The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco opens the way you’d expect any good murder mystery to open: with a murder. In this case, it’s a socialite named Katherine Harper, who is killed in one of the most gruesome ways imaginable on a foggy night in San Francisco.
It’s not her murder we’re immediately interested in, though. The novel by Michelle Chouinard combines three murder mysteries in one, wrapping it all up in some complex family drama.
The novel’s main focus is on a protagonist who gives serial killer tours of San Francisco. Capri Sanzio takes groups on excursions around the city, sharing her knowledge of history when it comes to famous serial killers. They even occasionally head to places like Alcatraz.
Her own connection to a serial killer is what makes this even more interesting. Though she tries her best to avoid calling attention to it, the people on her tours always seem to want to ask about the serial killer she’s related to — her grandfather, who was also known as “Overkill Bill.”
The thing is, Capri has never really believed that her grandfather was guilty of the murders he was accused of. So, much of the story is about Capri’s investigation into decades-old murders to find out what really happened and, hopefully, clear her grandfather’s name.
That all becomes tied up in the murder that opens the book because the victim was killed in the same way that “Overkill Bill” used to kill his victims. After that, there’s another victim with whom Capri shares personal ties — her former mother-in-law, Sylvia.
Capri and her daughter Morgan immediately become suspects. And of course, Capri’s best chance to prove they’re both innocent is to figure out who the killer is herself.
It’s a fun ride to follow Capri in all her amateur sleuthing, discovering family secrets along the way. The mystery is intriguing enough to keep you moving past some of the slower parts in the middle of the novel.
There’s a bit too much focus, really, on things like financial documents, digging through files, and Capri’s co-worker who’s good at figuring out passcodes. I also have to question some of the choices the main character makes throughout, which occasionally seem more plot-driven than character-driven.
The characters could use more depth in general as well. While it’s easy to understand the clear tension between Capri and her ex, for example, fleshing out the characters further would have done a long way in allowing the reader to be more invested. The same is especially true of Sylvia.
Still, the complexity of intertwining the mystery of Capri’s grandfather with the current investigation of her former mother-in-law’s death works really well, and the complex family dynamics leave us questioning, in some cases, whose side we’re supposed to be on.
The backdrop of San Francisco and the way everything is described also makes the book enjoyable, especially given the unique lens of looking at it all through the eyes of someone who knows a lot about serial killers.
There’s even one scene that takes place in a familiar setting if you’ve ever seen the film Vertigo — a nice touch.
However, I wouldn’t have minded a little more detailed imagery, especially given the importance of the fog and the city’s setting.
Overall, this is a fun, quick read that makes you want to keep turning the pages, and it definitely has a few surprises.
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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley is the Editor-in-Chief of Eulalie Magazine. Favorite Movies: Sunset Boulevard, Garden State, Modern Times. Favorite TV Shows: Gilmore Girls, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Grey's Anatomy. Favorite Books: Interview with the Vampire, Dracula, City of Glass.
