Judgment of Murder

Rex Graves Mystery #9

by C.S. Challinor

It’s a dark day for Scottish barrister Rex Graves when he learns that Lord Gordon Murgatroyd has passed away. Referred to as “Judge Murder” by Rex’s colleagues, the famously severe judge supposedly died of natural causes—but his daughter Phoebe thinks otherwise.

Wanting to honor the man who’d always been uncharacteristically kind to him, Rex thinks it would be a good idea to follow up on Phoebe’s suspicions . . . until a meeting with a suspect leaves him drugged and beaten within an inch of his life. With a target on his back and a child abduction case gripping the region, Rex fears that the judge’s death won’t be an isolated incident.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery, British Literature, Fiction

203 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 2016

About the author

C.S. Challinor was raised and educated in Scotland (St. George's School for Girls, Edinburgh) and England (Lewes Priory, Sussex; University of Kent, Canterbury: Joint Hons Latin & French). She also holds a diploma in Russian from the Pushkin Institute in Moscow. She now lives in Southwest Florida. Challinor is a member of the Authors Guild, New York, and writes the critically acclaimed Rex Graves cozy mystery series featuring Rex Graves, Scottish barrister-sleuth.

CHRISTMAS IS MURDER, the first in the series, reached #1 on the Kindle Bestseller List. This title is also available in large print hardcover through Thorndike Reviewer's Choice. The fifth in the series, MURDER OF THE BRIDE, was a Mystery Guild Book Club pick (hardcover) and a Top Five Books of 2011 Selection by Crime Fiction Lover. JUDGMENT OF MURDER, #8, the newest Rex Graves title from Midnight Ink, was released on November 8, 2016, to highly favorable reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews.

Please note, the covers shown on Goodreads for MURDER IN THE RAW and PHI BETA MURDER are the old covers. These two titles have since been recovered for subsequent editions, print and digital.

Reviews

[Monnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my introduction to Scottish barrister Rex Graves. In fact, I was surprised to learn after I'd finished that it's something like the ninth book in the series. That said, it stands alone well; yes, I might have gained a few insights by reading previous editions, but at no time did I feel disadvantaged.

Also after the fact, I also noticed the words "cozy mystery" in the description of the series - and that doesn't surprise me. This book, and I assume all the others, is written in a rather mild-mannered, laid-back style. At several points, I was reminded of the Stuart Woods Stone Barrington series; no matter what happens, nobody gets terribly excited about it (that's an observation, not a criticism, by the way).

The book begins as the esteemed Rex learns that a former judge, Lord Gordon Murgatroyd, has died. Known as "Judge Murder" because of his severity on the bench, he's not missed by many - but along the way he did, for some reason, befriend Rex. Because of that (and perhaps a because of a personal interest in the presumably unattached Rex), the judge's daughter Phoebe calls him in when she suspects her father's death was anything but natural.

Rex complies with her request, but he's not totally convinced that the judge was murdered (and, since he's engaged to the woman he loves, he's less than thrilled to think Phoebe has set her romantic sights on him). But then he's attacked by a suspect with whom he agreed to meet, and he and his very proper but likable friend Alistair decide to investigate further. Besides that, a young girl has been abducted - perhaps tied to an earlier murder of another abducted girl. Are the cases related? Rex looks into the possibility, putting his own life on the line in the process.

It all comes together in the end, of course, making for a rather fun, easy read. Many thanks to the author and publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book popped up on my goodreads homepage. It looked like an interesting but somewhat laid back sorta story and so I picked up a review copy from Netgalley. The blurb sounded interesting but I had no idea about what to expect from it. As such it was a pleasant surprise.

Gordon Murgatroyd had been a strict judge who was often dubbed as "Judge Murder" and as such not many people were touched by his death. But Gordon had been uncharacteristically nice to Rex. When his daughter voiced her doubts about her father’s seemingly natural death, Rex felt obligated to look into the matter. What he didn’t expect was to get mixed up in something so dangerous that would threaten his life as well. With another case of child abduction taking up some of his attention, will the barrister be able to keep his wits and outsmart the perpetrator?

The story at the beginning seemed straightforward enough with Rex having to deal with two separate issues. But as the storyline progresses, new information is disclosed and the menace surrounding each case increases. That is when we see a different picture altogether. I liked the character of Rex quite a bit. He is unconventional is some ways and very likeable in every way. The plot is not very complicated and as such most of the ‘mystery’ turned out to be pretty predictable. However, the story has been narrated in a way to keep the readers engaged.

