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Lexi Graves Mysteries #2
Who Glares Wins
Only a few weeks into her new job as a private investigator and Lexi Graves thinks she may have bitten off more than she can chew with her first solo cases.
In between going undercover as a plush pony and following her cheating brother-in-law, she’s got a saboteur turned killer to catch and a missing woman to find. Two of her cases may be connected, but how? There’s no short list of suspects to investigate but as Lexi closes in on the killer, her life is put in jeopardy. Narrowly escaping being framed for a murder she didn’t commit, Lexi knows her luck is running out.
To make matters worse her boyfriend, sexy Detective Adam Maddox, thinks she’s out of the PI game faster than she got into it and her boss, the mysterious Solomon, wants nothing more than to get her between the sheets by night as well as solving cases by day, and Lexi’s "just say no" resolve might not be as strong as she thinks.
All she wants is for them to take her seriously and there’s only one way she can do that—solve the case, whatever it takes.
In between going undercover as a plush pony and following her cheating brother-in-law, she’s got a saboteur turned killer to catch and a missing woman to find. Two of her cases may be connected, but how? There’s no short list of suspects to investigate but as Lexi closes in on the killer, her life is put in jeopardy. Narrowly escaping being framed for a murder she didn’t commit, Lexi knows her luck is running out.
To make matters worse her boyfriend, sexy Detective Adam Maddox, thinks she’s out of the PI game faster than she got into it and her boss, the mysterious Solomon, wants nothing more than to get her between the sheets by night as well as solving cases by day, and Lexi’s "just say no" resolve might not be as strong as she thinks.
All she wants is for them to take her seriously and there’s only one way she can do that—solve the case, whatever it takes.
347 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
194 people are currently reading
746 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Chafer
53 books748 followersCamilla Chafer is a USA Today bestselling author. Her novels include the Lexi Graves Mysteries, the spinoff trilogy Deadlines Mysteries, the Calendar Cozy Murder Mysteries, and supernatural/urban fantasy Stella Mayweather series.
She has written for newspapers, magazines, and websites globally, and also written and edited several non-fiction books.
Follow Camilla on BookBub for new releases and special offers https://www.bookbub.com/authors/camil... or on Facebook for behind the scenes content.
She has written for newspapers, magazines, and websites globally, and also written and edited several non-fiction books.
Follow Camilla on BookBub for new releases and special offers https://www.bookbub.com/authors/camil... or on Facebook for behind the scenes content.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
April 18, 2022
The back cover blurb, reprinted at the top of this Goodreads page, provides quite a few details of the story, including several items I would otherwise have to put inside spoiler tags. Maybe we could call it a spoiler blurb? For example, someone does get killed, but you may exhaust your patience waiting for it to happen if you think this is going to be a typical murder mystery. If the blurb hadn't said "murder" and "killer," I couldn't have, out here in the open. Nor could I have told you that two of Lexi's cases might be connected if the blurb hadn't, well, blurbed it to you.
On the other hand, the blurb is distinctly misleading about Lexi's cases as a newly minted private investigator. There are only (!) three of them. She "goes undercover as a plush pony" (yes, she does) to spy on suspects in her investigation of sabotage at a major hotel; that's the first case her boss Solomon has assigned to her, and he has her working solo and reporting privately to him only. She's really undercover as the hotel manager's new assistant, and the manager is the one who turned to Solomon's agency.
That pony disguise (with her best friend and many readers' favorite, Lily, bringing up the rear) is the high point of the humor that made this story so enjoyable. The blurb just says it's at a "Bronie" conference. Did you know what a Bronie is? I didn't. It's carefully explained as an amalgam of "bro" and "pony" and it refers to grown men who love little girls' plush pony toys and love to talk about them with other grown men. And they have conventions where they carry on as though it's ComicCon. It is indeed comic (and not made up by the author).
So the hotel that's hosting the three-day Bronie convention is being sabotaged in many little ways for some reason, perhaps to get the manager fired by the hotel chain, so he's a desperate mess and Lexi is under great pressure to catch the saboteur immediately if not sooner. That sets up even more funny episodes, thanks to her very clear, intelligent first-person narration and Solomon's instruction not to let the police in on this case until he calls them in. That means Lexi's policeman lover Maddox and her whole family (she's related to nineteen members of the city's police department, including her three brothers). She has to make them think the hotel assignment is a real return to temp work.
