4.5 ⭐️ Thank you Netgallery for this amazing ARC! This book was so good and kept me hooked. The idea was so clever and the characters were really well done. Loved that there were flashbacks and in between a few of them there were talks with an inspector. The ending was surprising but I wish it wasn’t that quick to wrap up, I would’ve loved to know more about what happened with Eleanor, but do like it was up to interpretation! Anyways, please read this book!!

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year - Ally Carter 🎄⭐️

Releasing : Sep 24, 2024

She’s back to bless us with yet another funny, banter filled mystery. Imagine my absolute joy when I received the email that I got an arc. I (literally) jumped for joy.

⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ TROPES ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅
- he falls first and HARD
- dislike to allies to lovers
- hilarious banter
- old money mystery
- knives out vibes
- only one bed (ofc)
- sunshine, yet protective MMC and overthinking, yet hilarious FMC
- sunshine x grumpy
- “WHY DO YOU THINK” love confessions
- closed door
- dual POV
- cozy “who-dunnit” mystery


⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ SUMMARY ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅
When two competing writers (Maggie and Ethan) get a cryptic invitation to attend Christmas at the English estate of the most powerful author in the world, they have to accept.

However, when they arrive, things turn upside down quickly. The bridge is out. The phones are down. And the most famous mystery writer in the world just disappeared out of a locked room.

It’s now up to Maggie and Ethan to partner up and solve the clues that lead to the truth. Assuming they don’t kill each other first.

⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ THOUGHTS ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅
I personally enjoyed this book so much. The way Maggie grew and found herself throughout the book was amazing. The way Ethan cared for her and loved her so much had me giggling like a 10 year old girl watching a lifeguard walk past her.

And the “wanna make out” bit had me biting my fist to keep from smiling and laughing.

I actually need this made into a movie immediately.

Thank you for Netgalley arcs and Avon and Harper voyage for providing me with an arc. Of course, all my thoughts and feelings are my own

This one is immediately going on my top reads of the year! I had so much fun with this story. The romance, the mystery, the twists and turns, I loved it! I mean really, who doesn’t love a good whodunnit mixed with a romantic comedy?

Both the romance and the mystery were well written, and the mystery kept me guessing throughout. I couldn’t put this book down, and finished it in less than 24 hours. I read it obsessively until I finished, and then I immediately went on Amazon and purchased another one of her rom-com mystery novels because I loved this one so much.

Also can we please talk about how absolutely adorable the cover is? As well as how clever the title is? Perfection.

10/10 recommend. A million stars.

This book was one of the most unique and captivating books I have ever read! I loved every second of this Christmas mystery, romance book. This book followed a very different formula than most romance books, and I swear it made it one of the best romance books I have ever read. It read like a mystery/thriller, while delivering romance moments that made me laugh, cry, and swoon. Ethan was such a swoon worthy boyfriend, and I loved the way he made Maggie feel confident and sexy and everything that the other people in her life did not. Maggie's transformation was also beautiful. Ally did so much in the span of the three days leading up to christmas with these characters, but it all felt completely authentic and not forced or pushed at all. I loved this book so much and am already recommending it to others for the christmas holiday!

I was sold on 'Knives Out with kissing.' And when I say Ally Carter delivered, she gift-wrapped it, tied a festive bow around it, and hand-delivered it with this book.

Ethan Freaking Wyatt is only one of the many reasons why this book is so addictive. He has to be one of the best MMCs to ever grace the fictional world. He's sweet, charming, head-over-heels in love with the FMC while she thinks they hate each other, and still has the Touch-Her-And-*skull emoji* vibes.

Margaret Chase has gotten out of a toxic friendship and relationship, both of which left her less than confident about herself. She gains that confidence as she solves a big mystery by using her own knowledge and intuition to do it...along with the encouragement (and sometimes provocation) of Ethan.

The romance is chef's kiss! With endless amounts flirting (Ethan), a few death threats (Maggie), and allllll the banter. I would say it's a closed door romance, but if you're someone who prefers spice, read this anyway. The tension and longing and emotions are SO strong that you won't miss anything.

The mystery! I was very much into the 'whodunnit' of it all, and had a couple theories about halfway through, but I became so caught up in Maggie and Ethan solving it that I didn't even realize I wasn't trying to get ahead of them.

I usually don't return to mystery books, but I'm already planning to re-read this in the wintertime. It's warm-fluffy-blanket-cold-night cozy, kick-your-feet-and-squeal romantic, and laugh-out-loud funny. Have the most wonderful time reading The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year. Every year. Anytime of the year.

Also, can we please have a Glass Onion-esque sequel with Maggie and Ethan solving a new mystery? I'm begging!!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ally Carter's "The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" is a festive mix of mystery, romance, and holiday fun that's sure to captivate readers. Following Maggie Chase, the Cozy Mystery Queen, and Ethan Wyatt, the Thriller Guy, as they team up to solve a locked room disappearance during a Christmas gathering, the story brims with witty banter and a charming rivals-to-lovers dynamic.

The setting of the English estate adds a cozy Christmas vibe, while the mystery surrounding Eleanor Ashley's disappearance keeps the plot engaging and suspenseful. Carter's writing strikes a perfect balance between romance and intrigue, making this a delightful read for fans of both genres.