I wish I had known that this book was a part of a series though. I would have liked to read them in order to be able to see how the character was built up from the beginning. In any case this book can be read as a standalone.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made no notes on this book, no highlights; I remember reading it, but very little about it. (Oddly, opposite to the way these things usually go, I do recall whodunit; I can usually remember plot but not that.) I recall this as a mildly engaging cozy-ish mystery which kept my attention and which didn't leave me with a bad taste in my mouth – except, maybe, for the main character's girlfriend. If memory serves I found her unpleasant and mentally wore a "Free Rex Graves" t-shirt.

I don't know; I didn't have much to say about the book immediately after finishing it, then never remembered to try to find anything later – in fact, I started it again recently, since nothing about it rang any "already read" bells. It definitely was not a bad book – it did well by me for all that it was the ninth book in its series, meaning I felt adequately introduced to the characters and setting without being clobbered by developments from previous installments. It just made … no impact on me, whatsoever. I'm thinking I won't be reading more of the series.

The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice cozy mystery. For some reason GoodReads doesn't list this as part of a series, so I didn't have a chance to read the other stories before this one, which I think took away some of my enjoyment. The writing was very good, though I found the actual mystery a bit lacking. But the characters were engaging enough to keep the story entertaining.

**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

[Chowhound88 (a.k.a. Ralph) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a fine wine C.S. Challinor gets better with time. I really enjoyed reading this book. Don't miss out on this one.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

When barrister Rex Graves learns that Lord Gordon Murgatroyd, an old mentor has died he agrees to visit the daughter as she is suspicious of his death.
Is his death related to an old case or was his death a complete accident. Rex decides to find out.
A very easy and quick read with likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scottish attorney Rex Graves is asked to investigate the death of a retired judge who befriended him early in his career. But are the circumstances suspicious, or is the judge's widowed daughter trolling for a second husband? Graves revisits a case where the usually stern judge bent justice in the defendent's favor, and finds himself attacked by another suspect in the case.

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judgment of Murder (A Rex Graves Mystery) by C.S. Challinor

384 Pages
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Release Date: November 8, 2016

Fiction (Adult), General Fiction (Adult), Mystery, Thrillers, Scotland, Private Investigators

Lord Gordon Murgatroyd, an elderly retired judge is found dead. He was referred to as “Judge Murder” and known to be severe in his rulings The authorities wrote it off as a heart attack. His daughter, Phoebe, believes he was murdered especially because his stamp collection is missing. Also, the window in his room was found open. She contacts Rex Graves, a private investigator to find out the truth.

The story has a steady pace, the characters are developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. If you like British murder mysteries, you will not be disappointed reading this one.

[Sans Washington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly, this was another enjoyable mystery from Challinor.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid cozy set in Scotland and England. Some of the characters felt flat but that might be because I haven't read the previous books.

[Mary Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick good mystery. Good characters but too much running around to different places. Would have rather had story in Scotland like the others I read.

[Susan Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I love the characters in these stories. The books are written well and keep you interested throughout. I just wish there were more of them.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Judgment of Murder by CS Challinor
Publisher: Midnight Ink Nov 2016
Genre: cozy, mystery, English historical, British mystery, Scottish barrister,
4+ stars
Author:
Challinor was born in the US, educated in Scotland and England (joint Hons in Latin, French) and currently lives in Florida. She also holds a diploma in Russian from the Pushkin Institute in Moscow. Challinor is a member of the Authors Guild, New York, and writes the critically acclaimed Rex Graves mystery series featuring the Scottish barrister-sleuth. The cozy series begins with: Christmas is Murder (September 2008, Midnight Ink Books, a Kindle best seller), and continues with Murder in the Raw (2009), Phi Beta Murder (2010), Murder on the Moor (2011), Murder of the Bride (2012, a Mystery Guild book club pick), Murder at the Dolphin Inn (2013) Murder at Midnight (2014) and Murder comes Calling (2015). I particularly appreciate the understated humour and banter between Rex and and his fiancé Helen d'Arcy (schoolteacher) and have enjoyed the series more with each new book. Challinor keeps most readers guessing as she cleverly spreads suspicion and clues and red herrings. Cozy fans will enjoy this traditional series featuring a witty, charming and engaging sleuth. Her light touch makes them entertaining reads, perfect for cold winter nights. JoM will make a lovely Christmas gift.
Story Line:
An old colleague Lord Gordon Murgatroyd, the infamous Judge Murder, dies in England, but his daughter Phoebe, newly widowed, suspects foul play. Rex Graves QC develops his prosecutorial expertise to sleuth his way through possible method and probable motive and near death. His trusty likable colleague Alistair helps investigate and even saves Rex at one point. Both are caught up in another regional case with abducted girl(s), linking cold cases, murderers and suspects. Rex does like to announce the murderer in a denouement, continuing the Golden Age style. Challinor's mysteries are a welcome and charming modern take on Agatha Christie. I felt this one was more multilayered although they remain descriptive stories. Reading enjoyment may benefit from knowledge of previous cases and character development.

