Thank you Pan Macmillan and Net Galley for an eARC copy if this title in return for an honest review
Hmm...such a promising idea, a murder mystery combined with hints of the antiques roadshow and, surprisingly, Indiana Jones!
Who knew a manor house in the quiet English countryside could hold so many international criminals and their hunters all at the same time!
Carole and Freya, an enjoyable pairing of an; older, theatrical, fairly ditsy ,but still very sprightly and up for larks and adventure,character, and the younger Freya, an; more introverted, slightly damaged by life, antiques hunter, with an Indiana Jones style past, are the hub of this first novel by C.L . Miller.
C L.Miller's credentials antiques wise are impeccable, her much loved mother having been behind Miller's Guide to Antiques. Her knowledge of antiques underpins much of the story.
However, that, I am afraid, is where the good news ends for me. The story itself is confusing and confused. Too many shady characters with different agendas all in one place and too many hints of masterminds behind international crime rings who all turn out to be fairly useless at most things except driving off in vans and fast cars.
I can see that a series is being set up for Freya and Carole, using the journals of their late, and much loved, friend Arthur , an antiques hunter par excellence, and perhaps C.L. Miller will get more into her stride as she progresses. As it is, though, this first title needs a bit of shaping up before it hits the heights of thrilling adventure for which I think it is aiming.

A cosy mystery set in Suffolk in the world of antiques and antique hunting, the protagonist Freya needs to solve a 20 year old murder to allow her to solve the murder of her estranged mentor. Woven into the mystery is her backstory of a true love, a controlling husband and a lost life of adventure. Cara Miller clearly writes about things she knows and loves, the villages of Suffolk and antiques. There is something of Lovejoy, for all those who remember that programme in the book. A person who instinctively knows is an antique is real or a very good fake, shenanigans a plenty and loveable characters. This book is well worth the read, I had concerns about the Americanisms such as flashlight for torch, and first floor instead of ground floor, but this is all made very clear as you read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book

A rare jewel of a book with exceptional provenance. Difficult to say just how much I loved this new voice in cosy crime.

Orphaned as a young girl, Freya is taken in by her glamorous and utterly wonderful Aunt Carole, whose best friend Arthur runs an antique shop.
The two nurture Freya and gradually help her grief subside and her wounds to heal. As she grows she takes an increasing interest in the antiques in Arthur's shop and finds that she shares his passion in this area.
He teaches her how to become an antiques hunter and track down stolen artifacts to return to their rightful homes.

When Arthur is found dead in his shop in what appears to be a tragic accident, Freya and Carole uncover a paper trail laid by Arthur which leads them to believe he knew he was in danger. This sets them off on a journey to not only find out what really happened to Arthur but also to finish the last antiques hunt that he started.

I read a lot of crime novels and this is definitely up there with my very favorites.
Such an interesting setting and a fascinating world to be immersed in and what brilliant characters to lead us on our journey.

Every now and then a crime series lands that grabs the attention and holds it tight - this is one of those series.
One of my most anticipated reads of 2024!

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

I received a review copy for free thanks to Pan Macmillan and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

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?

My Opinion

Usually when it takes me two weeks to finish a book it is because I am not enjoying it, in this case it was because I wanted to take my time with this lovely book. Freya Lockwood left the world of antiques but returns when her Aunt Carole informs her of the death of her former mentor. Freya must use all of her knowledge of antiques to work out who was behind the murder.

This was such an enjoyable read, written in such a lovely style. My attempt to read this slowly worked well until I read the last 100 pages in one sitting as I just couldn't dream of putting own the book. Now it looks like I have a long wait until book 2 is out....

Rating 5/5