Freya Lockwood and her aunt Carole are asked to investigate when a body is found in a museum and a painting goes missing. After finding leads that point to an antiques cruise ship, they find themselves onboard. They soon find something darker at play than first expected. Will they solve the mystery?

This is the follow up book to the author’s first book An Antique Hunter’s Guide To Murder, which I have yet to read. I found that this can be read as a standalone, however I felt that a lot of the build up to the situation and characters were developed in the first book, so felt that I was missing something. Saying that, I did enjoy the characters and their connections with one another. Although due to a large cast of them, I sometimes found myself a bit confused. I also liked that there was some humour and light hearted moments within the story.

I was interested straight away, finding the antiques aspect intriguing and original. I was keen to see where it would go, however I found the story started to hinder as it reached the mid way point and my interest started to wane due to the slow pace. Overall this was a well written, compelling cosy crime mystery… I just wish I had read the first book prior, something that I will now look at doing. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

The Antique Hunter’s Death On The Red Sea by C L Miller is the next book in the escapades of The Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency. Freya and Carol once again follow the clues that Freya’s Uncle Arthur leaves within the stolen, to aid the pair to success. Obviously it’s a dangerous game they play in, and along the way they meet unpleasant characters but they are a very powerful duo!!
They find allies along the way, some new and some old. This helps them in their quest to win!!!
This time, they’re chasing after a stolen painting and a grey vase, but this leads to a much bigger case.
It was good. I’ve read all of the books in The Antique Hunters series, but I’m afraid I found it a little flat.
Many thanks to Pam MacMillan for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #PanMacmillan, #CLMillerWriter.

Having really enjoyed the first in this series, I couldn't wait to get stuck into the second!

When a painting vanishes from a local museum, Freya doesn't believe the curator that it's not of value; the very fact that the late Arthur Crockleford is enough to set her internal alarm bells ringing. Getting a lead indicating that there are nefarious dealings on a cruise ship heading for the Red Sea, Freya and her aunt Carole race to join the ship and see if they can get to the bottom of things.

I don't know anything about the shady world of stolen art and I loved learning all about the dodgy deals in both books in this series. Freya and Carole are being immersed into a dangerous world and it makes for riveting reading! With a fine cast of characters, all beautifully crafted, this is one which kept me firmly focused from start to finish - and I would never have guessed who was behind it all! A cracking read and one easily meriting a full house of stars and my recommendation. *****

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

The 2nd book in this series, we're back with Freya and her aunt Carole. A painting vanishes from a museum, a dead body found nearby. Freya has launched her new agency, Lockwood Antique Hunters Agency and her and Carole start to investigate. Ending up on board an antiques cruise sailing to Jordan. A gallery of stolen antiquities, chasing a murderer, there's more to this case than initially thought - 'The Collector' could be on board... can they reveal who it is and stop the crime.
In the style of old school detective fiction, Agatha Christie, 'cosy crime', this is a great story. It very much builds on the 1st book so l'd recommend reading in order to know the back story. The setting here was evocative & fun, lots of details. The story stalled a little for me in the middle, but picked back up and I enjoyed the ending.
Can't wait for the next instalment in their adventures in the world of antique hunting!

A cosy mystery reminiscent of the Queen of Crime herself.

There is a great cast of characters, eccentrics, shady Antiques folk and of course, Freya and Aunt Carole. What was supposed to be a mix of holiday and sleuthing has turned into a full fledged investigation. Freya has managed to hold onto her naivety which can sometimes lead her astray - she needs to take a big dose of cynicism! Her Aunt Carole is as wacky as ever and brought a lot of comic relief to the story.

The storyline is confined mostly to the boat on the Nile, so it's almost like a "locked room" mystery afloat. I really enjoyed my trip down the Nile and learning more about history and antiques in general. A fab modern take on the vintage mystery!

A welcome return for Freya and Carole, I think this could be read as a standalone novel but it’s probably better to read in order for a richer experience. Freya and Carole have decided to revive the antique hunting business previously run by Freya and her uncle. Most of the action takes place aboard a luxury cruise ship between Cyprus and Jordan with the tension ramping up as the cruise progresses. Another great outing for the intrepid duo which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.

