A review by hauntedtesty
The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
I initially felt bad for comparing this to And Then There Were None, but I'm glad to see other reviews picking the same issues.
Good points - I liked the riddle aspect, a twelve days at christmas hunt with tension is a good plot idea! I actually really enjoyed -no spoilers - the part where someone would list everything they loved about a person.
Everything else - I couldn't get on with the characters, the culprit was noticeable but I couldn't even enjoy the protag working it out. Each character has one real trait and this will be repeated often in the hopes it gives them flesh. The tension wobbled a lot as I was really bewildered by the attitudes to certain events, the end just collapsed on itself.
Good points - I liked the riddle aspect, a twelve days at christmas hunt with tension is a good plot idea! I actually really enjoyed -no spoilers - the part where someone would list everything they loved about a person.
Everything else - I couldn't get on with the characters, the culprit was noticeable but I couldn't even enjoy the protag working it out. Each character has one real trait and this will be repeated often in the hopes it gives them flesh. The tension wobbled a lot as I was really bewildered by the attitudes to certain events, the end just collapsed on itself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Biphobia and Incest
Minor: Alcoholism