But she brought a proposed case to Solomon and he rejected it as not worth pursuing. A prospective client's friend has gone missing, and Lexi is so moved by the person's concern that she takes the case independently and pro bono, not letting the client know Solomon rejected it and not letting Solomon know she's working the case.
And then, more action that's not just pro bono but pro familia: her older sister Serena, the one who bossed her around so much in the first book, realizes that her husband Ted is cheating on her and needs Lexi to gather lots of evidence to take to her lawyer. Lexi's relationship with her sister improves and she's furious with Ted, who never fit in with Lexi's large extended family.
Those two pro bono cases are quite serious--one has pathos, the other fury--but those adventures in the big hotel had me laughing again and again. All in all, an enjoyable story that was hard to put down, but just like the first book in the series it had some editing flaws, really more at the level of proofreading this time. So I slipped into editor mode, made the corrections in my mind, and had fun reading the book.
What the proofreader should have caught: (1) Oddly between page 41 and page 91 (out of 303) I count eight British expressions that I don't think an American would use; the rest of the text fits the American setting. (2) Too many commas, quite a few inserted where they don't belong at all. (3) Missing words--every now and then it looks like a word got deleted by mistake.
This was more of an adventure, though the author clearly tried to write it as a mystery. In addition to a big red herring, it has a big blue herring (by which I mean that one part of the solution comes out of the blue). Result: partly a surprise at the end, partly no surprise. As adventure, though, it was fun to read. Three and a half stars rounded up.
On the other hand, the blurb is distinctly misleading about Lexi's cases as a newly minted private investigator. There are only (!) three of them. She "goes undercover as a plush pony" (yes, she does) to spy on suspects in her investigation of sabotage at a major hotel; that's the first case her boss Solomon has assigned to her, and he has her working solo and reporting privately to him only. She's really undercover as the hotel manager's new assistant, and the manager is the one who turned to Solomon's agency.
That pony disguise (with her best friend and many readers' favorite, Lily, bringing up the rear) is the high point of the humor that made this story so enjoyable. The blurb just says it's at a "Bronie" conference. Did you know what a Bronie is? I didn't. It's carefully explained as an amalgam of "bro" and "pony" and it refers to grown men who love little girls' plush pony toys and love to talk about them with other grown men. And they have conventions where they carry on as though it's ComicCon. It is indeed comic (and not made up by the author).
So the hotel that's hosting the three-day Bronie convention is being sabotaged in many little ways for some reason, perhaps to get the manager fired by the hotel chain, so he's a desperate mess and Lexi is under great pressure to catch the saboteur immediately if not sooner. That sets up even more funny episodes, thanks to her very clear, intelligent first-person narration and Solomon's instruction not to let the police in on this case until he calls them in. That means Lexi's policeman lover Maddox and her whole family (she's related to nineteen members of the city's police department, including her three brothers). She has to make them think the hotel assignment is a real return to temp work.
But she brought a proposed case to Solomon and he rejected it as not worth pursuing. A prospective client's friend has gone missing, and Lexi is so moved by the person's concern that she takes the case independently and pro bono, not letting the client know Solomon rejected it and not letting Solomon know she's working the case.
And then, more action that's not just pro bono but pro familia: her older sister Serena, the one who bossed her around so much in the first book, realizes that her husband Ted is cheating on her and needs Lexi to gather lots of evidence to take to her lawyer. Lexi's relationship with her sister improves and she's furious with Ted, who never fit in with Lexi's large extended family.
Those two pro bono cases are quite serious--one has pathos, the other fury--but those adventures in the big hotel had me laughing again and again. All in all, an enjoyable story that was hard to put down, but just like the first book in the series it had some editing flaws, really more at the level of proofreading this time. So I slipped into editor mode, made the corrections in my mind, and had fun reading the book.
What the proofreader should have caught: (1) Oddly between page 41 and page 91 (out of 303) I count eight British expressions that I don't think an American would use; the rest of the text fits the American setting. (2) Too many commas, quite a few inserted where they don't belong at all. (3) Missing words--every now and then it looks like a word got deleted by mistake.
