I wasn’t sure about this book but decided to give it a try. This is a new author for me so I was a bit skeptical but I’m glad I read this. It was good right from the start and had characters that were easy to connect to. The story moves along at a solid pace and kept the action up throughout the story. I was a bit sad it was ending because watching the characters learn to trust each other and uncover a mystery was so much fun. I wish I read it in December around Christmas because that was the vibe of the story. Figuring out who was behind the mystery was fun and learning about the two MCs was interesting. With well fleshed out characters and an intriguing storyline I had a hard time not being fully invested. I definitely suggest checking this story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyage for giving me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

So I'm not sure how many know this but I'm an absolute sucker for Ally Carter. As a Gallagher Girls graduate, I will follow her into battle. So when I saw her new book and saw that one of the comps was Knives Out (A movie I adore), I jumped on it.

Synopsis: Maggie Chase, cozy mystery writer, hates Christmas (Although, honestly, it's more like Christmas hates her). A year after her disastrous divorce, Maggie receives an anonymous gift, an all expenses paid trip to England over the upcoming Christmas holiday. Unfortunately, Ethan Freakin Wyatt, thriller novel writer and her nemesis, got a similar invitation.

Once they arrive, they meet their mystery host is none other Eleanor Ashley, the Duchess of Death and Maggie's icon. It would be an absolute dream come true if it wasn't for Ethan's stupid smug, handsome face being there.....Or for Eleanor's sudden disappearance from her locked office 2 days later.

Snowed in with no cell reception, Maggie and Ethan quickly realize something more nefarious is at play and they must work together to figure out what's happening and find Eleanor before someone gets hurt. Not an ideal way to spend Christmas but not Maggie's worse!


Review: Ally Carter continues to nail her balancing act of romantic and cozy mystery. Sometimes when a writer plays around with two genres, one side can overpower the other but not here. I never felt annoyed at one storyline overshadowing the other and I felt both elements supported the one another.


We have a great cast of suspects: The Duke and Dukette Duchess, the arrogant nephew, the writer, the doctor, the lawyer, the detective all with their invites and personal histories with Eleanor. The giant mansion with its secrets and seemingly endless murder weapons. As the book progresses, we quickly realize that it's not just one mystery our duo must untangle. While reading the denouement, I never felt like any particular reveals came out of nowhere or cheated. Much like Knives Out, I felt the pieces come together right as our duo exposed the culprit(s). Carter still kept a few pieces up her sleeves though, for the end.


That said, I think the thing I'm most struck by in this book is how close to home Maggie's struggles hit and how angry it made me.


Let me try again. In Carter's other work, our protagonist gets thrown into extraordinary situations but it usually feels par for the course. A spy sister, a teenaged thief from a family of thieves, a spy school alum, etc. Yes, they are in their impossible positions but they're The Main Characters (TM). Of course, they're dealing with this! Even Ethan, with his good looks and secret past feels out of reach for us mere mortals but Maggie? Maggie's struggles are so real and close to home that it makes me want to fight someone.


Throughout the book, we get more of Maggie's background and she's spent so much of her life being gaslit and told to make herself smaller. I won't spoil anything but as both a woman of color and as a writer, the level of causal bullying Maggie's had to endure felt straight out of conversations I've had with friends. Still, despite all of that, Maggie carries a defiant spirit, a mix of quick wit, kindness and feralness that those monsters couldn't snuff out.


And as for Ethan, my giant numpty (I mean that affectionately) with his quick quips and lingering stares. We spend the first 46% of the book solely in Maggie's POV, both in the present and in flashbacks. Through Maggie, we quickly learn that Ethan definitely is a loud, (Some could say annoying) flirtatious man who plays it close to the chest. With every insult and death threats, Maggie gives him, he laughs it off before charming the nearest person. Through the book, though, we see that he's not just the Leather Jacket Guy novelist that she thinks he is. And then we get his POV and I was kicking my feet as we see the world and Maggie from his eyes. Bravo for Carter for pulling off that off.


I really love this couple. I love how we see Maggie spread her wings and trust herself while we see Ethan ground himself and drops his guard. I've seen other books do a similar dynamic but this might be one of my favorites.


(BTW, just in case Ally Carter is actually reading this, while I am a big fan, please don't invite me over for Christmas to solve mysteries. I'm too jumpy of a person and I'm not a Christmas person. I'd much prefer us discussing Scarecrow and Mrs. King or Remington Steele.)


