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Murder on a Summer Break
Amateur sleuths and wannabe influencers Kerry and Annie are back on the case when a social media festival inspires some killer content—and several on-camera influencer deaths—in this page-turning and sidesplitting sequel to Murder on a School Night from author and comedian Kate Weston. After catching the menstrual murderer red-handed, Annie and Kerry are now the Tampon Two, Barbourough’s most famous—well, only—detective duo. So Annie (and decidedly not Kerry) is enjoying her five minutes of fame. Except life in the spotlight seems to be a magnet for death these days. After a famous prankster is found dead with a condom stretched over his entire head, the Tampon Two are on the scene at their small village’s Festival of Fame to catch another killer. Honestly, Kerry doesn’t know how she ended up here again, but this might be her one chance to prove to the folks at the local paper that she has what it takes to be a reporter—and to prove to herself that she doesn’t need her boyfriend, Scott, to save the day. Or even Annie, who definitely has stars and hearts in her eyes investigating all these influencers. With Annie distracted, Kerry has to work quickly, before one more live stream can be cut off by yet another grisly death. And this time, the murderer might be following her—and not just on social media—in their quest to create some truly killer content.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 3, 2024
While I normally really enjoy YA books, this one wasn’t quite for me. It was a cosy murder/mystery – and I was genuinely interested to see who the murderer was, and their motive – but I was not enamoured of the characters, nor the setting (an influencers festival). Perhaps I am just too old, but a bunch of vapid self-promoting influencers, who perpetually document every facet of their lives through the ‘ReelLife’ app on their smart phones, is not really my cup of tea.
The story is told in the first person by Kerry, a 17 year-old would-be investigative journalist. She is the most sympathetic of the characters – intelligent and shy – but goes all wobbly when around the ‘Adorable Adonis’ influencer, Dougie Trainor. Kerry is dragged into the festival by her best friend, Annie. Annie initially wants to expose the influencers for their pretentiousness, but really wants to become one, with as many followers as possible. She is fixated with ReelLife, and always wants to be in the middle of everything. I am not sure why Kerry puts up with her.
Kerry and Annie both consider themselves to be feminists (saying ‘good vulva’ is hardly feminism 101), and hope to meet their hero, influencer Winona Philips. They solved a murder in the previous book (which I haven’t read), and when the first body appears, they immediately throw themselves into this crime/mystery.
While the setting was unique, much of the plot appeared formulaic. The police are stereotypically useless, and Kerry and Annie managed to accuse every other character in turn – only hitting on the real culprit once all others are found to have genuine alibis – or are dead.
It is quite likely that I have missed the whole point of this book – it might be a parody of youth fixation with fame and social media. Or, it could just be a fun YA cosy murder/mystery.
There are a lot of positives, and most other reviewers really liked the book. My opinions are probably the outliers. It is worth a read, and you can make up your own mind.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by either the author or publisher.
The story is told in the first person by Kerry, a 17 year-old would-be investigative journalist. She is the most sympathetic of the characters – intelligent and shy – but goes all wobbly when around the ‘Adorable Adonis’ influencer, Dougie Trainor. Kerry is dragged into the festival by her best friend, Annie. Annie initially wants to expose the influencers for their pretentiousness, but really wants to become one, with as many followers as possible. She is fixated with ReelLife, and always wants to be in the middle of everything. I am not sure why Kerry puts up with her.
Kerry and Annie both consider themselves to be feminists (saying ‘good vulva’ is hardly feminism 101), and hope to meet their hero, influencer Winona Philips. They solved a murder in the previous book (which I haven’t read), and when the first body appears, they immediately throw themselves into this crime/mystery.
While the setting was unique, much of the plot appeared formulaic. The police are stereotypically useless, and Kerry and Annie managed to accuse every other character in turn – only hitting on the real culprit once all others are found to have genuine alibis – or are dead.
It is quite likely that I have missed the whole point of this book – it might be a parody of youth fixation with fame and social media. Or, it could just be a fun YA cosy murder/mystery.
There are a lot of positives, and most other reviewers really liked the book. My opinions are probably the outliers. It is worth a read, and you can make up your own mind.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by either the author or publisher.
July 31, 2024
Well was not expecting that
September 6, 2024
“Then onward we go, for feminism and friendship!”
In the highly anticipated sequel to Murder on a School Night, best friends Annie and Kerry are shocked to find they have yet another murder to solve. After the events of the previous book, both girls are dealing with their reputation as the girls who caught the menstrual murderer. The girls, also known as the Tampon Two, join a festival full of influencers that quickly becomes a crime scene. Kerry must prove that she has what it takes to become a serious reporter for the local paper while Annie battles her desire to become social media famous.