Read On:
Anne Cleeland (Shetland), Deborah Crombie, Agatha Christie, Ellery Queen, MC Beaton (Hamish McBeth), Rhys Bowen (Royal Spyness), Anna Lee Huber (Lady Darby), Alexander McCall Smith (Sunday Philosophy Club), Paige Shelto (Scottish bookshop)

Quotes
The golf could wait. Murder could not.
In the event he was on a wild goose chase, he thought he might as well do some sightseeing and make the most of his sabotaged weekend.
Miss Bird had been their housekeeper since he was a boy, and she and his mother persisted in calling him by his given name, instead of its derivative “Rex,” which he preferred. Now that they were well into their eighties he had lost all hope of their changing the habit.
She spoke in the genteel tones of Morningside ladies, which Rex often thought belied a razor sharp mind that had lost none of its acuity in her advancing age.
“Well, I wish you’d just hurry up and marry the woman. You know how I love weddings.” Rex gazed at his friend in mild frustration.
I’m aboot as lethal as one of these chips.”
Rex commended his friend’s foresight, without fully comprehending how he had been able to run with a crowbar secreted in his coat, but now wasn’t the time to ask."
“Your mother must be so proud of you, as am I. I suppose you could go about incognito but you’re a hard person to disguise.”

Received as an ARC ebook from Netgalley.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex Graves, a charming Scottish barrister, reads one morning about the death of a judge who was not well-liked by many, but who always had been kind to him and mentored him. He decides to call the judge's daughter to offer condolences. Although the judge was elderly and it appears he passed away in his sleep, Rex is surprised to learn that Phoebe thinks her father was murdered, and since she knows of Rex's success in solving murders, asks his help to prove it.

He reluctantly agrees to travel to Canterbury to see her, and the evidence indeed is quite flimsy - there is a missing watch and an album of stamps, as the judge was a philatelist, although only by hobby. Yet who would kill an old man and remove a watch and a stamp album that isn't worth very much? With very little to work with, Rex sets out to discover the answers to those questions. While still in Canterbury, he also learns about the mugging of another elderly man who resided there; and of course there is the disappearance of Leslie Poulson, a teenage girl from Dover, and finally there's the case of Richard Pruitt, who sent the judge a stamp for his collection in thanks for his 'not proven' verdict which set him free...

So Rex decides to meet with Pruitt because he finds this tenuous connection to the judge. It seems many years ago Judge Murgatroyd convinced a jury not to convict Mr. Pruitt in the murder of a young girl, as he didn't believe there was enough evidence to do so. Yet after all these years, Pruitt has the suspicion still hanging over his head, and has been trying to find the real murderer in order that he may be vindicated at last.

But when Rex arrives at Pruitt's home to talk with him about the crime, he has no clue that in doing so he may very well have sealed his own fate. After drinking some tea he begins to feel fuzzy, and it it is shortly thereafter he is trussed up and very nearly murdered himself. When he recovers he realizes that something sinister indeed is happening, and it now involves him as a part of the equation...

I can say no more about this book without giving it all away, but it is truly wonderful to observe Rex's brilliant mind work as he begins to take each piece and put it together until he has the puzzle complete. This formidable and intelligent Scottish barrister is as much fun to see in action as Sherlock Holmes; as he begins to take each occurrence and connect them together to form the solution and find the murderer.

In the end, the reasoning behind the murder is rather twisted and sad, yet when the murderer is caught (as we know the person must be), it is a gratifying conclusion and nothing appears contrived or hurried; we are given a convincing conclusion to a very good tale indeed.

