Travel Mysteries Unveiled: “Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies” by Catherine Mack - Book Review @MacmillanAudio @CEMckenzie1

Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies follows bestselling author Eleanor Dash as she embarks on an Italian book tour, only to find herself entangled in a real-life murder mystery where the stakes are higher than ever.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for inviting me to listen to this audiobook by providing me a copy. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

Ten days, eight suspects, six cities, five authors, three bodies . . . one trip to die for.

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 her 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. But who’s really trying to get away with murder?

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is the irresistible and hilarious series debut from Catherine Mack, introducing bestselling fictional author Eleanor Dash on her Italian book tour that turns into a real-life murder mystery, as her life starts to imitate the world in her books.

My Thoughts:

Diving into “Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies” felt like joining an old friend on a whirlwind adventure through Italy. Catherine Mack’s debut novel seamlessly blends humor, mystery, and the enchantment of travel into a captivating tale that kept me guessing until the very end. This is the first book in the author’s “The Vacation Mysteries” series.

From the get-go, Eleanor Dash, the witty protagonist and bestselling author, charmed her way into my heart with her candid narrative style. It was refreshing to have her speak directly to the reader, making me feel like a confidant rather than a mere observer. Eleanor’s quest to bump off her fictional character, Connor, while navigating real-life chaos was a rollercoaster of laughter and suspense.

Mack masterfully weaves together elements of travel and mystery, making every stop on Eleanor’s Italian book tour come alive with vivid descriptions and authentic cultural touches. As someone who has explored Italy firsthand, I found myself nodding along with recognition at each destination, adding an extra layer of immersion to the story.

The cast of characters, from the charming Inspector Tucci to the quirky “bookface ladies,” added depth and hilarity to the narrative. Mack’s clever nods to pop culture, like Inspector Tucci’s resemblance to Stanley Tucci, brought an extra layer of delight to the reading experience.

The mystery at the heart of the story kept me eagerly turning the pages, trying to piece together clues alongside Eleanor. Mack expertly kept me guessing until the final reveal, and I was impressed by the satisfying conclusion that left me eager for more adventures with Eleanor Dash.

The Narration:

Listening to the audiobook, narrated by Elizabeth Evans, was an absolute delight. Evans breathed life into each character with her dynamic voice acting, enhancing the story’s charm and humour. Her enthusiasm for the material was contagious, making this an audiobook I would highly recommend to anyone seeking an entertaining escape.

My Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, “Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies” is a delightful romp through Italy that combines the allure of travel with the intrigue of a murder mystery. Catherine Mack has crafted a captivating debut that left me eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the Vacation Mysteries series.