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Rex Graves Mystery #2
Murder in the Raw
When beautiful French actress Sabine Durand mysteriously disappears, Rex Graves flies to the Caribbean paradise of St. Martin to investigate. But no one told the Scottish barrister that the island's white sand beaches would be filled with people walking around starkers . Apparently, Sabine was staying at an exclusive nudist resort. Not even a few pints of Guinness can prepare Rex for all the brazenly exposed body parts he encounters.
Keeping his gaze well above the shoulders, Rex interviews Sabine's friends. It seems everyone has something to hide―from her rich older husband to the sexy self-made millionaire to Monsieur Bijou, an influential developer on the island with a fetish for jewels. Alibis unravel and motives are revealed as Rex works to uncover the culprit of this crime au naturel.
" Murder in the Raw is a clever variant on the locked room mystery. With a host of colorful characters, a dose of humor and a balmy locale, you will want to devour this well-plotted mystery."― Mystery Scene
"Murder in the Raw is one of the more recent contributions to a growing library of mystery novels of interest to naturists, and naked readers will especially enjoy how Challinor 'gets it right.'"― Nude and Natural
"A solid choice for traditional mystery fans, Murder in the Raw provides some new twists on something old and familiar."― The Mystery Reader
Keeping his gaze well above the shoulders, Rex interviews Sabine's friends. It seems everyone has something to hide―from her rich older husband to the sexy self-made millionaire to Monsieur Bijou, an influential developer on the island with a fetish for jewels. Alibis unravel and motives are revealed as Rex works to uncover the culprit of this crime au naturel.
" Murder in the Raw is a clever variant on the locked room mystery. With a host of colorful characters, a dose of humor and a balmy locale, you will want to devour this well-plotted mystery."― Mystery Scene
"Murder in the Raw is one of the more recent contributions to a growing library of mystery novels of interest to naturists, and naked readers will especially enjoy how Challinor 'gets it right.'"― Nude and Natural
"A solid choice for traditional mystery fans, Murder in the Raw provides some new twists on something old and familiar."― The Mystery Reader
216 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2009
About the author
C.S. Challinor
19 books63 followersC.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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 16, 2021
Rex Graves is called upon by friends to help find a missing actress presumed dead. Unfortunately for him, it's at a nudest resort.
Yet another protagonist who's proven he's an alcoholic, Rex the 'dough boy', tries to solve a murder, fails, gets dumped, but still manages to get laid by a stand by. (FYI, of course Moira is going to choose the Australian hottie who wants to save the world.)
Unfortunately this second book in the series was a serious fail. Instead of writing a mystery, the author let one of the suspect's daughter solve the case while trying to get her romance novel on. One star because her first in this series was a classic Christie novel, (though no one can measure up to Agatha's greatness), while this one was basically a goofy guy, who has no business as a private dectective, fumbles around an island in the Caribbean, gawking at nude women, while the missing woman moves on with her life. Here's to hoping #3 gets back on track!
Yet another protagonist who's proven he's an alcoholic, Rex the 'dough boy', tries to solve a murder, fails, gets dumped, but still manages to get laid by a stand by. (FYI, of course Moira is going to choose the Australian hottie who wants to save the world.)
Unfortunately this second book in the series was a serious fail. Instead of writing a mystery, the author let one of the suspect's daughter solve the case while trying to get her romance novel on. One star because her first in this series was a classic Christie novel, (though no one can measure up to Agatha's greatness), while this one was basically a goofy guy, who has no business as a private dectective, fumbles around an island in the Caribbean, gawking at nude women, while the missing woman moves on with her life. Here's to hoping #3 gets back on track!
January 6, 2016
Rex Graves, Scottish barrister, comes to St. Martin at the request of an acquaintance he met on holiday. Sabine Durand, an actress, has disappeared, and her much older husband and her friends are concerned. The local police think she had a mishap while swimming and was eaten by sharks.