Overall, another banger from Carter, I give it 5 stars.


TW: Gaslighting, poisoning, brief blood, on page panic attack, claustrophobia, arson, stabbing, death of parents,

Ally Carter is the queen of chemistry. Carter deciding to write adult romcoms has brought so much joy and laughter to my life.

I became a woman possessed while reading this book, it was just that good. I was worried that these characters wouldn’t live up to those in The Blonde Identity, but I think I like Maggie and Ethan even more

Oh my gosh, Ethan Wyatt. He is The Book Boyfriend™️

The tenderness and care he has for Maggie was just the best thing. He’s just a bit feral for her and I’m here for it.

I also really loved that besides this beautiful romance and sweeping mystery, Maggie has such a fulfilling arc of self discovery. Her coming to terms with the mental abuse of her past relationships was so tastefully done.

I really cannot wait to see what else Ally Carter has in store for the adult romcom space. Quite literally foaming at the mouth for it, actually.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

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

This is such a clever holiday mystery!

Maggie Chase and her arch nemesis Ethan Wyatt both receive a cryptic invitation to Eleanor Ashley's Christmas party. The party is at her mansion called Mistletoe Manor. Eleanor is one of the most famous murder mystery writers, having written 99 books. The day after the Christmas party Eleanor went missing!

Maggie believes this to be a game Eleanor set up for everyone in the mansion to solve. Maggie and Ethan team up as they start to figure out some clues that point to the idea that Eleanor may have been murdered.

I loved the connection that Maggie and Ethan had throughout the book. It was adorable. We learn more about the past between them and why Maggie didn’t like him, and I was so happy that she realized her true feelings toward him. Ethan brought some great humor to the book as well as romance.

I loved the mystery aspect of this book and trying to figure out who could have murdered Eleanor. I loved the twists and turns as well as the romance. This book was so well written and the pace was perfect!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first Ally Carter book, but it won't be my last. I had a blast with this mystery romance that honors that well worn enemies to lovers trope. Carter's writing oozes charm and is a hoot to read. The MCs were just the right amount of juvenile and sexy. Overwhlmingly enjoyed!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

4*

When Maggie Chase was invited to spend Christmas with the most famous mystery writer in the world, Eleanor Ashley, she thought that things might finally be going her way. Unfortunately, her mortal enemy, author Ethan Wyatt, was invited as well. When Elanor disappears out of a locked room Maggie is convinced this is Eleanor's way of choosing someone to continue her series following her retirement. But as more close encounters begin to happen surrounding Eleanor's closest friends and family, it soon comes clear that someone might have wanted Eleanor dead and it's up to Maggie and Ethan to solve the case.

I'm so conflicted. I loved the mystery writer disappearing from a locked room and the premise of this group of people stuck at a secluded mansion trying to figure solve a case, not knowing how everyone is connected to each other. I love Ethan and his backstory; the way he overcame this world shattering injury and finally decided to do something that would make his mother proud rather than worrying about what his father thought was heart warming. I even liked most of the characters, even if some of them were such stereotypical cozy mystery characters with over the top dramatics and flaws.

What kept this from being a five star for me, however, was Maggie. I absolutely hated her. And while I can relate and sympathize with this woman who was mentally abused and gaslit by an ex partner, it read as a crutch for her Manic Pixie Dream Girl (tm) personality. The entire time Maggie is described as this clueless airheaded who more or less stumbles into success in her life even though she's published many successful books under four different pen names. She was clearly a good enough writer to get the attention of Eleanor Ashley but none of her actions support that she was competent enough to be successful. Also, the whole 'Marcie' issue also seemed wild to me. Did Ethan honestly think that was their cute little inside joke for so long when Maggie never once acted like she was in on the joke? This was a weird take on the miscommunication trope.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon for providing this ARC to me!

I really enjoyed this murder mystery. Knives Out meets Ally Carter.
I absolutely loved this book and the plot was amazing. It was fun and full of twists and turns.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Okay. Let’s have a quick SQUEE for the fact that I just discovered that Ally Carter has written not one but two adult novels . . . grown up . . . as opposed to YA. 😉 And, I just want to say that everything that makes her YA novels such a delight to read is present in her grown up novels: mystery, humor, adventure, excellent storytelling. Well, doesn’t that seem like it might be the entirety of the review right there. Let’s add a little more for the heckuva it.

