Catherine Mack is the pseudonym for Catherine McKenzie a USA Today and Globe & Mail bestselling author of over a dozen novels. Her newest release Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies has a grocery sized list of accolades and a TV deal.
Summary of Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies
Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is a hilarious series debut introducing fictional author Eleanor Dash on her Italian book tour. Eleanor is a bestselling mystery author with a series of 9 books who can’t wait to kill off her main character that made her famous. Not only must Eleanor interact with authors and fans during her book tour she also has an impeding deadline for her 10th novel (and hopefully her last staring Connor Smith).
Ten years ago Eleanor was in Italy falling for Connor and helping solve bank robberies. In order to process her lived experience she wrote a slightly fictionalized version of the events. Next thing she knows she has a book deal and Connor blackmailing her for royalties. Present day Eleanor is in forced close proximity to Connor and the “extended vacation mystery universe”. Not only must she navigate the personal dynamics at play Connor is claiming someone is attempting to murder him. Now Eleanor must figure who wants him dead (besides herself) before they have a chance to succeed.
The Book Review:
What I Liked
I loved the fourth wall breaks! The novel is written like you are reading Eleanor’s latest manuscript including footnotes and draft outlines. In some parts it feels more like reading a journal but the personality and humor comes through strongly. This book doesn’t take itself seriously and so I didn’t either. I was reading it for the vibes and it delivered vibes just fine.
What I Didn't Like
I know there has been a lot of discussion of on social media about readers opinion of inclusion of social media sites in fiction. This book walked the line for me. I thought the majority of references to TikTok and Twitter were appropriate to help move the story along. There were also a fair amount of references to pop culture like Bridgerton and Taylor Swift. Again I thought the author walked the line on the inclusion of these references to add to the story and plot.
Without spoilers: I was actually surprised at some of the pacing in this novel and ultimately that is why I only gave it four stars. I made it to the 49% mark waiting for the action to pick up as I expected. It didn’t. In fact actually took too long for the stakes to raise and for the story to form. The twist was predictable.
Character Analysis
I don’t think Catherine Mack intended for you to actually like any of the characters. Pause, I think you are intended to like Oliver. BUT that is because it’s Eleanor’s POV and she obviously is an unreliable narrator obsessed with Oliver and willing to overlook any of his short comings.
The rest of the cast in supposed to be unlikeable for various reasons and Mack was successful in highlighting their negative qualities. Eleanor is oddly co-dependent and complacent. Harper needs to reevaluate her boundaries and expect more from her older sister. Connor is everything you want from a blackmailing playboy.
That said this is the debut of a series already green lighted for two more books. I don’t really expect a ton of character growth just the groundwork. I think Mack did a solid job giving us a foundation of what to expect from the characters moving forward.
Impresion Overall
If you are looking for a fun summer “cozy” vacation mystery this is a great choice. Catherine Mack did a wonderful job setting up for the series and I am looking forward to reading more.
If you enjoyed the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano I would recommend this lighthearted read.
Show & Tell Book Nook Rating:
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5
Spice: 0 /10
Closed door and minimal or no description of physical intimacy. No graphic descriptions of murder ( yes it is a murder mystery).
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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