Ms. Challinor has given us another delightful Rex Grave mystery; her ability to weave a story is akin to watching a beautiful tapestry be woven right before our eyes. We are given first one thread and then another, and eventually they are all bound together flawlessly. This is a story that is pleasant and enthralling; and I anxiously await the next in the series. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.

http://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/2016...

[Kimberly Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was what I would call a cozy-type mystery, although I do not believe it was tagged that way. Scottish barrister, Rex Graves, was settling into his life quite nicely enjoying his cases and his fiancée Helen, dreaming about the prospects and their lives together.

When he learned Judge Murgatroyd passed away it made him feel some type of way. The judge was in his eighties, so it wasn’t that he didn’t live a full life, it was his kindness to Rex that made him feel a little sadness for the judge’s death. For you see, Judge Murgatroyd, who was nicknamed “Judge Murder” by his colleagues and legal professionals, was known for his no-nonsense attitude and for being quite mean. The judge didn’t take to people often, so for him to extend conversation and advice to Rex was sort of unheard of.

Due to Judge Murder’s death, he just assumed he passed away from old age, since the judge had been retired from the bench a good ten years. It was at this point Rex receives a phone call out-of-the-blue from the judge’s daughter, Phoebe, who called to see how Rex was doing, but more so to ask for his assistance. Phoebe didn’t think her father just passed away peacefully in his sleep. No, in fact, she believed someone helped her father pass away. Needless to say, Rex thought Phoebe was just a little paranoid and, not to mention, a bit grief stricken having just lost her father. Because let’s face it, there wasn’t anyone Rex could think of that would want the judge murdered, right?

Rex, against his better judgment, agrees to meet with Phoebe to discuss the particulars of what she believed was an actual murder. He then realizes that perhaps all of this wasn’t just a figment of Phoebe’s wild imagination. As Rex digs deeper into Judge Murgatroyd’s past, what he unearths will leave the reader in awe and shock!

I truly enjoyed this mystery. It was a great way to kick off my reading year. Barrister Rex Graves is a delightful character, along with his sidekick, Alistair. There’s a bit of humor spread out along the way as you delve into Judge Murder’s life. What you think is significant may turn out to be something completely the opposite. All the while, situations you think don’t matter, may turn out to be pieces of the puzzle you need to jot down and remember. This was a great whodunit mystery. Easy to read and characters warm and full of life. A very charming story and well written.

Make sure you pick up a copy and/or download for your to-read list. It’s a fast read and quite enjoyable.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Judgment of Murder - Rex Graves Mysteries Book 9
Author: C. S. Challinor
Published: 11-8-2016
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Pages: 218
Genre: Mysteries, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Amateur Sleuths; British Detectives;
ISBN: 13-978-0738750095
ASIN: B01APSYQ06
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.25 Stars

.


I received a copy of Judgement of Murder from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.





The Murder Judge, AKA Lord Gordon Murgatroyd, has died from natural causes according to the investigation. Phoebe, the judge's daughter asks Rex to look into his death because she is sure he was murdered. Out of friendship and respect for the man, he agrees. As he starts to look into the events surrounding the death when he is attacked and left for dead. Now with someone trying to stop him permanently and a very publicized kidnapping Rex fears Judge Murgatroyd's death is only the first of many crimes to be connected to the judge's death. Can Rex find killer or killers before he/they can strike again.





C. S. Challinor known for her talent in writing the Rex Grave Murder Mysteries. From the very beginning they have been established as having well developed characters, accurate researched material for both British police and judicial procedural. She has given us a mystery in Judgement for Murder that grabs our attention from the start and refuses to let go until the last word is read. You will find each book in the series can be read as a standalone but the series is so good you will want to read them all.





If you are looking for a hard-boiled mystery pass this one by, but if you are looking for a mystery that offers a few hours of escape to the reader and new friends to be made then do not pass Judgement for Murder by. My rating is 4.25 out of 5 stars.



Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01APSYQ06/...


Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/judgm...


GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...


