Book Overview
Christmas is murder...when you're stranded with a killer Not even a blizzard can keep Rex Graves away from Swanmere Manor, a secluded Victorian hotel in the English countryside owned by the eccentric Dahlia Smithings. But instead of Christmas cheer, the Scottish barrister finds a dead guest. Was it a stroke that killed old Mr. Lawdry? Or an almond tart laced with poison? When more guests die, all hopes for a jolly holiday are dashed. Snowbound and terrified, no one can escape the cold-blooded killer. Rex takes it upon himself to unravel the mystery. A biography of President George W. Bush found charred in the fireplace might offer a few clues. Could the killer be the sherry-swilling handyman? The gay antiques dealer with the biting wit? The quarreling newlyweds? Surely it's not Helen D'Arcy, the lovely lass Rex seems to be falling for... Praise: "A must for cozy fans."-- Booklist (starred review) "Christmas is Murder is a most enjoyable first mystery in what promises to be a fantastic series. Challinor writes with wit and cheek."--Rick Miller, host of ABC's prime time hit series Just for Laughs
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0738713597
ISBN13:9780738713595
Release Date:September 2008
Publisher:Midnight Ink
Length:203 Pages
Weight:0.57 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 5.1" x 7.9"
Related Subjects
British Detectives Fiction Literature & Fiction Mystery Mystery, Thriller & SuspenseCustomer Reviews
5 ratings
CHRISTMAS IS MURDER
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I found the book a delicious read that would bed perfect for some stolen moments around Christmas time especially. A touch of sophistication with the manor setting, the building unease with the locked room and the Christie-esque Graves looking into it all. History, atmosphere, somewhere exotic to be transformed to, the delight of peering into other people's lives...what is not to like? I hope that there will be more to follow.
STARRED REVIEW FROM BOOKLIST
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
This novel is a contemporary English manor house mystery centering on a "closed group" of suspects, per the classic style of mystery writing of the 1920s and 30s. The puzzle is solved by a vacationing Scots barrister who uses observation, gossip, and a keen insight into human nature to solve the multiple murders. A budding romance between the sleuth and one of the suspects is thrown into the mix, as are references to the Iraq War. The cast includes a gay couple in the antiques business, a nosy divorcee, a New York literary agent, a pair of newlyweds, an eccentric aristocrat, etc. Despite the murder and mayhem, the underlying theme, in the Christmas tradition, is goodwill to all men. "Christmas is Murder" received a starred review from Booklist (the American Library Association) and has been praised by many mystery reviewers. If you like cozy mysteries, it probably won't disappoint. If you prefer hard-boiled P.I. novels, this may not be your cup of tea... #2 in the Rex Graves Mystery Series: Murder in the Raw: A Rex Graves Mystery (Rex Graves)
Cool Mystery
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
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.
Terrific Mystery Set in a British Blizzard
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
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!!
Christmas is Murder
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
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!
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
