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Kiss, Merry, Kill #2
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26A billionaire’s grandson and the housekeeper’s daughter square off in this cat-and-mouse holiday romance-mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.
Ella Chambers didn’t kill Liam Montgomery.
If she had, she certainly wouldn’t have done it outside his family’s mansion during the Christmas party of the year. She definitely wouldn’t have loaded his body into the trunk of her car. And she absolutely would not have announced to the town that the boy who ruined her life ten years ago was “so dead to her.”
But now Liam is missing—nothing but a bloody spot on the drive and a host of unanswered questions—and Ella is the only person who knows he’s still alive.
So it’s up to her to prove it.
Liam Montgomery didn’t want to die.
But, it turns out, when you’re the sole heir to a billionaire, someone might want you dead. Luckily for Liam, being dead works for him.
Now he’s on the hunt for a killer. Unfortunately, Ella is on the hunt for him.
She’ll have to prove he’s still alive to clear her name, but that’s easier said than done in a quaint mountain town where everyone knows your story but no one knows the truth. Can the billionaire’s grandson and the housekeeper’s daughter join forces to catch a killer? Or is their past too steeped in secrets and lies?
As the storm of the century blows in, every step will bring these two childhood rivals closer to a killer—and each other.
Because, this Christmas, only one thing is it’s beginning to look a lot like murder.
• Holiday Romance
• Childhood Enemies-to-Lovers
• Cat and Mouse
• Slow Burn
• Forced Proximity
Ella Chambers didn’t kill Liam Montgomery.
If she had, she certainly wouldn’t have done it outside his family’s mansion during the Christmas party of the year. She definitely wouldn’t have loaded his body into the trunk of her car. And she absolutely would not have announced to the town that the boy who ruined her life ten years ago was “so dead to her.”
But now Liam is missing—nothing but a bloody spot on the drive and a host of unanswered questions—and Ella is the only person who knows he’s still alive.
So it’s up to her to prove it.
Liam Montgomery didn’t want to die.
But, it turns out, when you’re the sole heir to a billionaire, someone might want you dead. Luckily for Liam, being dead works for him.
Now he’s on the hunt for a killer. Unfortunately, Ella is on the hunt for him.
She’ll have to prove he’s still alive to clear her name, but that’s easier said than done in a quaint mountain town where everyone knows your story but no one knows the truth. Can the billionaire’s grandson and the housekeeper’s daughter join forces to catch a killer? Or is their past too steeped in secrets and lies?
As the storm of the century blows in, every step will bring these two childhood rivals closer to a killer—and each other.
Because, this Christmas, only one thing is it’s beginning to look a lot like murder.
• Holiday Romance
• Childhood Enemies-to-Lovers
• Cat and Mouse
• Slow Burn
• Forced Proximity
496 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2026
About the author
Ally Carter
49 books18.9k followersAlly Carter writes books about sneaky people and movies about Christmas. She is the New York Times Best-selling author of the Gallagher Girls, Heist Society, and Embassy Row series for teens as well as WINTERBORNE HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOR for younger readers. Her books have been published all over the world, in over twenty languages.
She encourages you to visit her online at allycarter.com and embassyrowbooks.com.
She encourages you to visit her online at allycarter.com and embassyrowbooks.com.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ally Carter has officially convinced me that Christmas and murder are a surprisingly perfect combination. Forget sugar cookies and mistletoe—give me a snow-covered mansion, a missing billionaire heir, decades of family secrets, suspicious relatives, and two people who insist they can't stand each other while obviously proving otherwise. That's my kind of holiday celebration.
From the opening chapters, this book has that irresistible "just one more chapter" energy. Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, another secret surfaced or another suspect climbed to the top of my list. The investigation moves at a brisk pace, but the story never forgets to let the characters breathe, making the emotional moments land just as well as the twists.
Ella was easily my favorite part of the novel. She has spent her entire life working twice as hard just to be seen as half as worthy, and that quiet determination made her incredibly easy to root for. She's funny, capable, and carries years of hurt without losing her compassion. Liam, meanwhile, took a little longer to win me over, but once his perspective became clearer, I completely understood why Ella had such complicated feelings toward him. Their relationship is built on years of misunderstandings, longing, rivalry, and unspoken affection, which made every piece of their slow-burn romance feel earned rather than rushed. Their banter was sharp, playful, and often made me smile.
The mystery itself was equally entertaining. Wealthy families always seem to collect secrets like Christmas ornaments, and the Montgomery family certainly doesn't disappoint. Everyone has something to hide, which made guessing the culprit half the fun. I also loved how the holiday atmosphere never disappeared. The festive backdrop somehow made the danger feel even more entertaining, creating a cozy mystery vibe while still delivering genuine suspense.
My only reason for stopping short of five stars is that there are a lot of characters and family relationships introduced early on, so I occasionally had to pause and remind myself who belonged to whom. I also wished a couple of conflicts relied a little less on miscommunication, as a few honest conversations could have saved everyone a great deal of trouble. Neither issue, however, kept me from thoroughly enjoying the ride.
Overall, this was a wonderfully fun mix of romance, mystery, humor, and holiday charm. It delivered exactly what I wanted: lovable characters, clever twists, heartfelt moments, and enough festive murder to make Christmas considerably more exciting than my own family gatherings. If Ally Carter keeps writing holiday mysteries like this, I'll happily make them part of my annual Christmas reading tradition.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for sharing this murder mystery romance's digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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From the opening chapters, this book has that irresistible "just one more chapter" energy. Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, another secret surfaced or another suspect climbed to the top of my list. The investigation moves at a brisk pace, but the story never forgets to let the characters breathe, making the emotional moments land just as well as the twists.
Ella was easily my favorite part of the novel. She has spent her entire life working twice as hard just to be seen as half as worthy, and that quiet determination made her incredibly easy to root for. She's funny, capable, and carries years of hurt without losing her compassion. Liam, meanwhile, took a little longer to win me over, but once his perspective became clearer, I completely understood why Ella had such complicated feelings toward him. Their relationship is built on years of misunderstandings, longing, rivalry, and unspoken affection, which made every piece of their slow-burn romance feel earned rather than rushed. Their banter was sharp, playful, and often made me smile.
The mystery itself was equally entertaining. Wealthy families always seem to collect secrets like Christmas ornaments, and the Montgomery family certainly doesn't disappoint. Everyone has something to hide, which made guessing the culprit half the fun. I also loved how the holiday atmosphere never disappeared. The festive backdrop somehow made the danger feel even more entertaining, creating a cozy mystery vibe while still delivering genuine suspense.
My only reason for stopping short of five stars is that there are a lot of characters and family relationships introduced early on, so I occasionally had to pause and remind myself who belonged to whom. I also wished a couple of conflicts relied a little less on miscommunication, as a few honest conversations could have saved everyone a great deal of trouble. Neither issue, however, kept me from thoroughly enjoying the ride.
Overall, this was a wonderfully fun mix of romance, mystery, humor, and holiday charm. It delivered exactly what I wanted: lovable characters, clever twists, heartfelt moments, and enough festive murder to make Christmas considerably more exciting than my own family gatherings. If Ally Carter keeps writing holiday mysteries like this, I'll happily make them part of my annual Christmas reading tradition.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for sharing this murder mystery romance's digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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October 14, 2026
A HUGE thank you to NetGalley, Ally Carter, and HarperAudio Adult for granting me access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Some books make you smile, some make you swoon, and some have you laughing one moment and feeling your heart tugged at the next. And then there are those rare books that find their way into your heart when you least expect it. This one did just that.
