It was so much fun being back with Eleanor Dash and her entourage. These books are so fun, which is somewhat weird to say since a lot of people are being murdered.

This one was especially fun because I was so smug. I had it all figured out within the first few chapters. But obviously, I definitely didn’t.

Also, I know the footnotes in these series are contentious. You love them or hate them. But I love them. I continue to think they are a great way to highlight Eleanor’s personality even more.

This is the second book in the series and I do highly recommend reading the first one before going into this one. There are a lot of references to the first book and a lot of little quips that won’t make sense if you’re not familiar with Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies.

I definitely recommend this book if you love cozy mysteries and funny narrators.

This book releases on 13 May 2025. A big thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and the author, Catherine Mack, for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding is the second Catherine Mack book in the Vacation Mysteries series. I hardly know where to start. There are a lot of characters--so many that writing them down will be helpful. At the end of the book, I was struggling to place all those people into their jobs. It was tough. Readers learn there will be a murder early in the book. And like many cozy mysteries, the murder(s) occupies the characters in an attempt to solve the case. Obviously the title is in error. Clearly guests were suppose to die. The questions are who and why?

One of the things I liked the most about No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding is the concept that writing is a performance. Just like a play or film, acting is happening, even when it is the character in a novel. The question with this mystery is when is the acting happening? I am not a fan of footnotes, and I suspect I am not alone. I solved the footnote problem by ignoring them. The narrator in No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding breaks character and addresses the reader. I am not a fan of that technique, whether it is a novel, a TV drama, or a film, unless the character is Bridget Jones.

The ending twist of No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding is well done and makes up for some of my objections. I did like Mack's first novel in this series, Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies, better than this second novel, but other readers may feel differently. We do not all enjoy the same things. But I certainly will remember that writing is acting. I had not thought of that before, but I liked that point quite a bit.
4 stars

Second installment of the quirky, witty "Vacation Mysteries" series by Catherine Mack. Jam packed with humor, intrigue and calamity. Eleanor Dash is back but this time she is in California, going to Catalina Island for the wedding of her childhood friend who portrayed her in the film adaptation of her book "When in Rome." Amist an uncharacteristic storm there are plenty of sarcastic footnotes, breaking of the fourth wall, humor, murder, crazy characters and twists. Catherine Mack's writing style is quite original which gives this series its charm.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest and personal review.

I love this series! Eleanor’s first novel is being made into a movie. Her best friend Emma is starring with Fred Winters. Emma had a huge crush on him when she was younger and now they’ve started a relationship. Turns out they are getting last weekend of the shoot. While on Catalina Island in the middle of a hurricane a body is found. Of course, Eleanor ,it’s solve the murder. This one has so many twists and turns I was shocked at the ending.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book. I really enjoyed it. Highly recommend reading the first one to get to know the characters and events that are referenced from it. The characters are fun, the inner thoughts and endless footnotes are a bit much at times but really add to the storyline. I'm excited to see what happens with Eleanor in the future.

📖 Book Review 📖 What is the most eventful wedding you have ever attended? Hopefully a real life murder mystery is not your answer but for Eleanor Dash, could it be anything but this?!? As she wraps up filming for the film adaption of her hit movie, she also gets to celebrate her best friend’s/star of the movie’s nuptials on Catalina island. But nothing is ever boring when it comes to Eleanor’s life and she draws the reader in, continually breaking through the fourth wall (is it possible to break beyond?) in this delightful novel and I am here for it! No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding is the perfect addition to this comically cozy murder series!

This time it took me a bit to get into the rhythm of this book. I love when the author speaks directly to the reader, but for some reason, the beginning was a bit too much for me. But once I settled into the pacing I really enjoyed the book. Lots of twists and turns with our favorite characters all assembled together again. Fun series. Stick with it if you have the same experience as me...it's worth it. 3.5

I always have a good time with Catherine Mack books. If you like cozy murder mystery with lots of humor I think you would like this. It picks off the first book with Eleanor the murder mystery writer who goes to her best friend wedding and finds a dead body and doing what she does best to solve the murder. It's a fun ride,

Unfortunately this just wasn’t for me. It didn’t really flesh out thriller or romance. I found a lot of nothing was happening. Also wasn’t a fan of the character constantly talking to the reader in the middle of dialogue. It continually pulled me out of the moment.

I'm obsessed with Catherine Mack. I practically devoured the first book, it reminds me a lot of Finlay Donovan. In reality, the vibe was already the same from the first book, a lot of humour, a bit of mystery, and beautiful scenarios, and above all a very original plot. If you love Finlay Donovan, and you are looking for something similar, Catherin Mack is for you! Thanks to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to preview this book.

I enjoyed this one more than the first one, it was a bit more clever and a bit less full of pop culture references. I know lots of reviews will be full of comments about the footnotes. Here’s the thing: the author is already writing directly to the audience so the footnotes are completely irrelevant and basically just an extra sentence in a different place on the page. I think the footnotes would be really successful if they actually broke the fourth wall, but Eleanor is already addressing the reader. It’s not a “Fleabag” or “Miranda” aside to add an extra layer of information for the readers knowledge only. It’s the same! If you took every footnote and put it on the page where it’s annotated absolutely nothing would change. That’s the problem with the footnotes and why so many find them unnecessary. The relationship between Eleanor and Connor was so boring for all the angst & anxiety Eleanor felt about it. I swear they talk to each other like 4 times, but Eleanor and Oliver are so greatly affected by it - it was strange- Connor really was out here doing nothing.

