Christmas is Murder (A Rex Graves Mystery) [Paperback]

C.S. Challinor (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Rex Graves Mystery | Publication Date: September 8, 2008

Christmas in the English countryside -- what could be more charming? Not even a blizzard can keep Rex Graves away from Swanmere Manor, a historic hotel in East Sussex. But instead of Christmas cheer, the red-haired Scottish barrister finds a dead guest. Was it a stroke that killed old Mr. Lawry? Or an almond tart laced with poison?
When more guests die, all hopes for a jolly holiday are dashed. Worst of all, the remote mansion is buried under beastly snow. No one can leave. Confined with a killer, no one can enjoy their tea without suspicion and scrutiny. Rex takes it upon himself to solve the mystery, but the most intriguing evidence -- a burnt biography of President George W. Bush -- offers few clues. Could the killer be the sherry-swilling handyman? The gay antiques dealer with a biting wit? The quarreling newlyweds? Surely, it's not Helen D'arcy, the lovely lass Rex seems to be falling for . . .

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* The first installment in this new mystery series is a winner. The amateur detective is Rex Graves, a Scottish barrister, fond of Sudoku puzzles and Latin quotations. In an old-fashioned conceit, Challinor begins with a cast of characters, along with hints of possible motives for each. Although set firmly in the present, with numerous references to the Iraq War, his tale reads like a classic country-house mystery. Rex and the others are snowed in at the Swanmere Manor hotel in East Sussex, England. Being the last to arrive (on two tennis rackets lashed to his feet à la snowshoes), Rex immediately hears of the unexpected demise of one of the other guests. Even though they are in touch with the outside world, the authorities instruct the hotel staff to keep the body in a cool room with the windows open. By the time the police arrive days later, additional bodies have piled up and motives are rampant, but Rex has identified the murderer. At times, it seems we are playing Clue or perhaps enjoying a contemporary retelling of a classic Agatha Christie tale (And Then There Were None, or At Bertram’s Hotel) with a charming new sleuth. A must for cozy fans. --Judy Coon

Review

"A great start to a new series that is sure to become a modern favorite traditional English cozy series."
--The Mystery Reader **** (4-Star review = Recommended)

"Christmas is Murder is a most enjoyable first mystery in what promises to be a fantastic series. Challinor writes with wit and cheek, and with Rex Graves she has created a thoroughly charming sleuth." -- Rick Miller, author of Bigger Than Jesus and host of ABC's primetime hit series "Just for Laughs"

"Agatha Christie fans, here you go! You have been waiting for a mystery writer that can hold the torch, well we found her: C.S. Challinor." -- Suspense Magazine

"C.S. Challinor has crafted a delectable murder mystery set in an old English manor turned hotel. Christmas is Murder has all the charm and ambience of a classic Agatha Christie novel. This is mystery at its very best! Challinor is an author to watch. I'll be anxiously awaiting her next book!" -- Nancy Mehl, author of The Ivy Towers Mystery Series

"Challinor's debut is a pleasant modern knockoff of Christie." -- Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2008

"Challinor will keep most readers guessing as she cleverly spreads suspicion and clues that point in one direction, then another." --Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Jan/Feb 2009

"[A] winner...At times, it seems we are playing Clue or perhaps enjoying a contemporary retelling of a classic Agatha Christie tale (And Then There Were None, or At Bertram's Hotel) with a charming new sleuth. A must for cozy fans." --Booklist, Starred Review, Nov. 1, 2008

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 203 pages
• Publisher: MIDNIGHT INK (September 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738713597
• ISBN-13: 978-0738713595
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #557,251 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

C.S. Challinor was born in Bloomington, Indiana, and was educated in Scotland (St. George's School for Girls, Edinburgh) and England (Lewes Priory, Sussex; University of Kent, Canterbury: Joint Hons Latin & French). She now resides in Southwest Florida. Her short stories have been published in women's magazines in the United States and the United Kingdom. Challinor is a member of the Authors Guild for published writers. She is the author of the Rex Graves cozy mystery series featuring Scottish barrister-sleuth Rex Graves.

CHRISTMAS IS MURDER, the first in the series, is available in Large Print hardcover (Thorndike Reviewers' Choice). All Rex Graves titles (published by Midnight Ink Books, US) are available in trade paperback and Kindle. The fourth novel, MURDER ON THE MOOR, was released February 14, 2011. The fifth in the series will be out March 2012.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Christmas is Murder, August 7, 2008

By 

Nancy L. Mehl "Author" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Christmas is Murder (A Rex Graves Mystery) (Paperback)

Rex Graves is a red-haired Scottish barrister who wants to spend Christmas in Swanmere Manor, an historic hotel in East Sussex. But a harsh blizzard and an unexpected murder ruin those plans. The murderer must be among the guests. There are several possibilities, and Rex must sort through several intriguing clues in a search for the truth.

Challinor presents strong elements of mystery and suspense in a literary style that will remind you of Agatha Christie - at her best. This novel is one of the finest novels I've read in a long time. Fans of mystery will not be disappointed. Challinor is an author who will cause you to clear some space on your bookshelf in anticipation of her next offerings.

Highest Recommendation!

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Mystery Set in a British Blizzard, September 3, 2008

By 

Mark W. Miller "Mystery Buff" (Montreal) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Christmas is Murder (A Rex Graves Mystery) (Paperback)

This mystery was recommended and had me turning the pages in total absorption until the very end. Good plot, compelling characters, humorous, and a little romance to-boot. The sleuth is a Scottish barrister from Edinburgh, very principaled and likeable. There's an exerpt at the back for the next Rex Graves mystery, "Murder in the Raw," which is set at an exclusive nudist resort in the French West Indies, and which I'll definitely read when it comes out!!

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cool Mystery, September 15, 2008

By 

FGCU Student (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christmas is Murder (A Rex Graves Mystery) (Paperback)

This was like Agatha Christies "And Then There Were None" but more readable. I liked the sleuth Rex Graves. He does not try to be enigmatic like many mystery sleuths. I will read the next book when it comes out.