominous secrets, threatening notes, mysterious near fatal 'accidents'.......and dead bodies.

Loaded with laugh out loud moments, author Catherine Mack takes multiple whacks at the foibles of the publishing world and Hollywood's cast of A-Listers, Hangers-on and Bottom Feeders. Eleanor's self-depreciating narrative makes her the most endearing character amid this nest of oddballs and vipers, and you don't want to miss her further comic asides via her footnotes.

I had the same great time with this one as with the first book in the series and will definitely book my ticket for wherever El lands next. One of the most delightful 5 star beach reads you'll find this year.





Reading Progress

DNF at 14%. Witty, witty tone from the start, but I couldn't find a footing with this book from the get-go. It's the 2nd book in the series, and it showed. Readers typically get a big of a recap when reading a series, but the recap in this was too jumbled and too you-should-have-read-the-first-one.

Yes, yes, I should have, but I was excited to read this and thought perhaps the setup would be simplified and actually fun. Turned out, it barely gave me the chance to sink into the scene or the characters before shifting to something else or someone else. This was to be a cozy mystery, but it was too many things that didn't land. Too bad because this just sounded so clever, and the wit was right up my alley.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a copy of this. All opinions are my own.

I laughed so hard reading this book my stomach was hurting. Needless to say, I loved this book. The author is so clever in her use of humor. I love how she talks to herself, yet sometimes, it’s out loud. The footnotes are full of tongue and cheek moments. There are moments when you feel as if the author is talking directly to you, like an actor on a television show talking to the camera. It all works especially when she writes a very good mystery that will keep your attention.

This review is entirely voluntary and my personal opinions.

Thank you to the publishing and audiobook teams—I loved this book! Catherine Mack is my hero for her droll, dark, and edgy spin on the cozy mystery, perfectly blending fourth wall-breaking wit with genuinely sharp plotting, fun twists, and a dreamy setting. Eleanor’s voice is truly one of a kind—snidely astute, frequently hilarious, and always aware of the genre she’s dancing through—and I adored her commentary that had me laughing out loud (sometimes inappropriately) whether reading or listening.

Elizabeth Evans delivers another pitch-perfect performance as Eleanor, capturing the sharp humor and charm of the narration with just the right touch. I especially appreciated how well the footnotes and side comments were woven into the audiobook—it made for such a smooth and engaging listen during commutes and walks. This sequel felt even more fast-paced and surprising than the first, with a few reveals in the second half that genuinely caught me off guard. I definitely recommend the audio format for this one, and I’m really looking forward to where the series heads next.

This series is so fun and has such a unique writing style! The story is told by the main character, directly to the reader, breaking the fourth wall the entire story, especially through the footnotes that are mostly used for jokes but occasionally to drop hints about the mystery. It is such a unique way to tell a story and I have never read anything quite like it. Eleanor already knows what happens as she retells the situation to the reader, but in a way that still conveys her shock and surprise as the story develops and the mysteries are revealed! The mystery was intriguing, the characters were charming, and the romance was very sweet! And the way she set up the next book, title and everything, was so clever! I can't wait for This Weekend Isn't Going to End Well for Anyone to read more about this chaotic mystery writer's detective skills!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was delighted to have this opportunity as I had very much enjoyed the first book in the series, Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies. Happily this book fully met my high expectations. Both titles fit my idea of the world of the books perfectly - kind of like if a younger Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote actually recognized that it should be extremely troubling, and quite immediately apparent, that people keep dying wherever you go. Eleanor Dash is a relatable character for me and I appreciate that she is more in the vein of Finlay Donovan in her intelligence and humor and romantic difficulties, than, say, Stephanie Plum. I also appreciated that there was reasonable overlap in continuing characters and plot threads from the first book to this one, but that even those characters and themes that recur can still surprise Eleanor and the reader and contribute in intriguing ways to the plot and ultimate resolution. Readers who enjoyed the first book will surely enjoy this also, and like me, be eagerly awaiting the third.

Eleanor is raking in all the success since she solved the case of who was trying to kill her on book tour! Her first book is being made into a movie, she’s working on another sure to be hit book, and she’s got her man back! When her best friend (and the lead actress playing Eleanor in the movie adaptation) is getting ready to her costar in secret, Eleanor is thrilled for them as they all head to an island for filming and the wedding. She’s less thrilled to see the threats against her BFF, threatening to ruin her wedding. And then the bodies start showing up, so it’s up to Eleanor and some favorite returning faces to figure out what’s going on and save the big day!

I liked this book more than the first one (Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies)! I think the author has some solid ideas that work to build suspense and keep readers on their toes. There’s definitely some decent surprises throughout the story. My only complaint is the main character’s voice is over the top, stream of conscious, rambling that I just struggle to enjoy. But my biggest complaint from the first book - about too many footnotes - was much better this time! They are better organized, less distracting, but equally funny, and I feel like that really improved my reading experience! If you decide to pick this one up, I hope you enjoy it!

I loved this book. The author’s voice was extremely light and readable, but at the same time she managed to develop characters and build a suspenseful plot. I look forward to the next book in the series!

Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies was one of my favorite cozy mysteries last year, and I was excited to see that all of my favorite characters would be back in this newest book. Eleanor's book When in Rome is being adapted into a movie with her best friend, Emma, playing the starring role. Emma is marrying Fred Winters, Emma's co-star in the film. The cast and crew are heading to Catalina Island for the big day. But as a big storm makes its way to the island, Emma starts to receive threatening notes that say, "Someone will die at this wedding." Can Eleanor find who is behind the threats before the couple says I Do?

