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The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
Knives Out gets a holiday rom-com twist in this rivals-to-lovers romance-mystery from New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.
The bridge is out. The phones are down. And the most famous mystery writer in the world just disappeared out of a locked room three days before Christmas.
Meet Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt:
She’s the new Queen of the Cozy Mystery.
He’s Mr. Big-time Thriller Guy.
She hates his guts.
He thinks her name is Marcie (no matter how many times she’s told him otherwise.)
But when they both accept a cryptic invitation to attend a Christmas house party at the English estate of a reclusive fan, neither is expecting their host to be the most powerful author in the world: Eleanor Ashley, the Duchess of Death herself.
That night, the weather turns, and the next morning Eleanor is gone.
She vanished from a locked room, and Maggie has to wonder: Is Eleanor in danger? Or is it all some kind of test? Is Ethan the competition? Or is he the only person in that snowbound mansion she can trust?
As the snow gets deeper and the stakes get higher, every clue will bring Maggie and Ethan closer to the truth—and each other. Because, this Christmas, these two rivals are going to have to become allies (and maybe more) if they have any hope of saving Eleanor.
Assuming they don’t kill each other first.
The bridge is out. The phones are down. And the most famous mystery writer in the world just disappeared out of a locked room three days before Christmas.
Meet Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt:
She’s the new Queen of the Cozy Mystery.
He’s Mr. Big-time Thriller Guy.
She hates his guts.
He thinks her name is Marcie (no matter how many times she’s told him otherwise.)
But when they both accept a cryptic invitation to attend a Christmas house party at the English estate of a reclusive fan, neither is expecting their host to be the most powerful author in the world: Eleanor Ashley, the Duchess of Death herself.
That night, the weather turns, and the next morning Eleanor is gone.
She vanished from a locked room, and Maggie has to wonder: Is Eleanor in danger? Or is it all some kind of test? Is Ethan the competition? Or is he the only person in that snowbound mansion she can trust?
As the snow gets deeper and the stakes get higher, every clue will bring Maggie and Ethan closer to the truth—and each other. Because, this Christmas, these two rivals are going to have to become allies (and maybe more) if they have any hope of saving Eleanor.
Assuming they don’t kill each other first.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2024
About the author
Ally Carter
50 books16.6k followersAlly Carter writes books about sneaky people and movies about Christmas. She is the New York Times Best-selling author of the Gallagher Girls, Heist Society, and Embassy Row series for teens as well as WINTERBORNE HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOR for younger readers. Her books have been published all over the world, in over twenty languages.
She encourages you to visit her online at allycarter.com and embassyrowbooks.com.
She encourages you to visit her online at allycarter.com and embassyrowbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 922 reviews
November 9, 2024
I think if the author wanted to rename this book, it could be: "It Happened in the Elevator."
A locked-room mystery about an eighty-one-year-old crime queen’s mysterious disappearance in the middle of a blizzard from her own study without leaving a trace, pointing to some perpetrator who has been threatening her life for a long time, meets an enemies-to-lovers and rival authors' mystery: yes, sign me up!
I already rounded up my four and a half stars to give it a full five. It's an entertaining, trapped-in-a-mansion scenario where everyone has a motive to be the killer—a perfect crime of the year!
Yes, Christmas came early for me as soon as I started reading this book! The twisty murder mystery is smart and riveting. The characterization reminds you of the movie “Clue”! Maggie (not Marcie) and Ethan’s chemistry hits the roof, making you hyperventilate, even though it takes place in the freezing wintertime in England! Ethan reminded me of the mischievous, playful, flirty Richard Castle, including his relationship with his dad! (Who can resist reading a book when the hero is as charming as Nathan Fillion?) Maggie’s traumatic past is heartbreaking. Her self-deprecation and suspicions about people’s motives are understandable, but her wounds make her one of the best crime writers.
I loved the recurring themes in the book. Especially when I found out the reason why Ethan keeps calling Maggie by the wrong name, I made a loud “awww” sound, forgetting I was reading this book in a cafe. Everyone gathered around me to ask what I was reading, was it really good, and I told them it was not good, it was perfect!
I also adored the Tucson chapter. It made my eyes blurry!
The only thing I didn’t like, which made me cut half a star, were the repetitive lines like Maggie telling everyone she and Ethan hate each other and Ethan repeatedly saying he has to protect her as if he’s a superhero from MCU movies, stuck with a cheesy line the worst screenwriters put on paper, dooming the entire movie to flop at the box office.
Instead of those lines, I loved how the romance bloomed between Ethan and Maggie. They are afraid of coming clean about their feelings, hiding behind harsh banter (from Maggie’s side) and flirty teasing (from Ethan’s coping mechanism). I loved how they teamed up to solve the mystery of the missing author and the perpetrator who threatens Maggie's life, leading to a satisfying resolution.
I hope the authors bring these two characters back to crack another mystery! So far, I’ve had an amazing time! I highly recommend you go in blind and jump into this book if you’re a die-hard fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope and, of course, an intelligently written locked-room mystery with riveting pacing. Luckily, this book blends thriller and romance in a smart style that guarantees so much fun!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this highly enjoyable Christmas romance mystery’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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A locked-room mystery about an eighty-one-year-old crime queen’s mysterious disappearance in the middle of a blizzard from her own study without leaving a trace, pointing to some perpetrator who has been threatening her life for a long time, meets an enemies-to-lovers and rival authors' mystery: yes, sign me up!
I already rounded up my four and a half stars to give it a full five. It's an entertaining, trapped-in-a-mansion scenario where everyone has a motive to be the killer—a perfect crime of the year!
Yes, Christmas came early for me as soon as I started reading this book! The twisty murder mystery is smart and riveting. The characterization reminds you of the movie “Clue”! Maggie (not Marcie) and Ethan’s chemistry hits the roof, making you hyperventilate, even though it takes place in the freezing wintertime in England! Ethan reminded me of the mischievous, playful, flirty Richard Castle, including his relationship with his dad! (Who can resist reading a book when the hero is as charming as Nathan Fillion?) Maggie’s traumatic past is heartbreaking. Her self-deprecation and suspicions about people’s motives are understandable, but her wounds make her one of the best crime writers.
I loved the recurring themes in the book. Especially when I found out the reason why Ethan keeps calling Maggie by the wrong name, I made a loud “awww” sound, forgetting I was reading this book in a cafe. Everyone gathered around me to ask what I was reading, was it really good, and I told them it was not good, it was perfect!
I also adored the Tucson chapter. It made my eyes blurry!
The only thing I didn’t like, which made me cut half a star, were the repetitive lines like Maggie telling everyone she and Ethan hate each other and Ethan repeatedly saying he has to protect her as if he’s a superhero from MCU movies, stuck with a cheesy line the worst screenwriters put on paper, dooming the entire movie to flop at the box office.
Instead of those lines, I loved how the romance bloomed between Ethan and Maggie. They are afraid of coming clean about their feelings, hiding behind harsh banter (from Maggie’s side) and flirty teasing (from Ethan’s coping mechanism). I loved how they teamed up to solve the mystery of the missing author and the perpetrator who threatens Maggie's life, leading to a satisfying resolution.
I hope the authors bring these two characters back to crack another mystery! So far, I’ve had an amazing time! I highly recommend you go in blind and jump into this book if you’re a die-hard fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope and, of course, an intelligently written locked-room mystery with riveting pacing. Luckily, this book blends thriller and romance in a smart style that guarantees so much fun!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this highly enjoyable Christmas romance mystery’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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November 3, 2024
Do you like the enemies-to-lovers trope? Do you like locked-room cozy mysteries? Does a snowed-in scenario at an English countryside estate sound good? Does a story inspired by the famous disappearance of Agatha Christie intrigue you? Do you like a wounded FMC who has to learn to let her guard down and trust the sarcastic, yet eminently lovable MMC?
