'The Antique Hunter's: Death on the Red Sea' by C L Miller.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Loved this book. It had everything adventure, murder on the high sea, antiques and suspense. I love the twist at the end and I can't wait for the next one in the series. If you're a fan of cozy crime and antiques then give this series a read.

When a painting vanishes from a maritime museum – and a dead body is found nearby – the newly established Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency are called to investigate.
Following a lead that takes them aboard a glamorous antiques cruise sailing toward the Red Sea in Jordan, they quickly discover that the ship's art gallery is filled with stolen antiquities. In chasing a murderer with a stolen painting, they may have found something more sinister than they could’ve imagined . . .
Their hunt soon turns deadly when they learn that the enigmatic and dangerous art trafficker named The Collector could be on board. But on a ship full of antiques enthusiasts – plus some unexpected familiar faces – will Freya and Carole be able to discover The Collector’s identity and stop his murderous plans before the ship docks?
Or will the killer strike again?

Thanks for the NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.

Freya and Aunt Carole return for another adventure following the second of Arthur's journals from book 1 (Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder), this time supported by computer whizz/hacker Skye. Freya has been invited to be a guest expert on a cruise ship around the Mediterranean, and it would seem that Arthur set it up before his death, and although someone has cancelled her invite, a theft from a local art gallery soon shows that the ship is a lead. But when they get on board, all is not as it seems and they soon discover the FBI is involved again, complete with Phil from book 1, who is on the hunt for a mysterious person known only as The Collector.

This was another fun adventure with Freya and Carole, this time on board a ship with vibes of Death on the Nile, only more cozy crime. I enjoyed the misdirections and little twists throughout and although I had enjoyed book 1, I felt this was even better. It's a nice easy read, but the red herrings and multiple POV story which means we know more than the characters do kept it interesting.

I'm looking forward to book 3, which presumably will be featuring more of Bella and a Scottish mystery!
Thanks to Netgalley for a free ARC in return for an honest review.

A painting vanishes and a dead body is found near where it used to hang. Freya and Aunt Carole are called to investigate and the end up on a cruise in the Red Sea as antiques experts. They end up in Jordan. There seems to be a lot of stolen antiques on board and more dead bodies. There are some unexpected familiar faces as well. Loved it

I love this series. Our second book takes us on the high seas in the quest to recover stolen artifacts.

Lots of fun.

This welcome and highly anticipated sequel to The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder will delight CL Miller's growing army of cosy crime fans. An engaging cast of characters, fascinating attention to detail regarding the seedy underworld of antiques and all set against the stunning backdrop of the Red Sea and the ancient city of Petra. Can't wait to see where Freya and Aunt Carole head next!

This is the second book in the series and is just as good as the first. The writing style is light and witty. Some of the chapters were written from different characters POV and there’s a lot going on so you had to pay close attention to what you were reading but the chapters flow well together. I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers and antique lovers alike. I look forward to further adventures with Freya and Carole.
Thank you NetGalley and C.L. Miller for this ARC copy.

It is almost impossible to put this book down. A great storyline, believable characters , and a lot of humour, make this story immensely enjoyable.

I read the first in the series and was good to revisit the characters in another adventure. This took us overseas and onto a cruise which felt quite Agatha Christiesque! A great read which kept you guessing as to who was the good guys and who was the bad..and which were in between.

Looking forward to the next instalment.

I read this and the first book back to back and just thought they were excellent. This really built on what was in the first book and i liked seeing all the character's relationships develop- plus the new additions were great! This left me with theories of what could appear in future books and i can't wait to seeing if they are true or not. The action was written really well and the drama was great. I really warmed to the new setting and characters. I'm so glad i started this series as it's one of my favourites mystery series being published at the minute.

The Antique Hunter's: Death on the Red Sea by C.L. Miller is an engaging and thrilling addition to the Antique Hunter's series. Freya Lockwood and her Aunt Carole are once again thrust into the heart of a mystery when a painting vanishes from a maritime museum and a body is discovered nearby. Their investigation leads them on an unexpected journey aboard an antique cruise sailing toward the Red Sea, where they uncover a ship's art gallery filled with stolen antiquities, each one listed in the journals of Freya’s late mentor, detailing unsolved cases.

As Freya and Carole dig deeper, they realise they’re up against more than just a stolen painting – they may have stumbled upon a far more dangerous situation. The enigmatic art trafficker known as The Collector could be onboard, and it’s not long before the hunt turns deadly. With a ship full of antiques enthusiasts, and the stakes rising with each passing moment, Freya and Carole must use all their wits to identify The Collector and stop his murderous plans before it’s too late.

This second book in the series picks up the pace with an exciting blend of art, mystery, and suspense. Freya’s journey, as she steps into her mentor’s shoes and navigates her first big case, is filled with both triumphs and challenges. Miller’s writing allows readers to easily connect with Freya’s growing confidence as an antique hunter, while also introducing new characters and scenarios that keep the story fresh and intriguing. The return of familiar faces from the first book, including Carol and Phill, adds a warm sense of continuity and further develops the relationships that readers have grown to love.

The dynamic between Freya and Phill is one of the highlights of the series, and I look forward to seeing how their relationship evolves in future books. Death on the Red Sea is an exciting, well-paced mystery that will appeal to fans of cosy crime with a love for antiques. With its clever plot twists, vivid setting, and well-rounded characters, this book is a perfect read for those who enjoyed The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder and are eager for more thrilling adventures in the world of antique hunting.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Really enjoyed the return to the dark and shady underworld of the Antiques community, It was lovely to see Freya growing in confidence with this second novel and of course, her aunt is formidably fun as always. As the reader, you're aware of the darker undertones to the conversations and certainly suspect the other cruise passengers more than Freya and her aunt do. A thoroughly enjoyable murdery mystery, would recommend.

