The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
by Ally Carter
Summary
Knives Out gets a rom-com twist in this rivals-to-lovers Christmas romance-mystery.
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.
My Review
I was so excited to pick up another book by this author after absolutely loving The Blonde Identity, and this one did not disappoint. It is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and romcom, with a festive holiday backdrop. Many readers have compared it to Agatha Christie meets Knives Out with a heavier dose of romance, and that feels spot on. I also appreciated that there is no spice (closed-door romance), though there is some mild language.
I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by one of my favorite narrators, and she truly brought the story to life. Her performance added so much personality, humor, and warmth, making the listening experience even more enjoyable.
Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt are both bestselling authors who do not get along very well. When they are invited to spend Christmas in England by a mysterious admirer, they discover their host is none other than legendary mystery writer Eleanor Ashley. Along with Eleanor’s family and staff, they settle into what should be a charming holiday gathering. That is, until Eleanor vanishes from a locked room shortly after their arrival. With a snowstorm cutting them off from the outside world and the bridge destroyed, it quickly becomes clear that danger is very real. Maggie and Ethan must put aside their animosity to uncover the truth and survive the holiday.
The story takes a little time to find its footing, but once it does, the mystery becomes genuinely engaging. There are quite a few characters to keep track of at first, though everything eventually falls into place. I loved the English setting, the wintry atmosphere, and the subtle but effective Christmas touches woven throughout.
The romance was charming and fun. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Maggie and Ethan. The witty banter and playful tension between them were a highlight, and while the relationship leans toward insta-love, it worked well within the story’s tone. The humor truly shines here. I laughed out loud more than once. The layered clues and smaller puzzles kept me guessing, and watching both characters confront their pasts added emotional depth to the mystery.
If you enjoy locked-room mysteries set in secluded locations during the holidays, paired with a rivals-to-lovers romcom, this is a must-read. It was a perfect addition to my holiday romance list and a refreshing change of pace with its mix of cozy mystery, romantic suspense, and festive charm. Highly recommend!