Welcome to Ally Carter’s newest book The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, where you’ll get a solid cozy mystery and a charming rom-com all rolled into one!
Mystery author Maggie Chase hates Ethan Wyatt, a fellow author at their publishing imprint. He’s good-looking, popular with literally everyone and the guy can NEVER get her name right. Marcie? Margaret Grace? Margaret Olivia? Margaret Lavinia? (For the record, it’s Margaret Elizabeth). What she doesn’t understand is that Ethan knows EXACTLY who she is and has since the very first moment he saw her in that elevator years ago!
When Maggie and Ethan are unexpectedly invited for Christmas to the vast estate of Eleanor Ashley, the grand dame of their fictional mystery-writing world, Maggie thinks she may have died and gone to heaven! Her euphoria is short-lived when the eighty-one-year-old, whose books were Maggie’s lifeblood growing up, goes missing from her locked office
Trapped by a blizzard with an assortment of Eleanor’s other guests, including her son and daughter-in-law, her niece, butler, doctor, a lawyer, an inspector, a duchess and duke and fellow author Sir Jasper, Maggie has to draw on her extensive knowledge of Eleanor’s books to try to solve the mystery of what happened to her, if she can avoid all those pesky attempts on her life. It’s a good thing Ethan used to be a Secret Service agent! Maybe he’s not so bad after all …
This was really cute! The mystery is decent and serves to move the story along and give a reason for our MCs to grow closer, but it’s not the strength of the book. Where the book shines is the romance arc and the sarcastic, playful banter between Maggie and Ethan, which was so fun on the audio narrated by the talented Saskia Maarleveld and Zachary Webber. Each gets their own POV chapters, so you get both sides of the story, which is told in present and past chapters with short but hilarious police interview interstitials scattered throughout.
If you like a holiday rom-com with a little Agatha-inspired mystery thrown in, this is a fun one!
★★★★
Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager Books, NetGalley and author Ally Carter for the digital ARC to honestly review and to my library/Libby for the audio. It’s out now.
Welcome to Ally Carter’s newest book The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, where you’ll get a solid cozy mystery and a charming rom-com all rolled into one!
Mystery author Maggie Chase hates Ethan Wyatt, a fellow author at their publishing imprint. He’s good-looking, popular with literally everyone and the guy can NEVER get her name right. Marcie? Margaret Grace? Margaret Olivia? Margaret Lavinia? (For the record, it’s Margaret Elizabeth). What she doesn’t understand is that Ethan knows EXACTLY who she is and has since the very first moment he saw her in that elevator years ago!
When Maggie and Ethan are unexpectedly invited for Christmas to the vast estate of Eleanor Ashley, the grand dame of their fictional mystery-writing world, Maggie thinks she may have died and gone to heaven! Her euphoria is short-lived when the eighty-one-year-old, whose books were Maggie’s lifeblood growing up, goes missing from her locked office
Trapped by a blizzard with an assortment of Eleanor’s other guests, including her son and daughter-in-law, her niece, butler, doctor, a lawyer, an inspector, a duchess and duke and fellow author Sir Jasper, Maggie has to draw on her extensive knowledge of Eleanor’s books to try to solve the mystery of what happened to her, if she can avoid all those pesky attempts on her life. It’s a good thing Ethan used to be a Secret Service agent! Maybe he’s not so bad after all …
This was really cute! The mystery is decent and serves to move the story along and give a reason for our MCs to grow closer, but it’s not the strength of the book. Where the book shines is the romance arc and the sarcastic, playful banter between Maggie and Ethan, which was so fun on the audio narrated by the talented Saskia Maarleveld and Zachary Webber. Each gets their own POV chapters, so you get both sides of the story, which is told in present and past chapters with short but hilarious police interview interstitials scattered throughout.
If you like a holiday rom-com with a little Agatha-inspired mystery thrown in, this is a fun one!
★★★★
Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager Books, NetGalley and author Ally Carter for the digital ARC to honestly review and to my library/Libby for the audio. It’s out now.
October 29, 2024
Fun, nearly unputdownable, and full of interesting characters. I enjoyed this book — I went in with no expectations since it was, after all, a holiday-themed romance meets crime novel. I suppose I was expecting something closer to a Hallmark movie, and while those can be entertaining, this book was much better than any of those movies I’ve seen. The main character development is moderate — I didn’t feel like anyone was fully- or under-developed. We get to know everyone just enough to care. The cast of characters can make some details a little blurry, but I enjoyed how everyone is slightly ridiculous-entirely psychopathic. The writing is well done, and the story keeps readers guessing and giggling.
October 4, 2024
Super Christmassy and fun. I cranked up the air conditioning so I could get in the mood to read it, being that my library loan came in months before the season!
Very much contemporary romance + Knives Out/Agatha Christie + loads of humor. While the mystery was intriguing for the first 3/4, I didn't end up loving the culprit, which surprised me given how well-plotted and engaging it was before that.
The romance, though, is really, really cute. I like her, I love him, I like their detective work together, and I love this mash-up of cozy modern mystery with an edge blended with enemies-to-lovers energy. A great pick when you want to get in the holiday mood.
3.5 stars So very nearly a strong 4. I am chuffed to see so many YA authors doing well crossing over into adult books, though. Sometimes it's an eyeroll, but recently there have been some very good ones.
Audio Notes: Both narrators are great. The dynamic jazzy opening/closing music is very Archer/Jonny Quest, which sets the tone nicely (but it doesn’t intrude since it’s limited to those bookends, something I which I wish other audio productions would take note of).
Side Note: I rarely comment on cover art, but man oh man, did this story deserve better. I see the Archer/Chris Evans fisherman sweater influence, but I also see pine-scented man soap ad and...I don't even know. ETA: I SEE A PINK GIRLY VERSION FOR THE KINDLE ART. I still don't love the artwork for that, and I don't know if I really care for the male vs. female swing, down to the very gendered pink and blue choices.
Very much contemporary romance + Knives Out/Agatha Christie + loads of humor. While the mystery was intriguing for the first 3/4, I didn't end up loving the culprit, which surprised me given how well-plotted and engaging it was before that.
The romance, though, is really, really cute. I like her, I love him, I like their detective work together, and I love this mash-up of cozy modern mystery with an edge blended with enemies-to-lovers energy. A great pick when you want to get in the holiday mood.
3.5 stars So very nearly a strong 4. I am chuffed to see so many YA authors doing well crossing over into adult books, though. Sometimes it's an eyeroll, but recently there have been some very good ones.
Audio Notes: Both narrators are great. The dynamic jazzy opening/closing music is very Archer/Jonny Quest, which sets the tone nicely (but it doesn’t intrude since it’s limited to those bookends, something I which I wish other audio productions would take note of).
Side Note: I rarely comment on cover art, but man oh man, did this story deserve better. I see the Archer/Chris Evans fisherman sweater influence, but I also see pine-scented man soap ad and...I don't even know. ETA: I SEE A PINK GIRLY VERSION FOR THE KINDLE ART. I still don't love the artwork for that, and I don't know if I really care for the male vs. female swing, down to the very gendered pink and blue choices.
September 23, 2024
This endearing locked room murder mystery, set in a UK house during the Christmas season, is a delight to read and solve. I have to admit that this is one of the best mysteries I've read in a very long time. It was a fascinating story that felt very Agatha Christie but in the modern settings!
