Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief

Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief is a locked-room mystery combining comedy, clever dialogue, and danger. Ernest and his fiancée Juliette visit the bank for a simple loan application. But then a robbery happens, turning into a hostage situation and a murder. There are ten suspects, and Ernest must figure out who killed whom and who planned to steal what, since, as the title suggests, almost everyone in the room is a thief.

Stevenson keeps his trademark style: Ernest narrates directly to the reader, laying out clues in real time so you feel like you're solving the puzzle alongside him, not just watching him solve it. He's engaging, a little quirky, and juggles a lot of moving parts perfectly. I loved how, while he is trapped, he gives the reader the technical requirements of writing a mystery.

The tone is light and fun, and the pacing moves quickly between the different suspects and their motives. It's a twisty read, and I loved the puzzle aspect, but it leans a bit on gimmicks, and a few situations stretch believability a little too far for me.

This is an excellent option for anyone who enjoys quirky characters and the challenge of solving puzzles. It's not only entertaining, but it also has relatable characters and some emotional depth. It's perfect for Fans of Richard Osman and Anthony Horowitz.

This book is also a great choice for book clubs. Members can discuss who suspected what first and have fun going over missed clues. The mix of humor and mystery keeps the conversation light, making it perfect for groups that want a fun discussion instead of a serious one.