With endearing characters, a festive atmosphere, and a compelling mystery, "The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" earns a solid 5-star rating for its captivating storytelling and holiday cheer.

I love this author and this books was great! I really enjoyed the tropes, as well as the character development! Her characters are so realistic and lovable, and I didn’t want to put it down!

loved this mystery and finding love with 2 authors . Loved that they were on mission to solve the mystery of the missing author and along the way they found love. I hope that they end up solving more mysteries. Loved the different point of views and loved ethan and the elevator with maggie.

I've never read Ally Carter before,but that changes right now. This book, THE MOST WONDERFUL CRIME OF THE YEAR was simply a delight from beginning to end.
Maybe it has something to do with the heroine - Maggie ( Margaret) Chase. We do share the same name after all, and a love for mysteries. Plus we both write them.
Maybe it has something to do with the hero, Ethan Wyatt - a mystery writer/mystery man who lives in lumberjack shirts and loves Maggie - he fell first! ( one of my favorite tropes)
Maybe it has to do with my favorite mystery trope - a locked door disappearance. A castle in England. A cast of characters straight out of an Agatha B=Christie novel.
Whatever the reason, this book was a 5-star read for me in every way - great characters, witty dialogue, a really good mystery.
Brava. Thank you Netgalley and Ally Carter for a sneak peek at this lovely story.

I really enjoyed "The Blonde Identity" and decided to give this one a try! This one was just as fun with another great mystery + romance combo. I enjoyed both equally! It's a low stakes, easy read that I would totally recommend bringing on vacation!

The banter between Ethan and Maggie was also really enjoyable!

I loved this book which is an homage to all things Agatha Christie. I love Ally Carter's spy and murder romcoms and this was no exception. 4.5/5 stars.

5⭐ for the queen Ally Carter

my most put together but mostly unhinged amazing thoughts after finishing this book:

What in the Chris Evans cable knit sweater loving magic is this book?! Gosh, Ally Carter can do no wrong in my book! She described this as Knives Out but with kissing & YEP. but BOY, did it hit that mark & exceed expectations. This one is so freaking fun & twisty & I just can't say enough good things about it so put it on your list so we can gush about it together. Also, Chris Evans is Ethan & no one can convince me otherwise. This one is so gripping, swoony, funny & romantic all in the best ways so read it pleaseeeeeee. And Ally, please never never stop writing. K.Thanks.Bye.

I was so excited to receive an ARC of The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, as I loved the combination of mystery and romance stories it was offering. I read a lot of cozy mysterys so this really felt like a perfect combination of the two!
I enjoyed Maggie and Ethan's relationship. Their scenes togther made me laugh, as Ally Carter wrote their bantering really well. I really like how they were able to get closer while solving the mystery together! This book was just a fun time.
Overall, I really enjoyed getting a chance to read The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year!

I loved The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year! I loved the Gallagher Girls books when I was younger and this one delivered just as much fun as a grown up! There was mystery, intrigue, romance, a gorgeous setting and Christmas! Put this at the top of your TBR stack today!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy in return for an honest review.
This was a cute mystery novel but for a lot of it I felt kind of lost and co fused. Overall it was fun though.

Adored this book. So much fun and lived up to the premise. (Side note: didn’t realize Ally wrote A Castle for Christmas; hoping this will be a holiday movie too).

Thank you to NetGalley and Ally Carter for an ebook in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Wowwww this one was super fun! It gave all the Knives Out vibes, and the addition of Christmas… Who wouldn’t love it!? This was amazingly written and I enjoyed it so so much.

I know people keep saying Knives Out meets Ally Carter, but seriously, it is the best analogy for this book.

Ally has yet again made another witty, funny, amazing novel. Such a great mystery read. Perfect for any in between heavy reads, or book club, or just because you love a good FMC and MMC with a great twist.

Seriously loved the dynamic of all the characters, and loved the clues throughout the entire novel.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Publishing for my E-ARC!

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is a fun and intriguing whodunnit type novel. I love the dynamic between Maggie and Ethan. They are funny and their banter is entertaining. This novel is branded as Knives Out meets Christmas and that is so on point. It was fun to follow the adventure and see if we could find out the ending. Will definitely recommend!!

Oh my. As an original Gallagher Girl, I will snatch up any book Ally Carter writes without hesitation and this one exceeded any and all expectations I could’ve had. From the moment I read the dedication I knew this was going to be a bases loaded home run.

Sharp. Funny. Twisty. Swoon-worthy. Clever. Empowering.

I could go on and on. I was racing through this while simultaneously never wanting it to end. I would read the hell out of a Maggie and Ethan solve mysteries series. It’s a very clue meets Agatha Christie meets cozy mystery book in all of the best ways. You’ll race through the concise chapters (which propel the story beautifully. The pacing is excellent) and run a million theories through your head before the grand reveal. I was hooked and captivated and while I was close, I didn’t solve this before Maggie and Ethan, so well done, Ally. This is definitely a book I’ll pick up again to see what breadcrumbs I missed the first time around.


Thanks to NetGalley and Avon books for an advanced copy.