When Graves appears on the island, he realizes he need not have worried about his lost luggage. It’s a nude resort, and as he questions the guests, he realizes that the men at the resort miss Sabine more than the women.
Readers who enjoy classic Agatha Christie style mysteries will take to Rex Graves. Not as pompous as Poirot, he’s a likable sleuth who hopefully will be around for many more adventures.
When Graves appears on the island, he realizes he need not have worried about his lost luggage. It’s a nude resort, and as he questions the guests, he realizes that the men at the resort miss Sabine more than the women.
Readers who enjoy classic Agatha Christie style mysteries will take to Rex Graves. Not as pompous as Poirot, he’s a likable sleuth who hopefully will be around for many more adventures.
February 11, 2019
I liked the first book in the series but this one was even much better. Rex Graves is a very lovable character and it is great to follow his investigation. In contrast to the first book I had no idea what the outcome will be until the very end. All the characters who are suspects are pretty interesting. And I liked the setting, a nudist hotel on an island. The island itself gives a great vacation atmosphere and the nudist hotel adds humor to it. This book was an excellent read and outstanding in it's genre. I want to read more of Rex Graves' investigations for sure!
May 13, 2018
Rex Graves is a likeable Scottish barrister and an enjoyable character. I liked following him around St Martin watching him dig in to solve the mystery. But the only real mystery here is what is the mystery? The answer behind the reason Rex comes onto the scene is literally handed to him, and the only other mystery is a sideline affair that gets solved through deus ex machina. The “naturalist” resort aspect is totally neglected beyond a few remarks at the beginning. It was a perfect setting for a clever crime, provoking questions of “where do you hide a murder weapon?” and such. However nothing really gets made of the setting. It’s like a less engaging episode of Murder in Paradise, minus a real mystery.
January 3, 2018
A pot-boiler of a country house murder with a couple of twists ...
Actress disappears, no body found, police not interested. The rich guests, some of them very rich want resolution so they send for Scottish Legal Eagle Rex Graves to find the killer.
Then the twists
The first of which is the location a naturist resort on the island of St Martin.
Number 2 Rex does not .... that would spoil the tale.
Marks lost because Ms Challinor failed to research the setting for her story or naturism particularly carefully.
Actress disappears, no body found, police not interested. The rich guests, some of them very rich want resolution so they send for Scottish Legal Eagle Rex Graves to find the killer.
Then the twists
The first of which is the location a naturist resort on the island of St Martin.
Number 2 Rex does not .... that would spoil the tale.
Marks lost because Ms Challinor failed to research the setting for her story or naturism particularly carefully.
June 27, 2018
I read this book to satisfy a Summer Reading Challenge theme and I had to read a book featuring nudity or nudists. This definitely isn't a New York Times best-selling author but I appreciated the story. Unfortunately, the characters lacked depth and I was just waiting for it to be over. The murder wasn't even fascinating and didn't leave me with any kind of hook.
Definitely wouldn't recommend unless you're into cheesy mysteries, Scottish detectives, or nude resorts.
Definitely wouldn't recommend unless you're into cheesy mysteries, Scottish detectives, or nude resorts.
April 18, 2019
I thought the plot details in this novel moved slowly. I also thought the characters could have been better developed more; it might be that there were too many involved, in addition to an extra plot line. Then we have Rex's love life interrupting the action. I just wasn't as involved in this mystery as I could have been if there had been more tension, and interaction between the characters.
July 13, 2017
What a fun book! The mystery all takes place on St Martin in a naturalist (nudist) resort. Our hero is a Scotsman private eye, there to find out the truth. The story reminded me of an episode of "Murder in Paradise" from the BBC. I'm looking forward to reading more Rex.Graves mysteries!
September 22, 2019
He first book in this series was a diverting "cozy". This book is not even that. I don't plan to read anything else by this author.
March 31, 2020
Quick and easy read to take your mind off what’s happening in the world today. Now back to reality.
February 25, 2023
Fun and humorous, a little lighter than the first book despite a murder. Nudist suspects abound!
