I had the pleasure of reading The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year. If you’re into murder mysteries with a holiday twist, you’ll enjoy this book. It gives off the vibes of Knives Out, Murder Mystery on Netflix, and the popular board game Clue. This was my first holiday mystery read and I could not put it down! Every plot twist had me running to the next chapter. Maggie and Ethan are rival authors who are stuck solving a mystery together during Christmas. They had such great chemistry and confidence in each other. Maggie is a strong woman who realized her past doesn’t define who she is. Ethan is the epitome of a green flag, always caring and protecting Maggie. Each character was well written, I enjoyed diving into the pasts of Maggie and Ethan. It allowed us as the readers to recognize what they went through and who they are in the present day. This book includes enemies to lovers, dual POV, crime/mystery, banter/flirting.

Honestly this is probably the most fun I have had while reading a book in a long time. We're introduced to our rival mystery writers, Maggie Chase, known for her cozy mysteries and recent divorce, where her entitled husband left her for her best friend, and Ethan Wyatt, a handsome and popular thriller writer. The two have a history together, with Ethan consistently calling her Marcie and Maggie consistently hating Ethan. But now they've been mysteriously invited to the English home of Eleanor Ashley, the most popular crime writer ever, and Maggie's writing idol.

But before you know it: Eleanor's disappeared from a locked room, someone's been poisoned, gunshots have been fired, and what looked like an amazing opportunity to meet Eleanor has turned into a desperate attempt to just stay alive. Or, is it a test concocted by crafty Eleanor herself? Carter gives us a wickedly fun locked room mystery with a twist: it's being solved by rival mystery writers who just might be going from rivals to lovers.

I loved how the romance bloomed between Ethan and Maggie. They are afraid of coming clean about their feelings, hiding behind harsh banter (from Maggie’s side) and flirty teasing (from Ethan’s coping mechanism). I loved how they teamed up to solve the mystery of the missing author and the perpetrator who threatens Maggie's life. The banter between Ethan and Maggie is absolutely hilarious. I caught myself numerous times giggling out loud over the conversations they would have.

I highly recommend if you want a holiday read that feels like you are reading a game of Clue. I gave this book 4.5 stars.

Work-place rivals, Maggie and Ethan, are invited to celebrate Christmas with another famous author who just happens to go missing. The pair team up to solve the locked room mystery and get closer to each other in the meantime. This book was such a delight! It was a fast read that kept me guessing.

Maggie Chase has had a rough year following her husband cheating on her with her best friend. When her publisher gives her an anonymous invite to a holiday get-away, she decides to go. Unfortunately, she doesn't realize her arch nemesis Ethan Wyatt, another writer at her publishing house, was also invited. To Maggie's surprise, the invite is to her favorite author, Eleanor Ashley's mansion in England. However, after their first night there, Eleanor disappears from her locked writing room. Maggie at first thinks it is some kind of competition, but also wonders if Eleanor is in danger due to recent events at her estate. Maggie knows she must follow the clues left behind to figure out what has been going on at the mansion, Ethan tagging along the whole time. As they get close to the final answer, the heat between Ethan and Maggie starts to increase, and not due to the animosity between them.

I really enjoyed this book - the fact that it has a mystery to solve and is also goofy and comedic at the same time. I was a little curious about the Christmas theme, but there was the perfect amount to not put it over the top. I'm so used to reading thrillers, I forgot how enjoyable the who-done-it/Agatha Christie type stories can be to read. This story had me thinking one second and then laughing out loud the next. The characters were likeable and well written. I am so glad that I saw people positively reviewing this on Bookstagram and that I was approve to review! I would rate this 4.5 stars!

