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Book Review
Reviewed: 26 March 2024

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco

by: Michelle Chouinard

A Novel

  • Rating: full starfull starfull starfull starhalf star (4.5/5)

When I saw the name of the book, then read the synopsis, I knew I would be in for a ride. 

The interwoven facts about the serial killers in the San Francisco was very well done.. The information both floored and fascinated me. 

Capricorn “Capri”, the daughter of an accountant and flower child, granddaughter of a serial killer, and ex-wife of an old-money family. Oh, and she runs Serial Killer Tours throughout San Francisco.  Her diligence and strength when she received so much opposition drove the story. There are two mysteries for the price of one and I loved going along for the ride.

While I liked Capri, and her crew, I didn’t care for her daughter Morgan or ex-husband, Todd. I even liked Detective Petito of over those two. The only reason that this is material is because one of the reasons that Capri gets so involved is the suspicion around Morgan - mama bear trying to protect her cub.

This is not a book to speed read. No, this is a book your want leisurely read and sit with for bit, maybe even read again.

For once, I didn’t have to “scream at the book” about the use of technology. I did feel that a couple of things still were not resolved and that’s ok. I made a note about one of the characters early on in my reading, looking back now I should have paid more attention to. 

There is a lot to like about this story but I do not recommend reading before bed, you may find yourself up all night unable to put the book down.

Thank you to #NetGalley  for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story. 

Happy Reading!

Release Date: 24-September-2024
Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

In Michelle Chouinard’s clever mystery The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco, the granddaughter of a serial killer shows readers another side of the beloved city.

The chill of a San Francisco summer can be deadly. No one knows this better than Capri Sanzio, who makes her living giving serial killer tours of the city. Capri has been interested in the topic since she was a kid, when she discovered she’s the granddaughter of serial killer William ‘Overkill Bill’ Sanzio. She’s always believed in his innocence, though she's never taken the leap to fully dive into the case.

But now an Overkill Bill copycat has struck in San Francisco. And Capri’s former mother-in-law, Sylvia, just cut off Capri’s daughter’s tuition payments. Needing cash, Capri wonders if this is the time to exonerate her grandfather. The case is back in the news and the police will be looking to understand the past to catch a present-day killer. Capri could finally uncover the truth about Overkill Bill—documenting the process with a podcast and a book—and hopefully earn some money.

Before Capri can get very far, the cops discover the copycat’s latest victim: Sylvia. Capri soon finds herself at the heart of the police’s investigation for an entirely different reason. She and her daughter are prime suspects.