Maggie Chase is a bestselling cozy mystery author. She is also an introvert who discovers that her husband has been involved with her best friend, giving her already shaky self-confidence another blow. Out-of-the-blue she receives an invitation for an all-expenses paid holiday in England from someone who says that she’s her biggest fan. This is obviously not something that Maggie is inclined to accept, except that her publisher convinces her that it’s better than spending the holidays by herself. The last thing she expects is for a man she considers her arch-nemesis, Ethan Wyatt, to have received a similar invitation and be on the private jet heading to Merry Old England for Christmas. After their arrival, they discover that their hostess is none other than the Duchess of Death, Eleanor Ashley.

For Maggie, the trip is looking up until their hostess disappears from her office. A true locked-room mystery has tumbled into Maggie’s lap. After having read Eleanor’s novels all of her life, Maggie presumes this is some kind of game. But it soon becomes obvious that it’s not a game and that something more danger is afoot in Ally Carter’s delightful The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.

If you’ve enjoyed Ally Carter’s young adult novels, then you probably can anticipate the witty playfulness of her adult novel as the characters sift through clues to discover what is going on. Carter’s dialogue always feels fresh and funny while her plot is deftly structured. The romance between Maggie and Wyatt is well-done with Maggie realizing that she may have been misjudging and misunderstanding Wyatt over the years. I’m not usually a fan of the “enemies to more” trope because the whole “enemies” thing usually feels forced, but in Carter’s hands the trope felt more nuanced and enjoyable.

A twisty mystery with humor and romance. Recommended.

Many thanks to Avon Books for sending me a copy.

I’m half convinced I would love any story if Ally Carter wrote it.

This romance mystery was everything I wanted! This felt like I was Christmas episode of a cozy mystery show! The holiday/Christmas elements were not overdone in this book but felt like they were sprinkled in just right. I really loved Maggie and Ethan’s romance and development throughout the story. The way each clue and twist was introduced was so fun! While I do feel like the romance was more of a subplot than main focal point, it didn’t bother me at all. This book was witty, full of tension and fast-paced scenes that will keep you guessing (unless you are better at solving mysteries than I am lol!).

If you want Knives Out vibes with some romance sprinkled in then I think you will love this! The only reasons I’m not giving it 5 stars is because I wanted a little bit more of the backstory for both the characters and I was a little underwhelmed with the reveal of the main villain. But overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this and will keep (not so) patiently waiting for Ally Carter’s next book!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Ally Carter, and Avon books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I loved Ally Carter as a kid, and I still love her books now! I’m so happy I got this arc!

This was a fun book to read! If you like Knives Out/Clue vibes but with mystery writers, this is the book for you!!

I really enjoyed this locked room/house mystery. It had little of everything crime,mystery, love and a few chuckles along the way. I really truly had no idea who done it but some of the things I guessed but enjoyed it and was a good read.

After losing her assets to her cheating ex-husband, mystery author Maggie Chase agrees to head to the home of her biggest fan for the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately for her, Ethan Wyatt, another author from her publishing house, is also along for the trip.

It turns out, they have traveled to the home of Eleanor Ashley, a prolific mystery writer (clearly inspired by Agatha Christie) who has a sprawling mansion in the middle of the countryside. During a snowstorm, she mysteriously disappears. Now Maggie and Ethan must work together to try to find her. With murder attempts around every corner and a growing attraction between our leads, this is one fun genre-bending story.

Why Kirsten loves it
Once I started this story, I couldn’t put it down! I was completely swept into the mystery, I was enchanted by the crackling chemistry between our two main characters, and the setting and snowstorm just left me craving a snowy night in. I was utterly charmed by this one and you will be too!

While I thought this book was well-written, I found the two main characters (particularly the male main character) to be extremely juvenile. I also thought that the mystery was strangely paced - it was hard to follow and seemed to not take the center of the story like I wish it had. Some parts of it were very fun and had me laughing out loud, particularly the beginning. However, it felt like it plateaued in the middle and suddenly I found myself struggling to care. I liked the main character, Maggie, and her journey discovering herself, but I worry that she relied on Ethan too much. I thought their relationship moved far too quickly, and a lot of the development had me rolling my eyes. The Christmas atmosphere was fun though, and like I mentioned, it was well-written enough that I will happily pick up Ally Carter books in the future. I loved her young adult work, this book just wasn't for me.

