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meesha_mo's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
How in the world was anyone to work out that was the killer??? Also, I was immediately over the Dickens references and the way it was written to fit all these Easter eggs on.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Rape, Murder, and Sexual assault
manhattanmike's review
2.0
Cotton wool writing, similar to Richard Osman. So unsatisfactory to read. I’m not looking for Booker Prize winning literature, just easy reading that doesn’t turn my brain to mush. Actually it’s better written than the Richard Osman crime series, as his sort of cutsie humour is thankfully toned down considerably. It doesn’t engage the brain enough though. I didn’t finish it.
hollsbooks's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
cozeemys22's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
valli200's review against another edition
2.0
This sucked shit. It made no sense, it was so stupid, and it was written horribly.
emily_bg's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
3.0
ellekreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
4.5
Made boyfriend listen to this in the car n we both laughed out loud multiple times, had great fun tryna figure out whodunnit, feel like Benedict really hit her stride n apparently her stride is writing as a gay octogenarian.
booknerdjo's review against another edition
4.0
I think this might be my favourite of Alexandra Benedict's Christmas Murder mysteries, probably because of the Scrooge-like main character Edie!
Edie compiles crosswords and loves jigsaws, so is intrigued when she receives a box with some jigsaw pieces and a cryptic note. But as more pieces arrive, people are being murdered, and she has to solve the mystery before she, or her beloved great-nephew/adopted son, are the next victims!
A really quick and fun read, with a super-cosy Christmassy ending!
Edie compiles crosswords and loves jigsaws, so is intrigued when she receives a box with some jigsaw pieces and a cryptic note. But as more pieces arrive, people are being murdered, and she has to solve the mystery before she, or her beloved great-nephew/adopted son, are the next victims!
A really quick and fun read, with a super-cosy Christmassy ending!
dizzar's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I didn't realise I had already read another book by this author (The Christmas Murder Game). In comparison to that one, this has a more dynamic plot, there's people doing things and depth behind why. I don't think it's an entirely solvable mystery though. You see the murderer, obviously, but personally I don't think you can establish the motive, means, and opportunity without prior knowledge that the characters have and don't share until the reveal. Certainly not to the extent the red herring suspects do.
I think the strength lies in the characters. The interpersonal relationships are enjoyable to read. The characters aren't always likable but you know someone like them. I also like the prevalence of LGBTQ+ characters.
I think the strength lies in the characters. The interpersonal relationships are enjoyable to read. The characters aren't always likable but you know someone like them. I also like the prevalence of LGBTQ+ characters.