While the story was entertaining and engaging overall, there were quite a few issues that I was unable to ignore when it came to the writing. Keeping in mind the target audience for the book, I understand the syntactical and linguistic choices made; however, the attempts to use modern slang fell flat, like the use of terms such as “iconic,” which just seemed a bit unnatural and forced. Additionally, my personal preference in any media, not just books, is to avoid any pop culture references as they can greatly age the work. While Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” is both trending and relatively new (2019), including references like this immediately make the book seem dated and therefore not relatable to some readers. On a positive note, I loved the themes and discussions that Murder on a Summer Break brings to light. Similar to the incredibly feminist first book, this sequel delivers promising conversations about our obsession with fame and popularity and the issues it can create in your life. I would even argue that spending more time on this theme than the somewhat stereotypical murder plot might have made the book more enjoyable for me. Filled with sex-positive and feminist messaging, I can always rely on Weston’s works to evoke conversations on complex topics. That being said, the feminist messaging felt a bit superficial to me as Kerry and Annie regularly use statements like “good vulva” as a way to communicate that they are feminists. Despite my grievances with the book, I think young readers looking for positive female friendships, a murder mystery, or even a discussion on influencer culture may enjoy Murder on a Summer Break.
Murder on Summer Break releases on September 10th, 2024.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank SparkPoint Studio, NetGalley, and HarperCollins for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
In the highly anticipated sequel to Murder on a School Night, best friends Annie and Kerry are shocked to find they have yet another murder to solve. After the events of the previous book, both girls are dealing with their reputation as the girls who caught the menstrual murderer. The girls, also known as the Tampon Two, join a festival full of influencers that quickly becomes a crime scene. Kerry must prove that she has what it takes to become a serious reporter for the local paper while Annie battles her desire to become social media famous.
While the story was entertaining and engaging overall, there were quite a few issues that I was unable to ignore when it came to the writing. Keeping in mind the target audience for the book, I understand the syntactical and linguistic choices made; however, the attempts to use modern slang fell flat, like the use of terms such as “iconic,” which just seemed a bit unnatural and forced. Additionally, my personal preference in any media, not just books, is to avoid any pop culture references as they can greatly age the work. While Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” is both trending and relatively new (2019), including references like this immediately make the book seem dated and therefore not relatable to some readers. On a positive note, I loved the themes and discussions that Murder on a Summer Break brings to light. Similar to the incredibly feminist first book, this sequel delivers promising conversations about our obsession with fame and popularity and the issues it can create in your life. I would even argue that spending more time on this theme than the somewhat stereotypical murder plot might have made the book more enjoyable for me. Filled with sex-positive and feminist messaging, I can always rely on Weston’s works to evoke conversations on complex topics. That being said, the feminist messaging felt a bit superficial to me as Kerry and Annie regularly use statements like “good vulva” as a way to communicate that they are feminists. Despite my grievances with the book, I think young readers looking for positive female friendships, a murder mystery, or even a discussion on influencer culture may enjoy Murder on a Summer Break.
Murder on Summer Break releases on September 10th, 2024.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank SparkPoint Studio, NetGalley, and HarperCollins for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
August 14, 2024
MURDER ON A SUMMER BREAK is another funny, feminist riot of a murder mystery, set at the most ridiculous camping festival you can imagine.
This is another very funny book from Kate Weston. The situations are ridiculous, but so believable for influencers - the fake sets, the money grab sponsorships, the seance. Kerry and Annie react exactly as you'd expect teenagers to do so - one is star struck, another feels left out, and neither manages to keep cool.
The influencers themselves are a good snapshot of the more worrying parts of influencer culture. There is the lad culture guy with his blatant sexism and harassment being acceptable, the male "feminist", the engineered advertising of products everyone behind the scenes know are bad, the non-apologies, and beyond. The book pokes fun at them as a way of critiquing these aspects of the business.
The book also explores the tensions in friendships and romances with distance and the lure of fame. Annie very much wants to be an influencer and gets sucked into the festival and celebrities. Scott is away on band tour, unable to find time to speak with Kerry. This leaves Kerry with only the group chat with Colin and Audrey at times, and the book explores that frustration as friends seems to drift away and ignore you for something new and shiny.
I don't know if there will be another book, but it feels like there's space for more adventures, this time in their final year, trying to juggle A-levels and murder solving!
This is another very funny book from Kate Weston. The situations are ridiculous, but so believable for influencers - the fake sets, the money grab sponsorships, the seance. Kerry and Annie react exactly as you'd expect teenagers to do so - one is star struck, another feels left out, and neither manages to keep cool.
