Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies: A Novel by Catherine MackSeries: The Vacation Mysteries #1
Publication Date: April 30, 2024
Pages: 352
Add the Book on:Goodreads
Rating: ★★★½
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths
Publisher: Minotaur Books / Macmillan
Synopsis:
The USA Today bestselling first novel in a witty series following author Eleanor Dash on her Italian book tour that turns into a real-life murder mystery, as her life starts to imitate her fictional world.
Ten days, eight suspects, six cities, five authors, three bodies, one bestseller.All that bestselling author Eleanor Dash wants is to get through her book tour in Italy and kill off her main character, Connor Smith, in the next in the Vacation Mysteries series—is that too much to ask?
Clearly, because when an attempt is made on the real Connor’s life—the handsome but infuriating con man she got mixed up with ten years ago and now can't get out of her life—Eleanor’s enlisted to help solve the case.
Contending with literary rivals, rabid fans, a stalker—and even her ex, Oliver, who turns up unexpectedly—theories are bandied about, and rivalries, rifts and broken hearts are revealed. Soon Eleanor can’t help but wonder: do they want to solve the case, or pin the murder on her?
REVIEW
Catherine Mack’s Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is a delightful blend of mystery, humour, and escapist chaos, delivering exactly the kind of twist-filled story perfect for a binge read. From the sun-soaked setting to the escalating string of suspicious events, the novel leans into its premise with a wink, creating a tone that’s both playful and suspenseful. Mack’s writing keeps things brisk and lively, making it easy to get swept up in the drama. One line perfectly captures the vibe: “Some people bring souvenirs home from vacation—I seem to bring trouble.”
What truly makes this book shine is its character-driven approach. The narrator, Eleanor Dash, is engaging and witty, offering plenty of laugh-out-loud moments even as the stakes continue to rise. There’s an effortless balance between lighthearted banter and genuine tension, and the ensemble cast adds layers of intrigue, secrets, and shifting dynamics. Each new development feels fresh without ever losing sight of the story’s entertaining core, keeping the pacing tight and the reader fully invested.
At its heart, this is a story about unpredictability; both in travel and in people. Mack plays with expectations, delivering a narrative that feels both fun and cleverly constructed. It’s the kind of book you pick up for the humour and stay for the mystery, with just enough twists to keep you guessing along the way. Perfect for readers who enjoy cozy-adjacent mysteries with a modern, comedic edge, this novel offers a thoroughly enjoyable getaway, no passport required.
Content and Trigger Warnings
- Murder and death (non-graphic, but central to the plot)
- References to past violence
- Suspenseful or threatening situations
- Deception and hidden identities
- Interpersonal conflict and strained relationships
- Themes of trust, betrayal, and secrets
- Occasional dark humour tied to crime
The tone stays relatively light and comedic despite the murder-mystery premise, making it more of a cozy, humorous suspense rather than a graphic or disturbing read.
You might also like
Once you finish Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies, here are some great reads with similar cozy mystery vibes, humour, and twisty intrigue:
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren – While more romance-focused, it shares the vacation-gone-wrong setup with plenty of humour and chaotic energy.
- Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano – A witty, fast-paced mystery with a relatable protagonist constantly caught in unintended criminal situations.
- Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto – A hilarious, high-stakes story involving accidental death, family chaos, and plenty of sharp humour.
- Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson – A clever, self-aware mystery with a comedic tone and a body count that keeps rising.
- The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand – More atmospheric and less murder-heavy, but shares the ensemble cast, vacation setting, and layered interpersonal drama.
- Anxious People by Fredrik Backman – A humorous yet heartfelt story about a group of strangers caught in an unexpectedly tense situation, blending comedy and emotional depth.
These books capture a similar mix of humour, mystery, ensemble dynamics, and the sense that things are about to spiral in the most entertaining way possible.
