Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 1/2/2025 + 658 more book reviews

After seeing many glowing reviews for The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter, I grabbed the audiobook since Libro.fm had it for a great price. It's set during the week before Christmas, and it was fun to listen during those same days while wrapping gifts, doing household chores, etc. I love its clever title, but the cover art is ... odd.

This is an interesting combo of mystery plus romance, and its plot is based on tropes of both genres (enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and a locked room disappearance). It's told in alternating chapters so readers know hero Ethan and heroine Maggie's thoughts and emotions. Audiobook narrators Saskia Maarleveld and Zachary Webber were excellent at imbuing the primary and secondary characters with personality.

While I enjoyed several aspects, especially the publishing world insights, I thought the romance plot was just like the male figure on the cover - heavy-handed (why is his hand so large?). Ethan was borderline sappy which didn't fit his character. I think I prefer my romance and mystery stories to stay in their own novels.

Overall, I'm glad I read this light-hearted bookish mystery/romance which can be enjoyed in any season.

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