This Weekend Doesn't End Well for Anyone: A Novel

The Vacation Mysteries #3

by Catherine Mack

The third in the witty and captivating series following bestselling author Eleanor Dash, who once again has to swap her sun hat for her detective hat, when a body is found at a murder mystery writing conference in the Bahamas.

Eleanor Dash can never catch a break. Not only has she had to solve two real-life murder plots in the past year, but both times it was when she was meant to be on vacation. Now she’s finally got a ticket to a relaxing weekend—an all-inclusive resort at the Bahamas where she’s speaking at a conference for murder mystery writers—but she arrives to find a body on the floor of her hotel room. Because of course she does.

With plenty of familiar faces at the resort, any one of them could have been the intended target or the culprit behind it all. Was it Oliver Forrest, Eleanor’s dashing boyfriend who’s in danger of getting dropped by his publisher because his sales are dwindling? Or Connor Smith, Eleanor’s infuriating ex-lover-turned-bestselling-rom-com-author with a sordid past of his own? Or her sister Harper, whose own stilted writing career has been a sore point for years as Eleanor’s has soared? Perhaps it’s one of the other writers also in attendance, as friends, frenemies and foes from Eleanor’s past all seem to be invited to the island.

Surrounded by mystery writers who know all too well the many ways to craft the perfect crime, Eleanor is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and do whatever it takes to get out of this weekend alive.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Adult, Mystery Thriller, Adult Fiction, Summer Reads

352 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

Catherine Mack (she/her) is the pseudonym for Catherine McKenzie, the USA Today and Globe & Mail bestselling author of over a dozen novels. Her books are approaching two million copies sold worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages including French, German, Portuguese, and Polish. Television rights to Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies and its forthcoming sequels sold in a major auction to Fox TV for development into a series, with Mack writing the pilot script. A dual Canadian and US citizen, she splits her time between Canada and various warmer locations in the US.

Reviews

[Angie Miale · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. This is a stunning cover
2. This book is funny, irreverent and extremely enjoyable.
3. I want to read more of these

Hi friends and thank you for reading my review. Please do yourself a favor and read the other two books in the series. It is easy to get lost in the back story if you haven’t. But it does work as a stand alone if you’re gonna be stubborn about it.

NetGalley plays a part in this book, and as someone who typically reads an ARC well before the pub date, I was again humbled and a little freaked out by how impactful an early review can be and how authors really hate negative reviews.

This book breaks the fourth wall and is cozy-ish, or cozy-adjacent. If you like the Vera Wong or Ernest Cunningham or The Maid books, Finley Donovan, etc etc. please don’t miss Eleanor. This particular book is about a convention of learning to write a murder mystery. The book legitimately does walk the reader through how to structure a murder novel and the actual craft of writing. And it’s quite good advice, all of the mysteries I ended up not liking were ones that didn’t follow her advice.

Last note- the book has humorous footnotes. I love footnotes but I detest them on an e-reader because the touch screen can be finicky. So if you are wondering if you should do physical or e-reader, I’d recommend physical. I had a hard time getting the footnotes back where they belong.

It’s funny and a well written plot. I was rooting for Eleanor and Oliver the whole time.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC. Book to be published April 27, 2026

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Weekend Doesn't End Well for Anyone is the third book in the Vacation Mysteries written by Catherine Mack. Let's start with the positives: witty writing, clever plot architecture, and interesting characters. It's evident how well-thought out these plots and characters are, a nod to the author's creativity and intelligence. Love the approach at building history and present together, connecting plot points across books without having to know (or remember) all the specifics. Murder makes sense. Red herrings are abundant. But... on the flip side, the audience for this is going to be a little tough to narrow down. It's not told in a typical fashion. The narrator crosses that line to talk to the reader a lot. There are a lot of footnotes which you can ignore. But for me, as a very diligent reader, I need to stop and check everything, so I find myself broken away from the story too much. I like this and I don't like this at the same time. But there's no arguing it's a very well plotted and intriguing story!

[Dee Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I received the email that I was selected for an advanced reader's copy of Catherine Mack's new book, I was ecstatic! I get so much joy whenever I get an ARC, especially from one of my favourite authors.

Let's start with the negative to get that out of the way: I did not enjoy this book as much as the first two in the series. To be fair, I gave books one & two 5 stars. And I'm giving this book 4, which is still a high rating.