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[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scottish barrister Rex Graves is renowned for his investigation of private cases. In Judgment of Muder, Rex makes a condolence call to the daughter of a retired judge, Lord Gordon Murgatroyd, who was Rex's mentor. He was also known as "Judge Murder". When his daughter, Phoebe, mentions that several things are not right and she suspects perhaps foul play hastened the Judge's death, Rex changes his plans and heads to Canterbury to investigate. Items of no great value were taken the night of the judge's death, and another elderly male neighbor was mugged and killed nearby just prior. During his visit a young girl is taken while walking home from school--similar to one of the judge's more famous cases. While Rex begins to think perhaps Phoebe, a widow, is just lonely, he also feels the need to investigate Judge Murder's old cases back in Scotland. Rex dismisses the old man's death as murder, until Phoebe calls to say her housekeeper has found some items that don't belong in the elderly man's bedroom. Rex visits the man charged with a young schoolgirl's murder many years prior, which the judge had heard and ultimately freed the man charged. Rex goes to visit the man and stumbles into trouble.

A quick but satisfying read, I had no problem despite having not read any of the prior books in this series. Although parts of the mystery were fairly obvious, others were not and readers will be surprised to learn them. Rex Graves and his barrister friend, Alistair Frazer, make a great duo, and I enjoyed this very British-type mystery.  I recommend Judgment of Murder.

Many thanks to Midnight Ink & netgalley for providing an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honesr opinions and review.

[Merrilee Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all begins with Lord Gordon Murgatroyd, a judge famous for his severe meting out of justice, dies. Rex Graves, a Scottish barrister who remembers that Murgatroyd, despite his fabled severity, was kind to him, and contacts his bereaved daughter Phoebe to offer his condolences.

It’s meant to be a civil paying of respects, but Rex finds more than he expected. Phoebe confides to Rex that she is not convinced her father’s death was a natural one, and she asks Rex to look into it. Rex, busy with Court duties and also with a lovely fiancée Helen, is reluctant at first to get involved. But finally he promises Phoebe to look into it a bit.

Events become more heated when Rex, meeting with a suspect, is drugged, beaten, and possibly looking forward to worse when he rescued by his good friend Alistair. Rex and Alistair start following clues and before long see a possible link between their search and a current child abduction case.

Rex and Alistair prove to be a dignified but formidable pair as they delve more deeply into the trail they are following. Ultimately, they meet with success in a most satisfactory way. Not unimportantly, Rex and Helen come to an understanding that may pave the way for further adventures for Rex and Alistair.

This is a splendid tale, solidly in the British tradition. The Scottish setting lends atmosphere to a well-told and satisfying story. I suspect we will be hearing more from Rex, Helen and Alistair. My tthanks to author, publisher and NetGalley for making an advance copy available for me to read and review. This review also appears on my blog My Merri Way.com

[Marilyn Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rex Graves is an Advocate at the English Court when the daughter of Lord Gordon Murgatroyd asks for his help. He is reluctant at first. Sentencing was heavy-handed at Court by Lord Murgatroyd and behind his back he was referred to as Judge Murder. Many people respected him but even more hated him. Now the old Judge has died but but was it a natural death or was it murder?

Then things are missing from the house. Odd things. First a stamp collection is gone according to the daughter but is she lying or really on the trail of something? Later... a latex fingertip, a pink slide are all found in the bedroom and examined for finger prints but the evidence is slight so the clues are building.

Ten years earlier a girl had been kidnapped and murdered on her way home from school. But had the man convicted really been guilty? And what did the second kidnapping of a teenager have to do with the Judge?

Rex and his friend Adrian pursue people and clues from London to Canterbury. They pour over events and interview witnesses. Bringing the right person to justice will depend on detail, luck and determination.

C.S. Challinor writes in the style of an English cozy. She leads us on a trail... laced with red herrings galore. In many ways, the jailbirds tended to be the stronger characters, along with the dark descriptions of their past lives. I love English Mysteries, so it was fun guessing how this would end. The pace is slow but with plenty of twists to keep you reading.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a dark day for Scottish barrister Rex Graves when he learns that Lord Gordon Murgatroyd has passed away. Referred to as “Judge Murder” by Rex’s colleagues, the famously severe judge supposedly died of natural causes—but his daughter Phoebe thinks otherwise.

Wanting to honor the man who’d always been uncharacteristically kind to him, Rex thinks it would be a good idea to follow up on Phoebe’s suspicions . . . until a meeting with a suspect leaves him drugged and beaten within an inch of his life. With a target on his back and a child abduction case gripping the region, Rex fears that the judge’s death won’t be an isolated incident.

Enjoyed this story, with a good set of characters, well plotted and written. Will keep you gripped right to the end!