From the very beginning, I was drawn into Ella and Liam's world, and before I knew it, I had devoured the entire book in a single day. Between Liam's disappearance, the secrets tucked away in this seemingly quaint mountain town, and the complicated history between two people who have spent years at odds with each other, I was completely absorbed. The pacing was wonderful, never dragging or feeling rushed, and the suspense kept me wondering how everything would unfold. I found myself trying to connect the dots right alongside the characters, and the ending genuinely caught me off guard. I did not see that coming!
One of my favorite things was the dual timeline, which gave me glimpses into Ella and Liam's childhood and helped me understand the history behind their complicated relationship. Seeing how the past shaped them made their journey toward each other all the more meaningful. Their banter was an absolute joy, full of playful jabs, spirited disagreements, and flirty exchanges that had me giggling and smiling more times than I can count. And the humor wasn't limited to the two of them. Archie and Violet brought their own brand of mischief, while Liam's mother was so hilariously clueless that she added an entirely different layer of comedy. I loved how naturally the humor unfolded while still leaving room for the mystery and its more tender moments.
Because beneath all that laughter was more emotional depth than I expected. Grief, loss, betrayal, and the divide between wealth and poverty are woven into the lives of these characters, revealing the hurt that can exist behind even the most privileged facades. In this town, powerful families seem to hold all th cards, while others are left struggling to find their footing. I appreciated how these heavier themes were woven into such an entertaining story, giving me moments of laughter alongside a quieter ache.
And Ella. Oh, my heart. Learning more about her past left me with such a deep ache for everything she had endured. I felt so much empathy for her, and yet what moved me most was the way she continued to push forward despite it all. Her pain didn't define her, and there was something so genuine and relatable about her that made me want to see her find the happiness she deserved. She was a character I couldn't help but care about, and I was rooting for her every step of the way.
Then there's Liam, who had me absolutely swooning. It wasn't simply what he said to Ella, but the way he saw her, the way he valued her, and the way his feelings came through in his actions. Beneath all the bickering and their tangled history was a tenderness that made their slow burn romance so satisfying. Watching his admiration for her shine through, even when their circumstances were complicated, made me smile in the best possible way. And one line in particular completely melted my heart:
"I came home for you, Ella. I came home because home has always been you.”
I mean, truly. How could you not swoon over that?!🫠🥰
The audiobook made this experience even more special. Brittany Pressley and Will Damron were fantastic, bringing such life and personality to the characters while capturing the humor, tension, and tenderness beautifully. Their dual narration felt natural and engaging, making the funny moments even funnier and the heartfelt ones that much more moving.
Set against the backdrop of a snowbound Colorado mountain town, this book has a wonderfully wintry atmosphere, with a touch of Christmas woven around the mystery. While the holiday season is not the main focus, the blizzard, the expansive mountain estate, and the secrets tucked away in this small town give it just enough seasonal charm to make it feel right at home on a Christmas reading list.
This was my first book by Ally Carter, and although I hadn't read the first book in the Kiss, Merry, Kill series, I never felt lost. It works beautifully as a standalone, though now I am eager to go back and read the book I missed, along with more of this author's work.
In summary, it was such a wonderful surprise, giving me a mystery that kept me guessing, a romance that made me swoon, and characters who found a place in my heart. I laughed, I felt, and I finished the book wishing I could experience it all over again. Without a doubt, this one is earning a place among my favorite Christmas reads! All the stars!!!🎄❤️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Some books make you smile, some make you swoon, and some have you laughing one moment and feeling your heart tugged at the next. And then there are those rare books that find their way into your heart when you least expect it. This one did just that.
From the very beginning, I was drawn into Ella and Liam's world, and before I knew it, I had devoured the entire book in a single day. Between Liam's disappearance, the secrets tucked away in this seemingly quaint mountain town, and the complicated history between two people who have spent years at odds with each other, I was completely absorbed. The pacing was wonderful, never dragging or feeling rushed, and the suspense kept me wondering how everything would unfold. I found myself trying to connect the dots right alongside the characters, and the ending genuinely caught me off guard. I did not see that coming!
One of my favorite things was the dual timeline, which gave me glimpses into Ella and Liam's childhood and helped me understand the history behind their complicated relationship. Seeing how the past shaped them made their journey toward each other all the more meaningful. Their banter was an absolute joy, full of playful jabs, spirited disagreements, and flirty exchanges that had me giggling and smiling more times than I can count. And the humor wasn't limited to the two of them. Archie and Violet brought their own brand of mischief, while Liam's mother was so hilariously clueless that she added an entirely different layer of comedy. I loved how naturally the humor unfolded while still leaving room for the mystery and its more tender moments.
Because beneath all that laughter was more emotional depth than I expected. Grief, loss, betrayal, and the divide between wealth and poverty are woven into the lives of these characters, revealing the hurt that can exist behind even the most privileged facades. In this town, powerful families seem to hold all th cards, while others are left struggling to find their footing. I appreciated how these heavier themes were woven into such an entertaining story, giving me moments of laughter alongside a quieter ache.
And Ella. Oh, my heart. Learning more about her past left me with such a deep ache for everything she had endured. I felt so much empathy for her, and yet what moved me most was the way she continued to push forward despite it all. Her pain didn't define her, and there was something so genuine and relatable about her that made me want to see her find the happiness she deserved. She was a character I couldn't help but care about, and I was rooting for her every step of the way.
Then there's Liam, who had me absolutely swooning. It wasn't simply what he said to Ella, but the way he saw her, the way he valued her, and the way his feelings came through in his actions. Beneath all the bickering and their tangled history was a tenderness that made their slow burn romance so satisfying. Watching his admiration for her shine through, even when their circumstances were complicated, made me smile in the best possible way. And one line in particular completely melted my heart:
"I came home for you, Ella. I came home because home has always been you.”
I mean, truly. How could you not swoon over that?!🫠🥰
The audiobook made this experience even more special. Brittany Pressley and Will Damron were fantastic, bringing such life and personality to the characters while capturing the humor, tension, and tenderness beautifully. Their dual narration felt natural and engaging, making the funny moments even funnier and the heartfelt ones that much more moving.
Set against the backdrop of a snowbound Colorado mountain town, this book has a wonderfully wintry atmosphere, with a touch of Christmas woven around the mystery. While the holiday season is not the main focus, the blizzard, the expansive mountain estate, and the secrets tucked away in this small town give it just enough seasonal charm to make it feel right at home on a Christmas reading list.
This was my first book by Ally Carter, and although I hadn't read the first book in the Kiss, Merry, Kill series, I never felt lost. It works beautifully as a standalone, though now I am eager to go back and read the book I missed, along with more of this author's work.
In summary, it was such a wonderful surprise, giving me a mystery that kept me guessing, a romance that made me swoon, and characters who found a place in my heart. I laughed, I felt, and I finished the book wishing I could experience it all over again. Without a doubt, this one is earning a place among my favorite Christmas reads! All the stars!!!🎄❤️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
arcs-to-read
October 8, 2026Yay, I got the arc!! 🥳😍🎄 But now I'm wondering if I should read the first one before I start this book lol.....
October 11, 2026
✨ Rating: 5⭐️
🫧 Vibes: festive mystery
🎶 Song: one i've been missing - little mix
📖 Favourite Quote: "I came home for you, Ella. I came home because home has always been you."
📚 Would I recommend? YES
💬 tldr thoughts: this one ticked all the boxes for me!
