A review by p_knapp
Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

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

3.75

As the third installment in the series, Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret offers a more thrilling and entertaining mystery than its predecessors, though it still struggles with some narrative and pacing flaws.

I actually liked the way this series breaks the fourth wall. Ernest’s direct addresses to the reader—counting down clues like an advent calendar and explaining his investigative process—add a playful, meta dimension to the story. This technique makes the reading experience feel interactive and unique. However, Ernest frequently spoils key events before they unfold, which diminishes the suspense and lessens the impact of the mystery. The story would benefit from a narrator who refrains from revealing too much upfront.

The writing is more complicated than necessary, featuring an overabundance of metaphors and some confusing narrative shifts. Compared to earlier books, this volume feels more convoluted and harder to follow at times. Ernest’s deductions sometimes rely heavily on guesswork, which can feel unconvincing. While the crime itself is interesting, its execution stretches plausibility and feels somewhat far-fetched.

That said, the murder mystery successfully blends suspense and humor, providing a refreshing departure from typical whodunits. The book is shorter than previous entries, likely due to its holiday special status, but this brevity keeps the pace brisk and the story engaging.
I did not guessed the “Christmas = Chris + Sam” twist, but there remained enough intrigue to hold my attention through to the conclusion.
In this case, the shorter length may actually serve the story well.

Overall, Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret is a fun, quick holiday mystery with a distinctive narrative voice and quirky charm. With tighter writing and less spoiler-heavy narration, it could have been a stronger, more immersive read. Still, it’s a worthwhile addition to the series for fans looking for a festive whodunit.