The first one in this series was so much fun, this one did not disappoint. The characters are so much fun and have so much charm. It's funny, it brings the thrills and mystery, it is just a fun ride.

An amazing follow up to ETIGOVSD (I, like the author, am a swiftie and acronyms are our language). I absolutely loved NOWSTDATW!!!! Eleanor Dash is such a real and relatable character. She is the perfect narrator, an ideal main character, one that makes me feel like I’m experiencing the plot firsthand because she is the type of character that makes you go “literally me.”
The plot itself was super fun. I love how it is a perfect continuation of the first book and brings back familiar characters and introduces new ones. I especially enjoy how fun the writing is and the humor on every page while simultaneously being a really well thought out mystery. None of the twists were predictable and I was genuinely shocked by the ending. It zigged and zagged in all the right ways. This book and the series as a whole has it all, comedy, mystery, romance, and murder,
And I just love that the footnotes are back. I think they add so much to the story and are such a unique way to engage readers further.
Overall a 10/10 book, highly recommend, 5 stars!

4.5 stars

The second installment in the Eleanor Dash series - I am happy to report that it does live up to the standards set in the first book. This was just as witty and comical, and being in Eleanor’s head is something that I love while reading these books.

I absolutely adore Catherine Mack’s writing style in these books. I enjoy how our main character talks to the reader and breaks that fourth wall, Eleanor’s humor is something I really enjoy. I love that she doesn’t take herself too seriously, but she preservers in trying to figure out these situations she somehow always finds herself in.

The character development throughout the series so far has been awesome, and I love that we have had our cast of returning characters so far. Also, the setting is so immersive. Both books in this series do such a good job of setting the scene for you, and making you feel like you are right there with the characters.

I did not see all the twists coming in this book, and I was constantly on my toes looking for anything suspicious. The plot itself moved along at a fast pace between the humor, mystery, setting, and the characters themselves.

This was truly another super fun read, and I can’t wait to read more from this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

A fun sequel with great spirit and momentum. I enjoyed revisiting these characters. The author's humor shines through, especially in the footnotes. The island setting was great, and the whodunnit kept me guessing.

This was such a fun sequel! I absolutely loved the combination of character banter and the mysterious plot. I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.

Catherine Mack's second installment in her gripping mystery series, *No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding*, exceeds expectations, delivering an enthralling tale of secrets, betrayal, and murder. With her signature style, Mack expertly weaves a web of suspense that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.

The story begins with what should be a joyous occasion—a grand wedding at a picturesque venue. But as the vows are exchanged, the carefully curated celebration unravels into chaos when a shocking murder shatters the event. The narrative follows the sharp and resourceful detective protagonist as they uncover dark truths hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect family. Mack’s talent for character development shines through, as each suspect is fleshed out with believable motives and compelling backstories.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its setting. Mack's vivid descriptions immerse the reader in the wedding’s opulent yet tension-filled atmosphere. From the glittering chandeliers to the whispered arguments in the shadows, every detail adds to the mounting suspense.

The plot is a masterclass in misdirection. Just when you think you've identified the killer, Mack introduces another twist that leaves you second-guessing. The pacing is impeccable, balancing fast-paced moments of action with quieter, introspective scenes that delve into the protagonist's personal struggles and moral dilemmas.

Catherine Mack once again proves why she is a standout voice in the mystery genre. *No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding* is a must-read for fans of intricate whodunits and richly drawn narratives. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, this book promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of mystery and intrigue.

Oh man, I love this series.
I absolutely loved book 1- I own two copies!!
This one did not disappoint- witty, fast-paced, and full of suspense!

Author Catherine Mack has such a way with words, and I find myself re-reading sentences and laughing out loud. I love how she writes as if she is chatting with you, I just can't get enough.

I blew through Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies in a weekend, and did the same with No One Was Supposed to Die At This Wedding.

Eleanor Dash is a murder mystery writer who keeps finding herself in real-life murder mysteries (think a blend of Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone and Finlay Donovan). She's charming, self-deferential, and a bit of a mess, which is why it's a good thing she has her sister Harper and her boyfriend Oliver. She's attending the whirlwind wedding of her best friend, actress Emma, and her actor fiance, Fred, when, surprise surprise, murder strikes. Filled with new and returning side characters (Allison makes a joke about Nazis towards the end that had me cracking up), it's a race for Eleanor to try to figure out who the murderer is. The best part? She's actually fairly bad at this, but she's persistent!

While I think the ending gets a bit convoluted, and I'm not sure I really grasped the entire reveal, this was just as much fun as the first book, and I'm really looking forward to the third book. Although if I'm Harper, I might look at finding a new job!

Love these books. Funny and witty, but still cozy. Like cozy mysteries, but for a younger audience. Remind me the Benjamin Stevenson books.