Though lighthearted and entertaining, this novel will make you feel things. The writing was well-done, and the atmosphere was slightly eerie. Both mystery and romance fans will find everything they're looking for in this book.
The romantic touch here is the chef's kiss! In the process of unraveling this mystery, rivals Maggie and Ethan turn into unusual allies and develop a relationship that is so well developed that it seems so natural. I cherished their back-and-forth banter and I really enjoyed reading about their feelings for one another.
And Ally Carter writes fictitious men in a way that makes you want to fall in love with them. Ethan is such a fantastic guy! I admired how he could assist Maggie in discovering her true self.
It was the perfect holiday mystery, and I could not get enough of it! Though it was my first book by Carter, it won't be my last.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Though lighthearted and entertaining, this novel will make you feel things. The writing was well-done, and the atmosphere was slightly eerie. Both mystery and romance fans will find everything they're looking for in this book.
The romantic touch here is the chef's kiss! In the process of unraveling this mystery, rivals Maggie and Ethan turn into unusual allies and develop a relationship that is so well developed that it seems so natural. I cherished their back-and-forth banter and I really enjoyed reading about their feelings for one another.
And Ally Carter writes fictitious men in a way that makes you want to fall in love with them. Ethan is such a fantastic guy! I admired how he could assist Maggie in discovering her true self.
It was the perfect holiday mystery, and I could not get enough of it! Though it was my first book by Carter, it won't be my last.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 24, 2024
Although I don’t think the cover fits the book at all, I really enjoyed it! A fun mystery with a bit of romance and comedy thrown in.
There are a lot of books that claim to be for those who enjoyed Knives Out, but this one actually reminded me quite a bit of that movie. Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt are both bestselling authors, but they don't like each other at all. Now they have both been invited to spend Christmas with a mysterious "fan" in England, who turns out to be the queen of all mystery writers, Eleanor Ashley. They are joined by Eleanor's various family members and other staff, but on the night after their arrival--Eleanor disappears from a locked room. They become snowed in, the bridge is out, and it seems that someone wants to commit murder. What happened to Eleanor and can Maggie and Ethan put aside their differences to stay alive?
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, and although the ultimate reveal of the main villain was lackluster and rushed, the entire experience of the book was so delightful it didn't really matter. There are little clues and mysteries to solve, and watching Ethan and Maggie work through their pasts gave the book more depth and meaning. Their banter is exactly what one looks for in a rom-com!
Ignore the silly cover and title, this book is well worth reading.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
There are a lot of books that claim to be for those who enjoyed Knives Out, but this one actually reminded me quite a bit of that movie. Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt are both bestselling authors, but they don't like each other at all. Now they have both been invited to spend Christmas with a mysterious "fan" in England, who turns out to be the queen of all mystery writers, Eleanor Ashley. They are joined by Eleanor's various family members and other staff, but on the night after their arrival--Eleanor disappears from a locked room. They become snowed in, the bridge is out, and it seems that someone wants to commit murder. What happened to Eleanor and can Maggie and Ethan put aside their differences to stay alive?
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, and although the ultimate reveal of the main villain was lackluster and rushed, the entire experience of the book was so delightful it didn't really matter. There are little clues and mysteries to solve, and watching Ethan and Maggie work through their pasts gave the book more depth and meaning. Their banter is exactly what one looks for in a rom-com!
Ignore the silly cover and title, this book is well worth reading.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
November 13, 2024
This cozy holiday mystery hit all the right notes! Maggie and Ethan, two rival writers—one writes cozy mystery, one writes suspense thriller—are invited to the home of the famous mystery writer Eleanor Ashley for Christmas. But things quickly take a turn when they arrive to find the bridge out, phones down, and Eleanor has vanished from a locked room! Now they’re snowed in with no way to reach anyone, and things get real tense.
Ethan is basically a walking green flag. He’s thoughtful, protective, reads romance books, and is basically a big ol' teddy bear. Their banter was hilarious, and there were so many moments that had me giggling. And the “wanna make out” moments? I literally had to cover my mouth to stop from squealing.
I also loved how fast-paced the story was, especially with short chapters that made it impossible to stop reading. Watching Maggie grow and find herself throughout the book was amazing.
This book really pulled me in from start to finish. A super fun read that’s perfect for curling up with!
Read this if you like:
✒️ Authors MCs
✒️ Rivals to Lovers
✒️ Forced Proximity
✒️ He Falls First and Harder
🚨🚨 TW: Death of parents, infidelity (not between MCs), gaslighting, divorce
Ethan is basically a walking green flag. He’s thoughtful, protective, reads romance books, and is basically a big ol' teddy bear. Their banter was hilarious, and there were so many moments that had me giggling. And the “wanna make out” moments? I literally had to cover my mouth to stop from squealing.
I also loved how fast-paced the story was, especially with short chapters that made it impossible to stop reading. Watching Maggie grow and find herself throughout the book was amazing.
This book really pulled me in from start to finish. A super fun read that’s perfect for curling up with!
Read this if you like:
✒️ Authors MCs
✒️ Rivals to Lovers
✒️ Forced Proximity
✒️ He Falls First and Harder
🚨🚨 TW: Death of parents, infidelity (not between MCs), gaslighting, divorce
November 12, 2024
Every. Star. In. The. Universe. Or at least the five I'm allowed by GR.
It's the Most Wonderful Book of the Year! Okay, maybe not "The Most", but definitely a top ten read of the year for sure.
This book was an absolute joy, so much that I finished it in record time. I didn’t want to stop to eat. Or sleep. And had to sneak in some listens while I worked. It was that addictive.
I bounced between the Kindle and audio versions and I have to say, because the writing is so cinematic, I think I like the audio version best. It was so well narrated and the audio really captures the tone and texture of the writing. Also, listening to the taped police interview snippets, which are peppered throughout the novel, only adds to that cinematic feel.
Now, I'm a sucker for a slow burn romance and this novel delivers in all the best ways. These characters quickly drew me in and from the moment they appear on the page, I was rooting for them. Because Maggie and Ethan were layered, multifaceted characters who were so relatable, it was impossible not to like them immediately. As the story progresses and as the reader is more deeply entrenched in the mystery, the more we learn about Maggie and Ethan individually as well as who they are to one another, and the more vibrant these characters become.
The story itself is like a story within a story, in a sense. Or maybe a mystery inside a mystery as Maggie and Ethan are summoned from NY to England to spend Christmas with the reclusive and prolific mystery writer, Eleanor Ashley, who also happens to be Maggie's literary hero. Also in attendance are Eleanor's eclectic cast of family and friends.
Almost immediately after arriving at her massive estate, Eleanor disappears from inside a locked room. A room which can only be accessed with a key. A key they find inside the locked room.
*GASP*
Maggie, being an Eleanor Ashley superfan and fellow mystery writer, follows a breadcrumb trail of clues, while using passages from Eleanor's novels in conjunction with her current work in progress to unravel the mystery, only to discover that someone has been trying to kill Eleanor for weeks. With great hesitancy, she partners with Ethan to uncover the villain in a household of likely suspects, most of whom have a motive. This is when the love story begins as these two are forced to explore the grounds, the clues, their own secrets and their history as competitors at their publishing house.
To explain my statement above, that this is sort of a story inside a story, is due to the fact that Maggie uses Eleanor’s words, her own stories, both the published and her unpublished WIP, to solve the mystery. It is this latter work which inevitably spells out the reason Eleanor became a target in the first place.
