Fresh off the release of his latest novel, Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect, which only just came out back in January, bestselling author Benjamin Stevenson is already gearing up for a two-book year in 2024 with his next novel, a holiday-themed murder mystery titled Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret, set to hit bookstores on October 22, just ahead of the holidays.
It’s a little ironic when you really think about it. Stevenson—who has quickly become one of the biggest names in the mystery and thriller genre today, with his work earning praise from readers and critics alike, all the while drawing comparisons to Agatha Christie and Richard Osman—just released a book where the main character, an author, was struggling to find inspiration and meet his publishing deadline. Clearly, Stevenson himself has no such issues because he’s churning out must-read whodunits at a blazing clip.
For those new to his books, Benjamin Stevenson is an award-winning comedian who, after conquering the world of stand-up comedy, turned his focus to writing mystery novels. Of course, his books are infused with the kind of sarcasm and humor one might expect from a comedian, but don’t let that fool you. Stevenson can really, really write. And while you’ll find a touch of light humor, his body of work is nothing to laugh at. He had a couple of novels out before hitting it big with Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone, a mystery that fellow New York Times bestselling author Karin Slaughter said is “absolutely not to be missed,” in early 2023. This year, the protagionist of that book, Ernest Cunningham—who much prefers to be called “Ern” or even “Ernie” for short—returned for another killer outing in Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect, a tightly-wound whodunit that pays obvious respect to Christie’s iconic Murder On The Orient Express.
While it’s fair to say that Stevenson’s last book pays homage to the Queen of Crime, Ern is no Hercule Poirot, and this isn’t your mother’s classic cozie. Smartly plotted and packed with clues galore, Stevenson has proven he can compete with the very best writers working today, which makes his next book not only noteworthy but one of this fall’s most anticipated new titles.
Details are pretty hard to come by right now, but we did manage to confirm that Ern will again serve as the story’s protagonist and even get our hands on some plot details, which you can read below. Just make sure you check back in the coming weeks for a cover reveal to go with.
Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret by Benjamin Stevenson
Available on Ocotber 22, 204
Mariner Books
From the Bestselling author of Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone and Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect comes a new mystery novel perfect for this holiday season
There are quite a few differences between an Australian Christmas and the stereotypical Northern Hemisphere fare.
For one, we don’t get snow. And, in my specific experience, there tend to be more murders.
Which brings us here.
After having solved two relatively high-profile murders, my third case begins when a body drops dead at my feet during a Christmas pageant.
I’m writing this all out on Christmas Eve, and honestly, this whole thing’s an advent calendar. 23 clues and a killer, because the best chocolate’s always behind door number 24.
But getting there won’t be easy. Because this Christmas, everyone has a motive. So it’s not a matter of who wanted the victim dead – but who got there first . . .
Benjamin Stevenson is an award-winning stand-up comedian and author. His first novel, Greenlight, was shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Fiction, and his second novel, Either Side of Midnight, was shortlisted for the International Thriller Writers Award for Best Original Paperback. Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone, his third novel, was a huge bestseller and has so far been sold in twenty-four territories around the world. It will soon be adapted into a major HBO TV series. Benjamin has sold out live shows from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival all the way to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and has appeared on ABC TV, Channel 10, and The Comedy Channel.
Readers looking to pre-order Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret can now do so here.
Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.