This was more of an adventure, though the author clearly tried to write it as a mystery. In addition to a big red herring, it has a big blue herring (by which I mean that one part of the solution comes out of the blue). Result: partly a surprise at the end, partly no surprise. As adventure, though, it was fun to read. Three and a half stars rounded up.
December 28, 2019
I really enjoy this series. The mystery is fun and Lexi and Lily are a fun best friend pair. I like Solomon and Maddox for love interests. The triangle is working for me.
September 20, 2012
Second installment was still as fun as the first. There's nothing deep here. Just a great summer read. Started to notice the UK quirks in this one despite the fact that these books are supposed to take place in the States (from what I can gather?). Things like an off hand turn of phrase here and there where I thought "I don't think anyone on this side of the pond would say that". Also, where the first book was pretty well on the ball proofreading-wise, this one felt a bit more hasty with some missed words here and there.
March 26, 2017
One of my favorite series, which may seem weird seeing that I've only completed a couple books, but they were both super. Lexi, the MC, is a newly minted PI, but thank goodness not portrayed as a bumbler. Great supporting cast in family members and friends, well fleshed out and personable. Have several of the other books already downloaded.
February 23, 2021
https://headoverbooks.home.blog/
What it is about
Lexi takes a missing person case even though her boss told her to. She has been assigned to a case where she has to go undercover to investigate a series of sabotages occurring at a hotel. Lexi also promised her sister that she would find evidence of her brother-in-law cheating. So she has to work three cases simultaneously.
POV- first person from Lexi
HEA/HFN- yes
Funny parts- yes
Sad parts- no
Love triangle- YES
Insta-love- no
Cheating- no
Super insecure character- no
Trigger warning- murder
Realistic scale- 2/5
Pick this up if
You want a good cozy mystery. You like a private investigator in training storylines. You enjoy a love triangle. You like lots of twists and turns in your books.
Don’t pick this up if
You don’t like unrealistic stories. You hate it if it is kind of obvious who the villain is two thirds of the way through it.
Pages- 266
Audiobook- 9h 52m
Narrators- Vanessa Daniels
Buy the series in the Lexi Graves Mysteries
Armed and Fabulous
Who Glares Wins
Command Indecision
Shock and Awesome
Weapons of Mass Distraction
Laugh or Death
Kissing in Action
Trigger Snappy
A Few Good Women
Ready, Aim, Under Fire
Rules of Engagement
Very Special Forces
In the Line of Ire
Mission Possible
I get asked how I read so many books. This is how I do it:
Kindle Unlimited (definitely worth it for romance readers)
Audible (2 free audiobooks for your first month)
Prime membership allows me to get new books at my doorstep fast (get the first month free). I have Prime Student which comes with a 6 month free trial.
Scribd
I also had Audible Escape but it got cancelled :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2014
Really enjoying this series! It's cute and engaging without being over-the-top ridiculous. Yes, Lexi does get into some weird/funny/tight situations, but she's not TSTL. She is definitely a heroine who wants to better herself and be respected. Sometimes I do get a bit bogged with the investigative details, but it's not significant. Only 4 stars, because she's still with the wrong guy;)
June 4, 2018
This is the second in the Lexi Graves and it was just as fun as the first one. It's a little more sexy than normal cozies but nothing real bad (just an FYI for die hard cozy fans).
Lexi is now part of Solomon's PI team but the guys just sort of see her as Solomon's eye candy even though she is dating Adam. It's not to say that Lexie doesn't still swoon a bit around Solomon but she is keeping it strictly business. She wants to prove herself in the business and she knows she can do it. They have meetings where they decide on what cases they are going to take as Solomon needs ones that pay good as he is just getting the business up and running, but Lexie really wants to take on the missing persons case that they put in the dump pile.
Solomon has a different job for her, he wants her to go undercover at a hotel because someone is sabotaging the place and so she does what he wants, but she also takes the missing person's case on too without telling Solomon. As if that wasn't enough her sister wants her to tale Ted because she thinks he is cheating on her.