This novel is perfectly paced. It sets off at a nice clip and never once loses momentum. It's also perfectly balanced. It moves seamlessly between the slow building love story and the mystery. Unraveling and exploring each with great care and consideration, always engaging the reader and entangling them in this madcap race to find the answers to the mystery of where Eleanor Ashley has disappeared to and is she still alive before someone else is possibly murdered.
My only criticism really are those ugly sweaters on the cover. Beige? Really?? Given its Christmas theme AND the fact that Christmas sweaters do come up in the actual story, this seems like a missed opportunity. If memory serves, Maggie and Ethan were forced to wear turtle dove sweaters…??
Anyway, I highly, HIGHLY recommend for fans of mysteries or romance, and especially for fans of both.
It's the Most Wonderful Book of the Year! Okay, maybe not "The Most", but definitely a top ten read of the year for sure.
This book was an absolute joy, so much that I finished it in record time. I didn’t want to stop to eat. Or sleep. And had to sneak in some listens while I worked. It was that addictive.
I bounced between the Kindle and audio versions and I have to say, because the writing is so cinematic, I think I like the audio version best. It was so well narrated and the audio really captures the tone and texture of the writing. Also, listening to the taped police interview snippets, which are peppered throughout the novel, only adds to that cinematic feel.
Now, I'm a sucker for a slow burn romance and this novel delivers in all the best ways. These characters quickly drew me in and from the moment they appear on the page, I was rooting for them. Because Maggie and Ethan were layered, multifaceted characters who were so relatable, it was impossible not to like them immediately. As the story progresses and as the reader is more deeply entrenched in the mystery, the more we learn about Maggie and Ethan individually as well as who they are to one another, and the more vibrant these characters become.
The story itself is like a story within a story, in a sense. Or maybe a mystery inside a mystery as Maggie and Ethan are summoned from NY to England to spend Christmas with the reclusive and prolific mystery writer, Eleanor Ashley, who also happens to be Maggie's literary hero. Also in attendance are Eleanor's eclectic cast of family and friends.
Almost immediately after arriving at her massive estate, Eleanor disappears from inside a locked room. A room which can only be accessed with a key. A key they find inside the locked room.
*GASP*
Maggie, being an Eleanor Ashley superfan and fellow mystery writer, follows a breadcrumb trail of clues, while using passages from Eleanor's novels in conjunction with her current work in progress to unravel the mystery, only to discover that someone has been trying to kill Eleanor for weeks. With great hesitancy, she partners with Ethan to uncover the villain in a household of likely suspects, most of whom have a motive. This is when the love story begins as these two are forced to explore the grounds, the clues, their own secrets and their history as competitors at their publishing house.
To explain my statement above, that this is sort of a story inside a story, is due to the fact that Maggie uses Eleanor’s words, her own stories, both the published and her unpublished WIP, to solve the mystery. It is this latter work which inevitably spells out the reason Eleanor became a target in the first place.
This novel is perfectly paced. It sets off at a nice clip and never once loses momentum. It's also perfectly balanced. It moves seamlessly between the slow building love story and the mystery. Unraveling and exploring each with great care and consideration, always engaging the reader and entangling them in this madcap race to find the answers to the mystery of where Eleanor Ashley has disappeared to and is she still alive before someone else is possibly murdered.
My only criticism really are those ugly sweaters on the cover. Beige? Really?? Given its Christmas theme AND the fact that Christmas sweaters do come up in the actual story, this seems like a missed opportunity. If memory serves, Maggie and Ethan were forced to wear turtle dove sweaters…??
Anyway, I highly, HIGHLY recommend for fans of mysteries or romance, and especially for fans of both.
November 3, 2024
I felt like I was inside a holiday episode of scooby-doo, but instead of the usual gang solving the mystery, it was with a hot rival 🔥
First of all, I’m usually iffy about holiday books because sometimes they go OVERBOARD, but this one had the perfect balance! The holiday elements were sprinkled in just about right, and the fact that everyone got stuck inside a manor a few days before Christmas was perfect (not too much, not too little 🎄❄️)
quick summary: two writers who are rivals get invited to spend Christmas with a famous mystery writer. Maggie Chase is thrilled because this author is her favorite... but guess who isn't her favorite? Ethan Wyatt, who she despises (he even calls her "Marcie," which isn't her name smh). After the first night, a winter storm hits and Eleanor goes missing. Who better to trust than two writers who make a living solving mysteries in their novels? 🔍
I’m not usually a big mystery gal myself, but this book was full of fast-paced scenes, tension, and a lovely subplot of romance between the two characters 😍 I also really liked how the clues and twists were introduced which btw I totally didn’t solve the mystery 🕵️♀️ 😂 I was blindsided tbh hahah!
The romance definitely felt like a subplot since they’re busy trying to solve the mystery, but it was the perfect balance to keep me reading nonstop! If you love mystery and the whole "someone is trying to kill me let's solve this murder" this book is THE PERFECT holiday book for you!
Thank you Netgalley and Avon books for giving me this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
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𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅ ik is not Christmas but if the release date is in September is it truly a holiday book 🤷♀️
First of all, I’m usually iffy about holiday books because sometimes they go OVERBOARD, but this one had the perfect balance! The holiday elements were sprinkled in just about right, and the fact that everyone got stuck inside a manor a few days before Christmas was perfect (not too much, not too little 🎄❄️)
quick summary: two writers who are rivals get invited to spend Christmas with a famous mystery writer. Maggie Chase is thrilled because this author is her favorite... but guess who isn't her favorite? Ethan Wyatt, who she despises (he even calls her "Marcie," which isn't her name smh). After the first night, a winter storm hits and Eleanor goes missing. Who better to trust than two writers who make a living solving mysteries in their novels? 🔍
I’m not usually a big mystery gal myself, but this book was full of fast-paced scenes, tension, and a lovely subplot of romance between the two characters 😍 I also really liked how the clues and twists were introduced which btw I totally didn’t solve the mystery 🕵️♀️ 😂 I was blindsided tbh hahah!
The romance definitely felt like a subplot since they’re busy trying to solve the mystery, but it was the perfect balance to keep me reading nonstop! If you love mystery and the whole "someone is trying to kill me let's solve this murder" this book is THE PERFECT holiday book for you!
Thank you Netgalley and Avon books for giving me this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
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𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅ ik is not Christmas but if the release date is in September is it truly a holiday book 🤷♀️
September 23, 2024
Maggie Chase, a successful cozy mystery writer, has had some rough times around Christmas. She endured the loss of both her parents and her husband leaving her for her best friend. As Christmas approached, her publisher advised that her presence was required at a party in England, hosted by a fan. When she arrived, she discovered that the host was none other than Eleanor Ashley, the renowned mystery author, and her idol. The guest list included rival writer Ethan Wyatt, another author, and some relatives gathered for the holidays at Eleanor's grand mansion. Stranded by a snowstorm, eight-one-year-old Eleanor mysteriously disappears. Maggie assumes this is all a clever game. But when a guest is poisoned, things get serious. With Ethan, whom she detests but needs to trust, Maggie tries to figure out what happened to Eleanor. And could Ethan's charms also be softening Maggie's heart?
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is not your typical locked-room mystery. Author Ally Carter has added a nice blend of romance into the mix creating a highly enjoyable blend of genres. The who-done-it was well crafted, complemented by the enemies-to-lovers dynamic. This book is a delightful and fast-paced read that will get you in the holiday spirit.
