The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
Contemporary Romance/Mystery Romance
September 24, 202424- Avon

Review by Angela

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book, my first by Ally Carter, but I fell in love with the blurb and the idea of a Knives Out murder mystery, locked room romance and decided to grab it when it came up for review.

Maggie Chase is a best-selling author of cozy mysteries who doesn’t care for the Christmas season. Ethan Wyatt’s recently penned thriller has already caught the attention of Hollywood. Maggie can’t stand him and so she tries her best to avoid his presence. Then they both receive an invitation from a mysterious fan to a Christmas party at an estate in the UK. Imagine their surprise when it’s the most famous suspense author in the world, the Duchess of Death herself, Eleanor Ashley.

When they arrive at the estate, they are introduced to a cast of characters that include Eleanor’s family members, a lawyer, a doctor, another mystery writer and her butler. The vibe is weird but gets even weirder when the author disappears in the middle of the night from her locked office. Maggie and Ethan are worried, but Maggie is convinced this is a test by the author to find her predecessor. The duo begins to investigate and realize that odd things have been happening for months and Eleanor’s life has truly been in danger. It’s now imperative that they solve this mystery as quickly as possible.

This book was super fun. It’s compulsively readable, full of interesting characters with sketchy motives and two main characters who have incredible chemistry. Maggie and Ethan have this antagonistic relationship that quickly turns to a partnership after Eleanor’s disappearance. Readers also start to realize that Ethan may have feelings for his fellow writer. Their previous interactions, as well their backstories, are told in a series of flashback scenes and I loved seeing how their relationship began even as I was watching it grow on page. I got choked up a bit when the reason Ethan called her by the wrong name is revealed. Their teasing banter and growing trust and affection against the backdrop of a snowy estate in the middle nowhere where danger lurks around every corner really kept me glued to the page.

Even the ending was fabulous. This will most definitely appear on my favorites shelf at the end of the year. I wouldn’t mind future mysteries revolving around this duo. Recommend.

Grade- A