July 29, 2010
#2 Rex Graves mystery. Rex, a Scottish lawyer, is off to the Caribbean at the behest of the Winslows, owners of the inn where he stayed the Christmas before and solved a murder. It seems one of their guests, a famous French actress, has disappeared into thin air and they'd like Rex to look into things since the gendarmerie on the island don't seem very interested. Rex agrees, and then they mention, "Oh, by the way--this resort is a naturalist resort." (i.e., a nudist colony!)
Rex arrives and before long adjusts somewhat to the nudity, and begins questioning the other resort-goers, most of whom are long-time friends of the Winslows who vacation together each year. Sabine Durand left behind a small fragment of blood-soaked fabric hooked on a rock on the beach, the fragment believed to be from a gauzy cover-up she was seen wearing awhile before she disappeared. The gendarmes think a shark got her, but Rex discovers that Sabine wasn't terribly well-liked, and was known to have flings with men--is her much-older husband the culprit as some believe?
This was a quick, light read and despite being relatively cozy, I liked it. The writing is sort of stoic and staid, and the characters a bit clichéd, the mystery itself terribly easy to figure out and predict the outcome, but with the occasional wry humor tucked in to make things interesting, it's very readable. The series reminds me somewhat of the tone and writing style of the Miss Zukas series, which is another series I was kind of surprised that I liked. At any rate, I'm planning to read on to the next one. Not a spectacular read but still quite good, nice to read as my 'bedtime' book before drifting off to la-la land.
Rex arrives and before long adjusts somewhat to the nudity, and begins questioning the other resort-goers, most of whom are long-time friends of the Winslows who vacation together each year. Sabine Durand left behind a small fragment of blood-soaked fabric hooked on a rock on the beach, the fragment believed to be from a gauzy cover-up she was seen wearing awhile before she disappeared. The gendarmes think a shark got her, but Rex discovers that Sabine wasn't terribly well-liked, and was known to have flings with men--is her much-older husband the culprit as some believe?
This was a quick, light read and despite being relatively cozy, I liked it. The writing is sort of stoic and staid, and the characters a bit clichéd, the mystery itself terribly easy to figure out and predict the outcome, but with the occasional wry humor tucked in to make things interesting, it's very readable. The series reminds me somewhat of the tone and writing style of the Miss Zukas series, which is another series I was kind of surprised that I liked. At any rate, I'm planning to read on to the next one. Not a spectacular read but still quite good, nice to read as my 'bedtime' book before drifting off to la-la land.
August 3, 2015
I liked this mystery much better than Challinor's Christmas is Murder; at least the murderer's motive made some sense.
Scottish advocate, Rex Graves, has been summoned to St. Martin by friends to investigate privately the sudden disappearance of one of their fellow holiday-makers, actress Sabine Durand. This free trip to "paradise" comes with a prickle, though: the resort is of the sans vêtements variety. When in crazy Caribbean land, do as the rich, white tourists do, as the saying goes. Off with the kilt, and Graves's Bonny Prince Charlie is a-dangling in the tropical breeze! Much humor comes from the Scotsman's varying degrees of comfort with this turn of events.
The story itself seems like more of an afterthought to the setting. I like the mystery set-up wherein you find out about the character of the supposed victim of foul play through the sleuth's interviewing friends, acquaintances, and witnesses. Rex Graves gamely goes about doing same. There is a distracting side-plot involving a serial murderer and jewel fanatic that never really seems to fit in with the larger story about Sabine Durand. Blonde and comely Helen D'Arcy from Christmas is Murder shows up on the island for some convenient nooky time and to drop off a clue of sorts into Rex's lap before disappearing again onto a cruise ship. The author shows off her impressive French language credentials, but gives Rex too little Latin and German to throw about in his polyglot way.
All in all, a fun enough diversion for a summer's afternoon.