This series always makes me laugh. I know that is weird to say about murder, but the breaking of the fourth wall and footnotes are always comedic. Although I did not enjoy this book as much as the first one, I still thought this was a great cozy mystery and I was kept guessing till the very end. The conclusion does set up the next book in the series and I am excited to see what is next for Eleanor.

Just like book one, I would highly recommend the audiobook. Elizabeth Evan is the narrator for both books and does a fantastic job for all of the characters. I also found it easier to follow along with the footnotes than the e-book.

No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding is out May 13th.

Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Catherine Mack strikes again-this is quite literally one of the most perfect mystery you can bring with you on vacation! I brought ‘Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies’ with me on a vacation last year and enjoyed it so much that I followed suit with book #2 in the Vacation Mystery series.

This time around we follow Eleanor as her book is now being made into a movie starring her best friend, Emma. Emma and her co-star Fred are secretly getting married on the secluded Catalina Island with the cast and crew in tow. Things start to go awry when the leading lady Emma begins to get threats that someone will die at the wedding. Despite the literal storm threatening the island as well as the metaphorical one, the wedding presses on but not without a fair share of collateral damage. There’s also some familiar faces from the first novel which I loved as it brought a sense of familiarity carrying in the second book.

If you enjoyed the first you’ll love this one just as much if not more. It has all the lovable elements from the first book—quick wit, dark humor, interesting characters and keeps you guessing until the end. I’d absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a lighter vacation mystery as it can definitely provide what you’re looking for. Thanks a million to Net Galley, the publisher and the author for this ARC! Will absolutely be looking for the next installment 👀

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur for giving me access to the early digital and audio versions of this new book! I absolutely loved Mack’s first Vacation mystery and this one did not disappoint! I absolutely love Eleanor and her “breaking of the fourth wall” to talk to the reader! It’s brilliant in both formats—footnotes and the side talk presentation of them in audio. This mystery had an amazing cast of characters, a story that just didn’t quit, red herrings and twists and turns. I didn’t want it to end! Seriously so fun! Don’t miss this new book!

Eleanor is such a fun, relatable heroine. I had no idea how a murder investigation during a wedding weekend would play out, but Catherine Mack wrote an incredibly fun, cozy, light hearted weekend read. I immediately told my sister to put this on her TBR list!

I just really adore this series (especially on audio!). The Vacation Mystery series centers on Eleanor Dash, a bestselling author, who keeps finding herself in the middle of murder investigations. In this follow up to, Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies, Eleanor is celebrating the wrap on the screen adaption of her best-selling book. The whole cast and crew are swept away to a luxurious resort on Catalina Island for the surprise wedding of two cast members when a hurricane, death threats, and violence erupt. Eleanor must race to uncover the murderer before it’s too late!

I love the wit and unique voice of Eleanor; she breaks the 4th wall and frequently talks with readers in a fun way! The setting is dreamy, fun twists and secrets, and a perfect balance of laughs, mystery and romance. Audiobook narrator, Elizabeth Evans, delivers another hilarious and nuanced performance of Eleanor and her misadventures. From commuting or doing my daily walks, I breezed through this fun mystery in no time, and think it will be another smashing success!

This book had me hooked from word one to the end. I don’t realize till almost being done with it was book 2. But I was still able to follow along and keep up easily with what was happening. I also laughed in parts of the book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the #gifted copies of this book.

Summary: In book #2 of this series, Eleanor Dash hopes just to enjoy being a guest at her best friend's wedding. But luck is never on her side as it seems she needs to become a detective to solve a murder...again. To make matters worse, there is a huge storm headed right for Catalina Island, where the wedding is taking place. Battling a storm and rushing to figure out the mystery, Eleanor must team up with Oliver to follow the clues and catch a killer.

My Thoughts: I just love this series. Eleanor is so funny as she takes us through the events at the wedding on the island. I love how all of the characters were back from the first book and how they meshed well with the new players on the board. As always, this book had me all over the place with my theories. I'm happy to say a few of mine were correct, but some parts just shocked me! I love that the relationship between Eleanor and her sister Harper continues to grow, despite their setup as assistant and writer. And of course, I was ecstatic that Oliver was back to help El walk through all the details together.

Read if you love:
🔍Mystery
🏝️Island Locations
💍Wedding Events
🎢Twists and Turns
😂 Laugh-out-loud dialogue

I really enjoyed this book, more so than the first one. Many of the same major players are back, and chaos ensues. The story was well-crafted and it was just FUN. As with the previous book, I loved the cheeky footnotes and thought that they added a lot to the story. I'm excited to continue on with the series. This is a perfect beach read!
I will definitely recommend this to others.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press|Minotaur Books for the ARC!

Rounded up to 4. An entertaining addition to <i>The Vacation Mysteries</i> series. The core menagerie of characters return along with several new colorful additions. Eleanor's latest adventure unfolds on Catalina Island during wedding festivities for her actress best friend--all while a potential hurricane approaches. Loads of twists and turns--some foreseeable and some surprising.

I'm still loving the footnotes that Mack incorporates into each chapter, which often break the fourth wall and provide insights, backstory, and miscellaneous asides.

Will definitely continue on to Book 3 when it's available.

Thanks to #netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC ebook.

Available May 13, 2025