Book Review: "No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding" by Catherine Mack

Thanks so much to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book! While you don’t have to read Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies before you read this, it would help put some things into context for you.

Eleanor, the author of the Vacation Murders series, is tremendously excited that When in Rome, the first book in the series, is finally being adapted for the movies. Her childhood best friend Emma is starring as the character modeled after Eleanor herself, and the handsome Fred Winters, an Oscar-winning actor, is playing the male lead, based on Eleanor’s ex (and frequent nemesis), Connor.

In an example of life imitating art, Emma and Fred fell in love while filming and plan to get married once the movie wraps. Everyone is invited to Catalina Island for the wedding. Eleanor will be Emma’s maid of honor.

But before the wedding festivities begin, Emma tells Eleanor that she’s received a threatening note which promises that someone will die at the wedding. She asks Eleanor to try and figure out who’s behind the threats. Of course, Eleanor isn’t expecting Connor to be at the wedding as well, nor is she surprised that he wants to help investigate.

As people start dying and close calls keep occurring, Eleanor starts to uncover a confusing web of secrets and lies. Every time she thinks she’s figured things out, something shifts. At the same time, a hurricane is heading for Catalina. (Naturally.)

This is a fun cozy series that definitely keeps you guessing. There are a lot of characters, and some are actors portraying the characters, so at times it’s hard to keep track of everyone. Eleanor is an appealing, yet sarcastic and insecure character that I really enjoy, and I’m excited there’s a third book on the horizon!

This book publishes 5/13/2025.