Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster (2023), 400 pages
Description
From the diabolical imagination of Edgar Award-winning novelist, playwright, and story-songwriter Rupert Holmes comes a devilish thriller with a killer concept: The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts, a luxurious, clandestine college dedicated to the fine art of murder where earnest 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 delightful 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. Rupert Holmes's much celebrated career ranges from chart-topping story songs with surprising twists--"Escape (The Pina Colada Song)"--To Tony Award-winning whodunit musicals--The Mystery of Edwin Drood--Edgar Award-winning comedy-thrillers--Accomplice--and the Nero Wolfe Best American Mystery Novel nominated Where the Truth Lies, made into an Atom Egoyan motion picture starring Colin Firth and Kevin Bacon. Called "an American treasure" (Los Angeles Times), "a true Renaissance man" by Newsweek, "a comic genius" (Kirkus Reviews) and simply "a genius" (The Times, London), Rupert Holmes brings his wickedly clever storytelling talents to this outrageous and darkly comic mystery set in a secret, idyllic campus where students learn how to "do in others as you would have others do you in."… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member TobinElliott
Gotta say, I enjoyed the hell out of this book. Far more than I expected, for a couple of reasons...
The first is, the sardonic, smirking tone that Holmes uses throughout is usually something I don't enjoy, but Holmes struck the perfect balance between smartassery and clever turns of phrase that
The second actually took me a long time to piece together. I kept reading that name...Rupert Holmes...Rupert Holmes...where do I know that name from? I was actually about three-quarters of the way through the novel before I remembered. He was the guy that wrote and sang this horrible song 44 years ago. Honestly, had I known this author and that singer were one and the same, I likely would have avoided the book.
Glad I didn't.
To me, this is sort of Harry Potter, only if Potter was an adult and instead of being taken off to a hidden school to learn magic, he's being taken off to a finishing school to learn the fine art of murder. Overall, it sort of sounds fun, but dumb, and it mostly is, but it's far more fun than anything.
Honestly, I enjoyed all of it. The overview, the diary entries, the three main characters, all of it.
I'll absolutely read another, should Holmes put one out. He's a far better novelist than he is songwriter.
The first is, the sardonic, smirking tone that Holmes uses throughout is usually something I don't enjoy, but Holmes struck the perfect balance between smartassery and clever turns of phrase that
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just kept endearing me more and more.The second actually took me a long time to piece together. I kept reading that name...Rupert Holmes...Rupert Holmes...where do I know that name from? I was actually about three-quarters of the way through the novel before I remembered. He was the guy that wrote and sang this horrible song 44 years ago. Honestly, had I known this author and that singer were one and the same, I likely would have avoided the book.
Glad I didn't.
To me, this is sort of Harry Potter, only if Potter was an adult and instead of being taken off to a hidden school to learn magic, he's being taken off to a finishing school to learn the fine art of murder. Overall, it sort of sounds fun, but dumb, and it mostly is, but it's far more fun than anything.
Honestly, I enjoyed all of it. The overview, the diary entries, the three main characters, all of it.
I'll absolutely read another, should Holmes put one out. He's a far better novelist than he is songwriter.
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LibraryThing member jetangen4571
education, murder, overt-humor, planning, read, sly-humor, tongue-in-cheek-art,*****
The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts brings you The McMasters Guide to Homicide Volume One: Murder Your Employer.
We follow several students as they apply what they've learned in class and study to their
I requested and received an EARC from Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster via NetGalley. Thank you!
The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts brings you The McMasters Guide to Homicide Volume One: Murder Your Employer.
We follow several students as they apply what they've learned in class and study to their
Show More
real world application to "delete" the person on their list (thesis). A reversal of the usual murder (mystery), but lots of good fun and interesting writing style. All of the characters are well done and the "execution" of their plans is intriguing. Loved it!I requested and received an EARC from Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster via NetGalley. Thank you!
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LibraryThing member Twink
Oh my gosh! I absolutely loved Rupert Holmes' new book - Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide.
Have you ever worked for an employer that was cruel, mean, thoughtless, sneaky and well, found yourself in a downright untenable situation? Maybe you daydreamed about - you know - getting
In Murder Your Employer, we meet and follow three people who are thinking about 'deleting' their nemesis. But first they'll have to go through the program at "The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts, a luxurious, clandestine college dedicated to the fine art of murder."