What bothered me the most was the number of unlikeable characters. Am I supposed to like Harper, Connor & Vicki, for example? Connor is insufferable (I cannot fathom dating a man like that). Vicki is a bitch. And Harper is a terrible sister & friend (the number of betrayals keep stacking up). I was not rooting for any of them.

Now the good stuff: I do enjoy reading Eleanor's thoughts. She is quick & witty & so, so funny. She, however, is really slow at connecting some very obvious dots. I wanted to yell at her through my Kindle "THEY'RE TOGETHER!!!!". It's ironic that, as a mystery writer, she's not very good at solving mysteries. But that's part of her charm.

I also love Oliver. He needs more lines, more scene-time though. Get rid of Connor & make Oliver a main character!

In this book, Eleanor is attending a writer's conference in the Bahamas and, of course, bodies are dropping. They usually do whenever Eleanor is far from home. This new mystery was difficult for me to solve, but they usually are. That's okay though, because I like being stumped. The ending is that much more satisfying.

Overall, this was a great read, lots of fun. Eleanor is an entertaining & fun narrator. I look forward to her next book.

[Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy. I am so grateful.]

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a physical ARC of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

The first few chapters were a bit difficult to get through, but at about 100pgs we start to get into some action. And boy, does Eleanor seem super determined to jump to the wrong conclusions this time around.

The by now infamous footnotes and USA-centric modern slang in the Vacation books are both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it makes the book very 2025 and readers might enjoy seeing familiar and popular things, with the author breaking the 4th wall and knowing the same TikTok inside jokes or whatever (can you tell i have never been on tiktok).

On the other hand, the book is very 2025 😅 I'm not chronically online, not American, nor am I familiar with most of the "famous" people and pop culture the author references constantly. So it began to grate on me a bit. Examples:
- Do we really need a Taylor Swift reference in every other chapter?? I know zero Taylor Swift songs.
- If someone says "obvi" one more time I might poke my eyes out.

All that being said, overall I DID enjoy reading this book. It gets 4⭐ from me. But I also think it has a significantly more convoluted murder plot than the first two, and was also less satisfyingly resolved.

Significant spoilers ahead
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I was fully convinced that the author was setting us up the whole time for an unreliable narrator twist. There were so many footnotes about Eleanor lying, or how she makes up stories for a living. And then... nothing came of it?

And so, the murder(s) were ultimately based on something that Eleanor didn't even do. I mean yes, a psychopath who orchestrates homicides for funsies probably ISN'T in their right mind and I shouldn't expect much, but Elizabeth's whole thing was just.... sad old crazy white lady, jealous over a less than mediocre man.

Involving Guy and the Guiseppes seemed needlessly complicated, nor were their exact roles or relationships completely explained. I'll admit, killing Guy off was a bit surprising too. Also, poor Brian?? He's Elizabeth's ghost writer, not her personal assistant. Why would he listen to her and go to the Bahamas for any of this?

Was happy to learn some more about Connor's past though. At least as much as we can trust what he said about it 😅

[Ashley Cwiklewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book! I can not lie that I squealed with delight when I saw that I got approved!!

I must be honest, when I read the first book, I did not like it much. But as I have been reading them, I have come to the conclusion that I do really like this series. Its funny, and I do like the footnotes. The characters are so familiar and cozy, and they are always such a wild ride! Just a feel good mystery that makes you chuckle along the way.

I feel like this one did not have as many footnotes though?! But like whyyy?? I like them! I was worried that reading this on my kindle meant I would not get to see them, but they were there and I was happy!

I really would recommend this series. A little mystery, a little comedy, and a whole lot of chaos… what more could you really ask for?! ¡



¡ I CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!!! (See what I did there trying to make it look like a footnote?!)

[Heather Collicutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this advance readers copy in exchange for my honest feedback. This is the third book in the mystery vacation series and it does not disappoint. Loved the mention of NetGalley in this one! Well written book with excellent character development and the story written perfectly.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Weekend Doesn’t End Well for Anyone is a fun and thrilling addition to The Vacation Mysteries series! Mack’s Agatha Christie-style plots always keep me laughing, engaged, and guessing.

Eleanor’s on-page narration continues to be both witty and hilarious. It’s amazing to me how many enemies she’s managed to rack up through her travels — some deserved and so many more that are not. She could easily be unlikable, but I find her so relatable and can’t help but empathize with her many plights.

