Summary
Murder Your Employer is a darkly comedic thriller by Rupert Holmes, published in 2023. This New York Times bestseller introduces readers to the McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts, a secretive institution dedicated to teaching the art of murder. Set in the 1950s, the story follows three students as they navigate their education at McMasters, where they learn to “delete” deserving victims. Holmes, an Edgar Award-winning novelist and playwright, combines witty wordplay with jaw-dropping plot twists. The novel's blend of humor and intrigue has led critics to draw comparisons to institutions like Hogwarts and settings reminiscent of The White Lotus.
Plot
Welcome to the McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts, a unique institution dedicated to teaching the art of murder. Set in the 1950s, Murder Your Employer follows three students admitted to this “Poison Ivy League” college—Cliff Iverson, an aircraft engineer; Gemma Lindley, a woman being blackmailed; and Dulcie Mown, a Hollywood actress.
The novel is narrated by Harbinger Harrow, the dean of McMasters, who guides the readers through the students' education in homicide, which they refer to as “deletions.” Each student has an ethical reason for wanting to eliminate someone who, in their view, deserves to die. Cliff aims to murder his supervisor who endangered lives with faulty aircraft designs. Gemma seeks to silence her blackmailer. Dulcie plans to end the reign of torment of a Hollywood studio head with predatory inclinations.
Throughout their time at McMasters, the students learn various techniques and strategies for committing the perfect murder. The campus, located in an undisclosed location, serves as both a training ground and a potential danger zone, as students may find themselves becoming practice targets for their classmates. The curriculum is designed to prepare them for their ultimate test—successfully executing their planned murder.
As the story unfolds, Cliff, Gemma, and Dulcie complete their studies and leave McMasters to each carry out their “thesis.” The novel concludes with the students attempting to put their education into practice, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions about the outcome.
Themes
Ethics and justification of murder
Dark humor and satire
Educational institution as a cover for illegal activities
Revenge and vigilante justice
Secrecy and hidden worlds
Moral ambiguity in pursuing one's goals
Character development through unconventional means
Setting
Set in the 1950s, Murder Your Employer transports readers to a bygone era of classic mystery novels. The post-war decade provides a fitting backdrop for the story's exploration of societal tensions and moral ambiguities, as characters grapple with the ethics of murder in a world still reeling from global conflict.
While the exact location of the McMasters Conservatory remains a closely guarded secret, the story unfolds across a diverse landscape. From bustling urban centers to secluded rural hideaways, the setting encompasses a wide swath of mid-20th century America, reflecting the era's social and economic disparities.
At the heart of the novel lies the enigmatic campus of the McMasters Conservatory itself. Described as a fusion of Hogwarts, Downton Abbey, and a White Lotus-style resort, this clandestine institution serves as the primary setting for much of the action. Its hidden location and labyrinthine layout serve to create an atmosphere of intrigue and danger, perfectly suited to the dark arts taught within its walls.
Characters
Harbinger Harrow: The story’s narrator. As dean of McMasters Conservatory, he guides students through their education in the homicidal arts with dry wit and wisdom. Harrow maintains the school's secrecy and ensures students have ethical reasons for their “deletions." His narration provides insight into the school's macabre philosophy and methods.
Cliff Iverson: One of the three main characters, all students at McMasters. An aircraft design engineer, Cliff is seeking to murder his supervisor who endangered lives by altering designs to cut costs. He is determined and principled, driven by a desire for justice. His technical background influences his approach to planning his “deletion."
Gemma Lindley: Another main character. Gemma is being blackmailed by her supervisor who suspects her of mercy-killing her dying father. Gemma is conflicted and under pressure, torn between clearing her name and seeking vengeance. Her situation highlights the moral complexities the students face.
Dulcie Mown: The third main character studying at McMasters. Bringing glamour and star power to the student body, Dulcie is a Hollywood actress tormented by a predatory studio head. Her motive for murder shines an arresting spotlight on the abuse of power in the entertainment industry.
Cliff's supervisor: The target of Cliff's murder plot. This character's actions, driving co-workers to suicide and compromising aircraft safety, make him a deserving victim in the eyes of McMasters.
Gemma's supervisor: The blackmailer targeting Gemma. Their actions put Gemma in a desperate situation that leads her to McMasters.
Predatory studio head: Dulcie's tormentor and intended victim. This character represents the dark side of Hollywood power dynamics.
Quick facts
Murder Your Employer is set in the 1950s at a fictional school called McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts.
An Edgar Award-winning novelist, author Rupert Holmes is also known as a Tony Award-winning playwright (The Mystery of Edwin Drood) and the story-songwriter of hits like Escape (The Piña Colada Song).
The novel is narrated by the dean of McMasters, Harbinger Harrow.
The location of the school is unknown even to its students.
The story follows three students learning the art of “deletion” (the school's preferred term for murder).
To gain admission to McMasters, prospective students must have an ethical reason for wanting to “delete” someone.
Murder Your Employer reached #6 on the New York Times bestseller list.
The audiobook version, narrated by Neil Patrick Harris and Simon Vance, was a finalist for the 2024 Audie Award for Mystery.
Murder Your Employer is the first installment in a planned series, with the second book tentatively titled Murder Your Mate.
About the Author
Rupert Holmes (born David Goldstein in 1947) is a multifaceted British-American artist known for his contributions to music, theater, and literature. Rising to fame as a singer-songwriter in the 1970s, Holmes achieved international success with hits like Escape (The Piña Colada Song) and Him. His musical career began as a session musician, arranger, and producer, working with notable artists such as Barbra Streisand and Gene Pitney.
Holmes's versatility led him to Broadway, where he made his debut as a playwright with the 1985 Tony Award-winning musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood. This success paved the way for other theatrical works, including Curtains and Say Goodnight, Gracie. Among his notable work in television, Holmes created and wrote the AMC series Remember WENN, showcasing his talent for period storytelling.
Holmes also brings his signature gift for blending elements of mystery, humor, and romance to his work as an author. His novels include Where the Truth Lies and Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide, which reached #6 on the New York Times bestseller list for hardcover fiction.