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Once again, I am here to report that Ally Carter does not miss. And that's with an emphatic period at the end. First off, allow me to explain my history in making that statement: I first started reading her preteen "Gallagher Girls" series in elementary school. Devoured those books, then I moved onto "Heist Society" and "Not If I'd Save You First," right, so very familiar with her YA catalog. Then she made her adult debut with "The Blonde Identity" and it was a complete 5-star read. Hundred percent. So, now I'm pleased to say that "The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" is another 5-star favorite. For sure. Will be re-reading and purchasing a hardback copy in the near future, certainly,

By the dedication alone, I felt seen and I was intrigued. Then, I started reading. There was banter-after-banter between the two rivals to lovers, compelling language (naturally, I wouldn't expect any less) and I was just HOOKED and completely desperate to keep reading. It reads super quickly, and yet, I didn't want it to end. I was truly loving every single page and even annotating my favorite lines (a rarity for me). There was just twists and turns that I didn't see coming. It was more than just a romance (mostly closed-door, for awareness, but didn't feel too too wholesome if that makes sense -- this is a book for the plot girlies like me) but also an intriguing and indulging mystery. I was loving and devouring every page, just enthralled to learn what TF happened. Then, in addition to the MCs, there is a quirky cast of characters in this London-set, holiday novel. And making love interest Ethan Wyatt one of those secret piners despite a broody exterior, oh boy, it's my favorite archetype. And I love this little golden retriever, cinnamon roll for our girl Maggie Chase. And, oh boy, that was a DAMN FINE declaration of love. Oooo love it! And the epilogue? I was gagged and screaming at the tattoo, reveal and everything. Like, OBSESSED. (So, basically, Ethan is like a besotted golden retriever disguised as a black cat, which means he wins all the best book boyfriend awards, trust.)

I was, literally, laughing out loud in parts, squealing in others and clutching the pearls at certain times. I couldn't put "The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" down. So, yeah, "The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" can cure the most reading slump of a reading slump. I am proof of that. Like, I don't want this book to end, yet I needed to solve the mystery, you know? A need! All in all, "The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" is one of the rare, elusive great ones -- and Ally Carter's books have always been that. Trust me, I realized that at age 12.

This novel was fun and funny. Carter is a master wordsmith, and she really pulls readers into stories quickly and keeps them there. While this was a Christmas book, it did not bash me over the head with it, which I appreciated. If anything I wish the side characters were more rounded out, but honestly, the book was great as it was.

Everybody else loved this one, but it was a bit of a bumpy ride for me. It took awhile before the romance grew on me, just because it was a little confusing – there were layers, secrets, miscommunication, and multiple timelines to keep track of. I did really like the “he falls first” vibes and the way the hero won me over, so the second half felt a lot stronger than the first. I never did muster up much enthusiasm for the mystery element, which is a substantial part of the story, but it certainly did make for a fast-paced, entertaining read. I’m a fan of Knives Out, and this definitely pulls some elements from that. The banter and playfulness was a lot of fun, and it’s got a fresh, unique vibe. Personally, the story sits somewhere between three and fours stars for me, but there’s an audience that’s going to eat it up.

The story follows Maggie, a romance writer who recently got divorced. She’s just starting to realize how much her ex-husband gaslit and belittled her, so she’s feeling pretty raw around Christmastime. So when her favorite author, an 81-year-old legend, invites Maggie to her home, it’s a dream come true. Unfortunately, she also invited Ethan, a man who has been the bane of Maggie’s existence for the last five years. His books have skyrocketed in popularity since he entered the scene, and the two have been hating each other ever since. So when Maggie’s favorite author disappears and she sees a side of Ethan that she never knew existed, it’s a shock to the system. The constantly carefree and charming man is showing a serious, competent side that makes Maggie feel safe in a chaotic situation – drawer her closer in ways she didn’t expect.

This has gotten such rave reviews that I was excited to dive in, but I’ll be honest and say that the first 30% or so did not win me over at all. Third person POV is tougher for me to get into, and with the uncertainty surrounding Ethan and Maggie’s relationship and all the suspense, I simply wasn’t feeling connected to the story at all. Maggie truly believes that Ethan hates her, and we’re not given his side of the story until later on. I do often enjoy puzzling out a hero’s feelings, but there was just so much other stuff going on. I didn’t particularly like either character for a while. Once they start connecting and that takes precedence over the mystery, I started to like the story a lot more. We’re with these characters as they figure things out and navigate their messy feelings, which means their relationship goes through a lot of changes in a short period of time. I appreciated that we did get Ethan’s POV at some point, though I definitely wouldn’t have minded a few more details about his side of things. It’s really not that kind of story though – this is meant to be fun, suspenseful and a little flirty; a true romance/mystery combo. I’m rounding up my rating because the second half was stronger, and I liked some of the pieces very much.

omg this book was SO good!!!! I don't remember the last time I had as much fun with a book as I did reading this one, the author managed to perfectly balance the amount of mystery and romance throughout the story and the result was just *chefs kiss* 🤌🏻

What a fun ride! Incredible cast of characters! Laugh out loud funny! I've been a fan of Carter for years, but this is her best, in my opinion! I will definitely be picking this up for my library and will be adding it to my annual Christmas reading list!