The influencers themselves are a good snapshot of the more worrying parts of influencer culture. There is the lad culture guy with his blatant sexism and harassment being acceptable, the male "feminist", the engineered advertising of products everyone behind the scenes know are bad, the non-apologies, and beyond. The book pokes fun at them as a way of critiquing these aspects of the business.
The book also explores the tensions in friendships and romances with distance and the lure of fame. Annie very much wants to be an influencer and gets sucked into the festival and celebrities. Scott is away on band tour, unable to find time to speak with Kerry. This leaves Kerry with only the group chat with Colin and Audrey at times, and the book explores that frustration as friends seems to drift away and ignore you for something new and shiny.
I don't know if there will be another book, but it feels like there's space for more adventures, this time in their final year, trying to juggle A-levels and murder solving!
July 2, 2024
After solving a series of murders in their hometown of Barbourough (in Murder on a School Night), best friends Kerry and Annie are now known as Tampon Two and while Annie is ready to get in the most ridiculous situations to attract more followers on social media and become an influencer, Kerry would rather stay in the shadows, but the journalist in her is always ready to report. The Festival of Fame has arrived in Barbourough, organized by Heather, the most popular girl in school, once their enemy, now their (sometimes reluctant) friend, and some of the most famous influencers are there for a weekend of events. Annie is super excited but, somehow, she manages to start a prank war with the most famous (and obnoxious) influencer who then is found dead with a condom on his head. While the police thinks the death was somehow an accident, Annie and Kerry are convinced that it’s murder and that it may not be the only one of the weekend so they start investigating.
I loved Murder on a School Night, but Murder on a Summer Break is even better and a brilliant sequel. Annie and Kerry have grown (although Annie’s obsession with popularity is as strong as ever) and I really like the character of Kerry, from whose perspective the story is narrated. She is smart and, with her determination, her humor, and the way she admits her flaws, she kept me glued to the pages and made me laugh out loud as I was reading.
The plot is intriguing and well-developed with the right balance of mystery and humor. I am keeping my fingers tightly-crossed that this is not the last book, because I really need more of these hilarious and fantastic Kerry and Annie adventures.
A huge thank you to Electric Monkey and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of the novel.
I loved Murder on a School Night, but Murder on a Summer Break is even better and a brilliant sequel. Annie and Kerry have grown (although Annie’s obsession with popularity is as strong as ever) and I really like the character of Kerry, from whose perspective the story is narrated. She is smart and, with her determination, her humor, and the way she admits her flaws, she kept me glued to the pages and made me laugh out loud as I was reading.
The plot is intriguing and well-developed with the right balance of mystery and humor. I am keeping my fingers tightly-crossed that this is not the last book, because I really need more of these hilarious and fantastic Kerry and Annie adventures.
A huge thank you to Electric Monkey and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of the novel.
June 29, 2024
A satirical story of murder and women’s rights, that doesn’t take itself too seriously; but still makes a point. Two points actually - spend time with Kerry and Annie and you are just as likely to be bumped off (not by them of course, they are lovely teenagers really) and secondly, read the two books and decide for yourself (happy vulva day; am I allowed to say that as a guy?). What would the police do without Kerry and Anne, school pupil amateur sleuths and women’s rights champions. Annie is ready to be the next big influencer (proudly shouting we are the ‘Tampon Two’ at and Kerry wanting to be a news reporter (but really quite happy to be out of the lime light). They solved the Menstrual Murders, (hence Tampon Two) and now find themselves with dead bodies galore. You know what comes next? A little bit of mayhem and a lot of laughs. Thank you to Farshore and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine.
August 15, 2024
This was a good read, though some of it passed me by as this isn’t aimed at my age group, I’m definitely too old to get some of the influences meanings
But the murder mystery was good and well written and I couldn’t leave the book until I had read to the end to discover who the murder was.
This has everything a teenager reader will want in a book, it has modern terms and modern technology.
The characters were good and well planned out, and it cleverly shows us the different types of online influencers there are now, it also shows us that it is not a nice world to belong to.
This will be very popular with readers 13+
But the murder mystery was good and well written and I couldn’t leave the book until I had read to the end to discover who the murder was.
This has everything a teenager reader will want in a book, it has modern terms and modern technology.
The characters were good and well planned out, and it cleverly shows us the different types of online influencers there are now, it also shows us that it is not a nice world to belong to.
This will be very popular with readers 13+
August 6, 2024
While reading I figured out I was reading a sequel.
The book was okay but there were some things I didnt really like.