Lexie has her plate full and her family thinks that she is temping again but it's just her undercover gig, Adam was hoping it was real and a bit miffed when he finds out she was undercover. Even though her whole family is full of cops and he is a cop, he doesn't like her being where she could get into trouble and she is kind of good at getting into a bit of trouble.
I really like Lexie but I love her friend Lucy who lives in the same apartment building she cracks me up. I really like all the side characters and as much as I like Adam I think I am more of a Solomon fan! *Swoon*
It has a really good mystery as I so thought it was someone else! :) So if you like cozy mysteries then you should give this one a try.
Lexi is now part of Solomon's PI team but the guys just sort of see her as Solomon's eye candy even though she is dating Adam. It's not to say that Lexie doesn't still swoon a bit around Solomon but she is keeping it strictly business. She wants to prove herself in the business and she knows she can do it. They have meetings where they decide on what cases they are going to take as Solomon needs ones that pay good as he is just getting the business up and running, but Lexie really wants to take on the missing persons case that they put in the dump pile.
Solomon has a different job for her, he wants her to go undercover at a hotel because someone is sabotaging the place and so she does what he wants, but she also takes the missing person's case on too without telling Solomon. As if that wasn't enough her sister wants her to tale Ted because she thinks he is cheating on her.
Lexie has her plate full and her family thinks that she is temping again but it's just her undercover gig, Adam was hoping it was real and a bit miffed when he finds out she was undercover. Even though her whole family is full of cops and he is a cop, he doesn't like her being where she could get into trouble and she is kind of good at getting into a bit of trouble.
I really like Lexie but I love her friend Lucy who lives in the same apartment building she cracks me up. I really like all the side characters and as much as I like Adam I think I am more of a Solomon fan! *Swoon*
It has a really good mystery as I so thought it was someone else! :) So if you like cozy mysteries then you should give this one a try.
January 8, 2026
Lexi has just started her new job as a private investigator with Solomon. She’s young, inexperienced and underestimated so feels like she has something to prove with the rest of the team. Solomon assigns her an undercover job at a hotel to figure out who is behind the sabotage incidents, which include thefts, work schedules being manipulated and conference reservations being canceled. In addition, she's taken on a couple pro bono cases. One case involves a woman who’s gone missing under suspicious circumstances, which Solomon had said the firm would pass on. She’s also working a personal job for her sister ... following her brother-in-law to confirm he’s cheating. Meanwhile, Lexi’s personal life is just as complicated. She’s torn between her steady detective boyfriend, Adam, and her boss, Solomon.
This story is written in first person perspective in Lexi's voice. I liked the writing style ... it was amusing at times. It wasn't overly deep and was a fairly quick read. Lexi and Lily, her best friend, are 29 and a bit too "boy crazy". Though she's dating Adam, she still thinks about Solomon (who keeps putting the moves on her). It's the second in the Lexi Graves mystery series (there are currently 17 in the series and I read the first one last month) and I liked it enough to keep going with the series.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2026/01...
This story is written in first person perspective in Lexi's voice. I liked the writing style ... it was amusing at times. It wasn't overly deep and was a fairly quick read. Lexi and Lily, her best friend, are 29 and a bit too "boy crazy". Though she's dating Adam, she still thinks about Solomon (who keeps putting the moves on her). It's the second in the Lexi Graves mystery series (there are currently 17 in the series and I read the first one last month) and I liked it enough to keep going with the series.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2026/01...
July 3, 2017
I gave the first book a pass on some things because I was amused and willing to suspend my disbelief. I could not do the same this time. First, the British word and phrases must be eradicated. The characters are Americans living in America and so should speak American English. That was done better in the first book; in this one, I stopped reading every time, tried to understand the word used through context (only once was the word even noted in my Kindle dictionary as a British use), and wondered if I had somehow gotten confused and the series was actually set in England. Not good. Worse, the villain was obvious early on and Lexi never--never--figured out who it was.
So I've gone from "Sure, I'll try the next one" to "I don't know if I'll try another one or not."
So I've gone from "Sure, I'll try the next one" to "I don't know if I'll try another one or not."