This was my first taste of the Rex Graves Mysteries, and will not be my last.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Midnight Ink books and downloaded via NetGalley

If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have made, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A judge known to be cantankerous to nearly everyone has died, and the authorities call it a death by natural causes. His daughter, however, disagrees, and enlists the help of Rex and his friends to prove otherwise -- and to discover the culprit. Little does Rex know that his investigation will lead to other crimes. Was the judge really murdered, or is Phoebe simply looking for male attention?

When I requested this book, I was not aware that it is book #9 of an established series. I expected to be lost as to character relationships and backstories, but I was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case. This book brought to mind a current-day Sherlock Holmes, and to a lesser extent, Hercule Poirot. Fortunately, I find Rex a much more likable character than Hercule, and I was eager to keep reading to learn the answers to the story's burning questions. I will look for other books in this series, and hope they're as enjoyable as this one was.

I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite an enjoyable book. It was well written, well paced and had an interesting story. Rex Graves is called to investigate what appears to be the natural death of his old mentor. Although all outward appearances lead everyone to think it was a heart attack, his daughter, Phoebe, firmly believes it was more than that.

As Rex investigates he discovers links to an old case of the judge's as well as a current death near the judge's home and a kidnapping. Rex is very kind, smart and determined investigator and will do all he can to resolve things and put Phoebe's mind at ease. He wraps the case up neatly in the end.

"I requested and received this book from the author at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

[Carol Dass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that I requested this book because it took place in England where I spent most of my adult life. This book is a great murder mystery, involving the typical country house where the murder took place, and a charismatic Scottish barrister, Rex Graves. The death of Rex's mentor, Judge Murgatroyd, knows as Judge Murder, prompts him to phone the Judge's daughter, Phoebe, to offer his condolences. But Phoebe confides that she feels her father's death was not natural, but possibly murder. So Rex decides to investigate, and is also caught up in another case, that of an abducted teenager, which might be connected. I loved that some of the action took place in Brightlingsea, Essex, where I lived for some time. A great cozy read!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest Rex Graves mystery, Judgment of Murder, has Rex investigating the death of a retired judge, one not known for his compassion. He’s doing this as a favor for the man’s daughter, who’s convinced her father’s death was not due to natural causes. From there, it’s a race to the finish with an intriguing plot with many twists and turns, and characters who are probably exactly what they seem, then again, maybe not.

The author has a way with words, managing to fit in a fair bit of description without going too overboard. The action definitely moves quickly and efficiently to the satisfactory conclusion, whereby all is revealed.

A NetGalley book for me.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gather there are at least six other Rex Graves Mysteries in this series. I have not read any of them. I hope this doesn't spoil the book too much. I prefer to read a series in the order they are written.

A short and entertaining story. I soon warmed to the central characters of Rex and his friend and work colleague Alastair.

The story has a certain predictability, something which is fairly typical of the genre.

There are a few twists in the tale along the way.

Would I read other books by C.S. challinor? Yes probably.

I give my thanks to the publisher, Midnight Ink and to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Addison Public Library]

Scottish barrister Rex Graves receives a phone call from an old colleague’s daughter. Lord Gordon Murgatroyd, a retired judge, has supposedly passed away in his sleep. His daughter, Phoebe, however thinks her father was murdered and asks Rex to investigate. When Rex is assaulted as he interviews his first lead in the case, he is afraid that the judge might not be the last victim.
KD 11-16
Check out this book today!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Rex Graves' mysteries. It had lots of action moving between two locations. And I really liked that Rex's friend Alastair has a bigger role than usual. I like the character of Alastair. I liked the intricate plotting of various stories and seeing how they developed over the course of the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes the Rex Graves' series and to anyone who likes a well-plotted mystery with believable reasons for why Rex goes around asking various people questions, good deductions and more action than usual.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting with several layers and sub-plots. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[KayDee]

When Scottish barrister Rex Graves receives an urgent phone call, he is dumbfounded. An elderly judge has died in his sleep, but his daughter believes he was murdered and begs Rex to investigate. Rex is sure that she's wrong but when he is assaulted after interviewing his first lead in the case, Rex realizes that there's evil out there that is waiting for another victim.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, and Rex is definitely a sleuth I want to read more of. A good solid mystery at the heart of the story with plenty of interesting side stories keeping the reader's interest throughout.
For those who enjoy a good mystery for the mind rather than the blood-and-gore types, this is a winner all the way!