I loved the premise - it's very clever and really well drawn. The classes weren't what I had imagined. Every facet of a possible deletion is covered in the syllabus and a final thesis is a requirement. The description of the classes, the 'games' and more is just so inventive - and quite funny at times.
Now, the three we're following are there for one purpose, but I couldn't think of them as antagonists at all, instead I was firmly behind them. Those three characters are wonderfully drawn and I quite liked each one of them. The 'why' of their situations are slowly revealed as the past is visited. There's a large group of supporting characters, all just as well drawn. The rotating points of view and timelines made for addictive listening.
The premise is brilliant and the plotting is intricate and devious. I absolutely adored it. Murder Your Employer needs to be a movie!
I chose to listen to Murder Your Employer. I was was thrilled to see that award winning Simon Vance was one of two readers. He is hands down one of my favorite narrators. His voice is rich and full with a wonderful accent. He has so much movement in his voice - each and every word is a performance. He captures the emotions of the characters and the actions and plotting of the book. And the second reader is a voice you'll recognize as well - actor Neil Patrick Harris. He too has a wonderful voice and his voice is perfect for the character he presents. He has a very expressive voice. The two together make this a fabulous audio book! Definitely one of my favorites for 2023.
Have you ever worked for an employer that was cruel, mean, thoughtless, sneaky and well, found yourself in a downright untenable situation? Maybe you daydreamed about - you know - getting
Show More
rid of said boss?In Murder Your Employer, we meet and follow three people who are thinking about 'deleting' their nemesis. But first they'll have to go through the program at "The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts, a luxurious, clandestine college dedicated to the fine art of murder."
I loved the premise - it's very clever and really well drawn. The classes weren't what I had imagined. Every facet of a possible deletion is covered in the syllabus and a final thesis is a requirement. The description of the classes, the 'games' and more is just so inventive - and quite funny at times.
Now, the three we're following are there for one purpose, but I couldn't think of them as antagonists at all, instead I was firmly behind them. Those three characters are wonderfully drawn and I quite liked each one of them. The 'why' of their situations are slowly revealed as the past is visited. There's a large group of supporting characters, all just as well drawn. The rotating points of view and timelines made for addictive listening.
The premise is brilliant and the plotting is intricate and devious. I absolutely adored it. Murder Your Employer needs to be a movie!
I chose to listen to Murder Your Employer. I was was thrilled to see that award winning Simon Vance was one of two readers. He is hands down one of my favorite narrators. His voice is rich and full with a wonderful accent. He has so much movement in his voice - each and every word is a performance. He captures the emotions of the characters and the actions and plotting of the book. And the second reader is a voice you'll recognize as well - actor Neil Patrick Harris. He too has a wonderful voice and his voice is perfect for the character he presents. He has a very expressive voice. The two together make this a fabulous audio book! Definitely one of my favorites for 2023.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Judiex
Originally, it was understood that the strong would dominate the weak. “But in recent millennia, flying in the face of Darwinian precepts, we have evolved into a planet where the un-fittest not only survive but often flourish, holding sway over their betters in a social order where dim-witted,
“So if sensible people can kill themselves because life no longer seems worth living, then I suppose a sensible person might kill someone who makes other people’s lives unlivable, or who endangers the existence of others. It’s the ‘Could you assassinate Hitler clause.’”
Rupert Holmes provides the blueprint for resolving these issues in his witty MURDER YOUR EMPLOYER McMasters Guide to Homicide.
Dean Harbinger Harrow runs the McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts where students gain the ability to delete (never use the word “murder”) their tormentors. It is located on a wooded, secluded estate, complete with poison ivy-covered dormitories, classrooms, eating establishments, a church, and all the other necessities of a small, college town. It is beautifully illustrated on inside cover drawings. The exact location is unknown to the students who are brought there either after applying and being accepted or after being kidnaped.
All the students have either deleted someone, attempted to but failed to do so, or plan to do so. While many of the lessons are taught to all or most of them, they are able to focus on the specifics necessary for their individual situations.
There are four questions that the students must answer before being able to carry out their assignments.
1. Is this murder necessary?
2. Have you given your target every last chance to redeem themselves?
3. What innocent person might suffer by your actions?
4. Will this deletion improve the life of others?
The three primary students in MURDER YOUR EMPLOYER are “self-effacing Cliff Iverson, troubled Gemma Lindley, and Hollywood diva Doria Maye.”