I loved the conference setting, and the breakdown of how to write the perfect murder mystery broken up throughout the novel. The best part of these stories is how Mack has Eleanor speak directly to the reader, making us active participants in the plots. I loved the first two books in this series, and while this one was a hit for me as well, I find myself wanting more from the side characters. This was first novel where Conner took more of a back seat, and Oliver didn’t quite step up to fill his shoes. Similarly, the dynamic between Eleanor and Harper is such a huge part of the series, but it’s clear there’s a lot of mistrust there I’d like to see explored more directly. With at least three more books planned, I’m eager to learn so much more about Oliver and to dive into the mystery behind the demise of Eleanor’s and Harper’s parents.

This series always makes for a fun reading experience. I can’t wait to see what mishaps are in store for Eleanor and crew next!

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and St. Martin’s Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of books that keep you constantly wondering what will happen next, this series delivers. With every page, the tension builds and just when you think you’ve figured it all out, BAM, another twist. Red herrings are scattered throughout the story like breadcrumbs, leading you in one direction only to pull the rug out from under you moments later. It’s the kind of narrative that keeps you turning pages long into the night, desperate to uncover the truth (or at least try to).

What really elevates this book, though, is the protagonist, Eleanor. Her snarky attitude and quick wit make her incredibly relatable and, honestly, a blast to follow. Every time she opens her mouth, I can’t help but think, “Yes, that’s exactly what I would say!” Her footnotes are the highlight of the entire reading experience. They add a level of depth and humor that’s both refreshing and downright hilarious. I swear, her comments feel like they come straight from my brain, and there’s something oddly comforting about that. It’s like she’s the friend who’s always got the perfect comeback or sarcastic remark at the ready.

This series has become one of my favorites, and once again, this latest book did not disappoint. The plot keeps you guessing, the characters are engaging, and Eleanor’s unique voice is one I can’t get enough of. As always, I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment—bring on more twists, snark, and, of course, those iconic footnotes. If you haven’t started this series yet, you’re missing out. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

[Kiera Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for the early eGalley of this third installment in Catherine Mack’s Vacation Mystery Series.

In this third book we follow our characters as they attend a murder mystery conference in the Bahamas and watch a collection of deaths unfold. I know some people read mysteries and try to solve the story, but with this series I just love to be along for the ride and watch as Eleanor Dash and her friends, and enemies, try to solve another mystery. Catherine Mack has a way of making you love and hate every character we meet in this series, and while there are deaths in every book, I was never scared or sad. There is a line of humor strung throughout this novel and I found myself giggling at certain points. There is some romance, but it is all closed door/fade to black and instead of bringing spice it just brings some lightheartedness.

I wasn’t trying to solve the mystery, but I theorized the main person behind it at about 65% and I still had a fun time watching all of the characters think the same thoughts I did. If you are looking for a step into mystery, minus the scary, I definitely recommend this book. I can’t wait for the next book to come in the series, but I wish I didn’t have to wait until next year!

[bexbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Eleanor who is in the Bahamas for a writers conference. She has brought with her her sister and her boyfriend on this trip so she's also hoping to get some rest and relaxation as well. Like any other time she goes away bodies are dropping like flies in this book and she takes it upon herself as well as with her boyfriend and her other cohorts to find out who the killer is and solve the mystery. 

Like any good mystery book everyone is a suspect with the exception of Eleanor because it would be a little weird to follow a mystery book being solved by the killer. Not that that hasn't been done before. As well as a really good mystery there is a lot of other aspects of this book. There's family drama because her sister is a character she's incredibly unlikable and I just don't understand if we're supposed to like her or if she was specifically written to dislike. And you also get Eleanor's ex-boyfriend on the trip and he's drama all on his own. 

I really liked the dynamics that you see throughout this book between all of the characters. It was filled with humor and mystery some romance and a lot of charm. But overall one of my all-time favorite things about this book and the other two in this series is that at no point did I ever figure out the unveiling of the killer before it happened. And let's face it that's what we all want in a good mystery book. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an arc of this book.

[Jenn (burlingtonbiblio) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review
This Weekend Doesn’t End Well for Anyone by Catherine Mack
Genre: Cozy mystery
Publisher: Minotaur
Pub Day- April 28 2026

What Its Got
✅ Murder mystery- think Clue, Agatha Christie, Knives Out vibes
✅ Forced proximity
✅ Limited number fo interconnected suspects
✅ Red herrings
✅ Sisters with tragic past

Thoughts
📕 this book is full of cliches ( I think intentionally ) that make the characters brighter and more broken

📕 The premise “How to write muder mystery conference” guides each chapter and provides the reader insight into whats coming ( also, kinda want this as a book retreat now, or a readers murder mystery event)

📕 This book breaks the fourth wall- our FMC Eleanor speaks directly to the reader and we get access to her inner narrative making this a unique read

📕 So much of Catherine can be found between the pages, most obviously her love of Taylor Swift

Overall
A fun and captivating read full of bodies, perfect for your next vacation!!

Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for my digital ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.

[SD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor is tempting fate again, leaving LA for the Bahamas and a writer’s conference. This fourth-wall-breaking, chatty, footnote-y book is a head-spin with a murder-mystery how-to conference within a murder mystery. 

I have a few elements I am still working through. Did I miss how they fit? Were they just red herrings? Are they foreshadowing the next adventure?  

If you have not read the first book, I suggest you do so. And maybe crack open the second one while you’re at it. Not required to enjoy this book, but so much fun. The fourth wall is smashed as Eleanor talks to the reader. The footnotes are back, but not as many as in the other books. Is that a bad thing? I’m not sure. After finishing, what stuck with me was Eleanor’s strength and capacity for forgiveness, along with Oliver’s hidden skills and depth. 

I can’t say that I figured out the culprit. I think I just landed on a couple of names just because. I didn’t have a reason, mostly just pulling names out of the proverbial hat. There was so much going on, luckily Eleanor kept me in the loop. There was the bonus of being at the writing conference with the participants, with all of the writing tips. 

I mentioned Eleanor’s capacity for forgiveness. There were several places where Eleanor’s strength held her upright. With all that hit her in the first quarter of the book and continued to, I am shocked she didn’t have to lean more on her support system (and alcohol). So far, Oliver has been second to Eleanor, Eleanor-Connor, Eleanor-Harper, and … you get the idea. This time, we see more of why Eleanor is stuck on him.

Some of the pop culture references didn’t land probably like the author would have hoped, but didn’t take away from my enjoyment. A lot of the time, you want to like the story hero. I don’t know if that matters in this story. I don’t know if I had time to assess my feelings about each character; there was so much happening. A fast start out of the gate, and things just kept going. 

Last tip, would not suggest reading before bed, you may find yourself sleep deprived until you finish.

Thank you, #NetGalley and #MinotaurBooks, for the early read and opportunity to share my thoughts.

Happy Reading!

[Devi · Rating 4 out of 5]

📱📖 Read on Kindle
📃 352 pages
⏱ Duration: 5 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Minotaur books / St. Martin Press
ARC provided by NetGalley
🗓️ Publishing date: April 28, 2026
🕵️ Genre: Cozy Mystery

Eleanor Dash is back, and she's in fine, fiery form!
After a slightly bumpy second book in The Vacation Series, Catherine Mack nails the tone, pacing, and clever structure in this third outing. The meta-touches, like Eleanor's tongue-in-cheek notes on how to write a fair-play, closed-room murder mystery makes this one feel extra satisfying for longtime fans of the genre. It's part locked-room puzzle, part writer's conference satire, and all-round delightful!

What's extra fun in this installment is that it's not just a story you read. You can also use Eleanor's tips to write your own mystery. Each footnote and instructions is like a mini masterclass in plotting and clue placement. If you've ever dreamed of crafting your own whodunit, this book practically hands you the blueprint while you enjoy the story.

The murder plot itself? Tight as a drum. No forced reveals, no “wait, who?” culprits pulled out of thin air. I didn’t guess the killer (always a personal victory), but when Eleanor connected the dots I actually gasped and whispered “of course.” The Bahamas resort is dripping with sun-soaked suspicion, the author-conference setting is catnip for book nerds, and those footnotes remain undefeated comedy gold. Book 2 cracked my trust; book 3 superglued it back together and added glitter.

This series continues to be a gem for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy humor, clever puzzles, and a touch of romance in the mix.

Would I recommend it?
This Weekend Doesn't End Well for Anyone reminded me why I fell in love with The Vacation Mystery Series. Pre-order it today. April 28, 2026 can't come soon enough.

Ready to plot your own murder (mystery)?
Tell me in the comments, are you tempted to try writing a cozy after Eleanor's masterclass? For the other The Vacation Mystery Series fans, among the last two books, which one did you like the most?