Scottish advocate, Rex Graves, has been summoned to St. Martin by friends to investigate privately the sudden disappearance of one of their fellow holiday-makers, actress Sabine Durand. This free trip to "paradise" comes with a prickle, though: the resort is of the sans vêtements variety. When in crazy Caribbean land, do as the rich, white tourists do, as the saying goes. Off with the kilt, and Graves's Bonny Prince Charlie is a-dangling in the tropical breeze! Much humor comes from the Scotsman's varying degrees of comfort with this turn of events.
The story itself seems like more of an afterthought to the setting. I like the mystery set-up wherein you find out about the character of the supposed victim of foul play through the sleuth's interviewing friends, acquaintances, and witnesses. Rex Graves gamely goes about doing same. There is a distracting side-plot involving a serial murderer and jewel fanatic that never really seems to fit in with the larger story about Sabine Durand. Blonde and comely Helen D'Arcy from Christmas is Murder shows up on the island for some convenient nooky time and to drop off a clue of sorts into Rex's lap before disappearing again onto a cruise ship. The author shows off her impressive French language credentials, but gives Rex too little Latin and German to throw about in his polyglot way.
All in all, a fun enough diversion for a summer's afternoon.
December 20, 2013
After reading the Christmas murder I had to see about another one of these mysteries and I grabbed this one. I can't say I was disappointed; some of the parts were a bit difficult; considering there was quite a bit of French in the book and I'm a stickler for accuracy; it burned me that I could only read some of the French and not all of the French. I'm afraid I'm bilingual not trilingual hehe; anyways it didn't take anything away from the mystery. Or I should say mysteries; you'll find out as you read the book.
The cast of characters in this one were no less colorful than in the previous book so that was terrific but at the same time, the characters were quite different so you didn't feel like you were reading about the same people, just with different names and a different location. It had it's funny moments too; especially considering the island's nudity that caught Rex offguard. Here is how I see it; anytime you read a mystery and you are cheering for a character to NOT be the guilty party, you've gotten a good book because it shows you care about the story and how it's unfolding as you read it. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one in this collection.
The cast of characters in this one were no less colorful than in the previous book so that was terrific but at the same time, the characters were quite different so you didn't feel like you were reading about the same people, just with different names and a different location. It had it's funny moments too; especially considering the island's nudity that caught Rex offguard. Here is how I see it; anytime you read a mystery and you are cheering for a character to NOT be the guilty party, you've gotten a good book because it shows you care about the story and how it's unfolding as you read it. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one in this collection.
January 30, 2017
As Rex Graves might say: this is a grand story. Graves is a Scottish barrister called to the island of St. Martin in the Caribbean to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a film star from an exclusive (clothing-optional) resort. This premise alone makes the book a worthwhile read. There's plenty of local authentic local colour (at least it accords with my recollection of the island when I was there).
Graves's character is developed sufficiently to make him a likable narrator and protagonist. Other characters are not so well developed, they are merely background. The missing actress does not attract much sympathy amongst her resort colleagues.
The story is similar to an Agatha Christie mystery, with Graves playing a Hercule Poirot role.
It's light entertainment and a good distracting read.
Graves's character is developed sufficiently to make him a likable narrator and protagonist. Other characters are not so well developed, they are merely background. The missing actress does not attract much sympathy amongst her resort colleagues.
The story is similar to an Agatha Christie mystery, with Graves playing a Hercule Poirot role.
It's light entertainment and a good distracting read.
November 12, 2009
I really liked the first Rex Graves book but don't remember it being particularly funny. This one has some moments that had me laughing out loud.
Rex is called to the Caribbean to help find out what happened to a young woman who disappeared without a trace. First big surprise is that the resort where he will be staying is "clothing optional". Now, I have this picture in my mind of this upright, red-headed Scotchman and the look on his face as he receives this news. There are some other funny scenes with him trying to keep his eyes trained on the faces of the people he is trying to question, especially the women!
It is a complicated mystery with several red herrings and a satisfying ending. I'll be looking forward to the next book in the series.
