I love everything Ally Carter has written and this was no exception.
How can you go wrong with 2 competitive mystery writers, one who writes thrillers, one who writes cozy mysteries?
An Agatha Christie type famous mystery writer?
A English manor?
And a locked room mystery?
A great book for any time of the year!

I received this ARC via NetGalley.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! And it needed to be said in all caps, I love this book. A rom-com mystery. Doesn’t get any better ! The tile is clever, the characters intricate, vulnerable and appealing, the plot and its execution done to perfection, the house setting, an old house with secret passage ways perfect. It all works beautifully, but the repartee between Ethan and Maggie elevates it to yet another level. Sassy and clever, and the author really allows us to see the characters emotion and backstory bringing a history to the pages that is essential to the plot. I love the scene when Maggie and Ethan first meet in an elevator which sets the stage for their relationship.
Best selling author Maggie is invited to England for Christmas at the home of her idol, mystery writer Eleanor Ashley. Finally she will get to meet her favorite author, and the fact her nemesis Ethan is coming doesn’t dampen her excitement too much. But once there as they meet the rest of the family, Eleanor disappears from a locked room and someone is trying to kill her and Maggie.
This is one of those books I will reread for the dialogue alone. There’s a hint at the end that we may not have seen the last of Maggie and Ethan and I’m hoping this is indeed the case.

🎄🎁📕 BOOK REVIEW 📕🎁🎄

📚 The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by @theallycarter

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thoughts: If you enjoy both romance and a good mystery, this book is for you! Maggie and Ethan are competing mystery writers who end up in the same isolated mansion for Christmas. Throw in some (attempted) murder, a locked room disappearance, and a host of quirky characters and you have one delightful holiday read!

While reading this, I felt like the book was so nostalgic and then did a bit of research to figure out why. Turns out, the Ally Carter who wrote this book also is the author of the YA Gallagher Girls series that got me into reading as a young girl. Turns out, I love her books just as much as an adult!

Ally writes such realistic characters in her works and Maggie and Ethan definitely hit that mark. They’re both flawed and are working through their own traumas but so easy to root for. Once they realize they’re the only people they can trust, these two mystery writers end up spending all of their time together. With that time comes not only respect but also love, which we all know I am all about!

If you want a cozy feeling, locked room mystery, story that features realistic characters and irking through their own difficulties while solving crimes and finding love, I’d absolutely recommend this book.

Starting on September 24th, this charming holiday mystery romance will be available! I’d highly recommend adding it to your TBR today 🎄

I love a locked room mystery and even more I love a throwback author! The Gallagher series was everything to me growing up and I’m glad this author is growing her books up with her audience.

This is one of the most fun books I've read in a long time. A Christmas cozy mystery romance? Talk about a no brainer! This book is so well written and engaging, but also complex in an easy to ready way. The twists and turns of the story were so well thought out, but never felt forced. Maggie and Ethan had excellent banter and were absolutely perfect for each other. Maggie's backstory, while difficult, really added to the complexity of her character. I loved the pacing of this book, with lots of twists and turns. Overall it was a joy to read and I will definitely be checking out the author's other adult title. I would recommend this to any romance reader that loves a good whodunit.

The Most Wonderful Crime Of The Year by Ally Carter
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Thank you to Ally Carter and Netgally for this ARC
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My Mysterious Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨- 3.75

This is the first cozy mystery romance that I have read and it makes me want to read more. I also feel like I could solve a the disappearance of the greatest mystery author in the world with just a mistletoe as a clue!

Ally Carter writes characters who feel so real, sometimes it feels like she’s reading my mind. Some of the things that Maggie would say or do is something that I’ve also thought of. Such as, “….maybe no one would notice if she spent the rest of the party hiding in an empty room, reading her Purse Book and eating her Napkin Cheese. It was a genius plan, really...” Purse book AND napkin cheese? What more could a woman want?! Maybe a hot author man to go with? Don’t get me started on Ethan Wyatt because I fear that I am in love with him. “So what you’re saying is, you think about me in bed.” I’m not saying I’m not…. but give me a man who says “who did this to you?”, will toss me over his shoulder, and calls me sweetheart and I’ll start hearing wedding bells. Do you hear them? Because I definitely do!(There’s more but I don’t want to give away spoilers… there’s this one scene that just melts my heart… 🥹)

The story was very easy to read and to follow along. I enjoyed seeing how all the clues built up to the finale and reading about all the clues I missed!! And I loved trying to figure out who-done-it along with Maggie and Ethan. I was pulled into the pages from the beginning and I loved being able to see things from both Maggie’s and Ethan’s point of view.

This book radiates Christmas, good time feel, stuck in a cabin in the snow, sitting next to a fireplace with your favorite cup of tea and a good book. And if that is you are looking for, definitely pick this one up! I’ll be purchasing this book right when it comes out and the first thing I’ll do is emboss the title page. (You’ll have to read it to find out! 😏)

Until I review again 🔎

Mystery and Christmas? Arguably two of my favorite things so you can see why I could not resist!

I don’t think I’ve ever actually read a rom-com mystery before but it works so well. I was hooked from beginning to end. Maggie and Ethan have a lovely connection and the relationship unfolding was perfection. There are some great quips and banter that had me giggling and wanting more. The mystery is definitely a highlight in this book. Towards the end I had my theories but I still found myself surprised by how it all wrapped up!

I’ve been a lifelong Ally Carter fan and man does she just keep raising that bar. This was a delightful read. It hit all the tropes and kept me on my toes and had such captivating banter that I both giggled and cried. And the fact that she manages to do all that while having really complex, fully developed characters? Truly a marvel! I want more more MORE!! I want Maggie and Ethan solving crimes forever. 100 books in this series at least!

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.