I received a free copy of, Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret, by Benjamin Stevenson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Ernest Cunningham has a murder to solve, with a few clues, will he be able to solve the mystery by Christmas? This was a different kind of mystery then Im used to, but an enjoyable read.

Superbly clever Christmas mystery!

“In keeping with an accidental theme—my first case involved a full stop, my second a comma—this may well be the first mystery ever solved by Comic Sans.”

Your ever intrusive narrator, Ernest Cunningham, is on his third case when his ex-wife’s boyfriend is murdered during the Christmas holiday. When Erin is arrested, Ernest must prove her innocence by uncovering the real murderer.

The Ernest Cunningham series has long been a favorite of mine because the mysteries are expertly plotted and flawlessly executed. Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret is no exception. While it helps to have read the previous two books, I think that a newbie reader will still enjoy it. This is a fantastic mystery to read a chapter a day (like an advent calendar) during the upcoming holiday season - if you can resist flipping the pages for a whole day!

I did find that the ARC may have included a few rather major issues (Ernest refers to the killer’s pronoun during the reveal and then reveals the killer as the opposite and forgets that one suspect is still under suspicion). However, I still thoroughly enjoyed this meta-fictitious mystery and highly recommend it!

5/5 stars

Expected publication date: 10/22/24

Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC of Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret in exchange for an honest review.

Just like the first two installments of the Ernest Cunningham mysteries this third installment held up to the reputation. This installment was fast-paced with twists and turns at every corner as Ernest takes us through the advent calendar doors throughout the book in order to find the killer. I really enjoyed how Benjamin Stevenson was able to take pieces from the first two books and continued to weave previous plot lines into his newest edition. I also liked how this edition was a 'Christmas Special' since this book was shorter than the previous two which gave Stevenson a lot of room for wherever Ernest will go next in the series.

A big piece of why I've enjoyed every book in the series is because of the main character, Ernest, being both our narrator and "author" of the book while we're reading. Yes, Ernest always alludes to that he will find the killer because if not there wouldn't be a book, but this factor does not stop Stevenson from keeping us on our toes throughout the entirety. The ending especially of the Christmas Special left me wondering what will come next and how Ernest will solve the next murder. The Ernst Cunningham book always leave the reader questioning who is guilty, but even with all of the clues being laid out in front of us the whole time the books are always one step ahead which makes the endings more thrilling when all the facts are laid out.

Benjamin Stevenson has such a distinctive voice when it comes to mysteries. I love the sarcasm, the fun, and the way he brings it altogether for a delightful read while solving a mystery at the same time. This is a cute, easy read to bring the holiday spirit into your life (with or without snow).

The Christmas setting made me want to hoard this book until the perfect December day. Maybe I captured the spirit of southern-hemisphere Christmas better by reading it in a summer heat wave, though. The format lent itself well to a holiday novella style - I think Ernest's fourth-wall-breaking style works well with every type of story. I love how Stevenson uses all the familiar, comforting mystery tropes and makes them fresh.

Thank you the publisher and Netgalley for my e-ARC of Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret!

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🏜️ once spent Christmas in the desert
🩸have ever gone to bed and woken up covered in blood
☎️ called in a murder before it occurred
📖 enjoy mystery novellas

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

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?

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

Another hilarious and well executed story from Stevenson! I don’t know how he does it, but his mysteries are a true work of art, and this short Christmas novella didn’t disappoint! Cunningham is someone who really takes in all of the little details which come together in the end to reveal a killer. Even though he continually gives us, the audience, clues, I still fail to make the connections, and was 100% shocked by the end. I prefer this as I enjoy a good surprise! You won’t want to miss this fun Christmas special!

To be released in time for Christmas, Ernest Cunningham is back for his third time as a writer/amateur detective solving a murder. He and Juliette are soon to be married when his ex wife Erin calls in distress. She has been accused of murder and he goes to put his investigative skills to work to help clear her name. In great Christmas spirit, Ernest narrates his search in advent calendar countdown fashion. He gives clues along the way to help the reader guess what happened and keeps us guessing. His humor and wit are still ever present and it makes this a really fun read. More a novella than novel, (or a #2.5 as Ernest says), but a good addition to the series for Benjamin Stevenson fans. Thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for my ARC.

Cleverly written in an absurd and amusing way, this well-cloaked mystery has murder and mischief, deceit, and suspense that kept me immersed from beginning to the finale. The pacing of this solidly wicked plot felt like a speedy train blowing past the whistle stop. As expected, each chapter leaves a clue that once put together will earn you a victory if you guess the killer’s identity. This was an entertaining, complex, unique, and downright fun book to read. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.