In the package:
📦 childhood enemies to lovers
📦 murder mystery
📦 he falls first and HARD
📦 housekeeper's daughter x billionaire's grandson
Plot: Ella and Liam grew up together, but under very different circumstances. Ella's mother spent most of her life working for the Montgomery's as a housekeeper until she passed away from cancer. Now Ella is working 6 jobs to keep up with bills and stay afloat. Liam's grandfather has just passed away and he has just inherited everything. By the end of the night Liam is missing, there's blood left behind, Ella is at the centre of the investigation and she's determined to prove her innocence.
Thoughts: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year was one of my favourite Christmas reads when it came out and the same can be said about this book 🤭 this cat and mouse murder mystery was so entertaining with great humour but it also touches on so many important themes. It's a story about classism, love, loss and betrayal. I loved both Ella and Liam and their witty banter, and the dual timeline gave us a great glimpse into their childhood together. My heart broke for both of these characters and I love how they were exactly what each other needed. I especially loved Liam's POV because he was so pathetically down bad for Ella. He admired her so much 😭 I hope Ally Carter never stops writing these festive murder mystery books! I love her writing and how immersive her books are.
Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for the eARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on instagram ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
🫧 Vibes: festive mystery
🎶 Song: one i've been missing - little mix
📖 Favourite Quote: "I came home for you, Ella. I came home because home has always been you."
📚 Would I recommend? YES
💬 tldr thoughts: this one ticked all the boxes for me!
In the package:
📦 childhood enemies to lovers
📦 murder mystery
📦 he falls first and HARD
📦 housekeeper's daughter x billionaire's grandson
Plot: Ella and Liam grew up together, but under very different circumstances. Ella's mother spent most of her life working for the Montgomery's as a housekeeper until she passed away from cancer. Now Ella is working 6 jobs to keep up with bills and stay afloat. Liam's grandfather has just passed away and he has just inherited everything. By the end of the night Liam is missing, there's blood left behind, Ella is at the centre of the investigation and she's determined to prove her innocence.
Thoughts: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year was one of my favourite Christmas reads when it came out and the same can be said about this book 🤭 this cat and mouse murder mystery was so entertaining with great humour but it also touches on so many important themes. It's a story about classism, love, loss and betrayal. I loved both Ella and Liam and their witty banter, and the dual timeline gave us a great glimpse into their childhood together. My heart broke for both of these characters and I love how they were exactly what each other needed. I especially loved Liam's POV because he was so pathetically down bad for Ella. He admired her so much 😭 I hope Ally Carter never stops writing these festive murder mystery books! I love her writing and how immersive her books are.
Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for the eARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on instagram ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
September 9, 2026
I had so much fun reading this! I loved the characters, the witty banter, and the romance. It had humor, but also had depth. I would love to see a spinoff with the side characters from this book. I miss them already.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2026
Love love love this! The perfect Christmas murder mystery! The mystery gets you right at the beginning and this book was perfect at balancing the romance and mystery while still staying Christmas -y!!
The romance is sweet and while it’s spice free still feels very intimate! I loved the forced proximity and the childhood friends to rivals to lovers! Definitely the perfect Christmas romance to recommend or gift to any friends, family, or coworkers!
🩵Audio review!🩵
I really really loved the narrators! I’m a huge fan of Brittany Presley! I’ve listened to a few audiobooks narrated by her and she always does such a wonderful job bringing the characters to life! I loved that this was duel narrated too! It really add that extra something!!
I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an ALC in exchange for an honest review!!
The romance is sweet and while it’s spice free still feels very intimate! I loved the forced proximity and the childhood friends to rivals to lovers! Definitely the perfect Christmas romance to recommend or gift to any friends, family, or coworkers!
🩵Audio review!🩵
I really really loved the narrators! I’m a huge fan of Brittany Presley! I’ve listened to a few audiobooks narrated by her and she always does such a wonderful job bringing the characters to life! I loved that this was duel narrated too! It really add that extra something!!
I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an ALC in exchange for an honest review!!
Want to Read
December 26, 2025omgosh ANOTHER WINTER MYSTERY ROMANCE???? I just finished The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, and finding out our queen is writing yet another one is truly a blessing ♥
According to Barnes and Noble, this is the official description:
"A billionaire’s grandson and the housekeeper’s daughter square off in this cat-and-mouse holiday romance-mystery"
According to Barnes and Noble, this is the official description:
"A billionaire’s grandson and the housekeeper’s daughter square off in this cat-and-mouse holiday romance-mystery"
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
So this was a fun book and excellent narration and is definitely worth a listen or read. Basically take Clue plus Christmas with a great romance in there and you have this book.
Ella and Liam grew up together but were very different people. She was the maid's kid and he, as Ella put it, had roman numerals in his name and grew up with extreme privilege. They were like two magnets who could not stay away from each other growing up but there was always friction too - largely due to their respective families. Even though Liam's parents were awful, the one thing they were sure of was they didn't want Liam anywhere near Ella. Meanwhile Ella's mother, understanding the cruelty and whims of the very rich, also didn't want her daughter anywhere near Liam. Once they were able to push them apart everyone thought they were over. Then the patriarch of the family died and all hell breaks lose.
I loved this book. Did it feel very Christmasy? No. But it was such a fun time. The peak banter between Liam and Ella was absolute perfection. Also the various characters were incredibly outlandish and so over the top that it made for such a fun time. Of course, there was a bit of a murder mystery in this book but it reminded me old school Agatha Christie style in how it proceeded. We even got the whole gather all of the suspects in the manor house while the motives of each were laid out until the guilty party was outed.
Highly suggest this book because it was such fun to read. However, if you're looking for a ton of Christmas in it, this one did not have that.
Thank you to Libro.fm and Avon for an ALC of this book.
Ella and Liam grew up together but were very different people. She was the maid's kid and he, as Ella put it, had roman numerals in his name and grew up with extreme privilege. They were like two magnets who could not stay away from each other growing up but there was always friction too - largely due to their respective families. Even though Liam's parents were awful, the one thing they were sure of was they didn't want Liam anywhere near Ella. Meanwhile Ella's mother, understanding the cruelty and whims of the very rich, also didn't want her daughter anywhere near Liam. Once they were able to push them apart everyone thought they were over. Then the patriarch of the family died and all hell breaks lose.
I loved this book. Did it feel very Christmasy? No. But it was such a fun time. The peak banter between Liam and Ella was absolute perfection. Also the various characters were incredibly outlandish and so over the top that it made for such a fun time. Of course, there was a bit of a murder mystery in this book but it reminded me old school Agatha Christie style in how it proceeded. We even got the whole gather all of the suspects in the manor house while the motives of each were laid out until the guilty party was outed.
Highly suggest this book because it was such fun to read. However, if you're looking for a ton of Christmas in it, this one did not have that.
Thank you to Libro.fm and Avon for an ALC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was so eager to read this book, but at the same time, I was terrified to start it. The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is one of my all-time favorite Christmas stories, so I was worried the second book wouldn't live up to the first. I couldn't have been more wrong—it was absolute perfection.
This story is much more grounded and touches on important social issues, though it certainly doesn't lack humor. The banter between Ella and Liam is as entertaining as ever to follow—and let’s not forget Archie!
At the same time, Ella’s backstory completely broke my heart. That timeless, painful divide between the rich and the poor. That devastating feeling of helplessness, where even being the perfect daughter isn't enough to change anything.
