Sophia Rose is on the blog today with a fun holiday romantic mystery! Come check out her thoughts on The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter. You’ll want to add this locked room mystery to your holiday reading list!
by Ally Carter
Genres: Mystery, Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
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 three days before Christmas.
Meet Maggie Chase and Ethan
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 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 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.
Sophia Rose’s Review
Mystery writer rivalry, mysterious invitations, country house party, and a locked room mystery to be solved. Her Young Adult Spy books were on my radar for years now, but turns out a humorous Christmas Mystery Romance is what got me to finally give her a go. There was plenty to ho ho ho about once the tinsel got untangled.
The Most Wonderful Crime of the year starts on a plane when two rival authors find themselves bantering to fill the time as they jet to a country house holiday party hosted by the top writer in their game and the acknowledged queen of crime. Maggie can’t stand the charmer and his popularity who can never get her name right and Ethan has a strong desire to get past Maggie’s prickles since she made such an impression during that elevator meet cute a while ago. This is Maggie’s dream come true to meet the author, who has been her inspiration since childhood. No sooner do they arrive on Eleanor’s estate when they meet up with a rum mix of family, household members, and acquaintances. The atmosphere is strained. The weather turns into a blizzard and then Eleanor Ashley disappears from her office, which was still locked.
This pair of opposites are determined to get to the bottom of Eleanor’s disappearance and end up ranged together with everyone in the house having strong motives to remove Eleanor and someone is equally determined that Maggie and her use of Eleanor’s books for detecting inspiration also must go. Maggie’s got the brains for figuring it out and Ethan has the security expertise to watch her back while she’s at it. Maggie uses words as her shield, but slowly this pair start working past the dislike and mistrust. Maggie’s reasons for her trust issues come out and I was all a swoon to learn while Ethan kept calling the gal Marcie.
The mystery is what brought them together, but this book is focused on Maggie, Ethan, and their romance along the way. It’s fun, but not too fluffy. Loved the holiday at an English country house for the setting harking back to the Golden Age of British Mysteries. I sure hope this is only first of books pairing up Maggie and Ethan as a detecting team. Those who enjoy mysteries with a strong dose of romance and humor and romantic suspenses should definitely add this one to Santa’s List.
About Ally Carter
Ally Carter is the bestselling author of novels that have epitomized action-adventure YA romance for more than a decade. From the spy-centric humor of I’d Tell You I Love You, but Then I’d Have to Kill You to the globe-trotting glamour of Heist Society, Embassy Row, and Not If I Save You First, the name Ally Carter is synonymous with hilarious action and heart-pounding romance.
She is also the author of The Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor and The Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery for younger readers; as well as DEAR ALLY, HOW DO YOU WRITE A BOOK--which Booklist describes as "What Stephen King did for adult writers in ON WRITING...Carter does for aspiring teen authors." She lives in Oklahoma, where her life is either very ordinary or the best deep-cover legend ever. She’d tell you more, but…well…you know…
Stay Caffeinated!
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I have loved other books by this author and can’t wait to get my hands on this one. Great review!
Sophia Rose
This was my first by her, but I’ve been meaning to try her books for some time. I think you’ll enjoy it, Lisa.
Merry Christmas!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’m excited for this one as I’ve seen a lot of praise for it. I’m waiting for an audio copy from my library!
Sophia Rose
It was a fun one, Rachel. Ooo, this would be good on audio with all their bantering.
Merry Christmas!
Katherine
This looks so fun! I’ve been wanting to try this author and this looks cute and fun which is perfect for this time of year!
Sophia Rose
Yes, this was the one that finally tempted me. I think you’ll get a kick out of it, Katherine!
Merry Christmas!
Stormi
I really liked this one, it had a great blend of rom com and cozy mystery. 🙂
Sophia Rose
Yes, she worked it all together so well.
Merry Christmas, Stormi!
Ethan
This is the perfect kind of read for this season. A mystery, romance, and tons of fun!
Sophia Rose
Exactly! All the good stuff for the season, Ethan. 🙂
Jen Twimom
I have heard such great things about this one. It’s on my wish list!
Sophia Rose
Worth it! Its a fun Christmas mystery. 🙂
Jen Twimom
I bought the book at our local bookstore today! Looking forward to jumping in!!
Sophia Rose
Crossing my fingers you like it, too. 🙂
Mary Kirkland
That sounds like a good one. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Sophia Rose
This was so fun. I just had to pick it up when I spotted that title. 🙂
Carol
I really liked this one too. The romance and mystery aspects worked so well together.
Sophia Rose
Yes, you are so right, Carol. It was a superb blend of both aspects. I hope she writes more.
Steph
I love a good mystery, this sounds adorable and perfect for the holiday season! Thank you for sharing
Sophia Rose
Yay! Glad to put it on your radar, Steph! 🙂