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.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy to review. This was an interesting mystery but not an amazing read for me.

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.

This is book 8 in the Rex Graves mystery series. Each book does read as a stand alone however I do recommend each book in this excellent cozy mystery series.
This series is a delightful read. Each in series is fresh and new adventure to the reader. The sleuth is well developed with several twist and turns along the way. The characters all add to the story with depth and interest. I find the series written with wit and humor in a fast pace that is enjoyable to read. . I look forward to the next in series.

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.

C. S. continues the Rick Graves mysteries in Judgment of Murder. The Scottish barrister is recruited by the daughter of deceased retired judge Lord Gordon Murgatroyd to determine if her father was murdered and to find the murderer. What are the connections to a past child murder and current child abduction? Many possible suspects in this cozy mystery; whodunit? Read and find out.