This Weekend Doesn't End Well for Anyone

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

Kindle Edition

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

[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!

[Angie Miale · Rating 3 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

[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.]

[Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first for the series but now I want to go back and read the rest! This was such a fun, cozy mystery. I really enjoyed the writing style and was invested in the characters. If you haven’t read any of the books, you’d still enjoy this story.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc

[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?!)

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun time.

I really enjoy this series, and this installment delivered exactly what I want from a cozy mystery with witty writing, an engaging plot, and a cast of characters that keep things interesting the entire time.

Eleanor continues to be such a strong, entertaining main character. Her inner thoughts are sharp, funny, and made me smile more than once while reading. I love how the story blends humor with the mystery, so even as things unravel, it never feels too heavy.

The setting and overall vibe were also a highlight for me. There’s something about this series that just feels immersive and easy to sink into, and I found myself flying through the pages.

The mystery itself kept me guessing, with plenty of twists, red herrings, and moving pieces to keep things interesting. I especially enjoyed how everything came together and how the story balances past and present elements.

Overall, this was an entertaining, clever, and fast-paced read that I had a great time with. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with humor, strong voice, and a twisty plot, this series is definitely worth picking up.

[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.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eleanor Dash is attending a writing conference, but she should know better than to go on vacation, even a working one. Because when she and her boyfriend, Oliver, check into their room - there’s a dead body on the floor. Sure, sure, the police say it’s suicide - but this is starting very similarly to her last couple trips. And as she teaches the attendees (with A LOT of familiar faces) and the reader about writing a murder mystery, the bodies start to pile up.

It’s important to read this in order, because the characters are motivated by the events of the first two books. Eleanor is a snarky, fourth-wall-breaking narrator, with lots of footnotes and jokes, and it’s a fun ride.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[Nanette · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh my gosh..I received this as a free giveaway contest.
Still wasn’t worth the price.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Weekend Doesn't End Well for Anyone by Catherine Mack (April 2026) [reading in March]
Vacation Mystery #3
329-page Ebook story pages 6-322

Genre: Mystery Thriller, Humor, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery

Rating as a movie: PG-15 for adult content and language [would PG-13 if not for multiple F-bombs early on]

Featuring: Bibliography for Catherine Mack, Bibliography for Catherine McKenzie, Bibliography for Julie Apple, Epigraphs, Titled Chapters, Best-Selling Author MC, Howl to Guide, Footnotes, Mystery Series, Tricenarians, Bahamas, Resort Hotel, Conference, Sisters, Exes - Boyfriend, Best Friend; Authors, Set Over a Weekend, Story Within Story, Assistants, Writer's Brain, Detectives, Traveling, References to Previous Books, Los Angeles, California; Agatha Christie, Taylor Swift, Writer's Guide

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🛎🏝🇧🇸👙📚

My thoughts: I absolutely love the style of this story, it's formatted as a how to guide for writing a mystery / seminar, that part was great. The part I did not care for was the investigation itself, it was very Agatha Christie and cute for a minute but as with a Christie I became disinterested towards the end. It got to the point where I no longer cared who was alive or dead. I enjoyed this book more than Book 2, but it just didn't have the surprise element of Book 1. I wasn't a five-star read for me, because I enjoyed it until I didn't. It had a lot of humorous elements, I was laughing during the first half and I enjoyed the guide more than the actual mystery which is why I couldn't give it five stars. Part of the reason why I think I lost interest in the investigation is because I don't like the side characters. I cannot stand Harper. I didn't like her in Book 1, I didn't like her in Book 2, and I kind of hate her now. I also dislike like the ex-boyfriend and the love interest. Can we put a pin in this series right now and start off with something new? I would love to read something new from this author, because she's an incredible writer. If there was a fourth book I definitely read it, but if I had a choice between a fourth book in this series and a new book I would choose a new book. I'm kind of over these characters except for Eleanor.

Recommend to others: Yes! It's a good story, there were just too many rabbits in hats for my mood.