[Kristin Paulin · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This Weekend Doesn’t End Well for Anyone”

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Participating in a writer’s conference in the Bahamas doesn’t sound like a bad gig until you arrive and find a dead body on the floor of your hotel room. And it won’t be the last. As the bodies start dropping, Eleanor needs to figure out who is behind it. Especially since she believes she is a target. The problem is there are plenty of people at the retreat that have something against her…

The author has a unique, signature style in this mystery series which includes breaking the fourth wall, using footnotes peppered throughout the chapters. She also includes steps to writing a murder mystery book throughout, which were actually good tips to bookmark if you think you might want to try your hand at writing a mystery! I am drawn to different formats, at the moment. I value the creativity from the author. She brings a quirky style to a whodunnit mystery. It’s also clear she has so much fun writing this way.

I’ve enjoyed the Vacation Mystery series, but I struggled sometimes with this third one. There is a good deal of reference to events from the first two books in the series, and there are plenty of repeat characters. I didn’t recall enough details, and I would have liked it if the author spent more time reminding us. I wouldn’t recommend reading this one without reading the others in the series first. (And, ideally, read all three right in a row if you forget details like me!)

The book includes a lot of dialogue and thoughts going through Eleanor’s head, which can be engaging with the fast pace it creates. But sometimes with that pace, I found it a bit dizzying - like when going back and forth about suspects closer to the end.

I like the core characters from this series, but I’m hoping for a bigger refresh with the next book. Interestingly, I felt like the author ended the book with a set up to a story with Harper taking center stage, which I think would be a really fun switch up!

A huge thank you to @netgalley for letting me read this early and share my honest views.

[Diana Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of a mystery author being surrounded by murders to solve was super intriguing to me! I tried diving into this book as a standalone without having read the previous 2 books Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies and No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding. After 4 chapters in, I decided I was interested enough in the descriptions of the past murders the main character (Eleanor) faced that I pivoted and started the series from the beginning. I was not disappointed! The book is set up well that someone could read it as a standalone, but I personally wanted to know all the pieces I missed.

There were so many twists and turns, character development, drama, and murder, that it kept me invested. I loved the banter between the characters. This 3rd book did not disappoint in terms of all the features I loved about the author's writing and plot. Even up until the end, I was still trying to figure out who was the mastermind of the deaths.

I had mixed feelings on the cliff notes that were featured throughout the books, as they were a little tedious to click on my Kindle, but they added a fun personal note that helped you get to know Eleanor more. This book had way less than the first 2 books, so I was happy about that!

I can't wait for the 4th book to come out now and I'm so happy I got the chance to read this ARC that led me to the rest of the series!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Catherine Mack, and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Katie Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine Mack has done it again and written a witty and fun but still twisty mystery that I could not put down. I am a huge fan of this series and the third installment does not disappoint. This time Eleanor and Co are in the Bahamas for a mystery writing conference and of course, immediately, someone is dead. And an out of the house Eleanor Dash trip wouldn't be complete without some folks she has bad blood with. Even though this is the third book in the series, I think it could definitely stand alone because Mack does an excellent job of getting the reader up to speed on events of the previous two books at appropriate times throughout the story. This is also very helpful if you're like me and have a bad memory and need a refresher. This story was fun because they're at this conference to teach writing workshops and dispersed throughout the book are Eleanor's lesson plans for her workshops on how to write a mystery book. It added the perfect amount of "something's about to happen" to keep you on your toes and get the anticipation up without giving much away so you're still surprised by the twists. And I was very surprised by the ending because I did not expect that outcome. This book also continues on with one of my absolute favorite parts of the series, footnotes. I love the footnotes. The footnotes in this series are done really well and genuinely add value to the story. They break the fourth wall, provide insight, and add a lot of humor. And of course, there are lots of Taylor Swift references, many of them covert and it's a "IYKYK" situation so I don't think this would make the story less enjoyable if you aren't a Swiftie. But if you are a Swiftie, there's tons of easter eggs that only we would get and it just adds to the fun. Definitely a 5 star read and I cannot wait for what's next.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing the advanced copy for review.

[Sarah]

I'd like to thank Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC of thie book. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.

Once again, Catherine Mack delivers a fun romp that would make for perfect beach reading. It also made for a fun mid-winter escape.

In the third book in this series, Eleanor is off to an author event for mystery writing in the Bahamas. She has her usual entourage with her, Oliver (her boyfriend), Connor (her ex-boyfriend), Harper (her sister), Vicki (editor), and of course, Crazy Cathy (fan/stalker/...friend?). There's a cast of new characters as well, and altogether they flesh out the cast of suspects for this murder mystery.