Rex is called to the Caribbean to help find out what happened to a young woman who disappeared without a trace. First big surprise is that the resort where he will be staying is "clothing optional". Now, I have this picture in my mind of this upright, red-headed Scotchman and the look on his face as he receives this news. There are some other funny scenes with him trying to keep his eyes trained on the faces of the people he is trying to question, especially the women!
It is a complicated mystery with several red herrings and a satisfying ending. I'll be looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 27, 2014
This book was good but not spectacular. Rex graves is called in by close friends to investigate when Sabine Durand, a French actress, disappears on the Island of St. Martin. He arrives to find that he scene of the crime in a nudist colony and he has to deal with that as well as the case. The police think that she was drunk and went swimming and was attacked by sharks but Rex isn't so sure. This book was well written but very predictable. I knew what had happened before the end of the first chapter and other than a few extra "incidents," knew how it would end.
January 1, 2014
I had a little trouble getting into this one. I think it was the locale. St. Martins sounded fine except the specific locale was a nudist beach. It put our hero off a little at first, too.
Some beautiful starlet, on vacation with her husband, disappears from a beach. I think there is a little blood, an abandoned cell phone. A friend, Brooklyn, asks Rex for assistance.
And, there is a rapist/murderer about who adorns his victims with jewels.
Some beautiful starlet, on vacation with her husband, disappears from a beach. I think there is a little blood, an abandoned cell phone. A friend, Brooklyn, asks Rex for assistance.
And, there is a rapist/murderer about who adorns his victims with jewels.
May 6, 2010
When Scottish advocate Rex Graves is called to St. Martin to find out what happened to missing actress Sabine Durand, he doesn't know that the resort from which she vanished is "clothing optional." Yet even that doesn't disturb him as much as the growing suspicion that Sabine didn't die in an accident, but was murdered. Yet the story has more twists than Rex could have guessed.
May 18, 2011
Likable hero, lovely tropical setting, somewhat interesting if rather stereotypical rich people/potential suspects - what's not to like? Enjoyable, light beach read; I checked this out from my library which also has the next two Rex Graves mysteries. I'll probably check them out over the summer when I am in the mood for a quick mystery - I wouldn't pay for them, though.
December 16, 2011
This time Rex is at a nudist colony in St. Martin to uncover the disappearance of popular Sabine. He’s not use to detecting “in the buff.” What really happened that night when most of the resort’s guests were at Paul’s birthday party? Sabine’s ankle bracelet and part of her pareo was found on the beach. Perhaps she was eaten by sharks as the local authorities suggest.
February 14, 2016
I adored the first in this series but this one was okay. The writing was decent and the location intriguing but Rex was a different kind of protagonist. Having sex with his lady friend in the front of a jeep on the way to drop her back off at the cruise terminal did it in for me. Interesting enough but just not your typical cozy.
November 29, 2012
This book was well written, but confusing as the main character, Rex Graves didn't really elaborate on how he came about his information. Some 'clues' I thought were important weren't investigated, but talked about at the end. Not a real fan of this book.
June 28, 2015
Interesting murder mystery with a good twist. Not a particularly good depiction of the setting, though. Oh - but the detective's son is named Campbell, so you have to give the author credit for good taste in names! :-)
October 31, 2009
Scottish barrester Rex Graves is asked to investigate the possible murder of a woman who disappeared from a nudist resort in St. Martins. Straightforward plot.
June 21, 2011
This one was funny. A murder at a nudist beach. Nice twist. And he finally hooks up with his lady love from the first book.
January 23, 2016
Scottish attorney Rex Graves is charming and self-effacing. Beautifully described St. Martin. I love that he's a single dad with a son going to school in the US and he struggles with being alone.
March 12, 2013
Definitely looking for others by this author
March 2, 2014
This is an interesting series about a Scottish barrister who gets involves in solving murders. This one takes place in St. Martin at a nudist resort. Pretty good book.
April 2, 2015
Solid little mystery with interesting characters and a fun setting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews