‘Tis the season to be… murderous? In Benjamin Stevenson’s latest Ernest Cunningham mystery, “Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret,” our favorite accidental detective finds himself knee-deep in yuletide carnage. It’s like if Agatha Christie and David Copperfield had a love child, and that child grew up to write murder mysteries set at the world’s most dangerous office Christmas party. Buckle up, folks—this is one holiday rollercoaster that’ll have you laughing, gasping, and maybe checking under the tree for bodies.
The Setup: Jingle Bells, Shotgun Shells
Ernest Cunningham, our lovable narrator and reluctant sleuth, just can’t catch a break. He’s hoping for a quiet Christmas, maybe some eggnog and a marathon of cheesy Hallmark movies. But no, he gets roped into attending a magic show headlined by the world-famous (and world-class jerk) Rylan Blaze. Before you can say “Abracadabra,” Blaze’s benefactor turns up dead, and Ern finds himself trapped in a mountain resort with a cast of suspects who could give Houdini a run for his money in the misdirection department.
Oh, and did I mention there’s an advent calendar involved? Because of course there is. It’s like “The Usual Suspects” meets “Elf,” and I am here for every bonkers minute of it.
The Cast: A Rogues’ Gallery of Holiday Cheer
Stevenson has outdone himself with this motley crew of potential killers. We’ve got:
- Rylan Blaze: The magician with an ego bigger than his hat and a knack for pissing off everyone around him.
- Sam and Theresa: Identical twins with very different personalities and a shared history of addiction.
- Flick: The ruthlessly efficient executive who’d probably fire Santa for taking too many cookie breaks.
- Christopher: The counselor with a heart of gold… or is it pyrite?
- Shaun: The tech wizard who seems to know a little too much about making things (and people) disappear.
- Dinesh: The lighting expert who might be hiding more than just the secret to perfect stage illumination.
And that’s not even counting our man Ern, who’s busy playing detective while also trying to figure out how to explain all this to his fiancée. It’s like a dysfunctional work Christmas party, but with 100% more homicide.
The Style: Meta-Mystery Mayhem Returns
If you’ve read the previous Ernest Cunningham mysteries (and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?), you know that Stevenson loves to play with the conventions of the genre. This time around, he’s cranked the meta-commentary up to eleven. Ern isn’t just solving a murder; he’s actively deconstructing the tropes of both mystery novels and holiday specials.
We get gems like:
“This is another thing about Christmas specials: sometimes the makers can’t afford the whole cast, so several main characters are reduced to voice or pictorial cameos. It doesn’t usually apply to books, but here we are.”
It’s clever, it’s funny, and it adds an extra layer of enjoyment for mystery buffs and genre savvy readers. Stevenson walks a fine line between clever and too-clever-by-half, but for my money, he nails it.
The Plot: Now You See It, Now You Don’t
Trying to summarize the plot of “Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret” is like trying to nail jelly to a wall—slippery, messy, and likely to leave you questioning your life choices. But here goes:
Rylan Blaze’s benefactor is found murdered. Then Blaze himself gets decapitated during his own magic act (worst career move ever). Ern has to figure out whodunit while navigating a web of illusions, misdirections, and enough family drama to fuel a whole season of soap operas.
Oh, and there’s an advent calendar that might hold the key to the whole thing. Because why not?
Stevenson keeps the plot moving at a breakneck pace, throwing in twists and turns faster than you can say “And for my next trick…” Just when you think you’ve got a handle on what’s going on, he pulls another rabbit out of his hat. It’s dizzying, it’s exhilarating, and it’ll keep you guessing right up to the very end.
The Verdict: A Holiday Treat with Bite
“Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret” is like that one present under the tree that’s wrapped weird and making suspicious ticking noises. You know opening it might be dangerous, but you just can’t resist. Stevenson has delivered a mystery that’s equal parts clever, funny, and genuinely surprising.
Is it perfect? No, but honestly, that’s part of its charm. There are moments where the meta-commentary threatens to overshadow the actual plot, and some readers might find the constant asides and genre deconstruction a bit much. But for those who love a mystery that’s not afraid to poke fun at itself while still delivering genuine thrills, this is a Christmas cracker of a book.
Comparisons and Context
“Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret” is the third installment in Stevenson’s Ernest Cunningham series, following “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” and “Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect.” While it builds on the meta-mystery framework established in the previous books, it stands alone well enough that newcomers won’t feel lost.
For readers looking for similar fare, Anthony Horowitz’s Daniel Hawthorne series shares a similar love of genre deconstruction. And if you’re in the mood for more murderous holiday fun, check out “Eight Perfect Murders” by Peter Swanson or “The Maid” by Nita Prose for mysteries with a twist.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Forget to Check Your Stockings (For Fingerprints)
Look, I’m not saying you should be suspicious of your family this holiday season… but maybe keep an eye on Uncle Bob when he’s carving the turkey, you know?
All jokes aside, “Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret” is a wildly entertaining addition to the mystery genre. It’s clever, it’s funny, and it’ll keep you guessing right up until the final “ta-da!” If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you laugh, gasp, and maybe side-eye the magician at your nephew’s birthday party, this is the one for you.
Just maybe don’t read it right before your office Christmas party. You know, just in case.
