The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year: A Novel

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 2,797 ratings

Price: 22.04

Last update: 12-23-2024


About this item

"Full of tongue-in-cheek humor, excellent dialogue, and fantastic characters, this expertly crafted story from Carter (The Blonde Identity) is a heart-melting rivals-to-lovers romance combined with a delightful locked-room mystery." — Library Journal (starred review)

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

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!


Top reviews from the United States

JClark75
5.0 out of 5 stars So cute!
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
This was a great read! One of the most fun books I’ve read this year. It had a mystery and a romance which are two of my favorite genres. The pacing was great. I read every word. And set during the holidays which is perfect for this time of year!
Micaela Maloney
4.0 out of 5 stars Cute
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2024
Cute story, great for the holidays. Very easy read
A. Fox
5.0 out of 5 stars Delight from beginning to end
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2024
One of those deeply set up romances where the conclusion feels earned, while at the same time, the plot just rips along, the characters are fun, the setting and adventure is excellent and the ending was perfect. One of those books that makes you feel giddy, it’s so fun.
Lindsay
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book!
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
I enjoyed the mystery, and I liked the nods to classic mystery novels, like those by Agatha Christie.
I didn’t like the swearing and innuendo, but I’m glad both were infrequent.

Content:
Moderate swear words used infrequently
Descriptive kissing (I skipped it so I’m not clear on whether there was a fade to black or vague open door scene or if it was just kissing.)
Jessica
3.0 out of 5 stars Agatha Christie mystery with enemies to lovers romance
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2024
Pick this up if you love:
- Knives Out
- Agatha Christie style mysteries
- Locked room mysteries
- Enemies to lovers romance

I'm so glad I picked this one up! It was really unique. I did have a couple issues with it. The idea that the two main characters would go to a stranger's house for Christmas in another country was far-fetched to me. And the epilogue made me ???? But, letting those two things go, it was a really fun, fast paced mystery! Definitely put it on your holiday reading list!
Alan and Emily
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful, holiday-themed mystery with romance, drama, and humor
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2024
5 stars/5 for The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter!

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is truly a wonderful, holiday-themed mystery with romance, drama, and humor. The characters are well-developed, the mystery unfolds with clever twists, and the long relationship between Maggie and Ethan is slowly revealed throughout the novel as their connection grows. If you’re looking for a fun romance this holiday season, don’t miss The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year!
Rachel
4.0 out of 5 stars Christmas mystery
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2024
Not a bad little mystery/romance/holiday read. Not my typical genre but it was cute. I’d recommend if you like this genre for sure.
ReneeM
5.0 out of 5 stars Swoon and mystery! Loved it!
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

4.75/5⭐️
????
3/3????

•My Thoughts•
ALERT ALERT! This was a freaking DELIGHT! The was super fun and flirty with rival writers who are forced into close proximity around Christmas in an English mansion in a captivating game-of-clue-esque mystery. I loved the cast of characters, especially the MCs. I so enjoyed their backstories and how their relationship unraveled through a dual timeline that worked so well with the pacing and plot. The mystery was really engaging and I loved trying to figure it out! This was a shorter read at around 300 pages but the author managed to pack so much in! The MMC was sneakily swoony and our FMC grew so much - I adored them together. The banter was really fun and had me grinning. I need more books like this!! Absolutely recommend adding this to your TBR this holiday season, or whenever ???? I had a blast!

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