Another quirky story with a murder at an event. How rude is it to get murdered at a wedding??? Here, once again, we see Eleanor Dash in the middle of a murder investigation. I find that it is very helpful to read these books in order to really get a feel for the characters. This was a quick, fun read that also had me laughing!

{ Witty. Puzzling. Amusing. }

This second installment in The Vacation Mysteries is just as fun as the first, and a perfect pick for summer reading.

The series is already in development for television, and I think that's a smart move! Each book takes place in a different vacation destination, with the same core cast of characters, plus additional characters that are unique to the particular story. 

The mysteries are satisfactory, and the characters are entertaining. A third book is in the works, and I'm looking forward to it!

I really enjoyed thee first book of this series so I was excited to read the follow up. You don't need to read the first one but recommend that you do so you get a feeling of all the characters and their backstory.

This is set in Catalina and it's about filming When in Rome and the wedding of Emma and Fred. Emma and Eleanor have been best friends are is there for her wedding.

This was a lock room mystery as there is a hurricane looming and the people on Catalina are stuck there. The mystery of someone dying at the wedding was entertaining.

Like the previous book, we get a lot of Eleanor's personality through her footnotes addressing the reader.

I think this story had a lot going on and lost me in some parts.

I enjoyed the recurring characters as well and Elizabeth Evan's narration.

Thank you @minotaur_books @macmillan.audio for a copy of the book.

4.5 stars

I read book 1 of the Vacation Mystery series back in January and knew I immediately had to read book 2. I’d read book 1 as an audiobook and really wanted to try reading it in a different format, so getting an eARC of this book was perfect.

No One Was Supposed to Die at this Wedding brought back all of our favorite characters and introduced several new ones. It had all the fun and charm that the first book did – what with breaking the fourth wall and the absolute delight that Eleanor Dash is – though, in my opinion, felt a bit heavier.

I loved that it kept me on my toes and I was never able to piece together the clues – even though they were basically plopped onto my lap. I was simply along for the ride. I also loved the setting of a deserted Catalina Island with a storm on the horizon (though I did expect it to play a slightly bigger – or, maybe longer? – part).

Overall, an insanely fun read and I’m very excited to see where the series goes. I’m really hoping to see the relationship between Eleanor and Oliver grow and deepen, and just can’t wait to find out what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

My review can already be found on Goodreads and will be up on my Instagram by Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Eleanor Dash can't catch a break in the latest in The Vacation Mysteries. Just like in book #1, she involved in solving a "Whodunit" at her best friends wedding.

This book would've landed better if I remembered the first book, and its characters. There were too many references to the past book that took me out of the story.

In the end, its a good, cozy mystery to escape away with for the summer.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books

No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding by Catherine Mack

Eleanor, Eleanor, Eleanor... she’s quirky, awkward, unlucky, and honestly, a bit of a hot mess—but in the best way. She’s also deeply flawed, which makes her oddly relatable. I mean, I can definitely connect with her mistakes and anxieties, but thankfully, I don’t stumble upon dead bodies as often as she does. 😂
This is the second book in The Vacation Mysteries series. I read the first one last year and was really happy to get an ARC of this follow-up. Technically, you could read this one without the first, but I highly recommend starting at the beginning. The first book lays out the character backstories and dynamics really well. Without that context, the second book’s short intros to everyone might feel a bit overwhelming.
This one gives you everything you want in a cozy murder mystery: secrets, twists, and a wild ride through a destination wedding gone wrong. Eleanor narrates the story with an erratic energy that makes it feel like you're listening to someone caffeinated to the max (or, as I joked, a bit coked up) explain their chaotic day and it's a blast.
I would have rated this a solid 4/5, but I had a few personal issues about this book. The footnotes, while optional and gives character to the story, were hard to navigate on Kindle, and I eventually opted out of reading them. They worked better in the physical copy, but still disrupted the flow a bit.
Overall, though, this is a really fun read. The quirky murder mystery vibe is strong, and Eleanor's chaotic energy keeps you entertained from start to finish. I’ll definitely keep following this series, I want to see how many more murders Eleanor can stumble into.
Recommended for readers who enjoy lighthearted mysteries with an offbeat, unreliable narrator and lots of twists.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for the ARC!

