The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year

A Novel

by Ally Carter

On Sale: 09/24/2024

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The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year

A Novel

by Ally Carter

On Sale: 09/24/2024

Format:

Amazon Indigo

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Book Overview
Author Info

About the Book

"Full of tongue-in-cheek humor, excellent dialogue, and fantastic characters, this expertly crafted story from Carter (The Blonde Identity) is a heart-melting rivals-to-lovers romance combined with a delightful locked-room mystery." — Library Journal (starred review)

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 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.

The laugh out loud holiday "romystery" that you've been waiting for!

Critical Praise

“The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter blends genres with the expert hand of a bartender crafting the perfect gingerbread martini.”
— People

“Perfect for fans of “Knives Out” and “The Hating Game,” this enemies-to-lovers cat-and-mouse game boasts serious stakeouts and charged make-outs.” — Washington Post

"A vastly entertaining rom-com/mystery hybrid." — BookPage (Starred review)

“Carter spins a clever romantic mystery with a Christmassy twist. [Her] impressive plotting means the final, Agatha Christie–esque reveal is a genuine surprise, and she pulls off the enemies-to-lovers trope beautifully. Romantic suspense fans on the hunt for something festive will want to snap this up.” — Publishers Weekly

“If you watched Knives Out and thought it could have used a little more romance, Ally Carter’s upcoming enemies-to-lovers romance should be right up your alley.” — Paste Magazine

“This book with Knives Out vibes is a fast-paced, witty treat.” — Bookriot

“If you’re not a fan of Ally Carters, you will be after reading this book!” — Fresh Fiction

“The book is chock-full of romance, mystery and wintry vibes. It is the ultimate love letter to the cozy mystery genre: fun, funny and smart.”
— The Michigan Daily

“This book is charming in every possible way. This book just got better and better with every twist and reveal. Original, compelling, well-written and immersive, this is a great book to escape into. It is perfect for right now, for the holidays, and for re-reading, which I will definitely be doing very soon.” — Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

“Carter cleverly and comedically pokes fun at clichés that are sure to bring comfort and joy to readers familiar with the tropes of genre fiction.” — Crime Reads