Many thanks to Avon Books for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
4.5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is not your typical locked-room mystery. Author Ally Carter has added a nice blend of romance into the mix creating a highly enjoyable blend of genres. The who-done-it was well crafted, complemented by the enemies-to-lovers dynamic. This book is a delightful and fast-paced read that will get you in the holiday spirit.
Many thanks to Avon Books for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
4.5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
October 8, 2024
From chapter one, I was immediately pulled into this story, to the point where I thought I found a five-star read. The teasing, the banter, and the one-sided animosity between Ethan and Maggie that gradually evolves into something more—I loved it. Unfortunately, it went downhill for me towards the end ...
Two writers receive a cryptic invitation to attend a Christmas party at the English estate of renowned author Eleanor Ashley, only for Eleanor to mysteriously disappear soon after. The mystery itself was super engaging, with a cast of quirky characters brimming with personality that kept me stumped.
The dynamic between Ethan and Maggie as enemies was amazing, making me laugh multiple times as they brought their respective expertise from their books while working together to find Eleanor. This is just one of those instances where, once their conflict was resolved, I lost interest in their romance.
This book was definitely light and fun, and I’m sure others will love it. For me, though—and maybe I’m being a bit nitpicky—the constant use of “sweetheart” and the repetitive "who did this to you?" protectiveness from Ethan became a little too ... corny. I was internally rolling my eyes. It felt somewhat performative, if that makes sense.
(heat level: closed door)
Two writers receive a cryptic invitation to attend a Christmas party at the English estate of renowned author Eleanor Ashley, only for Eleanor to mysteriously disappear soon after. The mystery itself was super engaging, with a cast of quirky characters brimming with personality that kept me stumped.
The dynamic between Ethan and Maggie as enemies was amazing, making me laugh multiple times as they brought their respective expertise from their books while working together to find Eleanor. This is just one of those instances where, once their conflict was resolved, I lost interest in their romance.
This book was definitely light and fun, and I’m sure others will love it. For me, though—and maybe I’m being a bit nitpicky—the constant use of “sweetheart” and the repetitive "who did this to you?" protectiveness from Ethan became a little too ... corny. I was internally rolling my eyes. It felt somewhat performative, if that makes sense.
(heat level: closed door)
November 12, 2024
this confirmed i love ally carter’s writing. this story was so ridiculous and i loved it
November 7, 2024
4.5 stars ⭐️
100% recommend!!! Cozy rom com mystery with major “knives out” vibes! Rivals to Lovers!! The murder mystery had me in a chokehold. Everytime I thought I had it figured it out it threw me for a loop. The romance was perfectly drawn out & the tension was YUM. The plot and pacing was perfectly bingeable!! Not overly Christmas just the perfect amount !!! thank you @avonbooks this was perfect!!!!!
100% recommend!!! Cozy rom com mystery with major “knives out” vibes! Rivals to Lovers!! The murder mystery had me in a chokehold. Everytime I thought I had it figured it out it threw me for a loop. The romance was perfectly drawn out & the tension was YUM. The plot and pacing was perfectly bingeable!! Not overly Christmas just the perfect amount !!! thank you @avonbooks this was perfect!!!!!
August 31, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, by Ally Carter, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Maggie Chase is an author of mysteries, Ethan writes scary thrillers, sometimes opposites attract and sometimes they repel. They have a mystery to solve, but can they. This was a satisfying read.
August 25, 2024
Maggie is not a fan of Christmas. Her marriage has ended and she is at a crossroads in her life. She goes to England where she learns that the owner has gone missing. This book kept me guessing.
October 27, 2024
So much fun! ❄️🔪📚
September 28, 2024
I READ A MYSTERY*
*cozy mystery
I loved this. Felt very Knives Out & Only Murders in the Building. I think the romance & mystery mix in this was perfect. I (who never reads non-romance) ate up this story.
- 2 rival authors
- He’s a flirt. She keeps to herself.
- Sent to the UK for the holidays when their host mysteriously vanishes
- Dual POV
- He’s been crushing on her for years
- He falls first & harder
- Touch her & you die
Ethan Wyatt could get it 🤷🏻♀️
*cozy mystery
I loved this. Felt very Knives Out & Only Murders in the Building. I think the romance & mystery mix in this was perfect. I (who never reads non-romance) ate up this story.
- 2 rival authors
- He’s a flirt. She keeps to herself.
- Sent to the UK for the holidays when their host mysteriously vanishes
- Dual POV
- He’s been crushing on her for years
- He falls first & harder
- Touch her & you die
Ethan Wyatt could get it 🤷🏻♀️
Want to read
May 13, 2024By the look of the title this book I'm 99,99% sure that it's to be about Zoe's twin sister from 'The Blonde Identity'. Which also means that my prayers from the book gods have been heard!
Also, by remembering how the author's previous book ended this book is going to have the enemies-to-lovers trope!!!!!
Also, by remembering how the author's previous book ended this book is going to have the enemies-to-lovers trope!!!!!
August 16, 2024
Maggie Chase despises Ethan Wyatt, the two rivaling each other in the book industry. She works to avoid him at all costs but it has become increasingly difficult as his cool-guy persona grows and grows in publishing. It’s also Christmas time, another thing Maggie despises; she has a complicated history with Christmas. So when Maggie receives a letter from a fan who wants to fly her to England for Christmas she’s obviously hesitant but her beloved friend, Deborah, pushes her to go and promises her that she won’t regret it. What she doesn’t know is that Ethan has accepted the same invitation and now they’re both trapped in an English mansion together during Christmastime. When the host of the party—and not just any host but an icon in the book industry—goes missing from a locked room, the two are forced to work together to solve the mystery.
Hi, hello, it’s me and no, I wasn’t hacked. I read a romance book! Now to be fair, the mystery aspect of it may have been what truly lassoed me. My main qualm with romance books is always the same and it’s a personal thing; it’s why many people read romance and why I abhor it. Sex. Spice. Whatever you want to call it. I don’t like it, I don’t care, it doesn’t add to the plot (I said it!), I don’t want it in my books. So when I saw early reviewers calling this a “closed-door” romance… Well, that in addition to a mystery and a snowy landscape, I was in.
I actually adored this book. It was witty and playful without being too cheesy and the short chapters move the story along at a quick pace.
He has GOT to stop calling her “sweetheart” though 🤮 and it was a little frustrating how quickly Maggie went from “I hate you” to “omg his abs”.
Overall, this was a cute and fun read—very Knives Out vibes with a romance sub-plot—and I would definitely recommend it to my fellow readers who want an easy-to-read holiday story without the spice (I see you).
That’s enough romance for me for the next two years (nothing personal) ookkkk bye.
Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review! Available 09/24/2024!
Hi, hello, it’s me and no, I wasn’t hacked. I read a romance book! Now to be fair, the mystery aspect of it may have been what truly lassoed me. My main qualm with romance books is always the same and it’s a personal thing; it’s why many people read romance and why I abhor it. Sex. Spice. Whatever you want to call it. I don’t like it, I don’t care, it doesn’t add to the plot (I said it!), I don’t want it in my books. So when I saw early reviewers calling this a “closed-door” romance… Well, that in addition to a mystery and a snowy landscape, I was in.
I actually adored this book. It was witty and playful without being too cheesy and the short chapters move the story along at a quick pace.
He has GOT to stop calling her “sweetheart” though 🤮 and it was a little frustrating how quickly Maggie went from “I hate you” to “omg his abs”.
Overall, this was a cute and fun read—very Knives Out vibes with a romance sub-plot—and I would definitely recommend it to my fellow readers who want an easy-to-read holiday story without the spice (I see you).
That’s enough romance for me for the next two years (nothing personal) ookkkk bye.
Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review! Available 09/24/2024!
October 24, 2024
fantastic audiobook! fast paced, entertaining and witty. ally carter did a great job at the murder mystery plot and creating a romance out of it
October 29, 2024
Boy, they hated each other for like two chapters!
There's a ''who did this to you?''!
It's hilarious!!!!
There's a ''who did this to you?''!
It's hilarious!!!!
May 26, 2024
If I could give this book 10 stars I would. Ally Carter you have never once let me down and I can 100% say I would read anything you write and love every. word. of. it. You are my Eleanor *wink wink* Reading this felt like a piece of my soul being put into place. One day i’ll accurately describe what this book did for me but for now i’ll say I loved it!
August 31, 2024
So this is a fun one, truly! I'm not always a Christmas book fan, but when it's a holiday romantic comedy combined with a locked room mystery (and written by Ally Carter)... THE MOST WONDERFUL CRIME OF THE YEAR does an amazing job of just running with the cheesy over-the-top romance and mystery tropes, acknowledging them straight out (there's only one bed!) and laughing along with them.
We're introduced to our rival mystery writers, Maggie Chase, known for her cozy mysteries and recent divorce, where her entitled husband left her for her best friend, and Ethan Wyatt, a handsome and popular thriller writer. The two have a history together, with Ethan consistently calling her Marcie and Maggie consistently hating Ethan. But now they've been mysteriously invited to the English home of Eleanor Ashley, the most popular crime writer ever, and Maggie's writing idol.
But before you know it: Eleanor's disappeared from a locked room, someone's been poisoned, gunshots have been fired, and what looked like an amazing opportunity to meet Eleanor has turned into a desperate attempt to just stay alive. Or, is it a test concocted by crafty Eleanor herself? Carter gives us a wickedly fun locked room mystery with a twist: it's being solved by rival mystery writers who just might be going from rivals to lovers.
Because it seems like Ethan's been crushing on Maggie for a while. (We had to wait a while to figure out why he loved her from first sight. His obsession seems a little over the top for a bit.) Maggie, meanwhile, is reeling from her divorce and has little reason to believe in Ethan, or anything, especially herself. But she knows Eleanor Ashley. She grew up on her books. As Maggie grows in confidence, the two run through a series of wild and outlandish scenarios (gunshots! fires! secret chambers!) while exchanging quips, witty banter, and smoldering glances.
At times, it felt like my rhythm with CRIME was a little off. I wanted it to move a bit faster than it did. Ethan and Maggie's memories of their various earlier meetings provided justification for their characters' current actions, but as those trickled in slowly, sometimes the two seemed a bit frustrating. But, overall, this was really a fun read, leaning into both the romance and mystery angles, working the English manor in a snowstorm atmosphere, and giving us an enjoyable read while still highlighting the importance of believing in women--and yourself. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Avon in return for an unbiased review.
We're introduced to our rival mystery writers, Maggie Chase, known for her cozy mysteries and recent divorce, where her entitled husband left her for her best friend, and Ethan Wyatt, a handsome and popular thriller writer. The two have a history together, with Ethan consistently calling her Marcie and Maggie consistently hating Ethan. But now they've been mysteriously invited to the English home of Eleanor Ashley, the most popular crime writer ever, and Maggie's writing idol.
But before you know it: Eleanor's disappeared from a locked room, someone's been poisoned, gunshots have been fired, and what looked like an amazing opportunity to meet Eleanor has turned into a desperate attempt to just stay alive. Or, is it a test concocted by crafty Eleanor herself? Carter gives us a wickedly fun locked room mystery with a twist: it's being solved by rival mystery writers who just might be going from rivals to lovers.
Because it seems like Ethan's been crushing on Maggie for a while. (We had to wait a while to figure out why he loved her from first sight. His obsession seems a little over the top for a bit.) Maggie, meanwhile, is reeling from her divorce and has little reason to believe in Ethan, or anything, especially herself. But she knows Eleanor Ashley. She grew up on her books. As Maggie grows in confidence, the two run through a series of wild and outlandish scenarios (gunshots! fires! secret chambers!) while exchanging quips, witty banter, and smoldering glances.
At times, it felt like my rhythm with CRIME was a little off. I wanted it to move a bit faster than it did. Ethan and Maggie's memories of their various earlier meetings provided justification for their characters' current actions, but as those trickled in slowly, sometimes the two seemed a bit frustrating. But, overall, this was really a fun read, leaning into both the romance and mystery angles, working the English manor in a snowstorm atmosphere, and giving us an enjoyable read while still highlighting the importance of believing in women--and yourself. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Avon in return for an unbiased review.
November 1, 2024
I’m feeling remarkably torn over this one…
On the one hand, the execution is flawless! A woman vanishes from an English manor without a trace in the middle of a blizzard. Weeks of murder attempts. All the suspects trapped in the house. It had a delicious Agatha Christie air with a large cast of questionable characters and enough twists to keep you guessing! Plus, I read it in a day, so I was clearly hooked.
I really liked Maggie. I *got* her on a lot of levels and my heart ached for her. The man who promised to love her forever left, shattering her confidence. She’s always felt alone, inferior, and second best. The thing I loved about Ethan was his unfailing steadiness. Sure he flirted too much for my taste, but his calming demeanour set me at ease and I loved how he helped Maggie see herself as capable. Very cute.
Now for the cons (in my opinion)… there’s a fair amount of language, so heads up for that. As mentioned, Ethan’s flirting was heavy-handed for my taste. There are some crude remarks about a woman & strong innuendo. Lastly, the fade-to-black. Yes, it’s closed door. But the door wasn’t closing fast enough, so the kissing & touching is more descriptive than I care for. Plus, they’re an unmarried couple, which crosses the line for me.
So, final thoughts. Ally Carter is a brilliant writer—this was no exception. Just some of the romance-y things toed the line too much for my comfort.
On the one hand, the execution is flawless! A woman vanishes from an English manor without a trace in the middle of a blizzard. Weeks of murder attempts. All the suspects trapped in the house. It had a delicious Agatha Christie air with a large cast of questionable characters and enough twists to keep you guessing! Plus, I read it in a day, so I was clearly hooked.
I really liked Maggie. I *got* her on a lot of levels and my heart ached for her. The man who promised to love her forever left, shattering her confidence. She’s always felt alone, inferior, and second best. The thing I loved about Ethan was his unfailing steadiness. Sure he flirted too much for my taste, but his calming demeanour set me at ease and I loved how he helped Maggie see herself as capable. Very cute.
Now for the cons (in my opinion)… there’s a fair amount of language, so heads up for that. As mentioned, Ethan’s flirting was heavy-handed for my taste. There are some crude remarks about a woman & strong innuendo. Lastly, the fade-to-black. Yes, it’s closed door. But the door wasn’t closing fast enough, so the kissing & touching is more descriptive than I care for. Plus, they’re an unmarried couple, which crosses the line for me.
So, final thoughts. Ally Carter is a brilliant writer—this was no exception. Just some of the romance-y things toed the line too much for my comfort.
September 28, 2024
Deck the Halls with Plots and Folly
Move over, Agatha Christie! There's a new queen of mystery in town, and she's bringing some serious holiday spirit to the classic locked-room whodunit. Ally Carter, best known for her young adult spy thrillers, makes a dazzling adult debut with "The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" - a rom-com mystery that'll have you laughing, guessing, and maybe even swooning under the mistletoe.