I did find that the twists and turns, along with the extended cast members, made the story more complicated and harder to follow than it needed to be. The final 25% in particular felt very bogged down in explanations and red herrings that it actually slowed the pace of the mystery - in exactly the place where you want the least.

However, I did get what I came for - Eleanor's wit and narrative tone. I enjoyed that a lot in the first two books, the footnotes, the little asides, the absolute destruction of the fourth wall. I also like how there's already a promise of the next book with a title. It gives me something to look forward to.

I'd give this a 3.5 stars, but Goodreads won't allow it. So it's a 4 when rounded up.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed Catherine Mack’s Vacation Mysteries series, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of the third installment from NetGalley.

There is always something happening in this book. Just when you think you’ve got your footing, the story pivots and keeps you on your toes in the best way. The pacing moves quickly without feeling rushed, and it’s such an easy, satisfying read. The plot is engaging, the twists are well-timed, and the characters continue to be interesting and fun to follow.

One of my favorite parts is the banter. It’s sharp, entertaining, and adds so much personality to the story. The dialogue feels natural and keeps the tone light even when things get tense. And I love that the FMC shares little nuggets of wisdom about writing mysteries along the way—it’s such a fun addition, especially if you’re someone who’s ever thought about writing one yourself.

I will say, the footnotes were a bit distracting in the digital format. I found myself mostly skipping them, but honestly, it didn’t detract from the storyline at all.

Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced addition to the series, and I’m already looking forward to whatever adventure comes next. If you’ve enjoyed the previous books, this one won’t disappoint!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does Eleanor Dash ever get a moment of peace? At this point, even a simple romantic weekend with Oliver feels like wishful thinking. They might be better off locking the doors and committing to a stay‑cation, because trouble seems to follow Eleanor no matter where she goes.
One of the most enjoyable elements of this installment is the playful, meta approach Catherine Mack takes. Eleanor’s step‑by‑step commentary on how to craft a murder mystery—while actively navigating one—feels like a clever wink to the reader. The nods to ARCs, review platforms, conventions, and the publishing world add an extra layer of fun for anyone who loves the behind‑the‑scenes side of book culture.
That said, some characters come across as overly familiar archetypes, seemingly placed to serve as red herrings rather than fully realized individuals. The plot is packed with twists, misdirections, and dead ends, which keeps the pace lively, though a few turns stretched believability for me.
Eleanor herself is a more self‑centered narrator this time around. It’s intentional—and even acknowledged by other characters—but it can be grating in moments. Still, her voice remains engaging enough to carry the story.
Despite a few far‑fetched plot points, this is an entertaining, fast‑moving mystery with plenty of humor and meta charm. A solid 3.5‑star read for fans of light, self‑aware whodunits.

[Cassie (eclectically.bookish.cassie) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed the first two books in the Vacation Mysteries series. It's cozy, summery (because all of the vacations so far have been in warm climates), and has a dash of romance, sibling dynamics, author rivalries, and a whole lot of mystery and hijinks. Unfortunately, this one fell a bit flatter for me than the other two. I've tried to puzzle out why, and some of it has to do with me thinking this was the final book in a trilogy, but realizing midway through that the author is in contract for three more Eleanor Dash novels. These novels are fairly self-contained and the footnotes and context clues give enough information that I think they could be read apart from one another; however, there are a few plotlines that carry book-to-book. I went in expecting those to resolve and then discovered why they weren't... because this wasn't the series conclusion! I think my other trouble is simply that I'm starting to feel a bit weary of Eleanor's antics, lack of self-awareness, and humor. She hasn't changed much over the course of 3 books. I think she's probably heading there as Eleanor and her sister, Harper, explored their parents' death a tiny bit in this one; I can see glimpses of that exploration going deeper in future books, but for now, Eleanor's character growth was lacking a bit. The nods to NetGalley, early readers, BookTok, etc. was a fun addition to this volume, though. And I hope I'm not being too much of a Stefan (side-character) in this review. Overall, this is a great palate cleanser series. It's zippy and fun, lighthearted and easy. I just want a little more for Eleanor's future and am impatient for her growth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the digital review copy and the opportunity to serve as an early reader.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars

This Weekend Doesn’t End Well for Anyone by Catherine Mack

I’m not usually a murder mystery or thriller reader, but this series is delightfully genre-bendy, equal parts mystery, comedy, snark, and banter. Eleanor continues to be a standout narrator, breaking the fourth wall with confidence and charm, and somehow managing to explain how to write a murder mystery while actively living in one. A few books in, the narration has only gotten better- it genuinely feels like you’re in on all the best inside jokes

The retreat setting is perfect! Trapping Eleanor, Connor Smith, Crazy Cathy, and the rest of the familiar cast together, all with secrets to hide. The mystery is tightly paced with just the right amount of clues: I had my suspicions (and was right), though the why still kept me guessing until the reveal. I also loved the nods to ARCs, review platforms, conventions, and publishing life

That said, I’d recommend the physical book over digital if you can swing it. The footnotes were a bit distracting on my ARC and I mostly skipped them, though thankfully it didn’t detract from the story itself.

