Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide 

By Rupert Holmes
Adult Fiction

Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes takes readers on a thrilling journey back to the 1950s, where a prestigious college for aspiring murderers sets the stage for intrigue and dark humor. Step into the halls of The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts, a luxurious institution shrouded in secrecy, where students learn the fine art of dispatching their deserving targets.  

In this retro setting, Holmes crafts a tale that’s equal parts nostalgia and noir. Picture a campus where ethical motives for homicide are not just accepted but required for admission — the real question is, are you ready for your thesis? 

What makes this novel truly shine is its blend of vintage charm, unexpected plot twists, and delightful writing. The paradigm shift from a ‘who done it’ to a ‘how done it’ makes it all the more thrilling. Paired with the fanciful setting of a college campus that is a curious amalgamation of architecture from around the world, and you have the makings for an engrossing world.  

If you’re craving a dark academia (emphasis on the dark) suspense with a delicious comedic twist, look no further. Holmes delivers a captivating tale that’s sure to keep you guessing until the very end. 

Reviewed by Claire Skerry
Butman-Fish Library