I loved how the author gradually brings the main characters together and unfolds their secrets, rather than just throwing them together to force the romance. Actions speak louder than words, and Liam’s actions are proof of that.
I don't know what else to add, except that you will fall head over heels for Liam Montgomery and cry your eyes out right alongside Ella Chambers.
I was so eager to read this book, but at the same time, I was terrified to start it. The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is one of my all-time favorite Christmas stories, so I was worried the second book wouldn't live up to the first. I couldn't have been more wrong—it was absolute perfection.
This story is much more grounded and touches on important social issues, though it certainly doesn't lack humor. The banter between Ella and Liam is as entertaining as ever to follow—and let’s not forget Archie!
At the same time, Ella’s backstory completely broke my heart. That timeless, painful divide between the rich and the poor. That devastating feeling of helplessness, where even being the perfect daughter isn't enough to change anything.
I loved how the author gradually brings the main characters together and unfolds their secrets, rather than just throwing them together to force the romance. Actions speak louder than words, and Liam’s actions are proof of that.
I don't know what else to add, except that you will fall head over heels for Liam Montgomery and cry your eyes out right alongside Ella Chambers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a unique and fun holiday read with equal parts mystery and romance. Everything came together perfectly and at only ~300 pages the pacing was great. I flew through the audiobook too and think it is a perfect read to pick up while getting ready for the holiday season.
October 5, 2026
"Hey, Chambers?"
"What?"
"Who takes care of you?"
I've said this already, but I'll say it again. THIS BOOK IS FOR THE RECOVERING PEOPLE PLEASERS!!! For the people who spent so much of their life catering to others, and trying to read other people's mind to anticipate their needs, it's your turn to be taken care of!!
I will forever be an Ally Carter fan, I was a fan when I was a teen, and I'm still a fan as a gal in her 30's. You can always count on her to deliver the most perfect holiday mystery romances, and this was no different. I loved The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year and I think I love this one even more. The dynamic between Liam and Ella was so cute, I loved the whole childhood friends (sorta-ish, friends is a stretch 😂) and billionaire's grandson x their housekeeper's daughter.
I realize I've been reading a lot of books with flashbacks lately, and let me just say that they were done so well here!! It was so endearing to get tidbits of their past together to really paint the whole picture of what they mean to one another. And while Liam comes off initially as a bit of a jerk, I loved how the flashbacks gave you more well rounded picture of his character, and how desperately he wanted Ella to stop taking care of everyone for just one moment in her life, and to realize she too, deserves to be taken care of.
And the audio book?! So SO good, oh my god. I had so much fun with it, and I loved all the audio effects that were done for it. It really added to the mystery aspect of the book. Both narrators also did such a phenomenal job. I am a huge fan of Brittany Pressley, and will always pick up an audiobook if she's narrating! I don't often find myself able to just sit and listen to an audiobook, (I need to be either driving or walking or just some activity) but I found myself needing to know what happened next and wanting to spend more time with these characters.
If you're looking for a cozy mystery rom com perfect for the holiday season this one is for you!! Ally Carter will never miss when it comes to keeping you on your toes with the mystery, and making you heart fill warm with the romance!
Thank you so much to libro.fm and Avon for the alc! It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder is out now!
_______________________________________________________
can always count on ally carter for a lovely holiday mystery romance 🥹
I think I loved this one even more than the most wonderful crime of the year
full rtc !!!
"What?"
"Who takes care of you?"
I've said this already, but I'll say it again. THIS BOOK IS FOR THE RECOVERING PEOPLE PLEASERS!!! For the people who spent so much of their life catering to others, and trying to read other people's mind to anticipate their needs, it's your turn to be taken care of!!
I will forever be an Ally Carter fan, I was a fan when I was a teen, and I'm still a fan as a gal in her 30's. You can always count on her to deliver the most perfect holiday mystery romances, and this was no different. I loved The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year and I think I love this one even more. The dynamic between Liam and Ella was so cute, I loved the whole childhood friends (sorta-ish, friends is a stretch 😂) and billionaire's grandson x their housekeeper's daughter.
I realize I've been reading a lot of books with flashbacks lately, and let me just say that they were done so well here!! It was so endearing to get tidbits of their past together to really paint the whole picture of what they mean to one another. And while Liam comes off initially as a bit of a jerk, I loved how the flashbacks gave you more well rounded picture of his character, and how desperately he wanted Ella to stop taking care of everyone for just one moment in her life, and to realize she too, deserves to be taken care of.
And the audio book?! So SO good, oh my god. I had so much fun with it, and I loved all the audio effects that were done for it. It really added to the mystery aspect of the book. Both narrators also did such a phenomenal job. I am a huge fan of Brittany Pressley, and will always pick up an audiobook if she's narrating! I don't often find myself able to just sit and listen to an audiobook, (I need to be either driving or walking or just some activity) but I found myself needing to know what happened next and wanting to spend more time with these characters.
If you're looking for a cozy mystery rom com perfect for the holiday season this one is for you!! Ally Carter will never miss when it comes to keeping you on your toes with the mystery, and making you heart fill warm with the romance!
Thank you so much to libro.fm and Avon for the alc! It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder is out now!
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can always count on ally carter for a lovely holiday mystery romance 🥹
I think I loved this one even more than the most wonderful crime of the year
full rtc !!!
Review of advance copy
4.5 ⭐️
Quick intro:
Another truly delightful romantic cozy mystery romp from Ally Carter featuring an adorable pair of idiots who are so obviously in love with each other as they try to figure out who attempted to murder Liam the night his grandfather’s will was read making him the the sole heir to his fortune.
Quick thoughts:
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by our dear Ally Carter is one of my FAVORITE holiday reads. The way she writes a cozy holiday mystery with kissing and murder and romps is stellar, so when I heard that we were getting another…I could not wait to get my hands on it! A special shoutout to the ultimate girls girl Annabel Monaghan for personally mailing me her ARC after she read it, because I lamented in her DMs over not receiving an ARC. Love you times one million and forehead kisses to you.
Read this book if you are looking for an easy breezy holiday read, love banter, enjoy bingeable books with short chapters, childhood enemies to lovers, cat and mouse mysteries, like dual third person POV with police interviews sprinkled throughout, and don’t take yourself too seriously. This book is honestly just plain FUN and should paired with a cup of hot cocoa, a Christmas scented candle, and one heck of a cozy sweater. Don’t miss this when it comes out in October - the first print run has fun sprayed edges!!
Quick intro:
Another truly delightful romantic cozy mystery romp from Ally Carter featuring an adorable pair of idiots who are so obviously in love with each other as they try to figure out who attempted to murder Liam the night his grandfather’s will was read making him the the sole heir to his fortune.
Quick thoughts:
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by our dear Ally Carter is one of my FAVORITE holiday reads. The way she writes a cozy holiday mystery with kissing and murder and romps is stellar, so when I heard that we were getting another…I could not wait to get my hands on it! A special shoutout to the ultimate girls girl Annabel Monaghan for personally mailing me her ARC after she read it, because I lamented in her DMs over not receiving an ARC. Love you times one million and forehead kisses to you.
Read this book if you are looking for an easy breezy holiday read, love banter, enjoy bingeable books with short chapters, childhood enemies to lovers, cat and mouse mysteries, like dual third person POV with police interviews sprinkled throughout, and don’t take yourself too seriously. This book is honestly just plain FUN and should paired with a cup of hot cocoa, a Christmas scented candle, and one heck of a cozy sweater. Don’t miss this when it comes out in October - the first print run has fun sprayed edges!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My review dissolved into GR never land, so reposting it here.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder was such a huge delight of a book. I think I had a perma-smile throughout this entire story. Ally Carter blew me away with her wit, humor, lovable characters, writing style, and fun plot in her first book in this series, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year. And then she went and did it again!
