The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

I REALLY enjoyed this book. I don't like time jumps (which this had), some of the misunderstandings were a bit much, and Ethan was a bit TOO much (but only a bit.) However, I stayed up late to finish this book and fell asleep with a smile. Quite lovely.

Maggie Chase has had her confidence destroyed and is happier to stay home. But then an invitation comes and her publisher tells her it's one she doesn't want to turn down. So, she boards a plane to a mysterious location where there is to be a party hosted by she doesn't know who. Unfortunately, also on the plane is Ethan Wyatt, her nemesis in their publishing house. He can never remember her name and always seems to be laughing at her. So that's a great start to the vacation. 

They finally land and discover that they've been plonked right into a locked room mystery, complete with characters who disappear and characters who die. It even happens that Maggie has some close calls herself. Can she really trust the man she is getting to know?

Four and a half stars

This book comes out September 24, 2024

ARC kindly provided by Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery by Ally Carter

Three months after the end of the last book, the children of the Winterborne Home are feeling a little bit desperate. Gabriel Winterborne is back but his abrupt return to life chased off Isabella Nelson, the woman who had been running the home. Everything is falling apart which is not a good time since an agent from Child Protective Services has decided to stop by. And on a day when a new Sadiematic is being tested. And Violet is for sure needing new clothes since Tim had to split the back of her dress in order for her current clothes to fit. It's just not a good time.

But it appears that someone is after April. And, though there are people there to protect her, it might not be how she expects. Or perhaps even wants.

Another interesting book in the series. There is a little bit of character development in this book but it is more about the adventure than anything else. 

Three and a half stars

This book came out March 2nd, 2021

Follows by Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor

Borrowed as ebook from Libby

Opinions are my own

Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor by Ally Carter

April is an orphan. She doesn't know much about her past except for the key hanging around her neck. Her mother never told her what it was for but she's sure that all will be explained when her mother returns.  A trip to the local museum finally gives her a clue when she sees the crest on her key in the Winterborne exhibit. Always good at noticing things, April figures out how to get back into the museum that night. She doesn't mean to set the exhibit on fire. But when she wakes up in the aftermath, there is a mysterious woman, Ms. Nelson, who is taking her to a new group home. But first, they pick up two other children, the nearly silent Violet and her apparently self-appointed protector, Tim. When they get to the home, it is Winterborne house and there are two other children already in residence.The first is Sadie, an inventor, the daughter of scientists who used to work for the Winterborne family. The second is Colin who started living in the house after his mother posed as the fiancee of the long-lost Winterborne heir, Gabriel.

Everyone in Gabriel's family died in a boating accident except for his uncle. The fame and the wealth became too much for him and he disappeared ten years ago and is presumed dead. But mysterious happenings in the house make April wonder if the truth is something different.

There is enough time for some character development in this book but it is mostly world building. This might be a very interesting series as Carter has started a story but there is much room to grow.

Four stars

This book came out March 3rd, 2020

Followed by Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery

Borrowed as ebook from Libby

Opinions are my own