Vacation Mystery
1. Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies (2024)
2. No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding (2025)
3. This Weekend Doesn't End Well for Anyone (2026)

Songs for the soundtrack: "Everything Has Changed" by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, "So High School" by Taylor Swift, "You’re Losing Me" by Taylor Swift, "So Long, London" by Taylor Swift, Peter" by Taylor Swift, "Shape Of You" Ed Sheeran, Reputation by Taylor Swift, "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived" by Taylor Swift, "Freak Flag" by John Tartaglia and Shrek Ensemble, "All Too Well" by Taylor Swift, "I Forgot That You Existed" by Taylor Swift

Books and Authors mentioned: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, Bridgerton by Chris Van Dusen [based on] Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn; Hacks by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky; The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie, Casino Royale by Ian Fleming, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie, The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe, Murder in Mesopotamia by Agatha Christie, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano - Finlay Donovan #5,
When Harry Met Sally... by Nora Ephron, Euphoria by Sam Levinson [based on] Euphoria by Ron Leshem and Daphna Levin; The Godfather Part II by Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo [based on] The Godfather by Mario Puzo; Nanea Hoffman, Misery by William Goldman [based on] Misery by Stephen King; James Patterson, Emily Henry, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, Beetlejuice by Michael McDowell and Warren Skaaren, The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by Charlie Kaufman, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen,The Shining by Stanley Kubrick and Diane Johnson [based on] The Shining by Stephen King; The Hobbit by J.R.R. Martin, If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer by O.J. Simpson, Pablo Fenjves, Dominick Dunne, and The Goldman family; P. D. James, Single White Female by Don Roos [based on] SWF Seeks Same by John Lutz

[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?

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

This is book three in the 'Vacation Mystery' series; the first being Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies, followed by No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding. I read all three in one weekend which I don't necessarily advise as they do start to blend into one, so I will do my utmost to review just this third book.

I do love how Catherine has written it as if Eleanor is writing the book we're reading and she's talking directly to the reader. It really draws you in. She's not just breaking the fourth wall, she's destroying it.

It's grittier than cosy crime but sweeter than a thriller so it's hard to completely pinpoint what it is.

I read the first two in hardback and this one on Kindle. She litters each page with footnotes which are interesting. They're not absolutely key to the plot so you won't miss anything by not reading them, but I recommend you do as that's where a lot of the humour lies. My e-arc copy did mean the footnotes appeared quite sporadically in the middle of sentences, but having read what they look like in a physical copy, I do recommend reading them.

We've got our usual character which add a sense of continuity and familiarity but we have some new ones to add a bit of freshness.

Her writing is smart and witty and is the standout positive about this series. The plot is well conceived and the characters believable and likeable - even if they're not meant to be likeable.

This is probably my least favourite of the three. It's still very good and I still enjoyed it and I'll still recommend it, but I do wonder if the idea is getting a bit tired? It still works and, like I say, it's still fun and enjoyable to read, but the three books are almost carbon copies of each other, so by the time you get to this one, you've sort of figured it out and it doesn't quite have the same punch. But I admit that could be because I read all three in one weekend.

So in all, still enjoyable, I'd definitely recommend it (better in physical form), the writing is great, plot interesting, and characters fun to read about. But it's lost a bit of the spark the other two, and especially the first one, had.

[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.

[inmyreadingera321 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm always a little conflicted when I read these books. On the one hand, a murder mystery writer solving murder mysteries? Sign me up. On the other hand, the plots are always just a little too convoluted. I think it stems from too many characters and Eleanor's zany -- though entertaining -- internal monologue. There's just always a little too much going on, with no direct way of figuring anything out. I know that murder mysteries have red herrings and are meant to be tricky, but at the same time, I shouldn't be losing track of who is whom, and that happens sometimes when I read these books. It also doesn't help that everything stems back to the Eleanor's "When in Rome" story which, first of all, was never an actual part of the Vacation Mysteries series, and second of all, was recounted with most detail in the first book -- which was a long time ago, now. When everything seems to come back to the Connor/Eleanor/Giuseppe family mystery, we should have a good understanding of what actually happened there. And I just think that story didn't even really make sense to me when I read the first book, much less two books -- and two years -- later.

