adventurous funny fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Short sweet and murder. 

Just ok. Not as good as the first two books. This is a short “special holiday” edition but I still expected more.
I knew who did it but not the motive or means. Those were very involved - too intricate to really be believable.
Ending was very contrived too.
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
funny lighthearted mysterious slow-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

3.5
funny mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
informative lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

nolan_pastore's review

4.0

4/5

Idk why the best of the series thus far is the Christmas Novella, but ok.

A lot less meta references in this one, but it still kept the feel of the first two

Thank you to Mariner Books for the eARC.

Man, I love this series. Ernest is such a storyteller. I love how these books are basically written as if they were journal entries; Ernest telling us the story after the fact.

Another murder, another mystery to be solved. This one was super enjoyable—funny, with some hilarious dialogue and inner monologue, and ridiculous murders.

While yes, this was about MURDER, the story felt light and festive for the holidays, somehow. As long as Ernest keeps solving crimes, I'll keep reading about them.
adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Review: Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

Narrated by: Barton Welch Format: Audiobook (5 Hours)

Benjamin Stevenson's "Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret" delivers a delightful holiday mystery with a distinctly Australian twist, perfectly captured in this engaging audiobook.

Characters:
Fans of the series will be pleased to see the return of Ernest Cunningham, our ever-observant protagonist, navigating another perplexing crime. Brief but welcome appearances from his ex-wife, Erin, and fiancée, Julie, add familiar warmth. The new ensemble of guest characters, playing both victims and suspects within the fundraising magic show, are vividly drawn, each possessing their compelling secrets and motivations.

Atmosphere:
Stevenson masterfully contrasts the festive Christmas setting with the scorching Australian summer. The palpable heat permeates the narrative, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere that sets this holiday mystery apart.

Writing:
True to the series' signature style, the story unfolds through Ernest's witty first-person narration, complete with his trademark fourth-wall breaks. This direct address to the reader fosters a sense of intimacy and camaraderie, making the listener feel like a fellow detective alongside Ernest.

Plot:
When Erin, Ernest's ex-wife, finds herself framed for murder, Ernest is reluctantly drawn into a complex investigation. The backdrop of a charity magic show, designed to support recovering addicts, provides a rich and intriguing setting, where every performer seems to harbor hidden agendas.

Intrigue:
The book excels in building suspense and intrigue. Stevenson weaves a web of unanswered questions and concealed secrets, keeping the listener guessing until the very end. The carefully crafted tension propels the narrative forward, ensuring a captivating listening experience.

Logic:
Crucially, the resolution of the mystery is both logical and satisfying. Stevenson plays fair with the reader, laying out all the necessary clues in plain sight, allowing for a genuine sense of discovery.

Enjoyment:
"Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret" was a pure pleasure to listen to. I eagerly anticipated my daily walks with Sammy, and my evening cooking sessions, just to immerse myself in Ernest's latest adventure. Stevenson delivers a well-paced, entertaining, and cleverly constructed mystery that's perfect for holiday listening.