Step into the charming yet chilling world of the Rex Graves Mysteries, where a Scottish barrister turned amateur sleuth unravels perplexing crimes with wit and wisdom! C.S. Challinor’s cozy mystery series invites readers to follow Rex Graves, a towering redhead with a ginger beard and a knack for solving murders in settings as diverse as snowbound English manors and sun-soaked Caribbean resorts. With his legal expertise and love for tweed, Rex brings a fresh twist to the classic whodunit, making this series a delightful escape for mystery lovers.
Blending Agatha Christie’s timeless intrigue with modern flair, the Rex Graves Mysteries offer cozy vibes—think clever puzzles, quirky characters, and just enough suspense to keep you guessing without losing sleep. Whether you’re a fan of locked-room mysteries or simply crave a sleuth with personality, Rex’s adventures are sure to captivate.
How Rex Graves Mysteries Began
Born in Indiana but shaped by her education in Scotland and England, C.S. Challinor drew inspiration from her love for Agatha Christie and her travels to craft the Rex Graves Mysteries. Launched in 2008 with Christmas Is Murder, the series introduced Rex, a 6’4” barrister who stumbles into detective work when a festive getaway turns deadly. Challinor’s knack for vivid settings and meticulous research—honed by her degrees in Latin, French, and Russian—gives each book an authentic, immersive feel. Her goal? To create a sleuth who feels like a friend, solving crimes in a world that’s both familiar and thrillingly unpredictable.
The Heart of Rex Graves Mysteries
The series kicks off with Christmas Is Murder (2008), where Rex arrives at Swanmere Manor expecting holiday cheer but finds a poisoned guest instead. Snowbound with a killer, he must deduce who among the eclectic guests—perhaps the sherry-swilling handyman or the sharp-tongued antiques dealer—is guilty. In Murder in the Raw (2009), Rex tackles a disappearance at a nudist resort in St. Martin, navigating exposed secrets (and more!) to uncover the truth. Murder of the Bride (2012), a Mystery Guild pick, sees Rex at a dreary Derbyshire wedding where guests drop faster than the rain. Judgment of Murder (2016) pits him against a suspicious death tied to a famously severe judge, blending personal stakes with a child abduction case.
Recurring themes include justice, deception, and the complexity of human motives, often explored through closed-circle mysteries where suspects are trapped together. Settings range from the misty Scottish Highlands to exotic locales like Key West, each vividly rendered to enhance the puzzle. Challinor’s style is crisp and classic, with Rex’s humor and logic driving plots that echo Christie’s golden-age mysteries while feeling contemporary. Fans adore the light suspense and Rex’s warmth, making each book a cozy yet clever read.
Why Rex Graves Mysteries Resonates
The Rex Graves Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning praise for their engaging plots and likable hero. Christmas Is Murder hit #1 on the Kindle Bestseller List, while Murder of the Bride was a Top Five Books of 2011 pick by Crime Fiction Lover. Readers love Rex’s blend of intellect and relatability—he’s a sleuth who fears horses and snobs but never shies from a challenge. The series’ nod to classic mysteries appeals to traditionalists, while its diverse settings and modern characters draw in new fans. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to deliver satisfying whodunits that feel like a warm chat with a clever friend.
- Publication Years: 2008–2018
- Number of Books: 9 novels, 3 mini-mysteries
- Notable Awards: Christmas Is Murder #1 Kindle Bestseller; Murder of the Bride Mystery Guild pick
Grab Christmas Is Murder and dive into the Rex Graves Mysteries’ world of cozy intrigue! Whether you’re curled up with tea or dreaming of Scottish moors, Rex’s adventures promise a delightful puzzle to unravel.