While I smiled and laughed, and felt giddy throughout this book, I was also impressed by the depth in this book as well. Woven in were themes of grief, poverty, classism, and betrayal. I am thoroughly impressed with this book. If you are planning to read a Christmasy novel, make sure it’s this one. Also, it would be enjoyable anytime of the year.
Thank you so much Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for granting my wish for the ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder was such a huge delight of a book. I think I had a perma-smile throughout this entire story. Ally Carter blew me away with her wit, humor, lovable characters, writing style, and fun plot in her first book in this series, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year. And then she went and did it again!
While I smiled and laughed, and felt giddy throughout this book, I was also impressed by the depth in this book as well. Woven in were themes of grief, poverty, classism, and betrayal. I am thoroughly impressed with this book. If you are planning to read a Christmasy novel, make sure it’s this one. Also, it would be enjoyable anytime of the year.
Thank you so much Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for granting my wish for the ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
July 1, 2026
5 Stars.
❄️ The vibes:
- He’s a rich boy
- The housekeeper’s daughter
- Slow burn
- Mystery
- Family secrets
- Wintry Christmas time setting
- Closed door (kisses only)
❄️ My thoughts:
I went into this expecting a possibly funny, murder mystery romance, but this was much heavier in the themes than I expected. 😭. There’s a poor girl who has had all the hard knocks and a rich boy who has everything he’s ever dreams of. She hates him. She thinks he hates her. Spoiler. He doesn’t.
❄️ I really liked this book a lot. It was definitely wintry not so much Christmasy, but there were a few Christmas sprinkles here and there which I liked. This is ultimately a really good murder mystery type of book with a lot of emotional depth. There are definitely some sad undertones throughout the book, but the romance was so sweet that it made it all worth it in the end. And dare I say this felt Draco Malfoy and Hermione coded- which I LOVED.
Note / spice content: closed door (kisses only); light language (a*; bi*).
Release date: October 13, 2026.
Thank you so much to Ally Carter, Avon and Harper Voyager , and NetGalley for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author/publisher, but this honest review is voluntary.
❄️ The vibes:
- He’s a rich boy
- The housekeeper’s daughter
- Slow burn
- Mystery
- Family secrets
- Wintry Christmas time setting
- Closed door (kisses only)
❄️ My thoughts:
I went into this expecting a possibly funny, murder mystery romance, but this was much heavier in the themes than I expected. 😭. There’s a poor girl who has had all the hard knocks and a rich boy who has everything he’s ever dreams of. She hates him. She thinks he hates her. Spoiler. He doesn’t.
❄️ I really liked this book a lot. It was definitely wintry not so much Christmasy, but there were a few Christmas sprinkles here and there which I liked. This is ultimately a really good murder mystery type of book with a lot of emotional depth. There are definitely some sad undertones throughout the book, but the romance was so sweet that it made it all worth it in the end. And dare I say this felt Draco Malfoy and Hermione coded- which I LOVED.
Note / spice content: closed door (kisses only); light language (a*; bi*).
Release date: October 13, 2026.
Thank you so much to Ally Carter, Avon and Harper Voyager , and NetGalley for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author/publisher, but this honest review is voluntary.
July 28, 2026
I’ve read the most wonderful crime of the year last Christmas season and LOVED it so much. I was so excited to know a new one was coming out and I loved this one just as much. The balance between the romance and mystery is so well done. The characters are well crafted ! You could really see the development of Liam and the way he got better with Ella. And Ella omg, love her. We love an actually strong FMC !
I’m going to read all of her other books now.
I’m going to read all of her other books now.
October 14, 2026
This audiobook was SO much fun! I absolutely loved Liam Montgomery and Ella Chambers’ chemistry. These childhood rivals had me hooked from the start, and their banter and dynamic were perfection! The enemies-to-lovers tension, forced proximity, and cat-and-mouse mystery made this such an entertaining listen.
The premise was fantastic, too! Ella is convinced Liam didn’t die, despite the bloody evidence suggesting otherwise. Now she has to clear her name and find the real killer, while Liam is secretly hunting for a killer of his own. Add a quaint mountain town full of secrets, a Christmas party murder mystery, and a storm of the century trapping everyone together, and you have the perfect recipe for chaos! 😂
And the narrators? ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! They brought the characters to life and captured the humor, personalities, and chemistry so well. The narration made an already hilarious story even better, and I genuinely had moments where I was laughing out loud!
Five stars without hesitation! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The premise was fantastic, too! Ella is convinced Liam didn’t die, despite the bloody evidence suggesting otherwise. Now she has to clear her name and find the real killer, while Liam is secretly hunting for a killer of his own. Add a quaint mountain town full of secrets, a Christmas party murder mystery, and a storm of the century trapping everyone together, and you have the perfect recipe for chaos! 😂
And the narrators? ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! They brought the characters to life and captured the humor, personalities, and chemistry so well. The narration made an already hilarious story even better, and I genuinely had moments where I was laughing out loud!
Five stars without hesitation! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 13, 2026
This was SO MUCH FUN. Playful and chaotic and slapdash and sweet with a good old fashioned mystery at the core, I just adored it.
AMAZING audio narration. This one is a must listen, in my opinion.
AMAZING audio narration. This one is a must listen, in my opinion.
October 14, 2026
Such a fun audiobook. It has fun, twists, romance and more. I loved the way the tension ratcheted up and the way the plot twisted around. I anticipated a few but kept wanting to just drop into the pages. A Christmas treat!
October 17, 2026
Soooo cuteeee
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year was one of my favorite books last year & I’ve been SOOO excited for this one.
It felt like the Christmas edition of Knives Out & I totally ate it up.
Liam (MMC) is down bad. People are getting shot. Snow is falling. A 6ft Nutcracker gets mistaken for a body. This was pure, indulgent FUN
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year was one of my favorite books last year & I’ve been SOOO excited for this one.
It felt like the Christmas edition of Knives Out & I totally ate it up.
Liam (MMC) is down bad. People are getting shot. Snow is falling. A 6ft Nutcracker gets mistaken for a body. This was pure, indulgent FUN
October 18, 2026
Less holiday than what I was hoping and expecting! The development was slow! However, if you love a mindless murder mystery that wasn’t actually a murder mystery, then add it to your TBR.
It’s closed door and zero bad language.
It’s closed door and zero bad language.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder by Ally Carter
Publication Date: October 13, 2026
🎧 Narrated by Brittany Pressley & Will Damron
This was such a fun, cozy holiday mystery/rom-com! It’s the second book in Ally Carter’s Kiss, Merry, Kill series, and while the title and adorable cover are very Christmas-y, the actual story is surprisingly light on the holiday atmosphere. But honestly? I didn’t mind. I was much more invested in the mystery anyway—and I do love that title. 🎄🔪
Ella Chambers has returned to her small hometown after losing her mother to cancer. Her mother spent her life working as a housekeeper for one of the town’s extremely wealthy families, just as Ella’s grandmother did before her. This is the kind of town where a handful of rich families seem to own and control just about everything, and Ella is very firmly one of the have-nots. She’s working six jobs, her car barely starts, and she’s basically doing whatever she can to stay afloat.
Then she attends the Montgomery family’s Christmas party.