Suspenseful, funny, clever, and refreshingly self-aware- just like the first two books, this one was a win for me

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital ARC

[Natalie Intihar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Weekend Doesn’t End Well for Anyone was an accidental foray of mine into the mystery genre, but once I got into the story, I couldn’t put it down! Eleanor, Oliver, and their whole crew are on quite an adventure from the very first chapter of this story. Eleanor lays out how to write a murder mystery while simultaneously living it, which made for a compelling way to look into a genre I don’t spend a lot of time reading.

While I did get hooked on this story, I suspect that if I had read the first two books beforehand I may have done so much sooner! There was definitely quite a bit of context that went over my head since I don’t know the backstory. I am deathly curious about the earlier stories now, so I may have to go back and read Eleanor’s first experiences with unexpected murder.

It’s hard to write a review for a mystery book since I don’t want to spoil any of the twists and turns! I can say this: I definitely didn’t want Eleanor to die, and I was deeply invested in who was the murderer as well as what their motive was. I’m probably going to regret finishing this book right before bed, but I just had to know the ending!!!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

(ARC - out 04/28/26 via St. Martin's Press) (3.5 rounded up) This is the third novel in a mystery series, so you know what you’re getting. These novels are written from the perspective of a mystery author and they follow the trend of a popular subsection of mysteries nowadays where the narrator is aware of tropes and cliches and writes with a wink to their audience. This story revolves around Eleanor Dash, the narrator of the first two books in the series, constantly stumbling upon dead bodies and murderous suspects. This time she’s in the Bahamas partly to speak at a writers’ conference, but mostly for some R&R with her sister and boyfriend. Upon arrival, she finds a body on the floor of her hotel room, and any chances of a relaxing vacation are (dare I say) dashed. I really like this series for being exactly what it sets out to be. My only quibble is not at all related to the story, but more an issue of e-book accessibility. There are A TON of footnotes in this book (and in the previous two in the series), and with e-arcs, the footnote compatibility is kind of faulty, so I found myself frustrated with that. But that’s not a fault of the author or the publisher - this is just a series that I personally prefer to read physically! YMMV.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This Weekend Doesn’t End Well for Anyone" by Catherine Mack is the third book in the *Vacation Mystery* series, and I swear these books just keep getting better and better.

We’re back with Eleanor Dash—mystery author and accidental murder magnet—who this time is in the Bahamas for a mystery conference (and *technically* a vacation with her boyfriend and sister). But honestly, we all know how this goes. She checks into her hotel… and immediately finds a dead body in her room. Because of course she does.

One of my favorite things about this series is the format. Eleanor narrates the story while casually dropping writing tips on how to craft a mystery, and they’re woven into the plot so seamlessly that it just works. Add in the footnotes (which I absolutely loved), and it gives the book so much personality and charm.

The characters are fantastic, the setting is chef’s kiss tropical chaos, and the mystery itself is packed with red herrings, twists, and turns that kept me guessing the whole time. I thought I had it figured out… I did not.

This series is such a fun, clever take on cozy mysteries, and this installment might be my favorite yet. I’m crossing my fingers HARD for many more books with Eleanor Dash because I am not ready to let this series end anytime soon

[Ali Bunke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catherine Mack’s This Weekend Doesn’t End Well for Anyone brings Eleanor Dash back for a third round of chaos, and once again she can’t seem to escape murder no matter how hard she tries. This time she’s on a working getaway at an all‑inclusive resort in the Bahamas, attending a murder‑mystery writers’ conference as a speaker. Unfortunately the moment she arrives she discover a body on the floor of her hotel room. The story reunites us with familiar faces from earlier books, which adds a comforting sense of continuity and deepens the connection to Eleanor. As always, the writing is sharp and humorous, with no shortage of suspects and plenty of people acting suspicious enough to keep the pages turning. Eleanor isn’t exactly the most intuitive sleuth, and watching her miss some obvious clues can be a little frustrating, but her likability makes her easy to root for amid a cast full of unlikeable characters. The playful fourth‑wall breaks are entertaining to read, and add charm to the narrative. Hopefully Eleanor gets a well‑deserved break in the next installment, though with her luck, that seems unlikely.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

[Jessica Bellemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's a girl to do when murder follows her everywhere she goes?

