Deck the Halls with Plots and Folly
Move over, Agatha Christie! There’s a new queen of mystery in town, and she’s bringing some serious holiday spirit to the classic locked-room whodunit. Ally Carter, best known for her young adult spy thrillers, makes a dazzling adult debut with “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” – a rom-com mystery that’ll have you laughing, guessing, and maybe even swooning under the mistletoe.
The Setup: A Christmas Party to Die For
Picture this: It’s three days before Christmas, and two rival mystery authors find themselves invited to the secluded English mansion of the world’s most famous crime writer, Eleanor Ashley (think a sassier, more reclusive Agatha Christie). There’s Maggie Chase, the up-and-coming cozy mystery darling, and Ethan Wyatt, the smoldering thriller writer with a mysterious past.
Throw in a colorful cast of Eleanor’s eccentric family members, a blizzard that cuts off all communication, and the sudden disappearance of the hostess from a locked room… and you’ve got yourself one heck of a holiday party.
The Characters: More Than Meets the Eye
Carter excels at creating characters that leap off the page, each with their own quirks, secrets, and hidden depths:
- Maggie Chase: Our heroine is sharp, witty, and nursing some serious emotional wounds from her past. Her journey from self-doubt to self-confidence is a joy to witness.
- Ethan Wyatt: The classic “there’s more to him than meets the eye” love interest. His banter with Maggie crackles with sexual tension, but it’s his vulnerability that truly makes him swoon-worthy.
- Eleanor Ashley: The puppet master of this whole affair, Eleanor’s presence looms large even in her absence. Her cleverness and manipulations drive the plot forward in delightful ways.
- The Supporting Cast: From the bumbling inspector to the scheming relatives, each character feels fully realized and adds depth to the mystery.
The Plot: Twists, Turns, and Tinsel
Carter weaves an intricate mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. The pacing is masterful, with reveals doled out at just the right moments to keep you turning pages well past your bedtime.
What sets this book apart is how seamlessly Carter blends the mystery elements with the budding romance between Maggie and Ethan. Their investigation becomes a dance of mutual trust and attraction, with each clue bringing them closer to both the truth and each other.
Clues to Watch For:
- The significance of Eleanor’s brooch
- The mystery of the greenhouse
- The story behind Ethan’s scar
- The truth about Maggie’s ex-husband
A Genre-Bending Delight
“The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” defies easy categorization. It’s part cozy mystery, part psychological thriller, part enemies-to-lovers romance, and part holiday feel-good story. Somehow, Carter makes this genre mash-up work brilliantly.
The Mystery: Clever and Compelling
Mystery lovers will find plenty to sink their teeth into here. The locked-room puzzle is genuinely perplexing, and Carter plays fair with her clues. There are enough red herrings to keep you guessing, but the ultimate solution is both surprising and satisfying.
The Romance: Steamy and Sweet
For those who come for the love story, you won’t be disappointed. Maggie and Ethan’s relationship evolves from antagonistic to allies to something much deeper. Their banter is delightful, and the slow burn of their attraction will have you rooting for them to get together.
The Holiday Spirit: Festive and Fun
Carter infuses the story with just the right amount of Christmas cheer. The snowy English countryside, the twinkling lights, and the underlying theme of found family all contribute to a warm, cozy atmosphere—even as the mystery ramps up the tension.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Shines:
- Character Development: Carter has a gift for creating complex, relatable characters. Maggie’s growth throughout the novel is particularly well-done.
- Dialogue: The banter is sharp, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny.
- Pacing: The story moves at a clip, balancing quieter character moments with thrilling reveals.
- Genre Blending: Carter seamlessly combines elements of different genres into a cohesive whole.
Room for Improvement:
- Suspension of Disbelief: Some plot elements require a bit of a leap of faith (the elaborate nature of Eleanor’s plan, for instance).
- Secondary Characters: While generally well-drawn, a few of the side characters veer close to caricature at times.
Final Verdict: A Holiday Treat for Mystery Lovers
“The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” is a delightful confection of a novel that will appeal to fans of both mysteries and romance. Ally Carter proves she’s just as adept at writing for adults as she is for teens, crafting a story that’s smart, sexy, and full of holiday spirit.
Who Should Read This Book:
- Mystery fans looking for a fresh take on the locked-room puzzle
- Romance readers who enjoy a good enemies-to-lovers story
- Anyone who loves a cozy holiday read with a bit of an edge
Similar Books You Might Enjoy:
- “One Day in December” by Josie Silver (for the holiday romance vibes)
- “The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton (for mind-bending mystery lovers)
- “The Hunting Party” by Lucy Foley (for another snowed-in mystery)
About the Author: Ally Carter
Ally Carter is best known for her young adult series like “Gallagher Girls” and “Heist Society.” “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” marks her adult debut, but her signature wit and clever plotting are on full display. Fans of her YA work will find much to love here, while new readers will discover an author at the top of her game.
Fun Fact:
Carter also wrote the screenplay for the Netflix movie “A Castle for Christmas,” so she knows a thing or two about holiday romance!
In Conclusion: A New Holiday Classic
“The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” is the perfect read for those cold winter nights when you want to curl up with a book that’ll make you laugh, keep you guessing, and leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Ally Carter has crafted a story that’s as cozy as your favorite Christmas sweater, but with enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
So pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle up by the fire, and get ready to be charmed by this delightful holiday mystery. Just be warned – you might find yourself looking at your own family gatherings with a bit more suspicion this year. After all, you never know when a simple Christmas party might turn into the most wonderful crime of the year.