The Setup: A Christmas Party to Die For
Picture this: It's three days before Christmas, and two rival mystery authors find themselves invited to the secluded English mansion of the world's most famous crime writer, Eleanor Ashley (think a sassier, more reclusive Agatha Christie). There's Maggie Chase, the up-and-coming cozy mystery darling, and Ethan Wyatt, the smoldering thriller writer with a mysterious past.
Throw in a colorful cast of Eleanor's eccentric family members, a blizzard that cuts off all communication, and the sudden disappearance of the hostess from a locked room... and you've got yourself one heck of a holiday party.
The Characters: More Than Meets the Eye
Carter excels at creating characters that leap off the page, each with their own quirks, secrets, and hidden depths:
Maggie Chase: Our heroine is sharp, witty, and nursing some serious emotional wounds from her past. Her journey from self-doubt to self-confidence is a joy to witness.
Ethan Wyatt: The classic "there's more to him than meets the eye" love interest. His banter with Maggie crackles with sexual tension, but it's his vulnerability that truly makes him swoon-worthy.
Eleanor Ashley: The puppet master of this whole affair, Eleanor's presence looms large even in her absence. Her cleverness and manipulations drive the plot forward in delightful ways.
The Supporting Cast: From the bumbling inspector to the scheming relatives, each character feels fully realized and adds depth to the mystery.
The Plot: Twists, Turns, and Tinsel
Carter weaves an intricate mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. The pacing is masterful, with reveals doled out at just the right moments to keep you turning pages well past your bedtime.
What sets this book apart is how seamlessly Carter blends the mystery elements with the budding romance between Maggie and Ethan. Their investigation becomes a dance of mutual trust and attraction, with each clue bringing them closer to both the truth and each other.
Clues to Watch For:
The significance of Eleanor's brooch
The mystery of the greenhouse
The story behind Ethan's scar
The truth about Maggie's ex-husband
A Genre-Bending Delight
"The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" defies easy categorization. It's part cozy mystery, part psychological thriller, part enemies-to-lovers romance, and part holiday feel-good story. Somehow, Carter makes this genre mash-up work brilliantly.
The Mystery: Clever and Compelling
Mystery lovers will find plenty to sink their teeth into here. The locked-room puzzle is genuinely perplexing, and Carter plays fair with her clues. There are enough red herrings to keep you guessing, but the ultimate solution is both surprising and satisfying.
The Romance: Steamy and Sweet
For those who come for the love story, you won't be disappointed. Maggie and Ethan's relationship evolves from antagonistic to allies to something much deeper. Their banter is delightful, and the slow burn of their attraction will have you rooting for them to get together.
The Holiday Spirit: Festive and Fun
Carter infuses the story with just the right amount of Christmas cheer. The snowy English countryside, the twinkling lights, and the underlying theme of found family all contribute to a warm, cozy atmosphere - even as the mystery ramps up the tension.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Shines:
Character Development: Carter has a gift for creating complex, relatable characters. Maggie's growth throughout the novel is particularly well-done.
Dialogue: The banter is sharp, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny.
Pacing: The story moves at a clip, balancing quieter character moments with thrilling reveals.
Genre Blending: Carter seamlessly combines elements of different genres into a cohesive whole.
Room for Improvement:
Suspension of Disbelief: Some plot elements require a bit of a leap of faith (the elaborate nature of Eleanor's plan, for instance).
Secondary Characters: While generally well-drawn, a few of the side characters veer close to caricature at times.
Final Verdict: A Holiday Treat for Mystery Lovers
"The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" is a delightful confection of a novel that will appeal to fans of both mysteries and romance. Ally Carter proves she's just as adept at writing for adults as she is for teens, crafting a story that's smart, sexy, and full of holiday spirit.
Move over, Agatha Christie! There's a new queen of mystery in town, and she's bringing some serious holiday spirit to the classic locked-room whodunit. Ally Carter, best known for her young adult spy thrillers, makes a dazzling adult debut with "The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" - a rom-com mystery that'll have you laughing, guessing, and maybe even swooning under the mistletoe.
The Setup: A Christmas Party to Die For
Picture this: It's three days before Christmas, and two rival mystery authors find themselves invited to the secluded English mansion of the world's most famous crime writer, Eleanor Ashley (think a sassier, more reclusive Agatha Christie). There's Maggie Chase, the up-and-coming cozy mystery darling, and Ethan Wyatt, the smoldering thriller writer with a mysterious past.
Throw in a colorful cast of Eleanor's eccentric family members, a blizzard that cuts off all communication, and the sudden disappearance of the hostess from a locked room... and you've got yourself one heck of a holiday party.
The Characters: More Than Meets the Eye
Carter excels at creating characters that leap off the page, each with their own quirks, secrets, and hidden depths:
Maggie Chase: Our heroine is sharp, witty, and nursing some serious emotional wounds from her past. Her journey from self-doubt to self-confidence is a joy to witness.
Ethan Wyatt: The classic "there's more to him than meets the eye" love interest. His banter with Maggie crackles with sexual tension, but it's his vulnerability that truly makes him swoon-worthy.
Eleanor Ashley: The puppet master of this whole affair, Eleanor's presence looms large even in her absence. Her cleverness and manipulations drive the plot forward in delightful ways.
The Supporting Cast: From the bumbling inspector to the scheming relatives, each character feels fully realized and adds depth to the mystery.
The Plot: Twists, Turns, and Tinsel
Carter weaves an intricate mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. The pacing is masterful, with reveals doled out at just the right moments to keep you turning pages well past your bedtime.
What sets this book apart is how seamlessly Carter blends the mystery elements with the budding romance between Maggie and Ethan. Their investigation becomes a dance of mutual trust and attraction, with each clue bringing them closer to both the truth and each other.
Clues to Watch For:
The significance of Eleanor's brooch
The mystery of the greenhouse
The story behind Ethan's scar
The truth about Maggie's ex-husband
A Genre-Bending Delight
"The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" defies easy categorization. It's part cozy mystery, part psychological thriller, part enemies-to-lovers romance, and part holiday feel-good story. Somehow, Carter makes this genre mash-up work brilliantly.
The Mystery: Clever and Compelling
Mystery lovers will find plenty to sink their teeth into here. The locked-room puzzle is genuinely perplexing, and Carter plays fair with her clues. There are enough red herrings to keep you guessing, but the ultimate solution is both surprising and satisfying.
The Romance: Steamy and Sweet
For those who come for the love story, you won't be disappointed. Maggie and Ethan's relationship evolves from antagonistic to allies to something much deeper. Their banter is delightful, and the slow burn of their attraction will have you rooting for them to get together.
The Holiday Spirit: Festive and Fun
Carter infuses the story with just the right amount of Christmas cheer. The snowy English countryside, the twinkling lights, and the underlying theme of found family all contribute to a warm, cozy atmosphere - even as the mystery ramps up the tension.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Shines:
Character Development: Carter has a gift for creating complex, relatable characters. Maggie's growth throughout the novel is particularly well-done.
Dialogue: The banter is sharp, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny.
Pacing: The story moves at a clip, balancing quieter character moments with thrilling reveals.
Genre Blending: Carter seamlessly combines elements of different genres into a cohesive whole.
Room for Improvement:
Suspension of Disbelief: Some plot elements require a bit of a leap of faith (the elaborate nature of Eleanor's plan, for instance).
Secondary Characters: While generally well-drawn, a few of the side characters veer close to caricature at times.
Final Verdict: A Holiday Treat for Mystery Lovers
"The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" is a delightful confection of a novel that will appeal to fans of both mysteries and romance. Ally Carter proves she's just as adept at writing for adults as she is for teens, crafting a story that's smart, sexy, and full of holiday spirit.
