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librariangeorgia's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I absolutely loved this book. The concept was so well thought out and every single character had completely different personalities and therefore brought something different to the story.
The clues and riddles completely went over my head so I didn’t even attempt to solve those. But I did love the family dynamics and competitiveness.
It is the classic and-then-there-was-only-one murder mystery but the fact that literally no-one was freaked out when the murders started happening was very weird. They just carried on as if someone being murdered is normal - maybe it is in that household… I didn’t actually guess who the killer was, but it’s actually obvious when you think about it - I also didn’t guess the reasoning/plan behind it all either.
I loved the various lgbt characters and them actually having happy endings!
Overall, I thought it was a fun festive read and it has now pushed MURDER ON THE CHRISTMAS EXPRESS a lot higher on my tbr list!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Biphobia, Suicide, Death, Blood, Incest, Pregnancy, Car accident, and Cancer
elumpio's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Suicide, and Murder
Moderate: Incest
mrscorytee's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
definitelynotreading's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
What a wild ride! I expected a cozy mystery, but it became clear around 30% through that this book was darker and twisty-er than I expected. This was a fast paced and easy read with short chapters. The characters were generally well developed, although they did fall into some obvious tropes at times. I enjoyed the "anything might happen" aspects of this book. I had all sorts of outlandish theories as the book went on because it quickly became clear that it was the type of story where no outcome was off limits. The game within the game part of the book was lost on me because I'm no good at puzzles and I was clueless on the clues within the 12 sonnets in the story until Lily explained them, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. There were a few repeated phrasing choices that were a little cringey (using the word "tummy" repeatedly), but again, it didn't take away too much from the story. The tone didn't always match the plot and some of the characters make decisions that are completely off the walls. If you're looking for a Christmas themed thriller, I definitely recommend this fast paced adventure, but if you're hoping for a cozy Christmas mystery, this one is a bit darker than what you might be expecting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
somelatenightreading's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Murder, Suicide, Gore, Death, and Blood
juliette_95's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Blood, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, and Car accident
Minor: Biphobia
purplepenning's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
A classic, tense, atmospheric whodunit with a dysfunctional family and a rising body count during a snowed-in, country-mansion inheritance game full of clues, puzzles, and the weight of the past, present, and future. Not entirely my cup of tea (I like my Christmas murder mysteries to have at least a little Christmas warmth and cheer 😆) but a good one for word-puzzlers who like to play along at home.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Cursing, Pregnancy, Emotional abuse, Gore, Grief, Incest, Blood, Car accident, Murder, Physical abuse, Alcohol, Violence, Biphobia, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Cancer, Sexual content, Alcoholism, and Gun violence
markedwithanm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Murder, Grief, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Self harm, Suicide, and Incest
Minor: Biphobia
nataliemartin's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict is quite the read! This novel reminded me of And Then There Were None by Christie - an ill-fated guessing game, though perhaps a bit less eerie.
Lily finds herself back where it all began: The Endgame House deciphering her aunt’s puzzles in a race to claim ownership of the familial estate. But, for Lily, the stakes are even higher as she attempts to unravel the mystery surrounding her mother’s death. Cousins are pitted against one another in a game that could result in death.
The book was a quick read, full of intrigue as the characters seek to outwit their competitors. I found the clues to be very opaque, meant for a singular audience - one particular character. It would have been more intriguing if the reader were able to decipher clues in Liliana’s poetry. In effect, playing the game alongside the characters. I think the author was trying to attempt this by including anagrams, but it felt a bit disjointed in the way it was included.
In addition, I wish there was a bit more character development, especially for some of the secondary characters. These characters made strange decisions which were curious considering there was a murderer on the loose.
Overall, an interesting and festive take on a classic whodunnit.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this title in exchange for my honest review.
Lily finds herself back where it all began: The Endgame House deciphering her aunt’s puzzles in a race to claim ownership of the familial estate. But, for Lily, the stakes are even higher as she attempts to unravel the mystery surrounding her mother’s death. Cousins are pitted against one another in a game that could result in death.
The book was a quick read, full of intrigue as the characters seek to outwit their competitors. I found the clues to be very opaque, meant for a singular audience - one particular character. It would have been more intriguing if the reader were able to decipher clues in Liliana’s poetry. In effect, playing the game alongside the characters. I think the author was trying to attempt this by including anagrams, but it felt a bit disjointed in the way it was included.
In addition, I wish there was a bit more character development, especially for some of the secondary characters. These characters made strange decisions which were curious considering there was a murderer on the loose.
Overall, an interesting and festive take on a classic whodunnit.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this title in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Suicide
catbuechler's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Incest
Minor: Gaslighting