Mystery writer Eleanor Dash is back for the third instalment in the Vacation Mysteries series, this time on a mystery writers conference in the Bahamas. Just when she thought she could finally relax with her boyfriend Oliver at the all-inclusive resort, a dead body is found in her room upon arrival. Naturally, she's surrounded by a litany of possibly suspects and there aren't enough cocktails in the world to quell the drama.

One of the aspects that I love most about this series is how real Eleanor feels, especially as the first-person narrator of the books. She's a self-effacing, sarcastic millennial ICON and I won't hear any different.

Catherine Mack knows how to write a fast-paced mystery that draws you in from the get-go with the hilarious footnotes, Taylor Swift references, and the overall true understanding of the complicated messes that we all are as humans (even if we don't want to admit it).

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press I Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

[The Bookish Narwhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wildly entertaining, razor-sharp thriller that thrives on chaos, secrets, and biting wit. True-to-form, Mack delivers a pressure-cooker story that grips from the very first page, proving why this refreshing series feels so addictive. The pacing is relentless, the tension deliciously claustrophobic, and every interaction crackles with possibility.

As a reader who loves supporting Canadian authors, there’s something especially satisfying about seeing a story this bold, clever, and confident take centre stage. Mack’s voice is sharp and irreverent, balancing dark humour with genuine menace, and her characters are messy, suspicious, and endlessly compelling. Beneath the thrills you’ll find a smart exploration of perception, power, and the narratives people cling to when everything is on the line.

Addictive, twisty, and ridiculously fun, this read earns a full five stars and cements this series as one I can’t get enough of. I mean, I do own the first two in hardcover after all!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for a temporary e-ARC!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun low stakes series - El is chaotic (in the best way), the plots are always a little wild yet also solvable, and the cast of characters are entertaining.

The relationship between El and Oliver is grounding for this book in particular and I enjoyed them teaming up to pick locks and try to solve the murder together. Usually I really enjoy Harper and El's relationship as well, but this story I found Harper a bit tough to take. I'm hoping with her jumping into the podcast world things will even out in book 4 - at least until El has to ultimately write about the accident that took their parents.

I will say, of all the entries so far, book 3 is my least favorite and I struggled a bit between a 3 and 4 star rating, the plot goes a tad off the rails at times and I feel like Mack had to wrangle it back in to a suitable ending, which worked but was also, like El, a bit chaotic.

That said, I'm already hooked for the next book and the jump-on-jump-off tour sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

Thank you to the publisher via netgalley for this book.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed my time with the FMC Eleanor as both the writer who becomes the suspect in another crazy murder as well as an amateur detective that continually breaks the 4th wall to make sure the reader is paying close enough attention.This makes the third book in the Vacation Mysteries series that I have been lucky enough to read. I always find them amusing and clever and this one is no exception. It is witty and made me laugh on quite a few occasions. The only issue I have is there might have been too much of the breaking of the fourth wall. Too much of telling the reader this is what needs to happen in order for this to remain fair play or make sure you remember this in the following chapter. It started to mess with the flow and slow down the pace, a bit. Just a minor issue really, I still recommend this book and the series as a whole. Especially if you are looking for a cozy mystery with extra humor and a bit more snark, I would say pick this up.

Thank you to Minotaur Books for allowing me to read a gifted e-ARC.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series! I burn through them and then can't wait for the next.

This time, Eleanor Dash has been asked to participate and lead sessions at an exclusive writers’ retreat on an island retreat. Eleanor is expecting a restorative and inspiring time with Oliver, but as soon as they arrive, it becomes clear that someone is still very much out to kill Eleanor.

There are some of the usual cast of characters, including Connor Smith and Crazy Cathy. The retreat setting works perfectly as it traps them all together, and they all seem to have secrets to hide. Eleanor remains a standout protagonist. She is observant, dryly funny, and constantly questioning her own instincts even as she picks up on every off note around her. The mystery is tightly paced, full of uncomfortable social dynamics (including Eleanor's relationship with her sister) and lots of misdirection to keep you guessing.

Thanks to netgalley, the author and publisher for this wonderful E-Arc. It made my weekend!