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

I thoroughly enjoyed Miller's debut novel, The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder, so of course I was really keen to read novel number two.

We're back with Freya and her wonderfully exuberant and ostentatious Aunt Carole as they search for stolen antiques under the mantle of their fledgling stolen-antiques agency, a side line to their antiques shop. It's an exotic pursuit this time, as they join a cruise to Egypt and Jordan.

It's every bit as enjoyable as the first novel, so very well done to Miller for another perfectly executed book. There is a 'but', though. Too many Americanisms, such as 'gotten', 'afterward', and other American spellings (marvelous instead of marvellous) I found that rather jarring. They didn't sit well in a British-authored novel. Perhaps it was the Canadian editors who were used? Although I'm not so sure who was responsible for overlooking 'an river', and phrases like 'she looked at him from under her eyelashes' belong in a trashy chic lit. (Does anyone actually look at anyone from anywhere else?)

That aside, this* is well written, well characterised and well plotted. I'm ready and waiting for more Freya and Aunt Carole adventures (un-Canadian edited).

Although a bit bit of slow burner, it is well worth sticking with this book. Beautifully written and truly a masterpiece.

I must admit that I didn't quite like this book as much as the first one which was a big shame as I was really looking forward to it as i felt the author had made a good start with a new series,

The story on paper sounds perfect and ticked all the boxes for me - a dynamic and comedy duo (mainly Aunt Carole) trying to solve a murder and theft of valuable antiquities and set on a boat, which I always adore. Win win for me. Unfortunately it all just fell a little bit flat and I lost track of who was who during the middle. I felt as though it dragged on and I lost concentration and patience, especially with Freya who I'm amazed is actually still alive!

Just didn't quite hit the mark for me sadly.

For many years Arthur had been chasing an expert antiques thief called the Collector, after his death Freya Lockwood picks up the chase. Called in after a painting is stolen from a seaside art gallery, Freya (and Aunt Carole) finds herself on a luxury antiques cruise to Jordan but this is a cruise with a difference. On board are millions of pounds worth of stolen antiques and a group of competing criminals, all aiming to become the next Collector.
Whilst this is a fun cosy crime caper, I found is very confusing in parts. There are lots of references to the first novel in the series and the first chapter is virtually impenetrable if one hasn't read that. The plot is rather convoluted and it's difficult to track several of the characters and their motivations. Having said all that, this is a pacy enough story with some really great vignettes.

Having really enjoyed the first book in this series, I was delighted to receive a copy from NetGalley and the publisher Pan MacMillan in exchange for a review. I listened to the fantastic audio version of the first book and as I read this one I couldn’t help but have Emilia Fox’s voice ring out for Freya. I thoroughly enjoyed being back with Freya, Carole and a few other familiar faces as the Antique Agency took on their first case. A cruise ship on the Red Sea, a mysterious Collector, several stolen artefacts and antiquities, and a bountiful cast of devious characters all made for another great mystery. This had me turning the pages deep into the night and gasping at many a moment. All in all, for me it was a great second book, a super mystery and I look forward to reading more about our antique hunters in the future.

Freya Lockwood and her Aunt Carole have just picked up their first case at the Lockwood Antique Hunter's Agency. A painting has been stolen from a maritime museum, and the women quickly realise that they will need to join a glamorous antiques cruise along the red sea in order to investigate properly. Boarding the cruise, Freya realises that the ship's gallery is filled with stolen antiques, and their case is much bigger than first anticipated.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so jumped at the chance to read the follow up when invited by Pan Macmillan.

I found this one started out at a great pace, with Freya launching straight in to her next mystery. Within the first few chapters Freya and Carole are on the cruise and on the hunt for the missing painting. I lost my way a little in the middle, I think because there was a lot of characters to keep track of in this one and I was getting a little confused with who was who. Everything came together at the end though, and Miller gave us a sure sign that the series will continue on.

Character wise I think Carole is my favourite. I would love to be like her when I'm older, living life to its absoute fullest! Having Phil and Bella back as regular characters was great too. I wasn't a big fan of Bella in the first book but she grew on me in this one. I'm looking forward to seeing where the group's adventures take them.

I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first, just because I got a bit bogged down in the middle, but it's still a good read and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more in the series. I think Miller has set up a solid premise now, and with having the four core characters to follow there's some investment building.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I gave this book a good go and got a bit more than half way through but I just didn't want to read on. I got bored of the characters and didn't really like them.

The book starts slowly with some improbable circumstances and unusual naivety to get Freya and Carole onboard the cruise ship. There are twists, turns, and a fair bit of humour involved. With some 'will they/won't they' romance thrown in, this book continues the faintly Agatha Christieesque vibe from the first book.

I didn't find it as good as the first but there's more than enough to keep me reading if another book in the series is published.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This review is entirely my own thoughts and feelings.

An entertaining mystery sleuth series book two. For ‘antiques’ read danger. Freya and her aunt are once again in the midst of intrigue. A murder and theft from a local maritime museum piques their interest. But surely shouldn’t be as frightening as their previous antique search. But that would suppose the villainous Collector and his acquaintances were once again up to their tricks. It’s good that Freya and her Aunt have wit, style, panache, a superb knowledge of antiques and that Freya also has a never let go vibe once she’s started. Thank you to Pan McMillan and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.