Rupert Holmes, creator of television’s four-season “Remember WENN” and Tony winner for “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” has wonderful control over his words, sneaking in laughs where you least expect them. The story makes perfect sense in a wicked sense.
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dim-watted (sic) employers all too often lord it over their considerably brighter subjects.”“So if sensible people can kill themselves because life no longer seems worth living, then I suppose a sensible person might kill someone who makes other people’s lives unlivable, or who endangers the existence of others. It’s the ‘Could you assassinate Hitler clause.’”
Rupert Holmes provides the blueprint for resolving these issues in his witty MURDER YOUR EMPLOYER McMasters Guide to Homicide.
Dean Harbinger Harrow runs the McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts where students gain the ability to delete (never use the word “murder”) their tormentors. It is located on a wooded, secluded estate, complete with poison ivy-covered dormitories, classrooms, eating establishments, a church, and all the other necessities of a small, college town. It is beautifully illustrated on inside cover drawings. The exact location is unknown to the students who are brought there either after applying and being accepted or after being kidnaped.
All the students have either deleted someone, attempted to but failed to do so, or plan to do so. While many of the lessons are taught to all or most of them, they are able to focus on the specifics necessary for their individual situations.
There are four questions that the students must answer before being able to carry out their assignments.
1. Is this murder necessary?
2. Have you given your target every last chance to redeem themselves?
3. What innocent person might suffer by your actions?
4. Will this deletion improve the life of others?
The three primary students in MURDER YOUR EMPLOYER are “self-effacing Cliff Iverson, troubled Gemma Lindley, and Hollywood diva Doria Maye.”
Rupert Holmes, creator of television’s four-season “Remember WENN” and Tony winner for “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” has wonderful control over his words, sneaking in laughs where you least expect them. The story makes perfect sense in a wicked sense.
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LibraryThing member Kaysee
This is a great book and an easy read.
This is a book about three people who were ruined by the supervisors where they worked and how they planned revenge with the help of a special university and what the outcomes were.
This is a book about three people who were ruined by the supervisors where they worked and how they planned revenge with the help of a special university and what the outcomes were.
LibraryThing member cathyskye
Having once been one of the victims of a sadistic boss, the title of Rupert Holmes' book, Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide, immediately caught my attention, but it wasn't until I read one review in particular that I knew I had to read it. I chose to listen to the audiobook
I know not everyone appreciates this sort of humor (black? dark? morbid?), but I've used it most of my life to cope with some of the things that have happened to me. No matter how awful, it is possible to find a funny side to everything, and Holmes does that so brilliantly here that when I wasn't wincing at how gut-wrenchingly terrible the employers were, I was either smiling or laughing-- and wanting each of the students to succeed in their respective deletions. One of the things Holmes does so well is to prove that the world would indeed be a better place if the bosses of McMasters students Cliff Iverson, Gemma Lindley, and Dulcie Mown would disappear from the face of the earth.
Readers follow each "Poison Ivy League" student through orientation, training, and the final thesis, and I was happy to see that Holmes is currently working on the next book in the series. I'm also fighting the temptation to buy a hardcover copy to experience the story all over again. If your sense of humor is similar to mine, you should love Murder Your Employer.
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version, and the voices of Simon Vance and Neil Patrick Harris did this darkly funny story full justice.I know not everyone appreciates this sort of humor (black? dark? morbid?), but I've used it most of my life to cope with some of the things that have happened to me. No matter how awful, it is possible to find a funny side to everything, and Holmes does that so brilliantly here that when I wasn't wincing at how gut-wrenchingly terrible the employers were, I was either smiling or laughing-- and wanting each of the students to succeed in their respective deletions. One of the things Holmes does so well is to prove that the world would indeed be a better place if the bosses of McMasters students Cliff Iverson, Gemma Lindley, and Dulcie Mown would disappear from the face of the earth.
Readers follow each "Poison Ivy League" student through orientation, training, and the final thesis, and I was happy to see that Holmes is currently working on the next book in the series. I'm also fighting the temptation to buy a hardcover copy to experience the story all over again. If your sense of humor is similar to mine, you should love Murder Your Employer.
