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Title details for Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson - Available

Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret

A Novel

#3 in series

by Benjamin Stevenson
Barton Welch
Audiobook
1 of 2 copies available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
1 of 2 copies available

Benjamin Stevenson returns with a Christmas addition to his bestselling, "deviously good fun" (Nita Prose), Ernest Cunningham mysteries. Unwrap all the Christmas staples: presents, family, an impossible murder or two, and a deadly advent calendar of clues. If Knives Out and The Thursday Murder Club kissed under the mistletoe.

My name's Ernest Cunningham. I used to be a fan of reading Golden Age murder mysteries, until I found myself with a haphazard career getting stuck in the middle of real-life ones. I'd hoped, this Christmas, that any self-respecting murderer would kick their feet up and take it easy over the holidays. I was wrong.

So here I am, backstage at the show of world-famous magician Rylan Blaze, whose benefactor has just been murdered. My suspects are all professional tricksters: masters of the art of misdirection.

THE MAGICIAN

THE ASSISTANT

THE EXECUTIVE

THE HYPNOTIST

THE IDENTICAL TWIN

THE COUNSELLOR

THE TECH

My clues are even more abstract: A suspect covered in blood, without a memory of how it got there. A murder committed without setting foot inside the room where it happens. And an advent calendar. Because, you know, it's Christmas.

If I can see through the illusions, I know I can solve it.

After all, a good murder is just like a magic trick, isn't it?


  • Creators

  • Series

    Ernest Cunningham

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    October 22, 2024

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9780063412842
      • File size: 145023 KB
      • Duration: 05:02:07

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from August 19, 2024
      Though slimmer than its predecessors, Stevenson’s third meta-whodunit featuring Australian golden age mystery expert Ernest Cunningham (after Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect) is every bit as ingenious. Shortly before Ernest’s upcoming wedding, his ex-wife, Erin, is locked up for the murder of her philanthropist partner, Lyle Pearse, after he’s found stabbed to death in their home in the Blue Mountains. Given Ernest’s previous successes solving the murder of a famous writer and the crimes of a serial killer, Erin calls and begs him to help clear her name. After speaking to Erin and poking around Lyle’s offices, Ernest identifies six main suspects, including magician Rylan Blaze; Lyle’s old assistant, Flick; and a pair of teenage twins who attended the rehab program he directed. The clues are doled out in the form of an Advent calendar, with one fair-play puzzle piece revealed at the end of each chapter. As usual, Stevenson hits the sweet spot between self-awareness and sincerity, never allowing the regular fourth-wall breaks to curdle into snark, and the resolution is hugely gratifying. Stevenson’s hot streak shows no signs of cooling. Agent: Pippa Masson, Curtis Brown U.K.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Narrator Barton Welch returns with his perfect pacing and engaging Australian accent to deliver the third installment of the Ernest Cunningham mysteries. Fans will recognize the clever clue reveals, sarcastic humor, and moments when the narrator breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to the listener. Author Stevenson crafts a plot that nods to the Golden Age of mysteries while embracing the festive spirit. Chapters are organized into an Advent calendar format. Welch's quick tempo and skill in differentiating characters, male and female, will keep listeners hooked, eagerly following clues alongside Cunningham. In a style reminiscent of Agatha Christie, Cunningham invites everyone to gather for the big reveal--but Stevenson, with Welch's masterful performance, elevates the suspense to a whole new level. E.Q. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
    • Library Journal

      March 7, 2025

      Stevenson supplies a third entry in his Ernest Cunningham series (after Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect) with this Christmas-themed novella. The novel has just over 25 chapters, with each representing a spot in an Advent calendar; interspersed within are "secret Santa" clues. With the meta-ness that Stevenson's fans have come to love, Ernest explains that one could listen to this audio as an Advent-style book in the weeks leading up to the holiday. In keeping with that theme, the sounds of jingle bells and opening doors signal the beginning of each chapter. The novella finds Ern investigating the murder of his ex-wife's current philanthropist partner, who's been found stabbed to death in their home. Erin, Ern's ex-wife, is the prime suspect. Melbourne-based series narrator Barton Welch returns to narrate this latest mystery, offering well-rounded character portraits and a range of excellent Australian accents. The story often breaks the fourth wall, which may make listeners feel that Ern is speaking directly to them. Though this is a thoroughly engaging audio, listeners may be disappointed that the final 30 minutes comprise an excerpt from the previous book. VERDICT For fans of this best-selling series and those seeking a delightful meta-whodunit.--Taylor Skorski

      Copyright 2025 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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