Riveting Holiday Mystery
Are you prepared to be swept off your feet and roll with laughter as you turn every page of Ally Carter’s holiday whodunnit, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year? From start to finish, this story immerses readers in a whirlwind of intrigue, humor, and romance. The chemistry between the rival mystery writers, Maggie and Ethan, is electric—like that of an eighth grader nursing their first crush. Picture yourself giggling and even kicking your feet as their dynamic unfolds. Carter’s ability to weave a compelling romance tale while keeping the suspense alive is remarkable. It isn’t just a story; it’s a masterclass in creating real, flawed, and irresistibly engaging characters.
In this clever Book of the Month, Maggie Chase—the undisputed Queen of the Cozy Mystery—joins forces with Ethan Wyatt, a tall, handsome, and undeniably charming “Mr. **Big-time Thriller Guy.” Both receive cryptic invitations to a lavish Christmas party hosted at an English estate by a mysterious fan. Wary but intrigued, they attend, only to find themselves in the home of the powerful and beloved author Eleanor Ashley, affectionately called the “Duchess of Death.” As Maggie, freshly divorced from one of the worst men she’s ever known, collides with Ethan’s leather jacket-clad confidence, their banter and subtle rivalry set the tone for a truly memorable holiday caper.
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Mysterious Invitation to Trouble
From the moment Maggie and Ethan are invited to a glamorous but snowbound mansion, the stage is set for tension and intrigue. Surrounded by Eleanor’s snobby family and friends, whose rude and stuck-up attitudes create an uncomfortable atmosphere, Maggie can’t help but ask herself questions—why them, of all people? The situation grows even darker when a white-out blizzard cuts the power and throws everyone into a chaotic tailspin.
By the next morning, Eleanor is missing from her locked office, a guest has been poisoned, and secrets buried within the snowbound house begin to emerge. Maggie and Ethan, bitter rivals, must team up to figure out what’s happening. What are their chances of solving this mystery before it’s too late? Storms have chilled stakes.
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Perfect Blend of Romance and Mystery
Ally Carter’s ‘The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year’ captures everything a fan of romance tropes could hope for while weaving an engaging romystery. The story places readers in a whirlwind of emotions through its use of forced proximity between characters who start as enemies or even rivals, only to evolve into unexpected lovers.
A particular scene involving “only one bed” is a highlight, packed with tension and chemistry that practically delivers on every trope lover’s wishlist. Ethan, the male main character, embodies the perfect balance of strength and vulnerability, leaving readers swooning at his unvarnished yearning for Maggie. His gruff, occasionally grumbly demeanor only enhances his charm, especially during moments of protective intensity.
While the closed-door nature of the romance keeps the spice subtle—just a single slice of jalapeño—it feels anything but lacking. Ethan’s heartfelt emotions for Maggie elevate the story, making it hard to notice the absence of steamier scenes. Even moments that could veer toward cringe, like the dramatic “Who did this to you?” line, ultimately land well due to Carter’s expert storytelling. Every emotional beat falls perfectly into place, ensuring the story hits all the right notes. With a fresh take on familiar tropes, this book feels like an illegal indulgence in the best possible way.
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Clever Blend of Mystery and Charm
When I first start reading, it’s easy to fall into the trap of looking too closely at every unrealistic twist or cheesy detail, almost trying to pick them apart like puzzle pieces. But that’s part of the fun—these small quirks add rhythm to the story and keep the reader intrigued. The relationship between Maggie and Ethan feels like the emotional core, and the way Ethan casually calls her Marcie might seem obvious from a mile away. Still, it works to convey the truth of their bond.
Fans of Knives Out will immediately spot the comparisons—something even Goodreads reviewers often mention. A lengthy monologue in the later scenes, though nearly identical to a moment from the film, ties everything together in a satisfying way. It’s a clever way to draw viewers into the story’s wit and whimsy, but I don’t particularly like it.
Chemistry Between the Characters: A Joy to Read
In ‘The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year’, the writing is good enough that, even if you notice some nit-picky issues, they don’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the book. The real draw here is the wonderfully-told mystery, which pulls you in from the start. What stands out most are the compelling characters, particularly Ethan and Maggie, whose chemistry is so strong it feels like it could power the generators of 50 sprawling manors in the middle of an English countryside during a mid-snowstorm. There’s a unique energy between them that makes their interactions feel both natural and exciting.
What’s even more impressive is how Ally Carter has crafted their dialogue. She clearly graduated from the Nora Ephron School of Rom-Com Dialogue Excellence. Ethan and Maggie exchange quick-witted banter, a back-and-forth that feels like an art form. The dual POV chapters are structured so well that they enhance the flow of the story, providing insight into both characters and keeping the pace steady. All of this together makes for a story that hooks you in, keeping you engaged and entertained without feeling bogged down by unnecessary details.
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