Title: The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder
Author:
Publisher:
Synopsis:
former antique hunter investigates the suspicious death of her estranged mentor at an isolated English manor and is drawn back into the dangerous world of repatriating stolen artifacts in this irresistible mystery debut for fans of Richard Osman.
Freya, it’s up to you to finish what I started…
Freya Lockwood has avoided the quaint English village where she grew up for the last twenty years. That is, until her eccentric Aunt Carole breaks the news that Arthur Crockleford, antiques dealer and Freya’s estranged mentor, has unexpectedly died.
Then Freya receives a letter from Arthur, sent just days before his death, warning her that she is in danger. Suspecting he may have been murdered, she and Carole begin to investigate. When they discover Arthur’s journals and an invitation to an antiques enthusiasts’ weekend, Freya finds herself pulled back into a life she swore to leave behind.
Once more Freya is on the hunt. Following the clues and her rusty antique hunting instincts, she and Carole attend the retreat at an old manor where all is not as it seems. The antiques are bad reproductions, and the other guests are menacing and secretive.
Can Freya and Carole solve the mystery before the killer strikes again?
My review:
The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder is a cosy mystery following Freya, a former antique hunter, as she joins her aunt in trying to work out what really happened to her uncle Arthur, who sent a strange letter to her just before he died. Her Aunt Carole is not convinced Arthur’s death was really an accident, and their hunt leads Freya to return to Suffolk, where she lived with them both before she became estranged from him, and to an antiques weekend at a Manor House – where more drama takes place!
Miller’s writing is engaging and easy to follow, with a cast of characters that bring the story to life – though I did feel I would have liked to learn more about the history of some of the supporting characters. Freya is a likeable and relatable protagonist, and her Aunt Carole adds a touch of humour and eccentricity to the narrative. I enjoyed the mystery elements and joining Freya as she discovers more about that fateful trip many years ago to Cairo, and how it might be linked to her Uncle’s death. However, I felt the pacing was a bit off at points, and the middle part of the book started to drag for me. I found myself starting to lose interest in the plot, but it picked up again towards the end.
The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder has classic crime vibes and is good fun. It didn’t blow me away but I think I’m in the minority here as it has been a very popular choice in general. So if you’re looking for a cosy mystery to curl up with on a cold day, this is a good choice!
My rating: 3/5
Many thanks to the publisher, Macmillan, for providing a copy of this book on which I chose to write an honest review.