BIG THANKS to my besties at Macmillan Audio for the approval to read number 2 in the Vacation Mysteries series! I thought the first book was hilarious and fun (I guess the murders weren't 'fun' lol) and number 2 "No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding" is no different!

Anticipated pub: May 13th!

I love the narrator for the audiobook, she brings Eleanor Dash's signature snark so well to the production. The narration, including the footnotes, is so fun in this series. Eleanor talks directly to the reader in a unique (to me) storytelling format which really brings the reader into the mystery and the storyline. It's like we're right there with the characters trying to solve the murders.

The story starts with a lot of new characters, everyone involved in the making of the movie based on Eleanor's first book. Some of the favorites from book 1 are present in this story as well. The aspect of the movie playing a part (maybe?) in the current mystery was a different and interesting aspect which brought up doubts for many of the characters and what their role could be in the murder. I liked how Eleanor took each character's role in the movie-making as what could be part of their motives. I did not see where this one was headed. By the end, this story gets really convoluted lol so buckle in folks. It didn't take away from the enjoyment for me as this works really well for the cozy mystery vibes this series has going on. The scenery descriptions in this one were amazing, just as in book 1.

There's a scene at the end that hints at book 3, if that comes to be I'll definitely be planning to grab it!

Why did this book not hit?

I loved the first book in the series, it was giving major Finlay Donavon vibes, which I was so here for. However I found it so hard to care about any of these characters or what was happening with their stories. I don't think that I will be continuing on in the series, because I did not have a fun time with this one.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me this early audio arc.

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 elistener 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 and the audiobook was enjoyable. 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.
I listened to this on audio, and thought it was really well done. The narrator did a fantastic job!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book had me at the title—and kept me with the witty humor and the perfectly chaotic wedding weekend vibes. I mean, who doesn’t love a murder mystery with champagne, petty bridesmaids, and a body count?

The audiobook was a total treat. The narration brought out all the snark and suspense, and I felt like I was right there, trying to guess who did it while also side-eyeing the cake table.

That said, whew—there were a lot of characters. Like, A LOT. At times I felt like I needed a seating chart just to keep track. Some personalities blended together, which made the mystery a little hard to follow in parts.

Still, the clever writing and chaotic energy kept me invested. If you’re into murder with a side of bridal drama and biting one-liners, this one is worth RSVPing “yes” to—just maybe bring a notepad.

Eleanor Dash is back and she's just as witty as before... honestly, her little footnotes make these books, they are so funny and it feels like she is breaking the "4th wall". I enjoyed this book as it was fun but it felt like a lot of talking, accusing each other of murder, and inner-thought monologue rather than things actually happening on the page. It kind of felt like "Clue" when the characters run from room to room to discuss the crimes and then the lights go off and someone else is dead. I think that troupe can be very fun and it was well done in this book. I was also very pleasantly surprised by the ending twist - I honestly did not see it coming. I am excited to read the next installment from Eleanor Dash! Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

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

Thank you, NetGalley, for the advanced copy of No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding by Catherine Mack. This is book two in the series, and it absolutely delivers on the charm, humor, and suspense that fans of cozy mysteries crave.

Once again, Mack brings her signature blend of wit and murder to the table. I continually get Finlay Donovan meets Hannah Swenson vibes—a quirky, slightly reluctant sleuth caught up in a web of crime, but with plenty of heart and hilarious moments along the way. The characters are endearing, the dialogue is sharp, and the twists are well-timed to keep you turning the pages.

This installment amps up the stakes with a wedding backdrop gone wildly wrong, and the result is a fun, fast-paced read that balances lighthearted antics with a clever mystery.

I’m already looking forward to the next book in this delightful series. Cozy mystery lovers, don’t miss this one!

5 Stars – A Killer Sequel That Delivers All the Twists, Laughs, and Taylor Swift Magic

Second books in a murder mystery series can be tricky—so many of them crumble under the pressure of trying to recapture the magic of the first. But not this one. No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding holds its own and then some. It’s just as fun, fast-paced, tension-filled, and smart as the first book, with every twist and turn keeping me absolutely hooked.

I devoured this story. Every reveal felt like the perfect blend of gasp-worthy and clever, and I had the best time along the way. And as a Swiftie? I was thriving. The Taylor Swift references sprinkled throughout were absolute gold—especially if, like me, you’re also obsessed with Catherine Mack’s Taylor theory videos on Instagram. It was such a delight seeing her love for Taylor seamlessly folded into the narrative. It added so much personality and charm in a way that felt so naturally her.

And can we talk about the breaking of the fourth wall? It’s just so smart and so fun—it makes the whole reading experience feel like you’re inside the mystery, tagging along and whispering your own theories in real time.

Now let’s talk about the audiobook, which was chef’s kiss perfection. Elizabeth Evans is a queen. I first fell in love with her narration through Throne of Glass and Crescent City, so of course I had to play my little game of “Which SJM character voice is this?” as I listened. It’s honestly such a fun way to listen—like a bonus Easter egg for fellow fantasy nerds.

This book had everything I wanted—banter, chaos, suspense, killer reveals, a wedding with a lot more drama than anyone planned, and of course, pop culture brilliance. I cannot wait to see what comes next in this series. Catherine Mack is on fire.

This was a really good book. As good as the first! I knew who was responsible (at least partially) from near the beginning, but I definitely enjoyed how the author got there, nonetheless. The characters were hilarious, once again. I can't wait for the next book!

# Thank You, NetGalley, for the Audiobook ARC of *No One Was Supposed to Die at this Wedding*

The second installment in this clever series follows Eleanor as she wraps up filming for her movie adaptation of *When In Rome*, all while preparing for her best friend's wedding. However, a vacation wouldn't be complete without a touch of murder and mystery.

The *Vacation Mysteries* Series has been an absolute delight, and the latest book certainly lives up to expectations! Its unique style and format make this series truly stand out. I adore Eleanor; her humor and the book itself bring so much joy!

Fun read and great characters. I liked that although the plot is serious, murder, the characters and vibe seems light and like a good time. Perfect murder mystery that is not thriller and a great quick read. Although fine as a standalone, right away made me want to read the first book in the series. Elizabeth Evans did a great job narrating.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC audiobook.
It was good. It kept me engaged and I laughed out loud a few times.
I enjoyed the narration.
I will recommend to my cozy mystery reading friends.

I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS SERIES!!
I loved the first book and the second one was just as great. This is a fun and silly book that is so entertaining. I love how the relationships between the characters keep evolving and the setting of this cozy mystery was perfect. The narration brought the story to life. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend a rainy Sunday! Thanks NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy, I literally yelped in delight when I was approved! Look out for the release of this book on May 13, 2025.

I loved this book! It kept me engaged and excited to see where it was going the whole time. All the twists and turns were good. Eleanor at some point suspected almost everyone and each time I thought, “oh she’s nailed it now”. —- but then it would get disproven almost immediately… I enjoyed it!

I really liked how I felt along for the ride. Often, with murder mystery books there is a lag throughout where it gets kind of boring. I didn’t feel that way at all.

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.