Quick Synopsis

Knives Out gets a holiday rom-com twist in this rivals-to-lovers romance-mystery from New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.

Publisher’s Synopsis

The bridge is out. The phones are down. And the most famous mystery writer in the world just disappeared out of a locked room two 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 laugh out loud holiday “romystery” that you’ve been waiting for!

Book Review

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is a cozy mystery, romance, and holiday novel rolled into one. Two novelist – Maggie and Ethan – who hate one another are invited to Christmas by a mysterious host. When they arrive, they find themselves at the secluded estate of their favorite author… who disappears.

While it may be a bit cheesy, I liked the concept of two authors at each other’s throats being trapped by a snowstorm in an English “cottage” and forced to solve a mystery. It felt like a recipe that demanded to be read next to a warm, crackling fire. I hoped that romance would be as warm as the plot. While the mystery was entertaining and the book included a fun cast of characters (think: Clue), the romance left quite a bit to be desired. The mystery ended up being the strongest part of this book, despite not being especially riveting, complex, or thrilling.

Initially, Maggie and Ethan’s tension brought stinging banter and entertainment. However, as the book and romance progressed, things started to feel much more forced. Maggie and Ethan made great enemies, but their romance quickly became cringey. Ethan compulsively referred to Maggie as “sweetheart” and became overly protective in a way that made me super uncomfortable. In fact, once the tension was gone, Ethan seemed very performative, or at the very least, the romance forced and trying too hard. Consequently, I began rolling my eyes and loosing interest.

Overall, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is a cozy mystery set at Christmas, but its romance leaves something to be desired. I would recommend it if you feel like a light mystery with a sprinkle of holiday magic but encourage you to keep expectations somewhat low.

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