The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
Novel by Ally Carter
I usually do not read many romantic comedies, but I could not resist this novel because it was also a cozy mystery. Maggie Chase, cozy mystery writer, only has her career keeping her afloat. Her husband cheated on her with Maggie’s best friend, so she is now divorced and lonely. Veteran mystery writer, Eleanor Ashley, invites Maggie to her estate in England for Christmas. But when she boards the private jet, she comes across Ethan Wyatt, Maggie’s nemesis, a thriller writer who is extremely popular.
When Eleanor goes missing, Maggie reluctantly partners with Ethan to look for her. Is the disappearing act all on purpose or is someone trying to kill her? But as they investigate, Maggie realizes she does not know the real Ethan. As she gets to know him, she starts developing feelings for him. Is it possible that after years of disappointing Christmases, she may get a special Christmas this time?
I absolutely loved this novel. If you are reading this strictly for the mystery, you may be somewhat disappointed. While I am a big fan of cozy mysteries, I liked the romance plotline better. I enjoyed the development of Maggie and Ethan’s relationship. Maggie starts to slowly let go of her past and grow her self-confidence and Ethan, who has been in love with Maggie for a long time, starts to see Maggie as a real person with vulnerabilities and not just this unattainable woman. I highly recommend this novel.
Rating: 5/5
Next Novel to Review: The Memory Dress