I loved this smart locked-room mystery and charming rivals-to-lovers romance. It's billed as Knives Out gets a holiday rom-com twist, which is spot on. Wildly entertaining and so much fun!

The setting is classic--an isolated, snowed-in English manor hosting a Christmas house party. Atmospheric, the house comes to life with descriptions that made me feel like I was right there with MCs Maggie and Ethan, exploring all the hidden spaces, evading danger, and searching for clues. The two are crime writers and rivals, stuck together with a mystery to solve if they can trust each other. But Carter takes this classic locked room mystery and gives it a fresh twist with a flirty romance subplot that I was just as invested in as the mystery.

Both Maggie and Ethan's characters are well-developed and have compelling backstories. Maggie has had significant losses around Christmas, making the holidays difficult for her. Ethan is charming and playful. I liked them both individually, but together, they are magic. Their chemistry is undeniable, their banter witty, and many scenes between them endearing. I rooted for them to find their way to each other and find the culprit.

Well-written and fast-paced, this has a clever mystery, engaging characters, action, humor, a peek at the publishing industry, and swoony romance. I was kept guessing and laughing all along the way. This was my first book by Carter, and I'm an instant fan. The ending was satisfying, but I hope that Maggie and Ethan will have additional cases to solve because I'd love to spend more time with this couple. Be sure to add this to your holiday tbr!

Thank you to Avon Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the gifted ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this ARC!

Cute, playful, an overall delight. Ally Carter delivered the witty banter per usual and I loved the setting of Christmas in an English countryside manner! There were a couple of plot points I found to be a little confusing or not fleshed out super well, but I very much enjoyed it!

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter is the sleigh of the year with this epic Christmas romantic suspense meets locked room mystery. Sincerely, this was snow much fun to read & will truly spruce up your reading list. I loved the combination of the intriguing mystery, captivating suspense & the heartwarming romance. This is giving me Knives Out Glass Onion but set at Christmas time with an eccentric famous author & romance story woven in.

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year Is great for fans of…
🎄 Christmas Romance
🎄 Locked Room Mystery
🎄 Isolated Mansion
🎄 Enemies to Lovers

As a lover & connoisseur of both the romance & mystery genres as well as Christmas in general, this was an absolute dream to read. The writing is fast paced & highly entertaining. This would make such a fun movie. I’ve loved everything I’ve read from this author but this is easily my new favorite.

This had me kicking my feet with glee, tipping my hat in respect at the cleverness & finally, wrapped with a to all a good fright. This is easily going on my best of list for the year with this delightful & magnetically fun read.

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Avon for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

Ally Carter has never, and could never do me wrong! The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year was brilliant! The little twists and turns mixed with flashbacks of Maggie's past had me constantly on my toes! I love a plot where I can't guess what's going to happen next, and this was it for me! I really enjoyed that this was mostly a murder mystery plot with a Christmas setting, rather than a Christmas book with a minor mystery plot. If you're a fan of Agatha Christie, Knives Out or having fun, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book!

I loved this so much! OMG! This was entertaining from the beginning.

The writing is extremely well done and the book is so atmospheric. You can truly picture yourself there.

WELL DONE!

Yes!! This was the perfect book for me! The mix of rom-com and Agatha Christie was amazing! I loved the locked in a house in the middle of nowhere in a snow storm with a murderer trope. The clues were clever and I loved every minute of it. Highly recommend!

