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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
fast-paced
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-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
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Oh dear... Earnest, a believer in writing "fair mysteries" is back, this time to help out his ex-wife Erin. She's in jail accused of killing her wealthy former actor, now do-gooder boyfriend. He was found on the kitchen floor where he was stabbed. He scrawled the word Christmas in his own blood. Erin was covered in blood and is terrified she killed him in his sleep.. Lyle Pearse runs a large charitable enterprise that serves as a both a rehabilitation program for addicts and an opportunity to get involved in the arts, theater, and more at the center he created. Everyone loves him. Who would kill him? The staff is moving forward with its plans to stage a benefit for its wealthy donors, featuring a famous and not beloved magician. As Ernest plods along with his investigation, he gets to know all of the workers, mostly former addicts and finds there was something going wrong. Any more of the plot and there are spoilers, but...
As with his other works, Stevenson's structure and plotting is just. Fun. In this case, since it is a "Christmas Special," the book represents an advent calendar. Each of the 24 chapters is a door and each door holds a clue until chapter 24 in this slim book, when all is solved. There is a final little Christmas present in an afterword when Stevenson shares with us the 7 commandments of holiday specials. A great read. Definitely recommend!
As with his other works, Stevenson's structure and plotting is just. Fun. In this case, since it is a "Christmas Special," the book represents an advent calendar. Each of the 24 chapters is a door and each door holds a clue until chapter 24 in this slim book, when all is solved. There is a final little Christmas present in an afterword when Stevenson shares with us the 7 commandments of holiday specials. A great read. Definitely recommend!
mysterious
fast-paced
I enjoyed this more than the first Ernest Cunningham book by Stevenson (did not read the second one) - in this one two murders occur that involve people who are recovering addicts and magicians. Ernest talks to the reader throughout the book - twists are involved - and the final reveal was good. This just worked for me - overall a very good read.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret is a clever and entertaining holiday whodunit. With a snowed-in setting, a family full of secrets, and plenty of humor, it keeps you guessing until the end. The twists are fun, the mystery is well-crafted, and the writing is sharp. It slows down a little in the middle, but overall, it’s an enjoyable and festive read!
All the wit and charm of the first two, but in bite-sized Christmas special form