Of course the title is self explanatory, but it’s always a good ride. Eleanor finds herself in the same situation - where people around her are dying. Who is the culprit though??

I love the audio for this series. The narrator makes it hilarious. Footnotes are great as always.

Thanks Netgalley for the advance copy!

Eleanor is back! One think I loved is how well the first book in this series set us up for the sequel. As we know from the first epilogue, this wedding weekend may not be what the bride and groom always dreamed of. When Eleanor finds a body at the wedding reception, she’s back to her investigating roots and ready to find the killer.

One thing I love is El’s sarcasm and ability to really feel like a well rounded character and not just another protagonist. She acknowledges her flaws and truly does try to make herself a better person. I can’t wait for the next installment of this series!

The only thing I didn’t love about this book was the sheer number of footnotes. While some of them were funny, there were 5-10 footnotes for each chapter and by the time I got to the footnotes, I sometimes had to flip back to see what specific word it was attached to.

Thank you so much for Katherine Mack, the publishers and NetGalley for this ARC.

Eleanor Dash is back! This book is so funny! I love how she talks directly to the reader and gives us hints about what might (or might not) be coming next. I laughed out loud at all the craziness and can't wait for the next one!

I loved the first in this series, "Everytime I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies," so I was very excited to get this book to review. It did not disappoint. I love Eleanor Dash, her internal dialogue, her sister, boyfriend, and the whole crew. Mack does a great job of developing fun, engaging characters who the reader can root for (even if they're not great people). I was kept guessing throughout and found this to be a super fun mystery novel!

The quirky and endearing Eleanor Dash is back for another wild adventure in the second vacation mystery series as she sets off for a destination wedding on Catalina Island. As usual for Eleanor, and to the delight of readers, nothing goes according to plan. Drama and death seem to follow Eleanor everywhere like a jealous ex. After the end of production on the film being made about the events that took place the the first book, Eleanor, along with the others from the film set off for a secret wedding taking place between the two stars of the film. When a storm arrives on the island, trapping everyone who arrived for the wedding, threats start to surface, turning the fun filled wedding festivities into a potential crime scene. And if this isn't enough to throw a wrench into Eleanor's carefully laid plans, her ex and her current boyfriend just so happens to be attending the wedding as well along with a killer (or two). Eleanor is forced to once again become the investigator she really only writes about in books.

The first in the series, Every time I go on Vacation Somebody Dies was one of my favorite reads last year so I was beyond excited to see another adventure following our witty amateur detective Eleanor Dash. The sequel did not disappoint. No one was supposed to die at this wedding was equal parts suspenseful mystery and sardonic humor, the perfect combination to get lost in. Eleanor's chaotic but loving energy combined with the high stakes and swiftly moving plot was a recipe for success. The mystery is well paced and creative and will keep you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book, along with the first in the series for readers looking for a good mystery that doesn't take itself too seriously.

3.5 stars rounded up. No One was Supposed to Die at This Wedding by Catherine Mack is a fun romcom murder mystery and the second book in The Vacation Mysteries. I had the first book in this series and I really enjoyed both stories. I had the ARC for both book 1 and book 2. In both stories, our FMC is Eleanor Dash. In this story her first novel is being developed into a film. The film's two stars are getting married on Catalina Island and someone seems to be stalking our lovely bride and sending her death threats. The bride and groom ask the novelist, Eleanor Dash, to investigate. Clearly, they weren't serious about investigating. I love the light touch of the book, the comedic nature, and the complete breaking down of the fourth wall. Overall, enjoyable read. I did not care for the complete lack of character development for Eleanor and even her regression with regards to an emotionally abusive ex. I mean what is that all about? That's not tension or cute. The other totally implausible plot point was the impending hurricane to Catalina. Although it is possible, it is very, very rare. That's not tension or cute. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for my ARC.

Murder follows Eleanor Dash on vacation. Her best friend has the leading role in a movie. When everyone heads to nearby Catalina Island for the wedding, Emma gets a note stating that someone will die. A witty, fun romp of a read! Fast paced with characters that are well developed. Thanks #StMartinsPress and #Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

A fun romp of a murder mystery! It was fast paced and kept me on my toes, with witty dialogue and action perfect read for your summer vacation. If you like quirky, cozy murder mysteries, I'd definitely recommend you pick this one up when it releases. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

Wherever Eleanor Dash goes, murder seems to follow! Filming has just wrapped on “When in Rome”, the adaptation of the first book in Eleanor’s bestselling Vacation Mysteries series. The cast and crew are off to Catalina Island for the wedding of co-stars Fred Winters and Emma Wood (who also happens to be Eleanor’s long-time bestie). Wedded bliss is up ahead, until Emma receives a cryptic note saying “someone is going to die at the wedding.”

