The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year Book Review
Check out my review of The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, a fast-paced Christmas romantic mystery set at an English estate.
I have been binging Christmas romances for years but when I spotted The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, I was giddy to discover a Christmas romance mystery! Such a fun change of pace from the sugar-sweet romances I’ve loved.
This is absolutely a Christmas book, but it was a refreshing alternative to the glaringly happy romances that are so common this time of year. A little murdery action, a dark and spooky English estate featuring a poison garden, some tortured backstory for the main characters, but all wrapped up in a pretty holiday bow.
Curious if this book is for you? Check out my full review below.
Summary of The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
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.
What I Liked
Here’s what I would tell my best friend about the book:
- Knives Out but Make it Christmas: This book was described as a holiday version of the popular Knives Out movies which I love. Brainy, puzzle-y, mystery with some physical threats and danger.
- Not Too Violent: There is physical danger but without any spoilers, I can assure you it isn’t “too much.”
- Perfect for Book Lovers: If you enjoy reading about authors and characters who love books, this is a perfect pick for you.
- Great Backstories: I loved the flashback scenes that helped us know Maggie and Ethan better. They helped make the budding romance so much more believable.
- Quick Read: The length of the book is on the shorter side and thanks to some chapters that are written in interview format, this is a very quick read. Exactly what I needed during the holiday season!
What I Didn’t Like
Every reader needs something different from a book. What I may not have preferred may be your favorite part.
The ending was satisfying but I really wanted more. I’d love to see a sequel, but don’t worry. This doesn’t end on a cliffhanger.
I had a secret suspicion that I ended up being very wrong about and I was so disappointed. I can’t share it without spoiling the plot but there was a missed opportunity to tie up some loose strings that would have been sooooo satisfying.
How Spicy Is It?
🌶️: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year rates a Level 1 on my spicy books rating scale. A lot is hinted at but there are no specific scenes. There is verbal banter and some graphic suggestions of desire but the book focuses mostly on the swoony emotions than anything physical.
Overall Score
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐
I give The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year 5 stars. I enjoyed every moment of reading this book and it held my attention during the craziest time of year.
If this is your first time reading one of my reviews, you may want to check out how I score my reads with this scale guide here.
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