The Agatha Awards are literary awards for mystery and crime writers who write in the style of British Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie (i.e., limited cast of suspects, minimal sex and violence, amateur detective). The Agatha Awards are handed out at an annual convention in Washington, D.C., by Malice Domestic Ltd, in five categories: Best Novel; Best First Mystery; Best Short Story; Best Non-Fiction; Best Children's/Young Adult Mystery. G.M. Malliet's Death of a Cozy Writer, also published by Midnight Ink, won the 2009 Agatha Award for Best First Novel.                                                                                                                           "Set on an island, MURDER IN THE RAW is a clever variant on the locked room mystery, and Rex discovers that everyone in this self-contained locale has a secret when it comes to the intriguing Sabine. Who, though, would benefit from her disappearance or murder...? With a host of colorful characters, a dose of humor and a balmy locale, you will want to devour this well-plotted mystery. I won't spoil your pleasure by divulging the solution, but suffice it to say that Challinor provides a most compelling answer." Mystery Scene Magazine

Other Reviews:

"...the plot twists are worthy of Erle Stanley Gardner."--Judy Coon, Booklist

"In slightly risqué Agatha Christie style, Scottish barrister Rex Graves travels to the Caribbean island of St. Martin to investigate the disappearance, and presumed death, of the young and beautiful French actress Sabine Durand... Cozy fans will enjoy this twist on a village cozy and will eagerly follow along in Rex’s investigation, which not only solves Sabine’s case, but also solves the case of a murderer with a fondness for jewels... A solid choice for traditional mystery fans, MURDER IN THE RAW provides some new twists on something old and familiar." The Mystery Reader 

"A very unusual mystery and one that holds the reader's interest as suspicion shifts from one person to the next. Rex recovered from his initial embarrassment after discovering he would be staying in a nudist colony to move forward and bring the truth to light." Bestsellersworld.com

"I do like the Rex Graves character. He’s a bit old-fashioned and straight-laced, so placing him at a nudist resort makes for some funny encounters." Cozy Library

"Who wouldn't take a case in the land of sun, blue water, and delightful breeze, especially if your costs are being covered?... There are lots of suspects, red herrings, and plot twists in this traditional mystery in a unique setting." Kaw Valley Senior Monthly (Kansas)