Overall rating : 4*
Writing skill : 4*
Plot: 3*
Pace: 3*
Characters: 4*

I took my sweet time with this one and I think it improved my enjoyment. I was thrown right back into the mix of characters I knew and loved from the first one, the few new additions thrown onto the cruise ship were equally as good too. I love that each can be read as a standalone, but with each book theres some backstory to keep your interest piqued and I cannot wait to see where book 3 (is there one?) will take us.
For fans of Richard Osman.

This is the second book in this series and, as the characters and indeed storyline are a bit interconnected and complicated, I would definitely recommend you read book one first. You'll definitely have a better time knowing all their back stories and how certain people connect.
We start with a missing painting, taken from a maritime museum, leaving a dead body nearby. Newly formed Lockwood's Antique Hunter's Agency - made up of Freya Lockwood and her Aunt Carole - are called in to assist. Mainly cos of the connection with Arthur, Freya's mentor, whose murder was solved in book one.
This event turns out to be the catalyst that sees out duo joining a cruise ship on its way to the Red Sea where they find not only the painting in question, but a whole load of other stolen antiques - remember the journals? As well as these, they also find a few familiar faces (see you really do need to read book one) including potential love interest FBI Phil! And then the murders start...
This book is all things convoluted and interconnected. I would definitely recommend you dedicate huge chunks of time to reading it if you can rather than just dipping in for a couple pages/chapters. It gets a bit busy in places and I also found it handy to write me a cast list to try and keep things straight in my head! Keep your wits about you and you will be better able to manage all the threads as they meander around and about before they all, well most, come together at the, mostly satisfying, end.
The characters are all cracking, as long as you can keep them straight. I especially love Freya and Phil and I think everyone should have a Carole in their lives! Pacing is a wee bit hit and miss though, and there is occasionally a bit too much information that distracts rather than progressing the narrative.
All in all, a worthy follow up to what was a solid series opener. Roll on book three. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Sleuthing Reunion..
The second outing in the Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder series of mysteries and a sleuthing reunion for the reader with Freya and Aunt Carole. Following a lead to a stolen painting and a dead body, the intrepid duo embark upon a cruise to the Red Sea aboard an antiques cruise ship. What could possibly go wrong? As it turns out, plenty - that ship is about to get deadly. Another enjoyable instalment to this series with an air of the Golden Age and a pacy plot populated with a colourful cast of characters, twists aplenty and adventure galore.

What a great adventure with our super sleuth spy antiques expert and her scatty but loyal aunt, always at her side to help.
I chuckled at parts and held my breath in others - in fear of them being thrown overboard from the cruise ship they were on everytime they were hunting down the truth about the thefts of priceless antiques.
It was hard to put the book down, there was always so much excitement going on, and a real demonstration on trust, getting it wrong and being let down. There was however, also the promise of a budding romance thrown in.
It’s really a great adventure murder mystery and I loved it and I do hope there’s more to come involving our super sleuths.

Freya Lockwood and her Aunt Carole are back. Heading up the Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency,
They are called in to investigate the theft of a painting from a local musuem and the death of a man found outside.
A lead takes them aboard a luxury antiques cruise where they find a gallery full of stolen antiques.
The hunt soon turns to tragedy and they will need all their experience to out smart The Collector.

3.5* --> 4*

The second outing with Freya Lockwood and her auntie Carole takes the reader on a cruise ship from Cyprus to Jordan. Not only are they trying to find a stolen painting, they’re also determined to find out the identity of one they call The Collector. It’s like a treasure hunt, but with an added dose of excitement and danger. I mean, you really don’t expect bullets to start flying on an antiques cruise, do you?

True to form, Freya’s recently deceased mentor, Arthur, has left clues behind for her to decipher. But it’s rather obvious that maybe this time around Freya is entirely in over her head. Luckily, she has Carole by her side, and a few familiar faces find themselves on the ship as well. Clearly wherever the antiques go, they go. Whether they will end up being helpful remains to be seen. Still, it was really lovely to see them again.

Who knew the antiques world could be this ruthless? Stolen artefacts are plentiful, stolen from families or removed from museums in the midst of wars. They are sold to the highest bidder, with no thought to its original provenance. One in particular is utterly gruesome and left me with a bad taste in my mouth. It was Arthur’s mission in life to retrieve as many stolen artefacts as he could. Now that he’s no longer here, the task has shifted to Freya.

