Benjamin Stevenson jumps on the trend of Christmas novellas with his new book - Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret.

"Ernest Cunningham is no stranger to murder. His ex-wife calls him for help when she is arrested for the murder of her current husband, Lyle Pearse. Lyle was a millionaire and philanthropist but now he's dead - and his wife is covered in his blood with no idea how it got there. Ern goes to help her and ends up with a cast of characters with secrets and motive - and a murder in front of an audience."

Stevenson tells this story in 24 short chapters. He describes it as a fictional advent calendar. (An advent calendar does play a role as a clue) He breaks the fourth wall right away telling readers what to expect. All the clues are there. Ern does find the killer in an unusual place. It's a pretty wild cast of characters.
Christmas in Australia (or anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere) has to be odd. There's a big heatwave in this story - no white Christmas here.

Fans of the first two books will enjoy this one or if you're looking for a different type of holiday story.

Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret delivered all of the fun, wit and mystery I've come to expect from a Benjamin Stevenson novel. There was a shocking twist early on that had me hooked. I read eagerly, trying (and failing) to solve the murder mystery. This book is set in the days leading up to Christmas and is themed as a "Christmas Special." Each chapter is even set up like an advent calendar of clues. Yet while reading, I kept affectionately thinking of the ultimate debate: is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Is this a Christmas book? You'll have to read it and tell me what you think. And I definitely recommend that you do read it. It is certainly an incredibly fun book to read for the holiday season. You can read it as a standalone, but I think you'll have more fun if you go ahead and start with the first book: Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone.

As always, I really enjoyed this book! I loved the humor, mystery and trying to figure out who did it. I also loved that this was focused around Christmas time!

I would rate this one as stronger than book #2, but maybe not as strong as book #1. I loved the Christmas backdrop, and how an advent calendar factored into the clues and tracking the mystery. The magic also added another fun element that kept the reader guessing as to how the murder could have unfolded. I appreciate the subtle humor that Stevenson has employed throughout the series, and I will definitely check out what's next for Ernest!

The third installment of the Ernest Cunningham series delivers on the Christmas mayhem. A fun read with just enough holiday clues to make it a Christmas book. When I read the first book in the series, I fell in love with the “reliable” narrator aspect and how our non-detective detective interacted with the reader. This book keeps up the premise set in book one for a wonderful read.

This is a quirky whodunnit that is actually fun to read. If you like trying to solve murder mysteries, this book will entertain you!

Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up

Releases: October 22

Review: Just like the first two books in this series, I enjoyed this. I thought it was funny, quirky, and I still very much so enjoy the way Stevenson writes like he's constantly breaking the fourth wall. Definitely worth reading this fun little Christmas episode.

Synopsis: My name’s Ernest Cunningham. I used to be a fan of reading Golden Age murder mysteries, until I found myself with a haphazard career getting stuck in the middle of real-life ones. I’d hoped, this Christmas, that any self-respecting murderer would kick their feet up and take it easy over the holidays. I was wrong.

So here I am, backstage at the show of world-famous magician Rylan Blaze, whose benefactor has just been murdered. My suspects are all professional tricksters: masters of the art of misdirection.

THE MAGICIAN

THE ASSISTANT

THE EXECUTIVE

THE HYPNOTIST

THE IDENTICAL TWIN

THE COUNSELLOR

THE TECH

My clues are even more abstract: A suspect covered in blood, without a memory of how it got there. A murder committed without setting foot inside the room where it happens. And an advent calendar. Because, you know, it’s Christmas.

If I can see through the illusions, I know I can solve it.

After all, a good murder is just like a magic trick, isn’t it?

EVERYONE THIS CHRISTMAS HAS A SECRET by Benjamin Stevenson (Everyone in My Family has Killed Someone and Everyone on this Train is a Suspect) is pure delight. Readers will once again enjoy the wry wit and clever asides as amateur sleuth Ernest Cunningham has more murders to solve. In this latest "Christmas special" (complete with its own set of governing rules), Stevenson uses an Advent calendar to help provide clues. At least half a dozen suspects are related to the death of a philanthropist, Lyle Pearse, who establishes theatre programs for young people who were previously addicts. Due to her romantic involvement with Lyle, Cunningham's ex-wife, Erin, is the primary suspect and he sets out to clear her name. One big source of information is a magic show where yet another death occurs; are they related? Why? Set in the Blue Mountain region of Australia, EVERYONE THIS CHRISTMAS HAS A SECRET conjures both the holiday season and natural beauty. Stevenson's latest title received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Enjoy! I am already eagerly anticipating book four – Stevenson's Acknowledgments section says, "Don't worry: Ernest is back in a big way soon." 4.5 stars

