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

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? It's complicated

3.75

This book continues Benjamin Stevenson’s signature meta-mystery style with witty narration and a playful approach to genre tropes. While I still appreciated the clever writing and unique format, I found this book less engaging than the first two. The murder mystery itself felt more confusing and lacked the clarity and charm that made the previous stories shine. I missed the presence of the more memorable, dynamic characters that usually drive the plot forward. Ernest's voice remains entertaining, and I still enjoyed how Stevenson twists traditional mystery conventions to fit the story, but the ending left me more confused than resolved—I actually had to flip back to figure out who the killer even was. Despite these issues, this book is still worth a read for fans of the series (just don’t expect the same tight, satisfying resolution).