Okay, so I now need to find the first book in this series so that I can read it!
This was my first Catherine Mack book, and I am now a fan!
I enjoyed this book.
At the beginning of the story, I did have a little bit of trouble getting invested when the plot began. I think this was because we had some split conversation of characters in the movie being filmed vs reality.
I thought this was a humorous book. The banter was excellent, and I found myself wanting to be friends with Eleanor, her sister, and her fella.
I felt that the characters were fairly well-developed, and the reader could really feel that you were in a group of old friends.
Other than the very start of the book, I felt the plot was well structured and the pace was excellent.
This was just the perfect comedic mystery/suspense/romcom-ish book.
I really think this should go on everyone's list as a beach read for 2025.
It is so fun!
Quick read, really enjoyed this, laughed out loud, and it didn't drag on! Lots of ingredients for a fun book and a great palette cleanser.
Add this to your TBR ASAP!
Thank you to NetGalley and Catherine Mack for allowing me the opportunity to read this book for a review!
Happy Reading!

We’re back with Eleanor Dash and now her popular book When in Rome is being made into a movie, her childhood best friend has the starring role and she getting married, plus Eleanor is dating Oliver. What could go wrong?
With Elenor we know better than to ask that question. Gathered for Emmas wedding to fellow movie star Fred Winters, friends, enemies, rivals and lovers are on Catalina Island for a quiet (haha yeah right, not with Eleanor there) Hollywood wedding amid the movie shoot. Once they are settled in the threats, and shortly thereafter bodies, start dropping.
All of your favorite characters from book one (Every time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies) are back along with some fresh new faces. The same humor in the footnotes and her repeatedly breaking the fourth wall keeps you laughing and your curiosity piqued. This is a quick and cozy murder mystery that has drama, snark, romance and a sprinkle of Taylor Swift. We also got the set up for the next book where someone else will , you guessed it, die and Eleanor will be in the thick of solving another mystery.
This was the second book in the Vacation Mystery series that has
Elizabeth Evans narrating. She was superb as usual, and handles each characters with ease, switching between different voices for all of them. Her clear voice and perfect pronunciation make, even sped up listening, a breeze.

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.

Catherine Mack’s No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding tries to blend snark, meta-humor, and cozy mystery—but for me, the mix never quite came together. In this second installment, Eleanor Dash and her crew of friends, frenemies, and exes descend upon a wedding on Catalina Island, only to find themselves in the middle of yet another murder mystery. Sounds like an Agatha Christie for the 21st Century plot, an author referenced by name quite a bit in the novel, but the execution of this book suffered from the comparison.

One of the strangest choices here is the inclusion of almost every single character from book one—despite that story taking place on the opposite side of the world. While I love a returning character or two, the logic gymnastics required to get this whole ensemble to the wedding felt like a bit of a reach, even for a lighthearted cozy. Eleanor, her sister Harper, her boyfriend Oliver, and even her ex Connor made sense. But Connor’s ex-wife and Detective Tucci? Less so—especially when Tucci isn’t even Tucci, but the actor playing him in the movie version of Eleanor’s fictional series. There’s a half-hearted explanation involving method acting, but it doesn’t do much to ground the oddity. These additions didn’t add anything to the plot or the charm, and honestly, the story might have been stronger (and less crowded) without them.
As for the mystery itself—it just didn’t grab me. I won’t go into spoilers, but the twists felt more obligatory than clever, and I saw most of them coming from a mile away.

That said, if you're in the mood for a breezy, meta mystery that doesn't take itself too seriously and are a fan of fourth-wall-breaking, this might hit the right notes for you. For me, though, it was a miss.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I found most of this book very predictable. There were some twists, but they seemed forced like the author was trying to make up for the fact that the rest of the story was so obvious. Most of the characters were just kind of annoying. There wasn't one character that I found myself rooting for or invested in.

Also, as a HUGE Taylor Swift fan I enjoyed the first little nod to Taylor, but by the 20374296302th (exaggeration, but there were A LOT) mention of Taylor I was over it. The author tried to force in a reference to Taylor Swift anywhere she could and sometimes it just made no sense and took away from the scene.

I will say I liked the breaking of the fourth wall. It was a fun literary trick that kept me engaged even when I was getting bored with the story.

Thank you to Net Galley and MacMillian Audio for the opportunity to review this advanced reader copy.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book from an advanced copy. My review of the first book was hopeful that the author would work out the kinks in her stories and characters that made them unlikeable and one dimensional, but she did not come back with an excellent second showing as I thought she might. Her characters have gotten even less likeable and charming, and that format doesn’t work when you are trying to make people think your narrator is witty and quirky. Overall, I am not going to pick this series up again unfortunately.

Solid sexual to the first in the series with a cliffhanger ending. I can't wait to read the next installment!

This was so cute and fun! Loved the first book and the sequel was even better. The MFC is so relatable and her inner monologue is so hilarious! I did not even guess currently who the murderer actually was (spoilers ~ your jaw will drop!). I cannot wait for book 3!

I absolutely loved this book! it had a little bit of everything which I loved. romance, mystery, humor, ect. loved the narration, it had me laughing out loud! the Audiobook is actually quite unique and I think it elevated the story!

Well if you’re in the mood for a ridiculous, quirky murder mystery then this is right up your alley! This is the second book in the Vacation Mystery series that follows the same main characters as they find themselves wrapped up in another murder.

I did not read the first book and that’s ok! They can be read as standalones and you won’t be missing anything. From my understanding their framework is very similar so if you liked the first one, this one is sure to delight you.