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LibraryThing member phoenixcomet
This volume is a hoot. When Cliff Iverson decides that his boss can no longer be allowed to live, he attempts to eliminate him. During the botched attempt, he gets recruited to McMasters University whose specialty is deletions. Interweaving 3 tales of Doria Maye, famous diva, Gemma Lindley,
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overworked administrator, and Cliff into the different courses they have to take at McMasters and their thesis projects, Murder Your Employer: McMasters Guide to Homocide, is a fun read. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookappeal
A clever plot with a surprising number of well-known sayings twisted just slightly to apply to murder. Holmes' extremely detailed story elicits many wise chuckles but is weighed down by complication with dozens of characters, duplicitous deceits, and convoluted plotting.
LibraryThing member srms.reads
4.5⭐
(Plot 4/5 ; Audio Narration : 5/5)
An exclusive institution for aspiring murderers …oh sorry, I mean “deletists” situated in an undisclosed location, The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts covers an expansive syllabus in the homicidal arts ranging from “Herbicide” to forgery
#1: Is this murder necessary?
#2: Have you given your target every last chance to redeem themselves?
#3: What innocent person might suffer by your actions?
#4: Will this deletion improve the life of others?
Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes is presented as a handbook written by Dean Harbinger Harrow of McMasters Conservatory and details the experiences of three students from the graduating class – aeronautics engineer Cliff Iverson (whose anonymous sponsor remains a mystery revealed at the end of the story), hospital employee Gemma Lindley and Dulcie Mown (alias for Hollywood diva Doria Maye) - each of whom seeks to execute a sanctioned deletion of their respective employer/boss. We follow all three candidates through their orientation, training and ultimately their “thesis” which translates into how to apply all they have learned in executing their plan, failing which has its own set of consequences. Much of Cliff Iverson’s story is told through journal entries (first person PoV).
Dark humor, the world of academics (complete with its infighting, rivalry and politics), and sanctioned homicidal intent with an element of mystery – what a fascinating combination! I enjoyed all three storylines but was partial to Cliff’s story which is discussed in much depth. Set in the 1950s, the author creates an intriguing and atmospheric setting with a cast of interesting characters. However, I do feel that the pace does slow down considerably in parts owing to excessive detail (mostly in the first half of the novel) which also renders the narrative a tad too lengthy. The second half of the novel definitely picks up the pace as we follow the three graduates as they embark on their individual projects. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The author has done a great job of weaving an intriguing narrative around such a creative and unique premise. The illustrations by Anna Louizos perfectly complement the text. I wish we had more of those.
I paired my reading with the superb audio narration by Neil Patrick Harris and Simon Vance which made for an entertaining and immersive experience. This was my first time reading Rupert Holmes and now I can’t wait to read more of his work!
(Plot 4/5 ; Audio Narration : 5/5)
An exclusive institution for aspiring murderers …oh sorry, I mean “deletists” situated in an undisclosed location, The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts covers an expansive syllabus in the homicidal arts ranging from “Herbicide” to forgery
Show More
to “Eroticide” and much more. Of course, the selection process for aspiring students is quite rigorous (the fate of rejected candidates is another matter, altogether!) and follows a procedure beginning with justifying one’s proposed “thesis” based upon certain principles, The Four Enquiries: #1: Is this murder necessary?
#2: Have you given your target every last chance to redeem themselves?
#3: What innocent person might suffer by your actions?
#4: Will this deletion improve the life of others?
Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes is presented as a handbook written by Dean Harbinger Harrow of McMasters Conservatory and details the experiences of three students from the graduating class – aeronautics engineer Cliff Iverson (whose anonymous sponsor remains a mystery revealed at the end of the story), hospital employee Gemma Lindley and Dulcie Mown (alias for Hollywood diva Doria Maye) - each of whom seeks to execute a sanctioned deletion of their respective employer/boss. We follow all three candidates through their orientation, training and ultimately their “thesis” which translates into how to apply all they have learned in executing their plan, failing which has its own set of consequences. Much of Cliff Iverson’s story is told through journal entries (first person PoV).
Dark humor, the world of academics (complete with its infighting, rivalry and politics), and sanctioned homicidal intent with an element of mystery – what a fascinating combination! I enjoyed all three storylines but was partial to Cliff’s story which is discussed in much depth. Set in the 1950s, the author creates an intriguing and atmospheric setting with a cast of interesting characters. However, I do feel that the pace does slow down considerably in parts owing to excessive detail (mostly in the first half of the novel) which also renders the narrative a tad too lengthy. The second half of the novel definitely picks up the pace as we follow the three graduates as they embark on their individual projects. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The author has done a great job of weaving an intriguing narrative around such a creative and unique premise. The illustrations by Anna Louizos perfectly complement the text. I wish we had more of those.
