Is this book a modern holiday classic?
By Ally Carter
Maggie Chase’s life is a tangled mess of broken promises and lost hopes. She’s trying to pick up the pieces after a devastating discovery about her husband, but she also has to face another blow: her best friend’s betrayal. Her journey takes on a new turn as she encounters Ethan Wyatt, a writer with an air of mystery and charm, at the same publishing house. Maggie finds herself battling not just the ghosts of her past but also his intriguing aura.
But how are these two forced to collide? They’re invited to Eleanor Ashley’s Christmas party on an isolated estate, thrown together by fate. Maggie is a devoted fan of Agatha Christie and feels like she’s living her dream as they journey into the heart of this mystery. But soon, the festivities take a sinister turn as the renowned author vanishes from her locked room.
Is this game Eleanor Ashley is playing a desperate attempt at a challenge, or something far more sinister? Their investigation throws open the doors to each character’s past and secrets as they unravel the truth surrounding Eleanor Ashley’s disappearance. Maggie and Ethan work through the tangled web of suspects and potential motives with each twist and turn bringing new layers to the intrigue.
The mystery is a captivating blend of familiar tropes and fresh twists, leaving you hooked until the very last page. It’s expertly crafted and unpredictable – the kind that makes you question who to trust. But it’s more than just a thrilling story. The romance blossoms between Maggie and Ethan, a slow burn with genuine emotional depth.
The way Carter captures Maggie’s struggle with her grief and past betrayals adds another dimension to their journey. Her internal battles feel real and raw, making the evolution of their relationship all the more poignant.
Is this book the perfect escape? It is.