In my opinion the writer was trying to hard to make the characters seem like teenagers. They said and did things that made my whole body cringe…
I did however like the plot twist, I did not see it coming that Dougie was involved. I did about Winona though
The book was okay but there were some things I didnt really like.
In my opinion the writer was trying to hard to make the characters seem like teenagers. They said and did things that made my whole body cringe…
I did however like the plot twist, I did not see it coming that Dougie was involved. I did about Winona though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
3,5 stars.
Not quite as good as the first book in my opinion. Annie really isn't all the likable, and I think my favourite character ended up being either the dog or the beauty influencer... Not the best sign.
Not quite as good as the first book in my opinion. Annie really isn't all the likable, and I think my favourite character ended up being either the dog or the beauty influencer... Not the best sign.
September 4, 2024
3,5 stars. A funny light murder YA read. Read it in two days and had a blast with laughter because the story is so over the top but touches a few issues people today have with all of social media. What's real and what is not?
August 14, 2024
Review to follow.
August 20, 2024
Väldigt fyndig men också lite småtråkig.
August 31, 2024
An ok mystery that didn't really work throughout the book, but picked up towards the end.
September 1, 2024
Rtc on pinereadsreviews.com
September 6, 2024
This book was so good. It had me on the edge the whole book. I was constantly wondering what would happen. It was a really good mystery book.
September 17, 2024
I’m still not the biggest fan of these characters but listening to this on audio definitely made it more bearable. I think the plot itself was pretty fun though, with those influencers.
July 20, 2024
They might not be the most popular girls in school but solving last summer's menstrual murders means that Annie and Kerry got some attention on social media and Annie is determined to make the most o fit. Their online name is The Tampon Two... (not Kerry's choice)
The Festival of Fame, organised in their own town by their frenemy Heather, brings them closer to meeting their favourite influencers IRL. But then one of the influencers is found dead, suffocated by a condom stretched over his face.
The festival is shut down. Annie and Kerry are are trapped in a yurt, surrounded by celebrities. And a murdered... Annie focuses on the former and is delighted. Kerry is more concerned that there's a killer at large. Can they unmask the culprit before it's too late?
After taking on the taboo around periods and menstrual products, Kate Weston gets to task with the world of social media and influcencers, to hilarious results. No one is at it seems and even the ReelLife streaming has its dark secrets... Murder on a Summer Break has hips of humour, tension and teenage rollercoaster of emotions as the girls need to not only uncover a murderer, but also navigates old and new relationships. The perfect summer read to take on holiday.
The Festival of Fame, organised in their own town by their frenemy Heather, brings them closer to meeting their favourite influencers IRL. But then one of the influencers is found dead, suffocated by a condom stretched over his face.
The festival is shut down. Annie and Kerry are are trapped in a yurt, surrounded by celebrities. And a murdered... Annie focuses on the former and is delighted. Kerry is more concerned that there's a killer at large. Can they unmask the culprit before it's too late?
After taking on the taboo around periods and menstrual products, Kate Weston gets to task with the world of social media and influcencers, to hilarious results. No one is at it seems and even the ReelLife streaming has its dark secrets... Murder on a Summer Break has hips of humour, tension and teenage rollercoaster of emotions as the girls need to not only uncover a murderer, but also navigates old and new relationships. The perfect summer read to take on holiday.
July 15, 2024
Thank you so much to the marketing team for providing me with an e-arc. All views are my own.
What an absolutely hilarious sequel to Murder On A School Night! The first book was utterly brilliant and this was such an enjoyable follow up!
After solving the Menstrual Murders, Annie and Kerry (The Tampon Two) are back! And this time at Festival Of Fame, an influencer event where they very well might get to meet their fave feminist influencer! However not all of the events attendees share the same views and soon a prank war breaks out.
Whilst trying to out prank each other an influencer turns up dead! But can The Tampon Two figure out what is going on and why before it's too late? Because lets face it after their last run in with the police they don't have much faith in them to sort it before anything gets worse.
This had me cackling at extreme levels! I absolutely adore the banter and the comedy is beyond brilliant! I will definitely be recommending this book!
What an absolutely hilarious sequel to Murder On A School Night! The first book was utterly brilliant and this was such an enjoyable follow up!
After solving the Menstrual Murders, Annie and Kerry (The Tampon Two) are back! And this time at Festival Of Fame, an influencer event where they very well might get to meet their fave feminist influencer! However not all of the events attendees share the same views and soon a prank war breaks out.
Whilst trying to out prank each other an influencer turns up dead! But can The Tampon Two figure out what is going on and why before it's too late? Because lets face it after their last run in with the police they don't have much faith in them to sort it before anything gets worse.
