This is Stevenson’s best one yet! I loved how he ran with the Christmas special theme, using this opportunity to lay out an incredibly creative and imaginative murder with the usual caustic Aussie wit he’s come to be known for. Every mention of our sun baked Australian Christmas traditions (Christmas crackers, backyard cricket, the inevitable discussions about the weather—yesterday was a 40 degree day for me so absolutely on point! and probably plenty more references I’ve forgot) along with the stunning backdrop of one of Australia’s biggest tourist attractions, the Blue Mountains just made me feel so seen! It’s nice to read something that reflects an Australian Christmas for a change. And as always, Barton Welch’s narration is the icing on the top, the strawberry on top of the pavlova. Barr brings Ern to life in ways I don’t think any other actor could possibly do. If he doesn’t get a crack at Ern for the HBO show or at least get a cameo in the series, I’ll be pretty disappointed.