January 5, 2019
C. Chafer/who flares win
Loved Loved the series of Lexi turned P.I. Working for her boss, Solomon, a former cia, who started up his own private P.I. Firm, who is interested of her skill set and het. Lexi boyfriend cop, maddox, whom she worked with him becoming undercover in her last temp job, wants to shield her in this operative scheme that Solomon sent her on involving hotel saboteur. This another series and characters I koved, can be additive and want to read more of ladies series with her family friends and the two men in her life she likes.
Loved Loved the series of Lexi turned P.I. Working for her boss, Solomon, a former cia, who started up his own private P.I. Firm, who is interested of her skill set and het. Lexi boyfriend cop, maddox, whom she worked with him becoming undercover in her last temp job, wants to shield her in this operative scheme that Solomon sent her on involving hotel saboteur. This another series and characters I koved, can be additive and want to read more of ladies series with her family friends and the two men in her life she likes.
April 22, 2024
Kinda of disappointed because I enjoyed the first book in the series. Maybe it was because this time I listened to an audio book version....I felt that lexi whining about "which "boy" to be with " was too much for me, come on she is suppose to be a grown *** woman and a strong "detective" but let's moan about another "hot" guy when I already have a "hot" boyfriend..UGH! Also I just didn't like this mystery case that lexi was on kinda of boring but did like the tie in with 2 of the cases. Not sure if will do the 3rd book to see if this one was a fluke
April 5, 2018
This was as good as the first. This sees Lexi off on her own case as a PI. She is dating Maddox and resisting Solomon who is now her boss. Lexi goes undercover in a hotel that is being sabotaged. Watch out for the Bronies. They are seriously funny adding a good dose of humour to a all round fab cozy mystery. Although I would say these are definitely better than your average cozy mystery by well quite a lot actually.
September 10, 2020
Lexi is given a solo case by Solomon. She's to go undercover at the Montgomery hotel to assist in discovering sabotage at the hotel. She reports to Edward Killjoy. She & her best friend Lilly pose as 'super ponies' at the convention, when a murder takes place & Lexi is framed for the murder, so she has to find the murderer, the saboteur, a missing Marrisa Widmore & to top it off a cheating brother -in law. She's got Maddox, Solomon & her cop brothers on her side to solve the case.
May 24, 2025
Lexi is smart and witty. Even though she doubts herself, she's a great PI. Her family is wonderful, except her older sister - but even she's changing - and her best friend, Lily is a super sidekick. She went from being a Temp worker to solving interesting and dangerous cases. Her detective boyfriend doesn't believe in her PI abilities - which bothers me. I'm for her current boss, Solomon, who believed in her intuitive and observant skills. I'm rooting for him.
July 15, 2017
Very good continuation of series
Lexi has decided to take on more than one investigation. She has got to learn to not accept people as they appear if she plans on getting better. She does manage to solve the cases. I wish there was more character development of Maddox because bland to me.
Lexi has decided to take on more than one investigation. She has got to learn to not accept people as they appear if she plans on getting better. She does manage to solve the cases. I wish there was more character development of Maddox because bland to me.
March 7, 2018
I enjoyed this overall. The plot was okay and the characters likable and engaging. However, a lot of the dialogue was trite and lame, and I saw at least one dialogue/situation contradiction that should have been caught by an editor. I saw the missing person tie in coming almost from the beginning and the explanation for that case was melodramatic and unrealistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2018
Laughed and laughed harder
This was a wonderful mystery with Lexi’s internal monologue making me laugh. I love Lily and the addition of Ruby. I want to castrate Ted for Serena, then no Graves will have to be involved. Lol.
Already bought the next one so that should tell you it is a book to read
This was a wonderful mystery with Lexi’s internal monologue making me laugh. I love Lily and the addition of Ruby. I want to castrate Ted for Serena, then no Graves will have to be involved. Lol.
Already bought the next one so that should tell you it is a book to read
February 1, 2019
My daughter saw the cover of this book and said "Mom! What are you reading?" I have to admit, the cover is a bit risqué and parts of the book are "unclean," but they are just so funny, I have to read the next one. They remind me of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. Pretty blonde girl and two very handsome men. The perfect brain candy.