This had me cackling at extreme levels! I absolutely adore the banter and the comedy is beyond brilliant! I will definitely be recommending this book!
July 8, 2024
This YA crime book follows Kerry and Annie who attend the “Festival of Fame”, a festival full of influencers to try and spot their all time favourite influencer Winona. Unfortunately though, their favourite influencer is unable to make it due to an injury but the two get on with it and land a spot in VIP camping with other famous influencers. Just as they are getting settled to the VIP life in the festival, it all comes crashing down when one of the biggest influencers are found dead. Who could be taking out these influencers and why??
YA crime wouldn’t be a normal genre for me but I enjoyed this. It was quick, easy to read and even though I did kind of work out who did it, I didn’t fully work it out.
YA crime wouldn’t be a normal genre for me but I enjoyed this. It was quick, easy to read and even though I did kind of work out who did it, I didn’t fully work it out.
July 8, 2024
✨3.5 stars✨
September 18, 2024
TW: death, murder, violence, misogyny, manipulation
Kate Weston just knows how to have that perfect balance of humour and mystery. Murder on a Summer Break is exquisite reading – returning to some excellent characters as they delve into the world of influencing and investigate yet another murder.
Murder on a School Night was excellent, but this sequel was an exceptional follow up.
Kerry and Annie are such brilliant protagonists and we get a good sense of their growth since the first book. Annie is social media crazed, almost clinging on to their fifteen seconds of fame from the previous case. There is a sense of desperation to belong there that continues through. We sit with Kerry’s voice throughout the book, which is a hilarious one. She is smart, determined and also fairly flawed – the subplot about her relationship and tackling her jealousy (clashing with her feminist principles) was delivered well. It also spoke to a wider theme of having to accept our own flaws and contradictions within our beliefs. No one is perfect, we’re all a little bit messy while we’re muddling along. It’s such a great message to impart to teenagers and Weston’s writing just sings with humour. It just crackles with an irresistible energy that I adore.
I also loved how Weston placed influencer culture firmly in the firing line here. It feels like a loving pastiche – calling out aspects that are vapid and false, but also working to unpick preconceived notions of this. We have to re-examine initial interpretations of characters, who mostly grow beyond their standard ‘types’ of influencers. You enjoy recognising them and a lot of the humour starts from this point of satirical send-up. Weston infuses them with humanity and levels, though they may still remain hideous in character for some of them. It’s also a smart way to integrate the mystery, when everything is constantly on camera. For me, it added a new layer with the idea of false images and the artifice hiding some dark secrets. It is very much a mystery for now. Yet again, it’s so well plotted, with great pacing and some superb twists and turns.
I would recommend that everyone picks Murder on a Summer Break up this summer and indeed this year. Selfishly, I would read many, many more adventures with the Tampon Two and I need your support to make this happen.
Kate Weston just knows how to have that perfect balance of humour and mystery. Murder on a Summer Break is exquisite reading – returning to some excellent characters as they delve into the world of influencing and investigate yet another murder.
Murder on a School Night was excellent, but this sequel was an exceptional follow up.
Kerry and Annie are such brilliant protagonists and we get a good sense of their growth since the first book. Annie is social media crazed, almost clinging on to their fifteen seconds of fame from the previous case. There is a sense of desperation to belong there that continues through. We sit with Kerry’s voice throughout the book, which is a hilarious one. She is smart, determined and also fairly flawed – the subplot about her relationship and tackling her jealousy (clashing with her feminist principles) was delivered well. It also spoke to a wider theme of having to accept our own flaws and contradictions within our beliefs. No one is perfect, we’re all a little bit messy while we’re muddling along. It’s such a great message to impart to teenagers and Weston’s writing just sings with humour. It just crackles with an irresistible energy that I adore.
I also loved how Weston placed influencer culture firmly in the firing line here. It feels like a loving pastiche – calling out aspects that are vapid and false, but also working to unpick preconceived notions of this. We have to re-examine initial interpretations of characters, who mostly grow beyond their standard ‘types’ of influencers. You enjoy recognising them and a lot of the humour starts from this point of satirical send-up. Weston infuses them with humanity and levels, though they may still remain hideous in character for some of them. It’s also a smart way to integrate the mystery, when everything is constantly on camera. For me, it added a new layer with the idea of false images and the artifice hiding some dark secrets. It is very much a mystery for now. Yet again, it’s so well plotted, with great pacing and some superb twists and turns.
I would recommend that everyone picks Murder on a Summer Break up this summer and indeed this year. Selfishly, I would read many, many more adventures with the Tampon Two and I need your support to make this happen.
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