By the end of the night, Liam Montgomery—Ella’s former crush and the grandson of the family patriarch—is missing. There’s blood. There’s been a gunshot. And Ella suddenly finds herself at the center of the investigation.
The story jumps between the events surrounding Liam’s disappearance and Ella being questioned by the sheriff, so we know from the beginning that something has gone spectacularly wrong without immediately knowing exactly how she got there. I really enjoyed that structure because it kept the mystery moving and gave the book a little more suspense than I expected from such a cozy premise.
There’s also a very clear class divide running through the story. Ella is barely scraping by while Liam comes from extraordinary wealth, and the differences between their worlds are part of both the mystery and their relationship. Liam’s parents provide some of the funniest moments—particularly his mother, who is so completely and hilariously out of touch with reality.
For me, the mystery was stronger than the romance, which worked perfectly because that’s what I was hoping for. It’s cozy, funny, romantic, and extremely easy to fly through.
I listened to this one after spotting it through the Libro.fm Influencer Program and seeing several early reviews that made me curious. The audiobook was an especially good fit for the story. Brittany Pressley narrates Ella and was the standout for me. She does so much character voice work, and I loved the rhythm and personality she brought to the narration. Will Damron narrates Liam and also gives a solid performance. Overall, it’s a very polished dual-narrator production and incredibly easy to follow on audio.
If you like cozy mysteries with romance, small-town secrets, ridiculous rich people, and just enough Christmas sprinkled on top, this is a fun one to add to your holiday reading list. 🎄🕵️♀️❤️
Thank you to Libro.fm and the Libro.fm Influencer Program for the gifted audiobook!
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder by Ally Carter
Publication Date: October 13, 2026
🎧 Narrated by Brittany Pressley & Will Damron
This was such a fun, cozy holiday mystery/rom-com! It’s the second book in Ally Carter’s Kiss, Merry, Kill series, and while the title and adorable cover are very Christmas-y, the actual story is surprisingly light on the holiday atmosphere. But honestly? I didn’t mind. I was much more invested in the mystery anyway—and I do love that title. 🎄🔪
Ella Chambers has returned to her small hometown after losing her mother to cancer. Her mother spent her life working as a housekeeper for one of the town’s extremely wealthy families, just as Ella’s grandmother did before her. This is the kind of town where a handful of rich families seem to own and control just about everything, and Ella is very firmly one of the have-nots. She’s working six jobs, her car barely starts, and she’s basically doing whatever she can to stay afloat.
Then she attends the Montgomery family’s Christmas party.
By the end of the night, Liam Montgomery—Ella’s former crush and the grandson of the family patriarch—is missing. There’s blood. There’s been a gunshot. And Ella suddenly finds herself at the center of the investigation.
The story jumps between the events surrounding Liam’s disappearance and Ella being questioned by the sheriff, so we know from the beginning that something has gone spectacularly wrong without immediately knowing exactly how she got there. I really enjoyed that structure because it kept the mystery moving and gave the book a little more suspense than I expected from such a cozy premise.
There’s also a very clear class divide running through the story. Ella is barely scraping by while Liam comes from extraordinary wealth, and the differences between their worlds are part of both the mystery and their relationship. Liam’s parents provide some of the funniest moments—particularly his mother, who is so completely and hilariously out of touch with reality.
For me, the mystery was stronger than the romance, which worked perfectly because that’s what I was hoping for. It’s cozy, funny, romantic, and extremely easy to fly through.
I listened to this one after spotting it through the Libro.fm Influencer Program and seeing several early reviews that made me curious. The audiobook was an especially good fit for the story. Brittany Pressley narrates Ella and was the standout for me. She does so much character voice work, and I loved the rhythm and personality she brought to the narration. Will Damron narrates Liam and also gives a solid performance. Overall, it’s a very polished dual-narrator production and incredibly easy to follow on audio.
If you like cozy mysteries with romance, small-town secrets, ridiculous rich people, and just enough Christmas sprinkled on top, this is a fun one to add to your holiday reading list. 🎄🕵️♀️❤️
Thank you to Libro.fm and the Libro.fm Influencer Program for the gifted audiobook!
October 17, 2026
Recently have been loving mashed up genres books, and this murder romcom was just what I was wanting. Add in some Christmas flair, lots of snow, and only one hot spring– thank you, Santa for this lovely treat.
Possible to read without reading book one in this series (The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year), I liked the high stakes of murder, inheritance, family, hiding, and more.
I got Knives Out vibes, but was very pleasantly surprised things were very different.
Fun to meet a fellow architect in Liam, who was swoony but would have trusted Ella a bit more.
Ella was harder for me to like, possibly because of the subplot of poverty, being the help, and the various emotional burdens on her shoulder. (Hope she gets therapy after all this!)
The writing was snappy and fun and easy, though I would have preferred quite a bit more com and a bit more rom.
Shoutout to Grandma Sherwood– ‘This time, Grandma didn’t smile and she didn’t laugh. She was a stone when she said: “I dislike any man who goes through five wives in thirty year.”’ TELL THEM, GRANDMA. (Though you could have used a full stop after ‘man’.)
Extra shoutout to the punny title, love it.
A big 3.5 stars rounded up.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
Possible to read without reading book one in this series (The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year), I liked the high stakes of murder, inheritance, family, hiding, and more.
I got Knives Out vibes, but was very pleasantly surprised things were very different.
Fun to meet a fellow architect in Liam, who was swoony but would have trusted Ella a bit more.
Ella was harder for me to like, possibly because of the subplot of poverty, being the help, and the various emotional burdens on her shoulder. (Hope she gets therapy after all this!)
The writing was snappy and fun and easy, though I would have preferred quite a bit more com and a bit more rom.
Shoutout to Grandma Sherwood– ‘This time, Grandma didn’t smile and she didn’t laugh. She was a stone when she said: “I dislike any man who goes through five wives in thirty year.”’ TELL THEM, GRANDMA. (Though you could have used a full stop after ‘man’.)
Extra shoutout to the punny title, love it.
A big 3.5 stars rounded up.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
October 4, 2026
“i came home for you, ella. i came home because home has always been you.”
honeslty ,this was such a cozy, twisty xmas treat!
think knives out meets a sweet, banter-filled romance.
we follow ella, the housekeeper’s daughter, who suddenly finds herself accused of trying to kill liam, the town’s spoiled rich heir—except he’s actually alive and well!
the dynamic between them was so funny and cute.
ella is super hardworking and relatable, while liam has the best character growth as he slowly opens his eyes to his privilege. the childhood connection and playful banter made the story even better.
between the dual timelines, police snippets, and rich-family drama, the mystery kept me intrigued from chapter one.
so if u’re looking for a quick, fun holiday read with murder, romance, and tons of atmosphere, definitely add this to your tbr! 💌
least but not last a lot of thanks to netgalley, harpercollinsuk and harperfiction for sending me the earc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
honeslty ,this was such a cozy, twisty xmas treat!
think knives out meets a sweet, banter-filled romance.
we follow ella, the housekeeper’s daughter, who suddenly finds herself accused of trying to kill liam, the town’s spoiled rich heir—except he’s actually alive and well!
the dynamic between them was so funny and cute.
ella is super hardworking and relatable, while liam has the best character growth as he slowly opens his eyes to his privilege. the childhood connection and playful banter made the story even better.
between the dual timelines, police snippets, and rich-family drama, the mystery kept me intrigued from chapter one.
so if u’re looking for a quick, fun holiday read with murder, romance, and tons of atmosphere, definitely add this to your tbr! 💌
least but not last a lot of thanks to netgalley, harpercollinsuk and harperfiction for sending me the earc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
September 16, 2026
☆ 5 stars
I went into It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder by author Ally Carter expecting a silly, goofy time which in some ways it was… whilst also being so much more. This is the perfect holiday read if you enjoy your romcom with a side of murder and mystery. Carter has showcased a wonderful skill set of blending light humour and effortless banter with the several difficult topics that are brought to the forefront throughout the story. The conversations highlighting the clear divide that exists between the upper and working class was demonstrated with clear purpose in its significance throughout the plot. Death, grief and elements of child abandonment are explored throughout with the upmost care and intent which I found utilised well by adding more emotional depth to the development of our two main characters. I had the best time getting to play detective in my determination to discover who the killer was as the plot continued to develop. The inclusion of interview logs made the experience even more humour and entertainment which I desperately hope to see being integrated more in the future. I honestly never wanted to put my book down in how deeply immersed I became into the not only the mystery, but also the budding romance that builds so painstakingly slow in the best possible way.