I consumed the audiobook and narrator Elizabeth Evans did a fine job with her recitation. She had to take several characters with she did with ease, switching between different voices for each. For me and my comfort level I needed to speed up the playback rate for casual listening but also then was able to speed it to 2x and still be able to understand the dictation clearly.

This title comes out on May 13 2025 so if you’re in the mood for a numerous, off the wall murder mystery then get this on your TBR.

I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Macmillan Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

This is the second book in the Vacation Mysteries series. I never read the first book but I feel like it was referenced enough that reading it first would be helpful but not necessary. I liked this book. I like that there was a comedic spin out on the mystery. The only thing I didn’t care for was the FMC breaking the fourth wall. But, to each their own. I still liked it and I would still recommend it.
⬇️see description⬇️

Eleanor Dash cannot go on vacation without having to solve a mystery. Her book is getting turned into a movie, but mostly life has been calm since her last adventure in Italy. Now her best friend (and star of the movie) is getting married, and threatening notes start rolling in, as does a tropical storm. Now the cast and crew, photographers from People magazine, and a murderer are trapped on Catalina island.

Lovely cozy mystery, and the direct to reader elements add plenty of humor. Overall felt very cinematic and very cohesive with the first book. The audiobook is well produced. I was very impressed by how the narrator included the footnotes and handled breaking the fourth wall.

4/5 stars.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I love these characters so much! It was so fun jumping back into the chaos! Elizabeth Evans is my favorite narrator!

Description
Attending your best friend’s wedding should be a piece of (wedding) cake, but not for Eleanor Dash, bestselling author of the Vacation Mysteries series. Because murder seems to follow her every time she goes on vacation and is definitely her uninvited plus-one to the special occasion.
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.
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.

Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book!

No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding
A Novel
by Catherine Mack
Narrated by Elizabeth Evans
Pub Date May 13 2025
Publisher: Macmillan Audio

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.

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!

This is the sequel I have been waiting for. You would think going to your friend’s wedding would be fine no worries.. however, when there is a murder literally at the reception, Eleanor goes into investigation mode. Eleanor is one of my favorite characters.. She is funny.. and keeps you guessing because her life never goes according to plan. This was everything I love about the first book and a great continuation of the story.

No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding by Catherine Mack is a clever, fast-paced romp filled with murder, mayhem, and just the right dash of Hollywood drama—and Elizabeth Evans brings every moment to life with pitch-perfect narration. Honestly, everything Evans narrates is golden, and she delivers Eleanor Dash’s dry humor, chaotic charm, and emotional beats with effortless flair. From stormy Catalina Island to star-studded wedding chaos, the plot twists and turns with sharp wit and a cozy mystery heart, and the Taylor Swift references sprinkled throughout? Absolutely iconic. This is a must-listen for fans of snarky sleuths, dramatic destination weddings, and audiobooks that feel like a front-row seat to your favorite true crime–meets–rom-com mashup.

Title: No One Was Supposed to Die at this Wedding
Author: Catherine Mack
Series: The Vacation Mysteries #2
Publisher: Macmillan Audio-Minotaur Books
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Elizabeth Evans
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
My Rating: 2.3 Stars!
Pages 352

Eleanor Dash is back, and if you thought her first adventure was wild, buckle up. She's heading to her best friend Emma's wedding on Catalina Island - you know, just a nice, peaceful destination wedding with a movie star groom.

I live in Southern California and have been to Catalina Island several times. So was drawn to this story.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t anything like I suspected- I had listened to the audiobook of "“Every time I go On Vacation Someone Dies” which was Book #1 in the series. -True not as Hilarious as the blurb described but fun and I thought this one would be fun as well. I
Plus I mistakenly thought it was going to be a cozy mystery - it wasn’t!
The Book cover was cute - but I found the characters in this story unlikeable. So disappointed.😪

Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio- Minotaur Books for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 13, 2025.

I LOVED the first book in this series. It was one of those rare finds in my favorite cross-genre (humorous mystery/thriller). So I was SO HAPPY when the end of the book eluded to a sequel. Well, it turns out I may have set my hopes too high.

The second book begins a few days after the last book ends. We have the same fun characters from the first book (Eleanor, Oliver, Harper, Emma, Connor) plus a few more.

The plot was okay but I found the writing was not as tight as the first book. The author relied a lot on “breaking down the fourth wall” and addressing the reader directly. Maybe this was supposed to be trite and cute but I found it made the writing very sloppy. There was way too much reliance on cliches throughout the novel. A few would be okay but after that, it felt like the author wasn’t even trying anymore.

I tried the ebook at first but found it confusing to consistently flip to the end of the chapter to read the footnotes, then try and remember where I left off. About halfway through I switched to the audiobook and this made the footnotes a lot easier to navigate (they are noted on their proper place in the story as opposed to the end of each chapter). Also I want to add that I really liked the audiobook narrator (I love a good Italian accent!)

The introduction of new characters and their back stories make the plot way too confusing. I had to keep going back and re-listen to parts to make sure I was following the story correctly.

I rated this novel a 3 out of 5 stars (I would have given the first novel 5 stars). I will read the next book in the series as I hope that this novel is just a one-off and not an indication that the quality of the novels are going down as the series continues (like the Finlay Donovan series did). Or maybe I should set the bar a little lower and recognize these books as cozy mysteries as opposed to intense (yet funny) mystery/thriller novels.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio for an ARC of this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the #gifted copy 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.
🎧The audio for this series is so well done, and I'm glad I was able to listen to this story. Elizabeth Evans is a favorite narrator of mine, and she did another fantastic job. I highly suggest listening to this one!!

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