Entertaining is just one of the many adjectives you could use to describe this book. A closed door mystery with a couple of unusual twists. Maggie doesn't "do" Christmas. She's had too many bad/sad holidays to look forward to lights, trees and presents. As a mystery writer, she'll just stay home and write for the holidays. When she receives an invitation from a fan to join them in the UK, all expenses paid, Maggie lets herself be talked into accepting. BUT.....when she arrives finds that her fan is Eleanor Ashley, a mystery writer icon and Maggie's favorite author. Just when it looks like she'll have a great Christmas, along comes Ethan Wyatt, a thriller writer who Maggie finds boorish.
When Eleanor disappears with no trace, it's up to Maggie and Ethan to solve the mystery and save the day. While the mystery is the main focus of THE MOST WONDERFUL CRIME OF THE YEAR, there's plenty of room in this entertaining plot line for romance to creep in. Ally Carter has just added another fan to her club.

4.25-4.5 rounded up

This was in one word, fun. I had a blast reading this! It’s just as described, Knives Out meets a locked door mystery.

I must confess that I am not a big holiday book/romance reader or watcher. This book is a thriller/romance set during the Christmas season and it works so well. It’s also kind of meta, as Eleanor Ashley is a best-selling mystery author who has disappeared from a locked room, leaving a nearly finished novel about (you guessed it) an author who takes her death and disappears from a locked room!

Maggie is a character that really doesn’t know her own strength. She’s been reliant on herself for a long time and struggles to allow people in, and also kind of suffers from thinking that people are better off without her. Not in a depressing way, but more so in a way where she has been used by the most important people in her life and can’t see how amazing she is.

Ethan? He is a quintessential man written by a woman but I am OBSESSED. I loved the inclusion of his POV, but I also liked that it didn’t come into play until ~50%. So you’re reading and assuming you’re only getting Maggie’s side of the story, only to be shot into Ethan’s perspective where he’s been secretly in love with Maggie for years.

I also must say I couldn’t figure out who the bad guy was, and I was genuinely trying to predict the twist!

Was it kind of surface level and light? Absolutely. But it was just what I was in the mood for. And Ethan and Maggie are both authors, so there are so many little reader/book lover quips that had be laughing out loud.

Also? I just love Ally Carter’s writing and storytelling. You can tell she loves what she does, and it translates really well onto the page. I’ve been a fan of hers since I was a teen, so I am genuinely thrilled that she is writing Adult now!

Thank you Netgalley and Avon books for giving me this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

A holiday themed romance / who-dun-it/is trying to murder you all wrapped up? A perfect way to start the holiday reading season.

I wasn't sure what to expect when two competing mystery authors Maggie and Ethan both surprisingly are invited to the isolated home of renown author Eleanor Ashley.

Then when someone disappears, a real life mystery begins. Disconnected from the rest of the world due to snow storms... Maggie and Ethan have to figure out who they can(not) trust, and solve a mystery as their lives depend on it.

I really enjoyed this mental escape! Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.

Maggie dislikes Christmas as the haunts of her youth ruined the holiday. An author, Maggie is offered a trip of a lifetime, only her nemesis must come too. Wyatt is literally the bane of her existence, and her name is not "Marcie."

Together, the arrive at an english mansion days before Christmas, and find themselves investigating the disappearance of its owner, Maggies favorite author.

The book reads like a game of clue as Maggie and Wyatt solve the mystery of near-death experiences happening throughout the mansion and its guests. Then along way these enemies become lovers. This book is a perfect holiday read.

Thank you, Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon

Did I expect to read a cozy Christmas mystery romance in September? Absolutely not. Did I enjoy it? You bet I did 🤭 I’m an absolute sucker for rivals to lovers & this had just the right amount of tension & romance (although the romance was more of a subplot) while still keeping me on my toes & playing detective along with the characters to solve the mystery 🕵️‍♀️

Maggie is a cozy mystery writer who has suffered great loss around Christmas time & has a really hard time when the holiday comes around. Close to Christmas time, she’s invited to a party in England hosted by a fan & when she arrives, she realizes the fan is none other than Eleanor Ashely, a mystery writer and Maggie’s Idol. One person she didn’t expect to find at the party? Ethan Wyatt, a fellow writer & Maggie’s rival. But when Eleanor mysteriously disappears & a guest is poisoned, Maggie & Ethan must team up & work together to figure out what is happening at Eleanor’s mansion.

Thank you NetGalley & Avon books for the ARC!✨