Don't get me wrong, I'll definitely keep reading the books. But I think that some things need to be less of a focus and other things should be more on the forefront. I wish we had more of Eleanor and Oliver, because he's such a good guy! But I feel like he's an afterthought to Eleanor, because she's always drawn back to Connor (despite him being a HORRIBLE PERSON!). And, in terms of the other side characters, I feel like we need to pick a lane. Is Harper a good sister, or no? Is Sandrine a bad friend, or no? People are complicated, yes, but going back and forth gets confusing and irritating. Eleanor is imperfect, for sure, but we automatically root for her as the main character. Now we need to know who else (besides Oliver) to root for, and we need to start seeing justice come for the villains in Eleanor's life (ahem, Connor).

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Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

[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.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series. I haven’t read the second but you can still read the third as the author signposts what you need to know from the earlier books.

These are quite tongue in cheek murder mysteries. They are quite meta, the main character referencing tropes and structures from mystery novels through the events of the books, and she herself is a mystery writer. She regularly finds herself embroiled in mysteries of her own which she attempts to solve whilst being both intrigued and exasperated by events. She both loves and fears the drama. She’s a funny narrator, being quite over the top and regularly poking fun at herself and the situations she’s in. These books use a lot of footnotes which gives you her slightly sarcastic referencing of events but they do add quite a lot of humour. If you don’t like footnotes, this may not be for you, but I think it works really well in the context of these stories.

This third book finds our main character at a murder mystery conference in the Bahamas and of course things go terribly wrong. A body is found, past antagonists resurface and relationships are strained. All while our main character tries to work out what’s going on and whodunnit? It’s great fun to read, convoluted but this is intentional and the narrator regularly recaps and breaks things down for the reader to showcase her thought process and how things tie up with the mystery tropes.

I think these books are clever, funny and entertaining and they have a unique tone and feel. I finished this and then immediately thought of which friends I’d recommend this too because they’d enjoy the narrator and style.

[Rebecca Marlatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
4.5/5!!!!

I truly love The Vacation Mysteries series, and I really hope there is at least one more after finishing this one. This Weekend Doesn’t End Well for Anyone is a cozy-adjacent mystery, with a bit of romance, that breaks the fourth wall via footnotes. It is irreverent, hilarious, and very enjoyable. You don’t have to read the other two books in the series prior to this one, but I would highly recommended, as the backstory and characters are relevant to all three (do it in the meantime, this one publishes April 28, 2026)!

Eleanor Dash is back, in the Bahamas this time, for a relaxing weekend at an all-inclusive resort where she’s speaking and teaching a course on how to write a murder mystery novel. But in true Eleanor and company fashion, it is never going to be a weekend of leisure; this is made immediately apparent when she walks into her hotel room only to find a dead body on the floor…

I’m obsessed with the cast of characters and the ridiculous scenarios they find themselves in. I also love how the core characters come back in each novel (even Crazy Cathy), with others brought into the mix for a bit more mystery. The plot is well written and addictive; I did not guess the murderer in this book, and I couldn’t believe the twists revealed in act 3! I adore Eleanor; she’s witty, relatable in her attitude, relationships, and inner struggles.

I loved the formatting of this one; arranged into three acts, with the plot points outlined for you if you were to write a mystery (just like the convention)… a perfect and playful addition.

[Alanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the third book in the Vacation Mysteries, this delivered an entertaining, witty mystery that had an addictive pacing and laugh out loud moments.

From a pure entertainment standpoint, this is easily my favorite book in the series so far. I was completely hooked. That first chapter had me in its claws. I did not want to put it down. The humor lands perfectly, and I continue to love the footnotes. The "how to plot a mystery" chapter breaks was such a fun, clever touch.

That said, while this may have been the most entertaining of the three, I did find the mystery in this one to be the weakest. It wasn't as twisty or surprising as I've come to expect, and at times felt a little tired. Around the halfway point, I started wondering if the series might be reaching its natural end. But that ending.......Completely pulled me back in. It was setting a different plot / mystery that has me very intrigued. It could add some life to keep the series going.

