Gem Warfare

Lexi Graves Mysteries #17

by Camilla Chafer

Private investigator Lexi Graves might have bitten off more than she can chew. When her mom calls about a possible case, the last thing Lexi expects is a body buried in a shallow grave. Yet that isn’t the strangest thing about the case. Hidden on the body is a fortune in jewels and a photograph with a face Lexi is sure she knows but can’t quite place.

Who is the man in the grave and why was he buried in the Graves’ quiet neighborhood? When identities become clearer, and the past unravels, Lexi must solve not only the murder and the question of the jewels provenance, but face an old nemesis at last.

Genres: Mystery

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2024

About the author

Camilla Chafer is a USA Today bestselling author. Her novels include the Lexi Graves Mysteries, the spinoff trilogy Deadlines Hollywood 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.

Join Camilla's mailing list and get an exclusive short story gift, on BookBub for new releases and special offers https://www.bookbub.com/authors/camil... or on Facebook for behind the scenes content.

Reviews

[Izzie d · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really good.

Best to read the series in order, although each book has individual mysteries and cases, Lexi's relationships develop as you read further into the series.
The mystery is clever, it drops hints, red herrings.
There are laugh out loud moments.

HEA.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Lexi Graves series. This book has everything.... laugh out loud moments, page turning suspense and an engaging plot that kept me guessing. I highly recommend this and all the books in this series.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of the Lexi Graves Mystery series but I am afraid that it is beginning to run its course. In "Gem Warfare" Lexi is tasked with solving a burglary heist of salon hair products and then determining the identity of a dead body that had expensive gemstones buried with it and found in her mother's neighborhood.

You might be saying that sounds interesting and for the most part it was but it was also lacking for me. What went wrong? For starters, the book felt like a filler. You know what I mean, the type of book that is just more of the same and keeps the fans somewhat placated but doesn't really move the overall plot of the series forward. Additionally, there just wasn't enough Solomon and Lexi in this read. It seems she spent more time with her ex, Maddox than her husband and unfortunately, she and Maddox just don't have the chemistry the way she and Solomon do.

There were a lot of interesting suspects and a whole lot of running around but hardly anything happening on the personal front. If something doesn't really happen soon to move this plot forward: i.e. a common bad guy wreaking havoc, a pregnancy for Lexi or something, I will probably not continue to follow this series. It's too bad because it wouldn't take much to put this series back on track for me; but, oh well, I am not the author.

For the fans of this series, you will enjoy the read, it just wasn't one of my favorites. For anyone who is new to this author and this series, I highly recommend it but definitely start with book one and move on progressively. You won't be disappointed.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still can't believe that Lexi is all grown up, but the 17th book in the Lexi Grave Mysteries, Gem Warfare, is great! It is filled with hilarious moments alongside a serious investigation. Lexi's family and friends are as fun as ever, and their repartee is the kind of thing I can expect from my IRL friends.
The plot involves an old murder that shocks the families when new neighbors find a skeleton with jewels in its pocket. With few clues, it takes a while for Lexi to get a good toehold on the investigation, but she keeps digging until a casual comment sets her on a cold case that may hold the answers to the man's murder.
Lots of unexpected excitement!
I hope we hear more about the jewel thief Lexi's ex, FBI agent Maddox, is chasing; it seems like there might be a really interesting story there.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

intriguing and just wonderful mystery.

I have loved this series from the very beginning. I wait patiently for each new addition and each one is worth the wait.
Gem Warfare reminded me of the Thomas Crowne affair, you know the movie with Renee Russo and I know it was a remake but I still loved it. Who doesn’t love a good cold case mystery that leaves you with a few lingering questions lol, will they ever catch up with the mysterious woman who stole the ruby? Could Maddox be getting his own series soon, maybe our intrepid FBI agent could do a how to catch a thief series.
But for now let’s concentrate on the wonderful job Lexi and Garret did teaming up to solve this murder, jewel heist cold case and all without Lexi getting hurt.
I can’t wait to see what Lexi gets up to next.

[Amy Dong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as other ones. Not enough Solomon. Also the police and Garrett cone off as very bad at their jobs. They knew part of the museum heist involved paste jewels, yet it never entered their head that after Lexi saw Cass they should make sure the jewels weren’t switched? And having Rafferty be able to escape all the time? She just made them all look really foolish and incompetent. This is one of my favorite series, hopefully this wasn’t the last book, I’d hate for it to end on a mediocre level.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi Graves-Solomon is on the case once again. She has the help of all of the usual friends and family. Her mom has a big case for her after a crazy discovery in the neighborhood. Someone from her past might be involved but how? Can she solve the crime, clear the innocent and capture an old nemesis at the same time?

[Shazza_d2002hotmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous

Another fantastic instalment in this great series. This book will have you hooked from the very first page !! If you like sleep or getting chores done then this is not the series for you due to the fact you won’t be able to put it down till the very last page. I can’t wait to read more of Lexi and the gang !!

[Pamela Behrend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as great as expected!

Lexi is more mature in her thought processes in this one, as she should be. Her brothers treat her with more affection and respect, which I really liked. I could picture this whole series as a tv series, especially on a cable or streaming service. I love this series!

[Michelle Bawiec · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clean it up

I've read all the Lexie Graves books up to now but this may be the last. I know it's a continuing series but I don't like to not have closure on some things like Maddox and Cass. The series seems much more shallow and maybe its time to wrap it up. Also editing is getting worse and lots of mistakes. Get an editor or get a better editor.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Supposedly the last in the series? I really enjoy the ribbing between Maddox and Lexi. The is one of the only in the series where she gets to work with Garrett (Lt. Graves) as a police consultant to solve a cold case. A landscaper digs up a skeleton with a lot of gems. Where did they come from? The hunt is on and people from previous cases come climbing out of the woodwork.

[Phyllis schapoval · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pi

I have read everyone of yours books,I know it must be hard to keep on writing about the same series, but this was one of your books that doesn't make to your standards. I will keep reading your books. I still enjoy your books it makes life enjoyable. Thank you. Phyllis

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another entertaining book in this series with all the characters I have come to "know" along with a surprise reappearance. The book has lots of mystery and action of a sort, but it isn't one of my favorites in this series. Still, it is entertaining.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun read! I loved that the author brought back a "bad guy" from a previous book. I had to go back and re-read because I couldn't quite remember. The author does a great job coming up with new ideas which can't be easy after 17 books! Can't wait for the next one

[Barbara Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit

Now personally, I like as much of Solomon as I can get, and he wasn't as directly involved, but this book was absolutely excellent. The characters development is good, the story fun and with enough mystery to keep me turning pages.

[Heather Surface · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a gem of a read

I love the Lexi Graves series. Can’t wait until the next one! Love seeing her get into oh so much trouble while solving the crime.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi Graces character is a favorite of mine. Camilla Chafer is great at witty conversations. Funny and mysterious.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book! I absolutely love this author and her writing. I love all the characters in the book and the banter that Lexi has between her family. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Chandelle Llana · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the Graves, Solomon and Lily

These books are fun, funny, sexy and everything you could want in a mystery. I look forward to the next one.

[Roxi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the pace and developments over the last chapters.

[Meli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read Jan 4 2025

[chuck r · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent finish to an enjoyable series. All the usual suspects stick their head up and a new mystery character is introduced. Is there an Eighteen?

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I've enjoyed every book in the series, but this might be the best one yet. This novel captured my attention from the very first page and kept me engaged until the last page.

Filled with humor and a compelling mystery, fans of the genre will love this one. The author is on my must read authors ' list.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Struggled to finish this one. I’m thinking I may be done with this series.