A "Golden Age" PI Ernest Cunningham Christmas novella. Or holiday special, if you will. Ern gets a frantic call from his ex-wife, Erin, who is being accused of murdering her partner, charity foundation CEO, Lyle Pearse. She did not commit this murder, but ending up pretty much bathed in Lyle's blood, the police are taking no chances. So Ern heads off to discover what really happened to Lyle through the people that knew him best and worked with him at the Pearse Foundation. And of course, there's another murder...

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this e-arc.*

Thank you Mariner!

I absolutely love this series! Every book is such a fun, witty puzzle that keeps me hooked from start to finish. The third installment didn’t disappoint—it’s clever, unpredictable, and full of Ernest Cunningham’s signature tongue-in-cheek charm. I find these books more than just cozies; they’re smart, engaging mysteries that make for the perfect read with a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy night. The mix of humor and holiday elements made this one especially delightful. I can’t wait for more—bring on the murder mystery wedding!

The third installment in the Ernest Cunningham saga did not disappoint. Consistent with his detection and deduction style, with added holiday elements. Certainly could’ve been a full length rather than novella, I think there was enough potential there. But I see the appeal with mystery writers lately doing short length Christmas features. Can’t wait for a murder mystery wedding 😜

My first Benjamin Stevenson book but definitely not my last. This was a super quick, very refreshing read. It was really clear and concise writing with fabulous characters. Lots of mystery and intrigue with a good dash of creep factor.
Thank you NetGalley, Benjamin Stevenson and Mariner Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Ernie hopes to be able to take it easy over the holidays, but is coerced into attending a show by world-famous magician Rylan. Due to his reputation, Ernie is drawn into the investigation that ensues following an unexpected death during the show. His primary suspects are all illusionists and tricksters, so his job will not be easy.

This is a fun series, although I didn’t find this book quite as entertaining as the first two. I learned a few things about magic acts, but I doubt I’ll remember them, so it was safe for those tricks to be explained :)

Other than Ernie, only a handful of characters from those books appear in this one, so maybe that was part of the disconnect? The remaining characters are all ‘show biz’ people, both on stage and behind the scenes. They all became immediate suspects, each with their own motive for wanting the victim dead. As more was learned about each person, my list kept shifting and shuffling a new name to the top. I actually had the correct name at the top of my list when the culprit was revealed, although I hadn’t quite worked out the motive yet.

If there is another book in this series, I will look for and read it, hoping it’s more like the first two books than this one was.

Having quite enjoyed the first two entries of the Everyone series by Benjamin Stevenson, I was VERY excited to see his Christmas novella up for ARCs. I was not at all disappointed. In fact, this may be my favorite entry in the series yet.

Told in his usual tongue in cheek style, Ernest Cunningham is once again on a mission to solve some murders. I loved the idea that he now has a tiny bit of paparazzi, due to becoming a bit infamous for his penchant for being surrounded by dead bodies and murderers. I will admit that it's been a few years now since I read Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone, and I couldn't quite remember the specifics of Erin and Ernest's relationship, so it might help to do a quick reread.

I thought the book was well plotted - enough clues scattered throughout, and yet I still wasn't able to solve the whole thing (I have failed all three times, which makes it a great deal of fun). This read quickly, and kept me entertained throughout. I look forward to the rest of Ernest's adventures!

Ernest Cunningham, an expert on the rules of classic crime fiction, is off to Australia’s Blue Mountains, responding to a distress call from his ex-wife, who is being accused of murdering her boyfriend, a wealthy benefactor of charity programs to help addicts get on track to a new life.

Ernest is also supposed to go see the magician Rylan Blaze, who is putting on a benefit show for charity, with former addicts putting on the show. That magic show turns out to be wildly unexpected, leaving Ernest a lot more to do than try to clear his ex-wife.

