The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder - by C L Miller

About the Book

"In this irresistible and thrilling debut novel, a former antique hunter investigates a suspicious death at an isolated English manor, embroiling her back in the dangerous world of tracking stolen artifacts. What antique would you kill for? Freya Lockwood is shocked when she learns that Arthur Crockleford, antiques dealer and her estranged mentor, has died under mysterious circumstances. She has spent the last twenty years avoiding her quaint English hometown, but when she receives a letter from Arthur asking her to investigate-sent just days before his death-Freya has no choice but to return to a life she had sworn to leave behind. Joining forces with her eccentric Aunt Carole, Freya follows clues and her instincts to an old manor house for an advertised antiques enthusiast's weekend. But not all is as it seems. It's clear to Freya that the antiques are all just poor reproductions and her fellow guests are secretive and menacing. What is going on at this estate and how was Arthur involved? More importantly, can Freya and Carole discover the truth before the killer strikes again?"--

Book Synopsis

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

In this fun, cozy, debut mystery, an antiques hunter investigates a suspicious death at an isolated English manor, embroiling her in the high-stakes world of tracking stolen artifacts.

What antique would you kill for?

Freya Lockwood is shocked when she learns that Arthur Crockleford, antiques dealer and her estranged mentor, has died under mysterious circumstances. She has spent the last twenty years avoiding her quaint English hometown, but when she receives a letter from Arthur asking her to investigate--sent just days before his death--Freya has no choice but to return to a life she had sworn to leave behind.

Joining forces with her eccentric Aunt Carole, Freya follows clues to an old manor house for an advertised antiques enthusiast's weekend. But not all is as it seems. It's clear to Freya that the antiques are all just poor reproductions, and her fellow guests are secretive and menacing. What is going on at this estate and how was Arthur involved? More importantly, can Freya and Carole discover the truth before the killer strikes again?

Review Quotes

"A precious gem of a book. I loved following Freya and Aunt Carole on this atmospheric and entertaining journey through the world of priceless artifacts and convincing fakes."
--Jessa Maxwell, author of The Golden Spoon

"A propulsive mystery, Miller's stand-out debut is an all consuming ride! Expertly paced with an indelible cast of characters The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder is pure fun in book form. Fans of Richard Osman and Agatha Christie will be clamoring for book two! (I know I am!)"
--Katy Hays, New York Times bestselling author of The Cloisters

"Miller's winning debut exposes the dark underbelly of the antiques trade...Miller nails the pace and mood of a good mystery on her first try, and Freya is a hugely appealing protagonist. Readers will be clamoring for a sequel."
--Publisher's Weekly

"The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder is a bold, bright and delightful jaunt back to the golden age of detective fiction, as the mysterious demise of an antiques dealer is investigated by his estranged colleague. But can Freya apply her skills as an antique 'hunter' to the hunt for a murderer? Expertly plotted and skillfully written, with suspicious characters, devious twists and evocative locations, this pacey page-turner has it all. A cracking debut from C.L. Miller."
--Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal

"This novel has it all: a cast of suspicious and utterly entertaining characters, a relatable heroine and her plucky sidekick, and tension that builds chapter by chapter. Delightful, sharp, and absolutely irresistible."
--Samantha Bailey, internationally bestselling author of Woman on the Edge

"A whodunnit meets treasure hunt sprinkled with antiques - what's not to love? Polished to a gleam, there's not a speck of dust on this one. Page-turning, full of fascinating nuggets about the antiques world, and enormous fun to read. A real treat."
--Eve Chase, author of The Birdcage and The Glass House

"One of my favourite reads of the summer. Part cosy crime, part international conspiracy thriller, it is brilliantly plotted, gripping until the end, with a main character readers will love."
--Michelle Davies

"An utterly charming mystery rich with detail and thrumming with intrigue. C.L. Miller's connection to the world of antiques shines through in her writing."--Robyn Harding, bestselling author of The Drowning Woman

"Irresistible, immersive, and completely unputdownable. Think the Antiques Roadshow meets Miss Marple with a deliciously OTT cast of characters and twist after twist after twist." --Ellery Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author of The Club

About the Author

C. L. Miller started working life as an editorial assistant for her mother, Judith Miller, on The Miller's Antique Price Guide and other antiquing guides. After she had children, she decided to follow her long-held dream of becoming an author and began concentrating on her writing full time. She was an Undiscovered Voices 2022 and in the UV 2022 anthology. She lives in a medieval cottage in Dedham Vale, Suffolk, with her family.