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allyrosemary 's review for:
Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret
by Benjamin Stevenson
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
I've read Benjamin's other two books in this series, so it was only right that I finish it off with the third. I ended up reading this in one sitting (run a bath, pour a glass of wine and you've got yourself the perfect recipe to finish a book).
Okay look, I wanted to like this but alas, it was a bit dull for me. It's not a bad book, but it's not a good book either. The mystery itself is intricate, but not in a satisfying way. It felt like the author was more focused on crafting a puzzle that was technically solvable rather than one that was actually engaging to solve. It's like when you bite into a Christmas cookie expecting gingerbread, and it turns out to be some weird off-brand shortbread thats FINE but also vaguely disappointing.
The whole "holiday special" thing? A lie. This was not festive. There were a few Christmas clues thrown in like sprinkles on a sad cupcake.
Also there were A LOT of characters crammed into this tiny book. Don't get me wrong, I know my brain is a bit mush at the moment, but I kept forgetting who was who. I needed a diagram. Or flashcards. The pacing was weird, the ending was silly, and overall I just wanted more. More setup, more character moments, more holiday vibes - just more.
Overall, not a bad book, just underwhelming. Also don't read it for the Christmas aspect. As a die-hard Christmas lover, it did not jingle my bells at all.
Okay look, I wanted to like this but alas, it was a bit dull for me. It's not a bad book, but it's not a good book either. The mystery itself is intricate, but not in a satisfying way. It felt like the author was more focused on crafting a puzzle that was technically solvable rather than one that was actually engaging to solve. It's like when you bite into a Christmas cookie expecting gingerbread, and it turns out to be some weird off-brand shortbread thats FINE but also vaguely disappointing.
The whole "holiday special" thing? A lie. This was not festive. There were a few Christmas clues thrown in like sprinkles on a sad cupcake.
Also there were A LOT of characters crammed into this tiny book. Don't get me wrong, I know my brain is a bit mush at the moment, but I kept forgetting who was who. I needed a diagram. Or flashcards. The pacing was weird, the ending was silly, and overall I just wanted more. More setup, more character moments, more holiday vibes - just more.
Overall, not a bad book, just underwhelming. Also don't read it for the Christmas aspect. As a die-hard Christmas lover, it did not jingle my bells at all.