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Murder Your Employer

The McMasters Guide to Homicide

by Rupert Holmes

Length 14 hours 13 minutes

Language English

Narrators Neil Patrick Harris & Simon Vance

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Bookseller recommendation

“A fun, and funny, mystery. Our three main characters are going to school at The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts...of murdering people who deserve it. This is a clever, skillfully written, and overall very entertaining book. The main voice actor is pitch-perfect as a stuffy, upper crust-type gent, but Neil Patrick Harris voices the personal journal of one of the main characters, which is delightful. ”
— Karrie • Vroman's Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“This book was an absolute delight! Full of mirth, intrigue, and emotion. So enjoyable - I both couldn't wait to see what happened next and didn't want it to end. Murder Your Employer has earned the greatest compliment I can think to give: I would be proud if any of my employees got into The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts and successfully 'graduated'. That's saying A LOT! The narration by Neil Patrick Harris & Simon Vance was masterful. ”
— Grace • The Novel Neighbor

Bookseller recommendation

“Wickedly funny is the perfect description for this comedic thriller from Edgar Award-winning author Rupert Holmes. Wicked, because, the premise of this novel is the existence of a secret school dedicated to learning how to commit the perfect murder. Funny, because this novel is filled with word play, dry humor, witty twists, and characters you love - and characters you love to hate. Narrated with British reserve by voice artist Simon Vance (nominated for more Audie awards than any other narrator), and fantastic actor Neil Patrick Harris. A perfect listen when you want something that brightens your day – in a darkly funny way.”
— Claire • Honest Dog Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I started writing this before I even finished listening. I practically could have written it before I even started to listen, I've been so excited about this book. I have never felt so conflicted over laughing so much. And Neil Patrick Harris...I've not heard his narration before, but I'm pretty sure Cliff Iverson was written for him. Absolute gold--twisted, cunning, hilarious gold.”
— Maren • Nook & Cranny Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is perfect for someone branching into the audiobook world from podcasts. With two distinct and talented narrators the story comes to life and you quickly become invested in what is happening. I would call this dark academia with elements of found family.”
— Rene • R & B Used Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Tongue-in-cheek boarding school for murderers story that is loads of fun. Expertly narrated by Neil Patrick Harris and Simon Vance. ”
— Kristine • Buttonwood Books and Toys

Bookseller recommendation

“From the first paragraph I was enamored with this sardonic, witty, ridiculous premise and book. A secret specialized school where the students either graduate as well-trained murderers or in a body bag, told in detailed journal entries and meta book-within-a-book asides. It's such a fun time, and I had trouble putting it down for paltry things like food and sleep. It's been a long while since I've fallen in love with the way a book was written. There was not one single word that was unnecessary or out of place. If you like piña coladas and murder, this is the perfect book for you (read the author bio!).”
— Emma • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Journey to the McMasters Conservatory, where you will meet the diabolical students, staff, and faculty of an institution whose only purpose is to prepare you to murder your employer. While this may seem immoral, McMasters has rules to ensure the 'elimination' of your 'target' is based on moral reasoning. If your 'thesis' is accepted and well-developed, you can be sure to get a passing grade!...You'll love the characters, their stories, and the constant competition among students looking to hypothetically 'delete' one another as they practice their art! This was simply a delightful read! Parts of it are reminiscent of Jonathan Swift's satirical essay "A Modest Proposal." It's whimsical, witty, and wholly entertaining! ”
— Linda • Mind Chimes Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Perfect premise. Fiercely funny. A fun and fascinating read. ”
— Brady • The King's English Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Dastardly, devious, and utterly delightful! Welcome to The McMaster’s Conservatory for The Applied Arts, a unique school that teaches you to get away with murder. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained! A unique, original and fun read.”
— Maxwell Gregory • Madison Street Books

Summary
About the author

A New York Times bestseller! From Edgar Award–winning novelist, playwright, and story-songwriter Rupert Holmes comes a diabolical thriller with a killer concept: The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts, “a fantasy academy laid out like a combination of Hogwarts, Downton Abbey, and a White Lotus–style resort” (Los Angeles Times) dedicated to the art of murder where students study how best to “delete” their most deserving victim.

Who hasn’t wondered for a split second what the world would be like if a person who is the object of your affliction ceased to exist? But then you’ve probably never heard of The McMasters Conservatory, dedicated to the consummate execution of the homicidal arts. To gain admission, a student must have an ethical reason for erasing someone who deeply deserves a fate no worse (nor better) than death. The campus of this “Poison Ivy League” college—its location unknown to even those who study there—is where you might find yourself the practice target of a classmate…and where one’s mandatory graduation thesis is getting away with the perfect murder of someone whose death will make the world a much better place to live.

Prepare for an education you’ll never forget. A “fiendishly funny” (Booklist) mix of witty wordplay, breathtaking twists and genuine intrigue, Murder Your Employer will gain you admission into a wholly original world, cocooned within the most entertaining book about well-intentioned would-be murderers you’ll ever read.

Fiction Mystery & Thriller

Rupert Holmes’s New York Times bestseller, Murder Your Employer (the first volume in his new McMasters Guide to Homicide series), was also a Top Ten on the Indie Bestseller List, the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Houston Chronicle, and Associated Press. Holmes has received two Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America, and multiple Tony® and Drama Desk Awards for his Broadway mystery musicals, including Curtains and his Tony® award–winning Best Musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood. His first novel, Where the Truth Lies, was nominated for a Nero Wolfe award for Best American Mystery Novel, was a Booklist Top Ten Debut Novel, and became a motion picture starring Colin Firth and Kevin Bacon. His second novel, Swing, included his own original, clue-bearing musical score. His stories have been anthologized in Best American Mystery Stories, On a Raven's Wing, A Merry Band of Murderers, Dead Man’s Hand, and Christmas at the Mysterious Bookshop. Holmes has adapted Agatha Christie, John Grisham, and R.L. Stine for the Broadway and international stage. His lyrics have been published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and EQ anthologies, and he is also the writer/vocalist of several Top Ten hits, including his Billboard #1 multi-platinum classic with a memorable twist-ending: “Escape (The Pina Colada Song).”