Another great addition to this series! Once again, Mr. Stevenson laid out all the clues and evidence I needed to figure it out just like Ernest does, and once again, I failed to do so. Then the explanation comes, and I'm like "Yep, that makes perfect sense, and here's everything I didn't put together." That's the mark of a great mystery, IMO, and Mr. Stevenson is an excellent writer in that regard, taking his cues from the literary greats and bringing their methods into the 21st century. I can't recommend this series enough!

5 stars

**I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**

This is the third book I've read by Benjamin Stevenson and another 5 star.
I love the irreverent writing style and the way he breaks the fourth wall. This novel is also meta in the way that it tells you the rules for writing a murder mystery and you work alongside our narrator Ern to solve the case.
Though this book is shorter in length, the story moves at a fast pace and each of the many characters are introduced in a way that is memorable and doesn't allow you to forget who they are. I sometimes find that too many characters in a book make it hard to keep plot points straight, but that isn't the case here.
I was so excited to receive this ARC for review and will be picking up the physical copy once available and eagerly awaiting the next installment in Ern's adventures.

Ernest Cunningham is at trying to be a detective again. This time he is drawn in by a text and call from his ex-wife that her boyfriend is dead and she is accused of murder. He leaves his fiancée, on the guise of checking out a performer's show that might be booked for their wedding. The crime solving begins, with his "favorite" reporter on his heals. As usual a second murder occurs and the suspects are everyone. Can he prove his ex-wife's innocence?
I really enjoyed this 3rd book in the series, perhaps because it was shorter and got to the point quicker. The story moved well without a lot of repetition and had a surprising ending. This was a fun read!

Super fast read. You should read the other two before you read this one as it spoils a few things in them. I think this book was alright and probably will help to make the next book a bit tighter as it is moving some plot points from the previous ones forward. I just thought it was a bit smarmy rather than smart like the previous book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.

These novels are so wonderful. I love Stevenson, his wit, his plotting, and his sheer cleverness. The latest is a joy, an homage, and a love-letter to whodunnits.

This one flies by, and once it was revealed, you realize that all the clues were there. My only regret was that it ended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced reader copy! This was a fun holiday murder mystery. Definitely a must read for fans of Agatha Christie stories. I really enjoyed the way the author tells the story through his narrator and breaking the fourth wall. I struggled to get into the story but once they mystery started and took off, I was invested! Looking forward to more from this author.

Our returning hero Ernest Cunningham is back and ready to put his Sherlock Holmes skills to the test as Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret, this Yuletide installment of the series written by Benjamin Stevenson begins.

Hapless cousin Andy, in charge of Ernest and his fiancée Juliette’s wedding entertainment, has booked a rather famous magician to perform. Ernest heads to see him perform, but his reason for the visit is more than nuptial bliss. Erin Gilford, Ernest’s ex-wife and frequently appearing series character, is sitting in jail for her boyfriend Lyle Pearse’s murder. Lyle’s non-profit theater program which helps teens in rehab stick to sobriety through acting, is hosting the magical act in question, that of renowned entertainer Rylan Blaze.

Lyle won’t be the only victim. Can Ernest stop the culprit before more bodies fall?

I’ve been a fan of the Ernest Cunningham series and this book was no exception.
This is a series that embraces detective novel tropes, and Stevenson engages them cleverly. Before he began solving murders, Ernest wrote books on “how to write detective stories” so he narrates by explaining the ‘rules’ of these tales as those actions are happening or are about to occur. And as usual there are twists and turns culminating in the denouement reveal retelling of the whodunnit. With a short page count, coming in at just under two-hundred, this novella a fun read for the Christmas holiday or anytime especially if you’re looking for an easy-to-read mystery full of likable characters and complex clues. I definitely recommend Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret.

I received this free advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

Another fantastic book in the Ernest Cunningham series! I especially enjoy that the readers are encouraged to join in on the mystery and how meta the main character is by breaking down the 4th wall to discuss the case.

I especially enjoyed the "Christmas Special" feel of this book and how Ern hints at it throughout the story. The Advent Calendar still of setting up the story was extremely clever.

I hope there will be more in this series!

Ern is at it again! For this Christmas Special, Ern is trying to solve another murder in his slap stick, 4th wall breaking manner. This it's the "third" installment in the Ernest Cunningham series. This could be read as a standalone, but to get the full effect I recommend reading the first two full length novels.

This follows the same "recipe" as the others, but a little shorter due to it being a special. I read this in one sitting and really enjoyed it!

It's Christmas and Ernest Cunningham wants nothing more than a quiet, murder-free holiday. Having already solved two high profile cases, he needs a break.

Unfortunately, he doesn't get his wish as he gets a call from the last person he expects to hear from: his ex-wife Erin. She has been arrested for the murder of her boyfriend who was the CEO of a noted charitable foundation. The problem is Erin doesn't remember anything and can't be sure she didn't kill him. Thus it is up to Ernest to find out the truth and save Christmas.

Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret is the third mystery novel from Benjamin Stevenson. It's every bit as god as his first two novels. In true Golden Age fashion he puts all the clues out there for the reader. He cleverly uses an advent calendar to organize the clues. He even breaks the fourth wall by providing a challenge to the reader to come up with their own solution before he reveals the culprit.

My only regret was not starting the book at a time when I could have completed it in one sitting.

I look forward to reading more adventures of Ernest Cunningham in the near future.

An advance copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for this review. No other consideration was received in exchange for this review.

3.5 stars


In this third book in the 'Ernest Cunningham' series, set in Australia, the amateur sleuth investigates a very tricky case. The book works fine as a standalone.

*****

The premise of these clever mysteries by Benjamin Stevenson is that an author named Ernest Cunningham writes books about real murders he's helped to solve. Cunningham's first book, 'Everyone In My Famly Has Killed Someone', is about homicides that occurred during a family reunion at a mountain resort, and Cunningham's second book, 'Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect', is set on a luxury train.

Cunningham prides himself on the fact that he adheres to the rules of 'Golden Age' mysteries, such as: nothing supernatural; no surprise identical twins; the killer must be important to the plot; no obvious truths must be concealed from the reader; and so on. Ernest sticks to the rules, but in a rather cunning fashion, and he promises, "My job is to relay to you everything you need to reach the same 'lightbulb' moment I did."

As the story opens, it's a few days before Christmas, and Ernest is headed for Katoomba, where his ex-wife Erin Gillford has been arrested. Erin is charged with murdering her boyfriend, wealthy philanthropist Lyle Pearse. Lyle pioneered the Pearse Foundation, which helps drug addicts get clean - and stay clean - by involving them in theatrical productions.

When Ernest gets to Katoomba, he finds Erin sitting in a jail cell, waiting for him. Erin explains that, when she woke up this morning, Lyle wasn't in bed, and she had blood on her hands and face. Looking around the house, Erin saw a knife at the top of the steps, and blood drops leading to Lyle's body downstairs. Erin's first thought was to contact Ernest, who has a knack for solving murders. She then called the police, who promptly arrested her. Ernest listens to Erin's story, then proclaims he believes she's innocent, and promises to look into the case.

As soon as Ernest leaves the jail he's accosted by tabloid journalist Josh Felman, who chronicles reality star divorces and Ernest's investigations. Ernest observes, "I had no idea how Felman had managed to get to Katoomba so quickly, let alone how he knew I'd be there....Josh Felman is a truffle dog of a journo who prides himself on being the nearest to the stories rather than the best reporting them." It turns out that sneaky Josh has photos of the crime scene, and he and Ernest agree to share information.

Meanwhile, the Pearse Foundation is preparing for that evening's show, which is a performance by renowned magician Rylan Blaze. Rylan's big trick involves him being placed in stocks beneath a guillotine, with a gun pointed at his head. Rylan has to escape the stocks before the guillotine blade drops, simultaneously catching a bullet in his teeth.

Ernest plans to catch Rylan's show later that night, and in the meantime, proceeds with his investigation. Ernest examines the murder victim's office, where he observes Lyle's cheap supermarket chocolate advent calendar, computer set-up, diary, and what turns out to be an important clue. Ernest also meets the Pearse Foundation employees and volunteers, many of whom are recovering drug addicts. Ernest considers everyone in the Pearse Foundation a possible suspect, including:

❁ Rylan Blaze - the magician whose show is currently being featured at the Pearse Foundation.
❁ Flick - the CFO of the Pearse Foundation.
❁ Theresa - a hypnotist/psychic who does a warm-up act for Rylan Blaze.
❁ Samantha - Theresa's twin sister, who works as Flick's assistant.
❁ Dinesh - the production manager for the Pearse Foundation, who's operating the lights for Rylan Blaze's performance.
❁ Christopher - the head counselor at the Pearse Foundation.

Cunningham is fair but devious about sharing clues with the reader, and I didn't match his 'lightning' moment. It was fun to try though, and many fans of cozy mysteries would enjoy this book.

Thanks to Netgalley, Benjamin Stevenson, and Mariner Books for a copy of the book.

I went into this book knowing the writing style and characters of Stevenson from "Everyone on this Train is a Suspect" back in the spring and this book did not stray from either. I enjoyed this Ernest Cunningham novel as an addition to the others. This one was a little shorter but fun to add in the holiday approach. I was hooked until the very end trying to figure out who had done it and there were twists and turns until the end. Definitely would recommend to anyone who has read the other books in this series.


Thank you #EveryoneThisChristmasHasaSecret #NetGalley for the digital ARC.