This series is so much fun, I’d call it cozy mystery-ish although snarkier and swearier than your typical cozy (which only makes me love it more!). Eleanor is sarcastic and funny, and I love it when she breaks the fourth wall to talk directly with the reader. The writing style is top notch (which is par for the course for this author, who you may also know as talented bestselling Catherine McKenzie), and aside from the witty banter, this is also an expertly-crafted mystery with plenty of suspects and red herrings that kept me guessing! Every time I thought I had everything figured out, it threw me for another loop!

I already can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment of this hilarious and zany series! Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me an advance copy of this book.

This is the second book in the "Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies" series. And yes, there will be a third!
Emma Wood, Eleanor’s best friend since childhood, is starring in the movie adaptation of When in Rome, Eleanor’s first novel. Emma is also marrying Fred Winters, a major movie star and Emma’s co-star, who just happens to be playing Connor Smith, Eleanor’s ex and leading man of the series. (Confused yet? Start with book #1 so you can keep the characters straight. There are A LOT of them.)
Filming wraps and they invite the whole cast and crew to their wedding at nearby Catalina Island. There may be a storm headed their way—because of course there is—but nothing will stop their nuptials . . . that is until Emma receives a note that says “Someone is going to die at the wedding.”
Eleanor is a professional at this point, and she’ll do everything she can to uncover the murderer so true love can prevail . . . before it’s too late for her and the rest of the storm-trapped wedding party.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this digital e-arc.*

“No One Was Supposed to Die at this Wedding” was a reminder of why I love to read. This book was witty, smart, captivating, and just downright fun. It was truly a pleasure to read. This is the second book in the Vacation Mysteries series. The first book was a five-star read for me, but I think I may have liked this one even more. The characters were as charming and hilarious as ever, and the mystery was captivating and full of surprising twists. I loved the fourth-wall breaking and footnotes, and I think that’s what made this book so much fun to read. This series has become one of favorites, and I am so excited for Book #3!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this fun book by Catherine Mack (alias of mystery writer Catherine McKenzie), with the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Elizabeth Evans. All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4.5 stars!

Eleanor Dash is back! A film is being made of her last adventure, and her best friend, Emma, is both starring in the movie and getting married. But then Emma gets a note saying that someone is going to die at the wedding. Eleanor will do whatever she can to make sure that doesn’t happen.

I loved the first book in this Vacation Mystery series, and this second installment is a worthy sequel. I love how the main character, Eleanor Dash, “talks” to the reader, even giving clues, but again, if you’re able to figure out this mystery, bravo to you because I wasn’t even close. It’s a locked room mystery on an island with a storm (because of course!), with a film being made and a wedding set to happen. There’s lots of drama, lots of questionable people and motives, and once again, footnotes (so fun). I alternated listening to the audiobook and reading it; it was fun either way but the narration was great!

Delightful romp of a second book in the Vacation Murder series, witty banter, short chapters, all the plots, footnotes and complete break of the fourth wall. It’s a Hollywood wedding on a secluded island with the cast of the movie when in Rome. All your favorite characters from the first book are back along with some new cast and twists. Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur books for an advanced copy for an honest review.

A humorous action-packed mystery that will have you turning pages furiously to see what is going to happen next! Slightly edgier than a traditional cozy, but closer to a cozy than a gritty murder mystery wrought with witty dialog wrought with bantering that will keep you giggling and reading. The main character has the habit of speaking to the reader like they are friends and confidants. She describes what is happening in a snarky and witty manner that is oddly engaging and connects you to her even more. This particular installment in the series had some serious twists and turns. Just when you think you have it figured out, you'll find that you need to change your thinking and the book explains why very well. I do recommend that you read the books in order as they build upon each other and help flesh out the characters even more. I've quickly become a fan of this series and can't wait to read the next one and the one after than and.....hint..hint...dear author, keep writing and I'll keep reading!!!