October 10, 2024
Murder She Wrote meets Knives Out in Ally Carter’s newest release, a festive (and deliciously suspenseful) rivals to lovers mystery romance that had me utterly hooked.
Much like her adult debut (The Blonde Identity), Carter weaves a heart-poundingly swift and swoon-worthy read with two phenomenally depth filled and endearing protagonists I couldn’t get enough of.
Maggie Chase, our self doubting, cosy mystery writer is still trying to come to terms with the loss of her husband when we first meet her. A year on from finding him in bed with her best (and only) friend. Emotionally bereft, her self esteem in the gutters and facing the first Christmas alone since her parents died (when she was eighteen) I was emotionally invested almost immediately.
Her heartache and pain was incredibly evocative snd had me desperate to give her a hug soo much— especially with the flashbacks and anecdotes she lets slip as the story progresses.
Ethan Wyatt, Maggie’s leather jacket wearing, thriller author rival (who she blames for every professional misfortune that has ever befallen her) was really endearing as well.
His effortless ability to win over everyone riles up Maggie like nobody else, but their chemistry and banter was absolutely delicious! Ethan’s past and previous interactions with Maggie also gave amazing insight into his thoughts and feelings—which only made me love him more.
I adored the cleverly crafted plot twists too, which had me in super sleuth mode trying to figure them out. Alas, I was unsuccessful but I did guess a couple of the smaller things that were connected to the main twists— but the surprises were what really made this soo enjoyable.
Overall, a thoroughly entertaining (locked room) mystery romance that even Agatha Christie would’ve been impressed with. I can’t wait to see what Carter writes next!
Also thanks to Chloe over at Pan Macmillan for the finished copy.
Much like her adult debut (The Blonde Identity), Carter weaves a heart-poundingly swift and swoon-worthy read with two phenomenally depth filled and endearing protagonists I couldn’t get enough of.
Maggie Chase, our self doubting, cosy mystery writer is still trying to come to terms with the loss of her husband when we first meet her. A year on from finding him in bed with her best (and only) friend. Emotionally bereft, her self esteem in the gutters and facing the first Christmas alone since her parents died (when she was eighteen) I was emotionally invested almost immediately.
Her heartache and pain was incredibly evocative snd had me desperate to give her a hug soo much— especially with the flashbacks and anecdotes she lets slip as the story progresses.
Ethan Wyatt, Maggie’s leather jacket wearing, thriller author rival (who she blames for every professional misfortune that has ever befallen her) was really endearing as well.
His effortless ability to win over everyone riles up Maggie like nobody else, but their chemistry and banter was absolutely delicious! Ethan’s past and previous interactions with Maggie also gave amazing insight into his thoughts and feelings—which only made me love him more.
I adored the cleverly crafted plot twists too, which had me in super sleuth mode trying to figure them out. Alas, I was unsuccessful but I did guess a couple of the smaller things that were connected to the main twists— but the surprises were what really made this soo enjoyable.
Overall, a thoroughly entertaining (locked room) mystery romance that even Agatha Christie would’ve been impressed with. I can’t wait to see what Carter writes next!
Also thanks to Chloe over at Pan Macmillan for the finished copy.
November 3, 2024
Let me say right away that this is not really my genre. Nothing against it, but I tend to avoid romance/chick-lit books, they just aren't what I'm interested in reading.
Having said all of that, I did enjoy this book. We have an Agatha Christie like author throwing a Christmas party in her lavish estate in England and all of her invited guests. Two of these guests are the main characters: Maggie, a cozy mystery writer whose own past is littered with heartbreak, and Ethan, a ruggedly handsome thriller writer who has a traumatic past as well. These two are forced to work together when their hostess, Eleanor, goes missing during a terrible blizzard.
Lots of witty banter and sarcasm abound and to me, at least, it felt like watching one of my favorite movies, Romancing the Stone.
I highly recommend to anyone looking for something fun and cozy for Christmas.
Having said all of that, I did enjoy this book. We have an Agatha Christie like author throwing a Christmas party in her lavish estate in England and all of her invited guests. Two of these guests are the main characters: Maggie, a cozy mystery writer whose own past is littered with heartbreak, and Ethan, a ruggedly handsome thriller writer who has a traumatic past as well. These two are forced to work together when their hostess, Eleanor, goes missing during a terrible blizzard.
Lots of witty banter and sarcasm abound and to me, at least, it felt like watching one of my favorite movies, Romancing the Stone.
I highly recommend to anyone looking for something fun and cozy for Christmas.
September 30, 2024
This is the perfect cozy holiday mystery book and add on the wonderful romance 🤌🏻Maggie and Ethan were the perfect enemies to lovers! Their dynamic was top notch and I loved their banter. 100% adding the physical book to my book shelf because this will be a reread for me💗
Thank you Avon Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the gifted ebook.
Thank you Avon Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the gifted ebook.
September 27, 2024
This was a really fun enemies to lovers, he falls first, dual POV, forced proximity, holiday romcom murder mystery that has two rival mystery authors accepting a trip to England where they find themselves stuck trying to figure out who killed one of their favorite authors. I loved that the book is dedicated to all the women who have been gaslighted in their lives as the main female character, Maggie, has recently divorced her toxic ex who constantly belittled her. Not feeling in the holiday spirits at all, her editor convinces her to take this trip where she discovers the man she thinks hates her actually has been secretly pining after her from their very first meeting. Amazing on audio narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, this is a standout holiday read for the 2024 season! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
November 2, 2024
I can't stop smiling after finishing this literary gem! As a romance enthusiast, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself completely immersed in this Christmas mystery that perfectly combines the tension of a thriller with the warmth of a love story.
Find themselves trapped in a mansion during a winter storm along with a famous mystery author who suddenly disappears. The result? An electrifying adventure that kept me glued to the pages until the late hours of the night.
What captivated me most was the masterful balance between elements: the Christmas atmosphere subtly woven into the plot without being cloying, the sparkling chemistry between the protagonists (those moments when Ethan calls her "Marcie" just to provoke her!), and a mystery so well constructed that, although I tried to solve it, I was completely surprised at the end.
For those who, like me, enjoy a good story of "we need to solve this mystery while someone possibly tries to kill us," this book is an early Christmas gift. The romantic tension between Maggie and Ethan serves as the perfect counterpoint to the main suspense, creating an addictive read that made me ignore all my responsibilities until I finished the last page.
This book definitely deserves a special place on my favorites shelf! It's the perfect combination of cozy mystery, captivating romance, and Christmas spirit. I especially recommend it for those cold winter nights, accompanied by a cup of hot chocolate and a soft blanket.
Find themselves trapped in a mansion during a winter storm along with a famous mystery author who suddenly disappears. The result? An electrifying adventure that kept me glued to the pages until the late hours of the night.
What captivated me most was the masterful balance between elements: the Christmas atmosphere subtly woven into the plot without being cloying, the sparkling chemistry between the protagonists (those moments when Ethan calls her "Marcie" just to provoke her!), and a mystery so well constructed that, although I tried to solve it, I was completely surprised at the end.
For those who, like me, enjoy a good story of "we need to solve this mystery while someone possibly tries to kill us," this book is an early Christmas gift. The romantic tension between Maggie and Ethan serves as the perfect counterpoint to the main suspense, creating an addictive read that made me ignore all my responsibilities until I finished the last page.
This book definitely deserves a special place on my favorites shelf! It's the perfect combination of cozy mystery, captivating romance, and Christmas spirit. I especially recommend it for those cold winter nights, accompanied by a cup of hot chocolate and a soft blanket.
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