February 3, 2019
What a fun murder mystery with humor, suspense and romance
This is the second in the series and I really enjoy both of them. I'm really glad Lexi joined the PI business and showing the men she can succeed. Lily is the best friend ever. I think Maddox is great however i don't think he 'vet's Lexi like Solomon does. I'm looking forward to book 3.
This is the second in the series and I really enjoy both of them. I'm really glad Lexi joined the PI business and showing the men she can succeed. Lily is the best friend ever. I think Maddox is great however i don't think he 'vet's Lexi like Solomon does. I'm looking forward to book 3.
March 14, 2023
I skipped the first book and started with this one. It had a decent plot, I liked Lexi's family of cops and her best friend Lily. Her love interests were Maddox, a cop and Solomon, her boss.
I figured out the "bad guy" way sooner than it was revealed but over all not bad and may read the next one.
I figured out the "bad guy" way sooner than it was revealed but over all not bad and may read the next one.
December 11, 2016
Awesome writing
I love this series. I just finished the second book and can't wait to read the next. Great characters, plot twists, and just enough suspense. I will also be looking in to what else this author has written. I really like her style.
I love this series. I just finished the second book and can't wait to read the next. Great characters, plot twists, and just enough suspense. I will also be looking in to what else this author has written. I really like her style.
August 10, 2017
Excellent
This book was good. It started out with Lily turning it into Lula, from the Stephanie Plum series, in other words, inept. But it stopped and by the end, I couldn't wait to start on book 3
This book was good. It started out with Lily turning it into Lula, from the Stephanie Plum series, in other words, inept. But it stopped and by the end, I couldn't wait to start on book 3
April 27, 2018
More mistakes and typos!!!
Words were left out, there were many grammatical errors and misspellings. What has happened to good old fashioned proof reading??? Fix your mistakes. It is totally annoying and very distracting. 😕😩😫😟
Words were left out, there were many grammatical errors and misspellings. What has happened to good old fashioned proof reading??? Fix your mistakes. It is totally annoying and very distracting. 😕😩😫😟
December 16, 2018
Another Hit!
I can't say enough about this series. It is definitely at the top of my list in favorites. I love how quirky Lexi and Lily are...they are definitely 2 of a kind! Can't wait to read the next book! 😍
I can't say enough about this series. It is definitely at the top of my list in favorites. I love how quirky Lexi and Lily are...they are definitely 2 of a kind! Can't wait to read the next book! 😍
February 2, 2019
Very slow beginning. almost didn't want to finish. But I powered thru in "fast forward" to get to the case and find out what happened. It got better. There are many more in the series. I may continue with it, but in no rush
June 16, 2019
Great heroine.
I really loved this book. Lexington is coming into her own, and loving it. The story was entertaining and even funny in some places especially. The story line was very believable a d the ending was a surprise.
I really loved this book. Lexington is coming into her own, and loving it. The story was entertaining and even funny in some places especially. The story line was very believable a d the ending was a surprise.
November 28, 2020
Two weeks into her new job as a PI and she's thinking she's bite off more than she can chew, aloud of cases on the go and stuck between two very tasty sounding men, what will she do.
Love this series so much
Love this series so much
March 20, 2021
Fun read
Some people think Lexi is a bit fence but I don’t think so , I quite like the stories and characters in this series!
I think the characters are quite believable and glad she isn’t some super ninja where she isn’t more human like she is now !!
On to the 3rd book :-)
Some people think Lexi is a bit fence but I don’t think so , I quite like the stories and characters in this series!
I think the characters are quite believable and glad she isn’t some super ninja where she isn’t more human like she is now !!
On to the 3rd book :-)
July 4, 2022
A lovely little romance. Romance not girl porn. Lots and lots of romance. Not lough out loud funny, but very witty, occasionally droll. Plenty of action, intrigue, and adventure. A quick read, that might leave you craving the next book.
July 14, 2023
Cute An entertaining It did have me guessing
A nice light read but fun. I do hope Lexi ends up with Solomon though I'm pretty sure that's what's going to happen I look forward to the next book. Command in decision
A nice light read but fun. I do hope Lexi ends up with Solomon though I'm pretty sure that's what's going to happen I look forward to the next book. Command in decision
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews