Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret: A Festive Mystery

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.