Equal parts adventurous fun swoony and hilarious. Honestly I think I’m going to read it again. Both mystery and romance played a big role in this Christmas as a backdrop in England. I was on the edge of my seat while also clutching my heart at Ethan’s tender words to Maggie.

I don't tend to talk a lot about books I've read publicly, unless I love it. Mostly I just talk to my friends about what I've read.

But, I have to tell you about this one because it just released and unless something changes, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter is probably going to end up being my favorite read of 2024.

"Knives Out gets a holiday rom-com twist in this rivals-to-lovers romance-mystery."

I was fortunate to get an early copy from the publisher this summer and then I waited a bit to read it, because I knew I would be sad once I was done.

I was so right.

This was such a delightful read. While I was in the middle of reading it, I messaged Shannon Stacey, who I had previously recommended The Blonde Identity (Ally's previous book, which you should also read), and who also loved that one. I told her "you're going to love Ally's new release even more than you loved The Blonde Identity".

She didn't believe me.

I was so right.

This book is just...I already said delightful. But it was charming, fun, I had a huge smile on my face the whole time I was reading it and I didn't want it to end. I was worried I wouldn't like the end. I was worried something would happen to not make this one of my favorite reads. I was totally wrong!

Then, I thought maybe this would be the book I couldn't wait to tell everyone about.

I was so right.

Go buy or borrow The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter. And then read it immediately. And then come back and tell me...

You were so right (LOL!!)

https://amzn.to/4eCuqSB

Fun story that part mystery and part romance.

Of the top dozen or so most stressful negative events of life, author Maggie Chase has hit them all - and always in December. And she’s still in her 20s. Consequently, she doesn’t like Christmas and especially doesn’t like Christmas parties (she’s also an introvert). So when her publisher invites her to the office to discuss some marketing plans, she briefly considers running away when she discovers she’s been tricked into coming to the office Christmas Party – with her third most hated item on her list, fellow author Ethan Wyatt. Her publisher has an ulterior motive for tricking her – to personally hand her an invitation to another Christmas party being held by ‘Maggie’s biggest fan’. She initially declines, but after overhearing some uncharitable comments made by her fellow authors, she accepts and finds herself headed to a mysterious remote destination aboard a private plane a few days later.

Unfortunately for her, Ethan has also been invited. But when they arrive, Maggie is awestruck to find their host is Eleanor Ashley, the Duchess of Death. Maggie is Eleanor’s biggest fan; she’s read EVERYTHING she’s written, including interviews and book blurbs. She starts to think maybe Christmas this year won’t be too horrible? But then Eleanor disappears overnight, in the middle of a blizzard, leaving a few cryptic clues – clues that only Maggie recognizes; she’s immediately on the case.

I enjoyed this book with its combination of mystery and romance. I do think the romance part was more successful – there were a number of places where the plot wasn’t as tight enough for a mystery I felt. For example, when the villain confronts Ethan at the end, they state they ‘read’ something about Ethan’s past (which Maggie only found out a dozen or so pages earlier). The only way the villain could have found out was through Eleanor, and if she suspected them, then why share? The interstitials, scattered through the book, were a bit odd; in theory, they reflect conversations that took place after the action was over, but in some cases, the comments align with where they are in the book (for example, Maggie’s feelings towards Ethan change, but in the interstitial, she still shows a lot of animosity to him). Plus, I’m not sure I totally understand why Maggie hates Ethan so much, especially given there’s other people she has more reason to hate (like her ex)?

That said, there were a lot of Christie-esque moments and references that were lovely. Agatha Christie herself disappeared for a number of days in 1926; she’s the best-selling fiction writer of all time according to Guinness World Records. There’s a number of clues woven into the story in a very Christie like manner, clues where you don’t realize they are there until after you read the book.

Altogether, a lot of fun! Highly recommended. I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.

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.

This was such a fun locked room holiday mystery, and I loved it! All I wanted to do was curl up fireside with a cup of tea while reading this book.

Join Maggie and Ethan on an adventure through an English mansion as they try to solve the mystery and uncover clues. Featuring an eclectic cast of characters, this whodunit is a perfect addition to your holiday TBR.

This book was so much fun! The characters were brilliant and I felt for every single one of them (except for one, you know who you are).