Welcome to this book review of The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller. This cozy mystery is perfect for those who love antiques and cozy mysteries.
Quick Summary:
“Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder” by C.L. Miller is a cozy mystery novel. It follows Freya Lockwood, an antique hunter with a knack for finding rare and valuable items. She’s a little rusty in her antiquing skills since she’s just getting back into the game after the mysterious death of her former partner Arthur Crockleford. Solving the mystery of what happened to Arthur leads to a web of secrets, lies, and more murders.
As Freya delves deeper into the mystery, she must use her keen eye for detail, her knowledge of antiques and the antique hunting business. Along the way, she meets interesting characters – almost everyone isn’t they seem to be. She also faces unexpected dangers as she delves deeper into the darker world of antique hunting. The book has a charming setting in Copthorn Manor.
Who Would Enjoy This Cozy Mystery?
“Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder” by C.L. Miller is ideal for readers who enjoy:
1. Cozy Mysteries: This book offers fun, low-violence mysteries focused on puzzles. Readers who enjoy gentle whodunits will like it.
2. Antiques and Collecting: Those who like antiques, treasure hunting, and history will find the setting and plot appealing.
3. Amateur Sleuths: Readers who like stories about amateur detectives will connect with the protagonist.
solves crimes through wit and observation.
4. Character-Driven Stories: The book has quirky, memorable characters. They add depth and charm. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy character-rich stories.
5. Humorous Mysteries: The mix of suspense and humor makes the book enjoyable to read. It’s for those who like mysteries with a touch of comedy.
This book is perfect for anyone looking for a fun mystery. It’s easy to read and intriguing.
Characters in Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder:
1. Freya Lockwood: The protagonist is an antique hunter. She has a sharp eye for valuable items and a knack for solving mysteries.
2. Aunt Carole: Anne’s best friend is her partner in antique hunting. She is known for her bubbly and supportive nature.
3. Arthur Crockleford: The antique dealer is charming and knowledgeable. He often gives Anne valuable insights and help.
4. Franklin Smith – Executor of Arthur’s Estate
5. Harry – Boy that works at the antique shop and Arthur’s assistant
6. Lord Metcalf – Business dealings with Arthur, owner of the house, father of Amy and Giles.
7. Giles Metcalf – Lord Metcalf’s son and brother to Amy.
8. Amy Metcalf – Gile’s sister and Lord Metcalf’s daughter.
9. Clare – Housekeeper with a secret
10. Bella – In a relationship with Giles Metcalf
11. Phil – The gardener with a secret
12. Jade – Daughter, eighteen years old and she’s away for university. Calls her mom a few times in the novel. She doesn’t add anything to the story.
13. James – Extremely annoying ex-husband. There’s a whole subplot about Freya being kicked out of her home and it being sold by James because her daughter has moved out. James calls numerous times to yell at her about the house having offers. As a reader, I felt it distracted too much from the storyline. James’ character was extremely annoying and as a reader, I felt the story didn’t need him.
I love that these characters (most of them) bring depth and intrigue to the mystery. There’s always more to each character that unfolds and things aren’t always as they seem. The reader should approach each character with the question, are they really who they say they are?
About James and Jade…
With the exception of the majority of the characters, there were only 2 that shouldn’t have been included. Let’s be real, James and Jade were unnecessary in the story. I won’t knock points here. The other 11 characters were fabulous.
The Story’s Main Prop
“For your first clue – a bird in the box is more important than two in the hand. All my love, Arthur.”
The question: What Antique would you kill for? Is on the cover of the novel. It may shock you that the author C.L. Miller chose a Martin Brothers Bird – figuratively speaking, of course.
Martin Brothers Bird is at the center of this antique cozy mystery. I love this bird. Is it ugly? Yes. Is it creepy and unsettling? Yes, and yes. For this mystery, I think this was the perfect choice. I love its strangeness and uniqueness. I’m glad the author didn’t go with jewelry or a painting. That’s too commonplace in films and media.
A creepy-bird-jar stands out against all the other antiques. When the reader finds every quality of the Metcalf family to be unsettling and this bird at the center of the mystery, it’s a prop fit for the setting.
“An image pushed its way into my mind. The only ugly stoneware bird Arthur would care about would be a Martin Brothers one, and there had been a Martin Brothers bird decades ago in Cairo.” Miller, C.L.. The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder: A Novel (Antique Hunter’s Series Book 1) (p. 42). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.
“People often misjudge the value of the Martin Brothers birds, dismissing them as grandma’s dark, creepy clay bird pots.” Miller, C.L.. The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder: A Novel (Antique Hunter’s Series Book 1) (p. 42). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.
What I Enjoyed About the Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder:
Bias alert: I enjoy visiting antique shops. I’ve been visiting antique shops with my relatives for most of my life. I have fond memories of discussing brass from India with my grandmother. Sometimes we would stay until 2 a.m. discussing antiques. I mention this to disclose my bias in reviewing this book.
as Arthur would say, “We buy an antique because we love it, love its history, its story. We want it in our home, so to hell with what the fashionistas think.” Miller, C.L.. The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder: A Novel (Antique Hunter’s Series Book 1) (p. 281). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.
Aside from this novel being about antiques, I do have other good things to say about the novel. It is a thrilling page turner. The pace was consistent throughout, with no dull moments. The characters and settings are intriguing. In the story, the antique shop and the manor estate serve as the two main settings. There are mentions of Istanbul and Cairo which remind me of Agatha Christie’s most memorable mystery settings.
What I Didn’t Enjoy About the Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder:
Parts of this book were repetitive. Each time the author hinted at the protagonist’s antiquing past, they would drop a few hints in each chapter. Then, details unfolded. Some readers may enjoy the suspense building up. Consistently being reminded, though, was not my cup of tea.The first half of the book promises action to the reader. The protagonist has a dangerous history dealing with antiques. It justifies her skilled ability in Krav Maga, a deadly Israeli martial art. This information about the character was intriguing and suspenseful enough. It did not need as many reminders as were in a few chapters. Although there are suspenseful moment such as being locked in a vault and being held at gunpoint, there is no Krav Maga action sequence.
I would have enjoyed more facts about antiques, but that’s not a negative point against the novel. I’m just a geek for antiques.
Cozy Mystery Rating:
Characters: 5 Stars
- Characters have intriguing pasts
- The character’s parts unfold along with the mystery
- Characters are enjoyable
Setting 5 Stars
- Crockleford Antiques Shop
- Copthorn Manor Estate Valuation with the Murder Suspect
- Foreign Destinations: Cairo & Istanbul
Plot 4 Stars
- Some points were a little repetitive
- This book is a page turner
- Thrilling
Pacing 4 Stars
- Mysterious histories of characters help the pacing
- Chapters 28 – 52 were great but some chapters from about 12 – 27 felt stretched out
- The end of the book offers action and captivating antique information, but patience is required.
Overall Rating: 4.5
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Best,
Anita