A review by asourceoffiction
The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict

dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I loved the characters, the creepy house and its rich history, and the extra puzzles dotted around the book (even though I didn't solve a single one). Liliana's Christmas game and the way it changes with her death is so clever and I was utterly intrigued how things would resolve.

I have to say the whole thing was a bit of a bloodbath. No one was safe, and while that added to the mystery and fun, it was bordering on the ridiculous. Liliana's clues were insanely complex, to the point I didn't really take them in and enjoy them. And I'm still undecided if the reveal was rushed, far-fetched, disappointing or actually quite pleasing!

It's certainly a clever, festive mystery. Not as cosy and a little more gruesome than those classics Benedict so loves, but it was a fun read for the Christmas period.
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