Customer Reviews

Phi Beta Murder (A Rex Graves Mystery)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Amazon always delivers, and early! Got my copy day before yesterday and finished reading it this morning. As usual, a fast and interesting read, a bit more somber in mood than the first two as the themes are more serious (death of a young student, suicide, drug addiction). On top of that, Rex has to deal with a stalker, but funny interaction between Rex and his son Campbell, who we meet for the first time "in person." This was a clever mystery and I was way off the mark, as in Murder in the Raw. Rex is a well developed character, very believable and consistent throughout the series. Looking forward to Murder on the Moor which takes place in Scotland. First chapter tantalizingly included in this novel. Keep 'em coming.

Sex, drugs & Hip-Hop. And suicide, or is it murder? Loveable Scottish sleuth Rex Graves finds himself on the case while visiting Hilliard University, a private college on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. A quick read full of twists and turns, "Phi Beta Murder" is a well-plotted whodunit with good insights into relationships, the true meaning of love and loyalty, and, most of all, what it takes to be a good dad. Very touching, with some hair-raising moments thrown in as well. Recommended if you like "cozies" that are not too twee.

"PHI BETA MURDER is a satisfying whodunit ideal for a plane ride or lazy afternoon."--Jacksonville Magazine

"This is a well-paced mystery that plays fair with the reader and provides a satisfying and surprising conclusion. The writing is crisp and dialogue-driven."--Mystery Scene Magazine

"Humor and well-written characters add to the story as does some reflection on the causes of suicide. A wonderful read and great plot for cozy mystery lovers."--ForeWord Magazine

Scots Barrister Rex Graves is worried about his son Campbell, a marine science sophomore at Hilliard University in Jacksonville, Florida. When he arrives on campus, he is dismayed to discover his son's resident advisor hanging in his locked dorm room with instructions on how to commit suicide downloaded from his computer. The victim's parents who have flown in from Nantucket say Dix wouldn't have killed himself and ask Rex to investigate, reasoning that he might be able to get some insider information through his son Campbell and aware also that Rex Graves has solved other murder mysteries around the world. The university is trying to brush the incident under the carpet to avoid adverse publicity and the Jacksonville Police Department are not proving too cooperative either, for reasons of their own. Meanwhile, Rex's old flame Moira follows him across the Atlantic and stages a dramatic suicide attempt of her own. Despite references to recreational drugs and student suicide, this is a traditional "cozy" mystery with no sex or violence portrayed on the page. The characters are well-defined and there are not a confusing number of them as in many contemporary mysteries. The tight plotting and dialogue-driven nature of this novel give it the feel of a play. There are, in addition, worthwhile insights into raising kids and enough humor to prevent the book from being depressing or didactic. In fact, the unexpected ending contrives to be uplifting.

C S Challinor's sojourns in Scotland and England and residency in Florida, her academic background, ear for language and love of the classic age of whodunits all contribute greatly to the authority of this novel. She writes sympathetically about individuals from one culture adapting to another, about the struggles and stresses of students coping away from home and the bemusement of their elders trying to get to grips with modern mores. And, for the mystery aficionado, she sprinkles the text with clues and red herrings in equal measure in best whodunit tradition. 'Phi Beta Murder' is a fine page-turner given a sense of urgency by predetermined time-constraints and the cloistered and claustrophobic atmosphere of a second-rate college. Add to that a list of dramatis personae and a taster for a sequel and you have a hugely enjoyable piece of bedtime fiction.

A confession: I'm not a great fan of mysteries, even well-crafted ones of the greats like Agatha Christie. In common with many critics I often find characterisation mechanical and the individuals mere pawns in the plot-led story; in this sense their weakness is their strength, exactly as candy-floss, while not providing proper nutrition, nevertheless gives you the pleasure that comes with a sugar-hit. What gives Challinor's tale its real meat, however, is the back story of Rex Graves, Scottish QC and amateur sleuth, and his all-too-human attempts to cope with family and relationships and what fate throws at him. Unlike the mystery plot there are no simple solutions to life's conundrums, and one really warms to this well-observed middle-aged male adrift in a sea of emotion. (*** 1/2 stars)
Chris Lovegrove, Library Thing

This story starts in Edinburgh and ends in the Florida Keys, with a well-told mystery in between that starts when likeable Scottish barrister Rex Graves receives a troubling phone call from his son who's attending a private college in Jacksonville, Fla. Personal subplots, one involving Rex Graves' ex flame, the other his son, tie in nicely with the main plot. There is no extraneous play-by-play that you get in many cozy-type mysteries, where every humdrum event is described whether pertinent to the plot or not. Crisp writing style and keen (and sometimes amusing) observations about relationships and college students make for a light, enjoyable read. Christmas is Murder, by same author delivered within 3 days from Amazon at std. shipping.

Liked this book a lot. Read on my Kindle! I read Christmas Murder first and enjoyed it. This one takes place in Florida, which I appreciated cause I went to college there. Its a good read for young-er people like me and for parents with kids of college age, explains a bit of what goes on there, and peer pressure and all the rest of it. Found it to be belivable and gave the story without getting side-tracked. Will probably try Murder on the Moor set in Scotland.

This was a very quick and suspenseful read. There is the main mystery plot and then a subplot involving an ex-girlfriend of Rex's that ties in neatly with the mystery. I absolutely LOVE Rex Graves: smart, down-to-earth, charming, funny, and full of humanity. I also really enjoyed the parts with his son Campbell, which show that a good rapport can be built between father and son despite differences of personality, and that the generation gap can be bridged if you keep an open mind. The setting of a northern Florida private university set amid squirrels and oak trees was good. Looking forward to "Murder on the Moor," which takes place in the Highlands of Scotland. I'd really like to see these books dramatized for TV; a red-haired, slightly frumpy version of Sean Connery would be good!