Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year

A Novel

Audiobook
0 of 5 copies available
0 of 5 copies available

""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!

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

  • Formats

  • Languages

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Saskia Maarleveld and Zachary Webber narrate this suspenseful romantic suspense. Maggie Chase writes cozy mysteries, and Ethan Wyatt writes popular thrillers. Maggie hates Ethan. Both have been invited to attend a Christmas party at an English estate. Upon arrival, Maggie and Ethan are stunned to find out that world-famous mystery writer Eleanor Ashley is hosting the party; then she disappears. Maarleveld expressively portrays Maggie's inquisitive and passionate nature as she works diligently to learn what happened to Eleanor. Webber's warm, mellow voice gives Wyatt a calm assurance as he helps Maggie--and falls for her along the way. Listeners will be fully immersed from start to finish as these two team up to solve the mystery. J.J.M. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      August 19, 2024
      Carter (The Blonde Identity) spins a clever romantic mystery with a Christmassy twist. It’s cozy mystery author Maggie Chase’s first Christmas since her husband left her for her best friend, in the wake of which she developed mild agoraphobia. Making things worse, practically every traumatic incident in Maggie’s life has happened around Christmas, including the deaths of both her parents. But her luck might be changing: Maggie’s publisher forces her into attending a Christmas house party in England hosted by Eleanor Ashley, her longtime literary idol. Eleanor’s gathered a who’s who of mystery authors, including Maggie’s nemesis, Ethan Wyatt. Maggie hopes Ethan’s presence will be the only wrinkle in an otherwise delightful holiday—until Eleanor disappears. At first, it seems Eleanor’s playing a game, forcing the authors to compete for the privilege of being her coauthor by following clues to find her. But when a fellow houseguest is poisoned, the stakes become all too real. As Maggie and Ethan join forces to investigate, their animosity slowly turns to love. Carter’s 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. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary.

    • Library Journal

      March 7, 2025

      Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt are both well-known authors--her for cozy mysteries and him for thrillers. However, the two can't stand each other and are shocked to discover they've both received cryptic invitations to a Christmas party at the home of Eleanor Ashley, a well-known mystery writer. As the party gets underway, the weather turns, and Eleanor disappears from her locked office. At first, Maggie thinks Eleanor's disappearance must be a game or a test, but it soon becomes clear that real danger is afoot. Maggie and Ethan must put aside their differences and work together to solve the mystery before it's too late. Carter (The Blonde Identity) offers a fun and festive cozy mystery with a bit of romance. Saskia Maarleveld and Zachary Webber narrate Maggie and Ethan as they work through their fraught past to become friends and, ultimately, lovers. Both narrators skillfully convey the characters' changing attitudes, moving from disdain to banter to flirting. VERDICT A blend of romance and mystery for the holiday season, enhanced by pitch-perfect narration. Suggest to fans of Knives Out or Falon Ballard's All I Want Is You.--Elyssa Everling

      Copyright 2025 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

Loading