* "A must for cozy fans." ~ Booklist (American Library Association) starred review Not even a blizzard can keep Rex Graves away from Swanmere Manor, an historic hotel on the rolling Sussex Downs. But instead of Christmas cheer, the Scottish barrister finds a dead guest. Was it a stroke that killed old Mr. Lawdry? Or an almond tart laced with poison? When more guests die, all hopes for a merry holiday are dashed. On top of all, the remote mansion is snowbound; confined with a killer, no one can leave. The resourceful Rex takes it upon himself to solve the intriguing mystery. Could the killer be the sherry-swilling handyman? The gay antiques dealer with a biting wit? The quarreling newlyweds? Surely, it's not Helen d'Arcy, the lovely lass Rex seems to be falling for... "The first installment in this new mystery series is a winner... At times, it seems we are playing Clue or perhaps enjoying a contemporary retelling of a classic Agatha Christie tale with a charming new sleuth. A must for cozy fans." ~ Booklist "C.S. Challinor's Christmas Is Murder dishes up an English manor house mystery with the traditional elements: a murder, a small contingent of suspects thrown together, and an engaging and witty sleuth... Challinor will keep most readers guessing as she cleverly spreads suspicion and clues that point in one direction, then another.” ~ Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine "It's a charming novel, especially since the violence occurs offstage. Christmas Is Murder is full of people with interesting characters and clues... Ms. Challinor was educated in Scotland and England, which explains how she writes so convincingly of both her setting and her characters." ~ Florida Weekly " Christmas Is Murder has all the elements traditional English cozy fans have come to love. The plot is tight, suspects limited and an investigation uses Rex’s wit rather than a lot of outside sources. The setting is lovely and the characters entertaining. A great start to a new series that is sure to become a modern favorite traditional English cozy series." ~ The Mystery Reader (Recommended) " Christmas Is Murder is an engaging whodunit populated with an interesting and imaginative mix of characters and a very appealing and charming sleuth in Rex Graves. The story effortlessly combines elements of a classic country house mystery with an Agatha Christie-style denouement to great effect." ~ Mysterious Reviews "Authors are sometimes compared to Dame Agatha but, in my opinion, few of their books have those characteristics and—more important—the overall feel of hers. Christmas Is Murder does." ~ Cozy Library "Wanted to let you know I just finished the book and enjoyed it very much. I'm thinking of pairing it up with a large assortment box of shortbread at the holidays. Eat some shortbread, make a cup of tea and curl up with a good book." ~Barbara Selvaggio, Walkers Shortbread US "C.S. Challinor's Christmas Is Murder dishes up an English manor house mystery with the traditional elements: a murder, a small contingent of suspects thrown together, and an engaging and witty sleuth... Challinor will keep most readers guessing as she cleverly spreads suspicion and clues that point in one direction, then another." ~ Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine "Authors are sometimes compared to Dame Agatha but, in my opinion, few of their books have those characteristics and--more important--the overall feel of hers. Christmas Is Murder does." ~ Cozy Library " Christmas Is Murder is an engaging whodunit populated with an interesting and imaginative mix of characters and a very appealing and charming sleuth in Rex Graves. The story effortlessly combines elements of a classic country house mystery with an Agatha Christie-style denouement to great effect." ~ Mysterious Reviews " Christmas Is Murder has all the elements traditional English cozy fans have come to love. The plot is tight, suspects limited and an investigation uses Rex's wit rather than a lot of outside sources. The setting is lovely and the characters entertaining. A great start to anew series that is sure to become a modern favorite traditional English cozy series." ~ The Mystery Reader (Recommended) "The first installment in this new mystery series is a winner... At times, it seems we are playing Clue or perhaps enjoying a contemporary retelling of a classic Agatha Christie tale with a charming new sleuth. A must for cozy fans." ~ Booklist 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, and a minor degree in psychology. She now lives in Southwest Florida. Challinor is a member of the Authors Guild and writes the critically acclaimed Rex Graves cozy mystery series published by Midnight Ink, featuring Rex Graves, a Scottish barrister and amateur sleuth.