The Pieces Didn't Fit: A Book Review of The Christmas Jigsaw Murders

There is nothing I love more than a book that challenges me. A puzzle, a riddle, a game of wits between author and reader—it’s the ultimate literary high. So, when I picked up The Christmas Jigsaw Murders by Alexandra Benedict, I was ready to sharpen my pencil and dive into the festive fray. But as any seasoned puzzle-lover knows, there is nothing more frustrating than getting to the end of a 1,000-piece jigsaw only to find the last five pieces were never in the box to begin with.

Let’s start with the "flowery" bits: the vibes were immaculate. It’s the quintessential festive read—atmospheric, chilly, and perfect for a night by the fire (with a cup of tea, of course). The concept of a puzzle-within-a-book is a stroke of genius, and the beginning of the story promised a "wicked" game that I was more than happy to play.

However, the pacing was a bit of a slog. It took a while to truly get its hooks into me, and for a story about a killer on the loose, I wanted a bit more of that snappy, high-stakes tension I crave.

A Mystery That Doesn't Play Fair

Here is where I get a bit catty: the mystery cheated. In my world, a mystery is a contract. The author provides the clues, and the reader provides the logic. But in The Christmas Jigsaw Murders, significant and specific details were withheld until the final moments. It made the murder impossible to solve. For a book that literally invites the reader to play along, withholding the "pieces" is unforgivable. It felt less like a clever challenge and more like a rigged game.

Book Review Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐.5 A clever idea that stumbled at the finish line. If you love meta-fiction and riddles for the sake of riddles, you’ll enjoy the ride. But if you’re like me and you want a mystery that plays by the rules? You might find yourself wanting to throw the puzzle box across the room.