Ella Chambers has only ever known a life in the servitude of others with the expectation to feel grateful for the bare minimum in return. I really connected to her character in the way that taking care of others has become the burden that she is forced to carry for the sake of survival whilst also fearing who she would become without it. Her crisis of identity hit close to home and it truly broke my heart to see the recognition that her care for others is so deeply ingrained into herself that it comes to her own detriment. Ella is such a strong woman who has endured more hardship that she should ever have to face at such a young age. All she has known is a life of struggle and stressing about how to clear the debts in her name that feel so far out of reach. I absolutely despised the way (most of) the people around Ella took advantage of her innate goodness, just to immediately turn their backs when her reputation is at stake. Ella deserves the absolute world and I couldn’t be happier to see her find a partner that can freely give it to her purely because her happiness makes him happy. Her fears were so visceral and realistic to experience which makes her connection to her childhood frenemy feel all the more significant. Liam knows exactly who Ella is and has been desperately hoping for the day that he could claim her for himself as an equal partner to love, encourage and cherish. It felt so rewarding to watch Ella grow into her confidence with the recognition that her life is her own with the authoritative voice to match. I had to fight against the urge to physically clap my hands in glee with the conclusion to Ella’s story with its hopeful tone that positively signifies that her life is only now just beginning.
Liam Montgomery has every indicator of acting like the cliched, spoiled rich boy that he had been bred to be and yet, was shown to be anything but. I really loved how earnest he came across despite his wealthy background and the way that seems determined to protect the family land he inherits in the same way that his late-grandfather did. It broke my heart to recognise how important the concept of family is to Liam whilst equally being faced with disappointment after disappointment by the people that are supposed to love him unconditionally. Somebody making an attempt to murder you is bound to put a damper on anybody’s Christmas… never mind the anxiety surrounding not knowing who is responsible for your pain. I felt a lot of respect for Liam’s determination and refusal to give up whilst equally finding morbid delight in his approach to unmasking his killer. His quick-witted humour and effortless charm makes Liam an easy character to like from the very beginning, however it was his capacity to express emotional depth and vulnerability that I connected to the most. Liam is a wonderfully strong character on his own which was further strengthened by his actions as a romantic partner. I honestly don’t have a single complaint to be shared about this man (this will only ever happen when they’re fictional) and I couldn’t be happier that we get to follow his perspective throughout the story for a much more immersive experience.
There’s honestly nothing I love more than enduring the frustration that comes with watching two stupid people being hopelessly in-love whilst also being too stubborn to admit it, which is exactly the dynamic that exists between Ella and Liam. I knew I would love them from moment they started verbal sparring like an old married couple that had been together for decades and communicated their love through insults. Something I enjoyed the most was the unpredictability of their interactions as incessant bickering could suddenly be replaced with tenderness and yearning. He falls first and harder will always be the superior trope which is something that Liam demonstrates very well. I was constantly filled with questions in the beginning regarding his intentions which, for me, added to the entertainment aspect of his ‘murder’ and investigation. Their banter left me grinning so hard that my cheeks started to hurt and there’s no denying how effortless it felt to soften to their potential as a couple. Ella and Liam have received two completely different upbringings whilst also sharing more in common than they initially realised. I adored getting to see them bond closer than ever in the most unlikely circumstances… and most of all it felt rewarding to see them work together to solve the mystery that risked their lives whilst also ensuring to prioritise communication. Ella and Liam forge an unshakable relationship built on true trust, respect and friendship which was beautiful to witness from beginning to end with the inclusion of flashback scenes.
I feel embarrassed to admit that up until now I had never read an Ally Carter book and my goodness have I been missing out. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder is (in my opinion) the perfect introduction into her works as an author and I will be absolutely rushing to read her backlog. This was fantastic from beginning to end, so if you like a murder mystery romcom filled with cosy vibes and a swoon-worthy romance that feels just that little bit forbidden… then look no further.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
I went into It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder by author Ally Carter expecting a silly, goofy time which in some ways it was… whilst also being so much more. This is the perfect holiday read if you enjoy your romcom with a side of murder and mystery. Carter has showcased a wonderful skill set of blending light humour and effortless banter with the several difficult topics that are brought to the forefront throughout the story. The conversations highlighting the clear divide that exists between the upper and working class was demonstrated with clear purpose in its significance throughout the plot. Death, grief and elements of child abandonment are explored throughout with the upmost care and intent which I found utilised well by adding more emotional depth to the development of our two main characters. I had the best time getting to play detective in my determination to discover who the killer was as the plot continued to develop. The inclusion of interview logs made the experience even more humour and entertainment which I desperately hope to see being integrated more in the future. I honestly never wanted to put my book down in how deeply immersed I became into the not only the mystery, but also the budding romance that builds so painstakingly slow in the best possible way.
Ella Chambers has only ever known a life in the servitude of others with the expectation to feel grateful for the bare minimum in return. I really connected to her character in the way that taking care of others has become the burden that she is forced to carry for the sake of survival whilst also fearing who she would become without it. Her crisis of identity hit close to home and it truly broke my heart to see the recognition that her care for others is so deeply ingrained into herself that it comes to her own detriment. Ella is such a strong woman who has endured more hardship that she should ever have to face at such a young age. All she has known is a life of struggle and stressing about how to clear the debts in her name that feel so far out of reach. I absolutely despised the way (most of) the people around Ella took advantage of her innate goodness, just to immediately turn their backs when her reputation is at stake. Ella deserves the absolute world and I couldn’t be happier to see her find a partner that can freely give it to her purely because her happiness makes him happy. Her fears were so visceral and realistic to experience which makes her connection to her childhood frenemy feel all the more significant. Liam knows exactly who Ella is and has been desperately hoping for the day that he could claim her for himself as an equal partner to love, encourage and cherish. It felt so rewarding to watch Ella grow into her confidence with the recognition that her life is her own with the authoritative voice to match. I had to fight against the urge to physically clap my hands in glee with the conclusion to Ella’s story with its hopeful tone that positively signifies that her life is only now just beginning.
Liam Montgomery has every indicator of acting like the cliched, spoiled rich boy that he had been bred to be and yet, was shown to be anything but. I really loved how earnest he came across despite his wealthy background and the way that seems determined to protect the family land he inherits in the same way that his late-grandfather did. It broke my heart to recognise how important the concept of family is to Liam whilst equally being faced with disappointment after disappointment by the people that are supposed to love him unconditionally. Somebody making an attempt to murder you is bound to put a damper on anybody’s Christmas… never mind the anxiety surrounding not knowing who is responsible for your pain. I felt a lot of respect for Liam’s determination and refusal to give up whilst equally finding morbid delight in his approach to unmasking his killer. His quick-witted humour and effortless charm makes Liam an easy character to like from the very beginning, however it was his capacity to express emotional depth and vulnerability that I connected to the most. Liam is a wonderfully strong character on his own which was further strengthened by his actions as a romantic partner. I honestly don’t have a single complaint to be shared about this man (this will only ever happen when they’re fictional) and I couldn’t be happier that we get to follow his perspective throughout the story for a much more immersive experience.
There’s honestly nothing I love more than enduring the frustration that comes with watching two stupid people being hopelessly in-love whilst also being too stubborn to admit it, which is exactly the dynamic that exists between Ella and Liam. I knew I would love them from moment they started verbal sparring like an old married couple that had been together for decades and communicated their love through insults. Something I enjoyed the most was the unpredictability of their interactions as incessant bickering could suddenly be replaced with tenderness and yearning. He falls first and harder will always be the superior trope which is something that Liam demonstrates very well. I was constantly filled with questions in the beginning regarding his intentions which, for me, added to the entertainment aspect of his ‘murder’ and investigation. Their banter left me grinning so hard that my cheeks started to hurt and there’s no denying how effortless it felt to soften to their potential as a couple. Ella and Liam have received two completely different upbringings whilst also sharing more in common than they initially realised. I adored getting to see them bond closer than ever in the most unlikely circumstances… and most of all it felt rewarding to see them work together to solve the mystery that risked their lives whilst also ensuring to prioritise communication. Ella and Liam forge an unshakable relationship built on true trust, respect and friendship which was beautiful to witness from beginning to end with the inclusion of flashback scenes.
I feel embarrassed to admit that up until now I had never read an Ally Carter book and my goodness have I been missing out. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder is (in my opinion) the perfect introduction into her works as an author and I will be absolutely rushing to read her backlog. This was fantastic from beginning to end, so if you like a murder mystery romcom filled with cosy vibes and a swoon-worthy romance that feels just that little bit forbidden… then look no further.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the publisher for an ALC.
I LOVED THIS BOOOOOOK.
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This might be my new favorite of Ally Carter’s. I was down bad from the beginning and it did not let up (complimentary).
The mutual pining between Ella and Liam was top notch. As was the banter. It was sassy and heated and full of *oh my gosh kiss already* nonsense that I adore. The cat and mouse vibes are 100% accurate and you have to go with the audiobook!! Dual narration was top tier. I loved both narrators.
I kind of forgot it was Christmas in this story? But that didn’t bug me at all. I was locked in to the mystery and wondering where things were going next. I liked the the drama and turmoil It does lean on the heavier side (see content warnings) yet it didn’t overwhelm the plot to me and worked well to amplify the themes.
The romance was tender and nuanced. I liked that they both learned new things about each other and found ways to work together. They both had a protective streak I was obsessed with. There was emotional depth and this longing for home (as a person) between Ella and Liam I could not get enough of.
Overall audience notes:
– Christmas Mystery + Romance
– Language: low
– Romance: closed door
– Violence: moderate
– Content warnings: loss of a parent (cancer), murder, attempted murder, gun violence, loss of a grandparent, other mentions of cancer
I LOVED THIS BOOOOOOK.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
This might be my new favorite of Ally Carter’s. I was down bad from the beginning and it did not let up (complimentary).
The mutual pining between Ella and Liam was top notch. As was the banter. It was sassy and heated and full of *oh my gosh kiss already* nonsense that I adore. The cat and mouse vibes are 100% accurate and you have to go with the audiobook!! Dual narration was top tier. I loved both narrators.
I kind of forgot it was Christmas in this story? But that didn’t bug me at all. I was locked in to the mystery and wondering where things were going next. I liked the the drama and turmoil It does lean on the heavier side (see content warnings) yet it didn’t overwhelm the plot to me and worked well to amplify the themes.
The romance was tender and nuanced. I liked that they both learned new things about each other and found ways to work together. They both had a protective streak I was obsessed with. There was emotional depth and this longing for home (as a person) between Ella and Liam I could not get enough of.
Overall audience notes:
– Christmas Mystery + Romance
– Language: low
– Romance: closed door
– Violence: moderate
– Content warnings: loss of a parent (cancer), murder, attempted murder, gun violence, loss of a grandparent, other mentions of cancer
July 17, 2026
Another one by Ally Carter that I really enjoyed! I loved The Most Wonderful Crime Of The Year so when I heard this one was coming out, I was so excited. And then even more excited when I received an eARC!
The beginning was a bit slow for me and took me some time to become fully invested but then once I was hooked, that was it. I loved Ella. She was my favorite character and I loved the banter with her and Liam. The mystery part of the book was clever and kept me wanting to keep reading. I’m also a sucker for rich people and all their drama which this book absolutely has.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
The beginning was a bit slow for me and took me some time to become fully invested but then once I was hooked, that was it. I loved Ella. She was my favorite character and I loved the banter with her and Liam. The mystery part of the book was clever and kept me wanting to keep reading. I’m also a sucker for rich people and all their drama which this book absolutely has.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
October 11, 2026
Another fun Christmas mystery! I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year but I still had a good time with it.
I really like the police interview format woven throughout the story. It adds an interesting element as the pieces slowly come together. I enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was. I didn’t guess correctly but it was fun putting the clues together! Ella and Liam made a cute couple and I enjoyed them together.
The audiobook was well done, too. Overall, an entertaining holiday mystery that was fun to listen to.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult and Avon for this alc! The book and audio will be published Oct 13, 2026.
I really like the police interview format woven throughout the story. It adds an interesting element as the pieces slowly come together. I enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was. I didn’t guess correctly but it was fun putting the clues together! Ella and Liam made a cute couple and I enjoyed them together.
The audiobook was well done, too. Overall, an entertaining holiday mystery that was fun to listen to.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult and Avon for this alc! The book and audio will be published Oct 13, 2026.
October 10, 2026
4.25⭐️ • 0/5🌶️ • 0/5😢
Seriously I love these books from Ally Carter! While the book is set around Christmas, this rom-com murder mystery can easily be read any time of year.
𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀
→ Colorado mountain setting 🏔️
→ knives-out “murder” mystery ☠️
→ rich people being bad 😈
→ second chance ⏮️💕
→ rich MMC x poor FMC💰
Thank you to Avon, HarperAudio and NetGalley for advanced copies of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Seriously I love these books from Ally Carter! While the book is set around Christmas, this rom-com murder mystery can easily be read any time of year.
𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀
→ Colorado mountain setting 🏔️
→ knives-out “murder” mystery ☠️
→ rich people being bad 😈
→ second chance ⏮️💕
→ rich MMC x poor FMC💰
Thank you to Avon, HarperAudio and NetGalley for advanced copies of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2026
Having loved Ally Carter's Christmas book-It's the Most Wonderful Crime of the Year-I knew I had to get my hands on this one. And she did it again! I could not guess the villain. Though, to be fair, there were a LOT of sketchy suspects that were pretty awful. Carter does well with raising the stakes while keeping the story moving. And let's not forget the romance. The banter was superb in this one. I'm excited to see what Carter will do next!
Review of advance copy
In the beginning, I found Ella extremely annoying. But she eventually became tolerable.
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