Audiobook Review: Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson
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Every beloved series has to have a holiday special—from TV sitcoms to Australian whodunits. And in the audio edition of the third Ernest Cunningham mystery, Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret, author Benjamin Stevenson’s lovable detective sets out to solve a pair of Christmas killings.
The story finds Ernest setting out on an emergency trip to the Blue Mountains just days before Christmas after his ex-wife, Erin, is accused of murdering her former movie star turned philanthropist boyfriend, Lyle Pearse. After meeting with Erin and hearing her side of the story, Ernest makes his way to the local theater, where Lyle’s foundation is putting on its annual holiday gala, headlined by famous magician Rylan Blaze. And when the show ends in another murder, Ernest finds himself examining a long list of suspects while trying to solve them both.
As he narrates yet another murder mystery, Ernest makes sure that his Christmas special follows all of the rules of both fair-play murder mysteries and holiday specials. He walks readers through his investigation step by step, offering up the story in 24 chapters to make it like a traditional advent calendar—with one important clue hidden behind each window. And, as always, he does so with a self-deprecating sense of humor and an affable tone that will make you feel like you’re a part of the case, investigating alongside your oldest friend.
Like a lot of holiday specials, this holiday whodunit is shorter than the other books in the series—yet the author still manages to fill it with suspects and clues and wild curveballs that will keep readers guessing as Ernest examines each new detail. Ernest’s cases are always twisty and unexpected—and this one is no different. You’ll need to be paying close attention to put even some of the pieces together—because it’s all pretty complicated. But that’s what makes these mysteries so much fun: because they’re so clever. And while the shorter runtime means that the author doesn’t have quite as much time to develop a cast of lovably quirky characters while uncovering the clues, this fun-filled holiday mystery still makes for an entertaining read.
According to the rules, holiday specials can’t include any plot points that change the course of the series—so this one can be enjoyed at any time (or not at all). But if you do choose to check it out during your holiday festivities, you’ll be treated to yet another tricky adventure with this lovable detective.
Pros:
– Shorter audiobook (under six hours) for those looking for something quicker
– Clever writing style
– Entertaining voice
Cons:
– Mystery can be complicated
– Less time for character development
You can find this book (and Ernest Cunningham’s other mysteries) in a variety of formats on Amazon.
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