A review by bookellys
The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict

dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Welcome to Endgame House where Lily and her cousins will take part in their old tradition of a cryptic treasure hunt, only this time the prize is slightly more coveted than a pile of Christmas presents! It is the game to end all games!

I really liked the premise of this book and was looking forward to it as our December read for my in-person book club as it was Christmassy, but not one of those cheesy romance Christmas books (not that there is anything wrong with those, I have enjoyed a few over the festive period!). As the title suggests, there is murder as the game unfolds, with the not so surprising reveal at the end. I have to say I think the motive was weak and shallow, I would have preferred something a bit more deep rooted to ‘justify’ all the bloodshed.

On top of the treasure hunt itself, Lily is searching for the hidden clues in the cryptic sonnets her Aunt has left them, hoping to find out more about her Mother’s death at Endgame House when she was a child. Why her Aunt didn’t just tell her earlier in her life, we will never know! The reader also has some hidden clues to look out for, though I did not realise this until I got to the end and it gave you the answers 😂

It’s an OK book, nothing to shout about, but is a quick and easy read if you have it and like a murder mystery.
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