I paired my reading with the superb audio narration by Neil Patrick Harris and Simon Vance which made for an entertaining and immersive experience. This was my first time reading Rupert Holmes and now I can’t wait to read more of his work!
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LibraryThing member bell7
Framed as a how-to manual from the McMasters School, which helps people learn how to delete (they're not so crass as to say "murder") the one person in their life who the entire world would be better without, this tells the story of Cliff Iverson, Gemma Lindley, and Doria Maye, our case studies for
My mother doesn't read murder mysteries because she has a problem with making murder entertainment. In my mind, mysteries are more about the puzzle, and the real entertainment is seeing how they're solved. This book, however, makes murder the entertainment, full stop. The whole idea of a McMasters School is done in such a (darkly) humorous way, though, that the reader becomes complicit with the characters completing their "thesis" successfully. I found myself straddling the line between cringing at the whole idea and laughing along. And the ending, I have to say, was pitch-perfect.
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how (or, perhaps, how not) to go about murdering one's employer successfully.My mother doesn't read murder mysteries because she has a problem with making murder entertainment. In my mind, mysteries are more about the puzzle, and the real entertainment is seeing how they're solved. This book, however, makes murder the entertainment, full stop. The whole idea of a McMasters School is done in such a (darkly) humorous way, though, that the reader becomes complicit with the characters completing their "thesis" successfully. I found myself straddling the line between cringing at the whole idea and laughing along. And the ending, I have to say, was pitch-perfect.
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LibraryThing member delphimo
Murder You Employer begins with an interesting concept, but quickly turns to a tedious journey into the curriculum of this “special” institution. The first story centers a Cliff Iverson, a recently fired worker, who plots to kill his boss who cuts corners in the construction of airplanes. Cliff
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actually attempts to kill his boss, Merrill Fiedley, by pushing him into the path of a transit train. The act is not successful and people immediately whisk Cliff to some mysterious school where how to murder stands as the field of study. Many words pop into the vocabulary, such as deletist-the person to kill, executor-the actual killer, and executive-the victim. Rupert Holmes inserts too many charts detailing courses of study and explaining rules of the school. Too many twists and turns that created a sense of disorientation. This book falls into a category of oblivion. Show Less
LibraryThing member Treebeard_404
I love caper stories. And this book has not just one, but three! Excellent use of humorous narration, as well. Most satisfying.
LibraryThing member quickmind
What if there was a place you could go to learn how to delete a problematic person from your life? This place would teach you the proper methods to delete someone from existence, so long as the removal of that person would benefit people, no one would truly mourn their loss, and your cause was
This is the basic premise of this novel, and if a book that purports to teach murder can be considered cozy well, this is it. For some reason I found this to be a comfortable, cozy read, and even though the characters were in danger throughout their McMasters' education, I never felt on the edge of my seat with suspense. And I think that's the main drawback on this book, the reason for 4 stars instead of 5. The subject matter was treated seriously, but certainly lighter than it could have been to convey a proper sense of danger. But it was still an interesting read and I'm glad it stumbled across it at Goodwill.
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just. Well, McMasters might be the place for you. The downside is that you will never truly know where McMasters is located. Also, you can never speak of the school once you graduate. And if you fail to complete your thesis, you will also be deleted. This is the basic premise of this novel, and if a book that purports to teach murder can be considered cozy well, this is it. For some reason I found this to be a comfortable, cozy read, and even though the characters were in danger throughout their McMasters' education, I never felt on the edge of my seat with suspense. And I think that's the main drawback on this book, the reason for 4 stars instead of 5. The subject matter was treated seriously, but certainly lighter than it could have been to convey a proper sense of danger. But it was still an interesting read and I'm glad it stumbled across it at Goodwill.
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Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Mystery — 2024)
LibraryReads (Monthly Pick — Hall of Fame — August 2023)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2023-02
Physical description
400 p.; 9.25 inches
ISBN
1451648219 / 9781451648218
Local notes
The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts is a luxurious, clandestine college dedicated to the fine art of murder where earnest students study how best to “delete” their most deserving victim.