The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year

The story is described as a "Knives Out meets holiday rom-com." How successfully does it blend these genres?

How does the author use the Christmas setting to enhance both the mystery and romance elements? Did the holiday backdrop add to your enjoyment of the story?

How does the author balance the mystery and romance elements throughout the novel? Which aspect drew you in more, and why?

The story uses flashbacks to reveal Maggie and Ethan's history. How did this affect your understanding of their relationship and the overall story?

Carter sets the mystery in a snowbound English estate during Christmas. How does this environment contribute to both the tension and romance?

Early in the novel, Maggie is convinced Eleanor's disappearance is a test. Why does she assume this? What does it reveal about her character and her relationship with Eleanor's work?

Both protagonists are authors in different genres - Maggie writes cozy mysteries while Ethan writes thrillers. How do their different approaches to writing influence how they tackle the mystery?

Discuss the "locked room mystery" trope and how the author both honors and subverts traditional mystery conventions.

What role does trust play in the story, both in terms of the mystery and the developing romance?

Which clues did you find most compelling as the mystery unfolded? Were there any that misled you?