This is the third Ernest Cunningham novel and, like the earlier titles, it’s told in the first person, with a lot of asides to the reader about the conventions of mystery fiction. I wouldn’t say it’s strictly necessary to read the prior novels to enjoy this one. It’s a terrific puzzle Ernest has to solve, and though it’s tough, you might just figure out what’s what.

The book is novella length and should make entertaining holiday season reading.

Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret is a fun little caper for fans of this author. Ernest is back to help his ex-wife solve a murder. This leads him backstage at the show of a famous magician, the victim's benefactor. There, everyone is a suspect, from the magician to the assistant, hypnotist, and more. They're all skilled in illusion, and Ernest has but a few clues.

The story unfolds as an advent calendar, so while it's brief, you can choose to read it in even smaller bits throughout advent. There's also a Secret Santa exchange that keeps the plot intriguing in a festive way. You don't "need" to have read this author before, but you will certainly enjoy it most if you have.

4.25 stars - In this shorter holiday mystery, Ernest Cunningham, is investigating the death of a wealthy philanthropist. The prime suspect is Lyle's girlfriend, who happens to be Ernie's ex-wife. Using fair-play clues, Ernie relates the details of his investigation, speaking directly to the reader. There are twenty-four chapters and twenty-four clues that are given in the format of an advent calendar. Lyle was the benefactor of a popular magician, so he and other suspects who work on the magic show are professionals at fooling others. This makes it even more challenging for Ernie to prove his ex’s innocence and catch the real killer.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, but it would work just as well if you’re new to the series. Most of the characters in this story are new and the author gives you what you need to know about the others. The magic show setting works well with the story and provides plenty of suspects and fun. As Ernie questions suspects and uncovers clues, I had my suspicions, but I was not able to successfully solve the crime. The book has one of the most unique ways for a detective to lay out his case and reveal the true killer that I've ever seen, and it was dramatic and exciting. This is a funny, fast-paced mystery, and I already can't wait for the next one in this clever series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the review copy of this ebook. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

3rd book in this series. Still like the 1st the best, but this had a holiday theme.

Story: 3 Characters: 3 Engagement level: 3
Recco: maybe

"This whole thing's best treated as an advent calendar. Twenty-four chapters hold twenty-four clues and various bits and bobs that help me with the case."

Highlights:
- Witty talks directly to the reader style of telling the story
- Some very funny observant lines
- Holiday theme with the advent calendar of 24 doors as chapters was clever
- Didn't expect the ending

Lowlights:
- Couldn't get invested in many of the characters
- Wanted more about the ex-wife and girlfriend

Notable quotes:
"Confessions are like morning gym sessions: you have a finite window to commit to one and it gets harder to summon the courage once you miss it."

"Six suspects. Seven gifts. Let's open them."

"You were close?" "Not at all. Which is probably why I liked her. People are generally less likeable the more you get to know them. I certainly am."

"It's like wrapping a Toblerone for Christmas. What's the point? How many other triangular-prism shaped objects am I likely to receive?"

3.5 stars. A fun addition to this wacky but enjoyable series.

Ernest Cunningham ends up backstage at the show of world-famous magician Rylan Blaze, whose benefactor has been murdered. Everyone has secrets and everyone could be the murderer. It's up to Ernest to figure it out.

First of all, this series is very fun. I enjoy the way the stories poke fun at the murder mystery genre a bit while also giving us a murder mystery. There are two layers of puzzle to figure out, since you know that some of the characters are probably lying (you're trying to figure out the mystery along with Ernest), but you also know that Ernest "wrote" the story in a way to be entertaining and keep you invested, so even though it's technically a fair play mystery, he does still sometimes misdirect the reader.

In terms of the things that I enjoyed less this time, I think the biggest one is that I felt like this mystery was just less interesting/more predictable than the others. Maybe I'm just learning the formula that Benjamin Stevenson likes to follow? I'm not really sure, but I was a hair less interested than in previous books.

Overall, I do recommend that you read this book if you've read the other ones in the series because it is a fun time and would be a great holiday read. If possible, I highly recommend the audiobook. I've done that with the other books in this series and they are very well done. I think my enjoyment might have been a bit higher if I'd had an audiobook for this story as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for providing an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

What a fun and great third book in the series. I always think i have it figured out but nope. He got me again. Great writing and plot.