The characters are still a major strength, though I had some slightly mixed feelings about this one. The group dynamics are as complex as ever, but some characters felt flatter or more convenient for the plot. It's hard not to compare to the previous books because I thought Catherine Mack did such a good job.

One of my biggest frustrations was the regression in the relationship between Eleanor and Harper. It felt like they had made meaningful progress before, only to be pushed back to square one for sake of conflict. Instead of wanting resolution, it came across as repetitive and irritating.
On the other hand, I appreciated the development of Eleanor & Oliver's relationship. I liked seeing them continue to grow and communicate with each other rather than the same recycled drama.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time with this one. Had me engaged from start to finish. The humor, format, and character relationships keep me attached and I am definitely wanting book four.

I received a copy from NetGalley, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Weekend Doesn’t End Well for Anyone by Catherine Mack is another entertaining and witty entry in the Vacation Mysteries Series, delivering the humor, charm, and clever plotting that fans have come to expect. Mack’s creative writing style shines through in her descriptive passages, bringing both the story’s settings and her quirky characters to life with energy and flair. Eleanor and her familiar crew continue to be a delight, offering warmth and amusement throughout the narrative.

In this installment, the story takes Eleanor to a writing conference focused on mysteries, where Mack playfully includes meta-commentary on how to craft a good mystery. While clever, this moment of fourth-wall breaking pulled me out of the story slightly more than previous books in the series. Additionally, one of the series’ signature touches (the humorous and unique footnotes) was less prominent here, which I personally missed.

Despite these minor departures, the book maintains the series’ signature humor and charm, making it a highly enjoyable read. I would rate This Weekend Doesn’t End Well for Anyone 3.5 stars (rounded up) out of 5 and would highly recommend it for fans of lighthearted mysteries or anyone seeking a fun, engaging read- perfect for summer, but enjoyable anytime of year.

I sincerely hope this series continues, as it remains one of the most clever and fun mystery series out there. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Bea ౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book! This is one of my favorite authors (and series!), so I was honestly so honored and beyond excited when I got the email that I received a copy!!

This book was everything I hoped for and more. It’s such a fun, chaotic, and clever story that completely pulled me in from the start.

What I loved most was the writing style; it’s so funny, sharp, and incredibly modern. The humor landed perfectly for me, and the Taylor Swift references throughout made the reading experience even better (as a Swiftie, I was living for every single one). It made the characters feel current and relatable, and added an extra layer of enjoyment.

The story itself is super easy to read and fast-paced, making it one of those books you just don’t want to put down. And that ending… I genuinely did NOT see that plot twist coming at all. It completely shocked me in the best way and made the whole story even more memorable.

The only small downside for me was the formatting of the footnotes on Kindle. Since they appear at the end of chapters instead of on the page, it made them a bit harder to keep up with while reading. I think this will translate much better in the physical copy when I get mine.

Overall, this was such a fun, entertaining, and unforgettable read. I already know I’ll be picking up a finished copy when it releases on April 28; I can’t wait to read it again in paperback!

Thank you again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest 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.

[Heather Callahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Weekend Doesn’t End Well for Anyone by Catherine Mack is another clever and entertaining installment in the Eleanor Dash series. I loved the first two books, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this one—and it definitely delivered the same fun, chaotic energy that makes this series so enjoyable.

In this installment, bestselling mystery author Eleanor Dash finds herself in yet another precarious situation when a weekend getaway quickly spirals into a dangerous—and possibly deadly—series of events. As tensions rise among the group and secrets begin to surface, Eleanor realizes that more than one person may have a reason to want her out of the picture. What follows is a witty, twisty mystery full of sharp humor, suspicious characters, and Eleanor’s signature commentary on the unfolding chaos.

Catherine Mack has such a fun concept for this series, and I love how everything always manages to tie up so neatly by the end. The footnotes continue to be one of my favorite elements—they add so much personality and humor to Eleanor’s voice. And honestly, poor Eleanor Dash… by the end of the book you start to wonder if there’s anyone who doesn’t want to kill her!

If you’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series, this one will absolutely scratch the same itch: a fast-paced mystery with plenty of humor, clever twists, and a protagonist who can’t seem to stay out of trouble.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC ❤️

[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.