Her ignorance might just be putting her, and others, in peril, though. It’s nearly impossible to figure out what’s going on when you don’t have all the information you need, and there are definitely things on that Freya is entirely oblivious to. This ship seems to be crawling with people who are up to no good and nobody can be trusted. Bar one person whom I was watching like a hawk, I was at a complete loss as to how these characters were connected or what the endgame was.

There is always something going on and the tension ramps up bit by bit. Freya is on a race against the clock, moving all over the ship, trying to get a handle on all the players. Poor woman doesn’t even have time to try on her bikini. It’s wonderful to see her grow, to come into her own, to realise what she’s capable of and how strong she is. Carole is still Carole. A total hoot, always finding the good times and trying to live life to the fullest, prodding Freya to do the same. She’s determined to enjoy the cruise life and all that it has to offer. Although I must admit I was slightly disappointed in her lack of perception and people skills this time around.

This was another entertaining adventure with these two unlikely sleuths. ‘The Antique Hunter’s: Death on the Red Sea‘ is a thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery and a great addition to this series. It looks as if some changes might be afoot so I definitely look forward to what’s next.

Rated 4.5/5

The writing was engaging and there was always something going on. I enjoyed the rich descriptions of the settings and objects surrounding the characters. They really brought the story to life.

The chapters were a good length which meant that whilst you were given a lot of information, you moved well through the story.

Some of the chapters were written from different character points of view. It was always clear which character you were reading the point of view from by the title. This technique made me more invested in each of the characters that we heard from and altogether gave the story a well rounded feel.

There was a good flow between the chapters despite you hearing from different characters. There was a lot going on so you had to pay close attention to what you were reading and the good flow helped with that.

The characters were excellent. They all had something to hide. I enjoyed the following the main characters on their hunt (as I did last time). I loved Carole's faith in Freya and her zest for life. She helped Freya come out of her shell and gave her confidence to carry on in their hunting. Their close relationship was lovely to read about and their loyalty to one another was also nice to see in a book that was full of deception and mystery. At the end you still didn't really know who you could trust.

Lastly the settings. I loved being on a Cruise Ship on the Red Sea. There were some nice descriptions of the Ship, antiques and Jordan that brought the story to life.

Overall an exciting mystery full of deception and wonderful descriptions.

I have honestly no idea where to start. This was like finding yourself on a cruise, then being upgraded with added extras.

I’ll explain, I expected a treasure hunt, and boy, did I get one! The plot of this book had drama, revelation after revelation, and new lines of inquiry kept popping up. You daren’t lose your concentration once we set sail with Freya and Carole.

It all adds up to another page turning adventure. Some of the action scenes put me in mind of an American crime TV show. I felt like the sequel was written more for an American audience, whereas the first one had good old-fashioned British crime novel vibes.

I enjoyed the continuation of Freya’s inner journey, and it was nice to see her moving on from her past. Carole brought the glamour combined with her down to earth, family first approach.

For me, with all the antiques mentioned, it was at times like being in a virtual museum, which I loved. I was hoping that the painting would play a bigger role in the story, although that’s probably just me.

The new characters introduced added extra layers to the story. Overall, it was an intriguing mystery set on an anything but ordinary cruise. 4.5 stars

Freya has been invited to talk as an expert on a cruise to Egypt and Jordan. Then she isn't. The she is asked to investigate the theft of a painting from a maritime museum, where a mysterious man was found murdered.. She is convinced that is a clue left by her uncle pointing towards the cruise. She gets herself back on board and bumps into Phil from the FBI who is undercover as a crew member. She discovers that the cruise is a cover for smuggling antiquities and this particular one is going to announce the replacement of "The Collector", a mysterious character who appears to behind many thefts of antiques and antiquities worldwide. Phil is there for the same reason as his previous partner was killed during a prior operation to catch The Collector. They left new employee Sky back in the shop and she has been compromised by another member of the Collectors team as they want Arthur's journals. +
After a crew member is murdered, Freya must use her wits and initiative to catch the killer, Freya instigates a plan to keep everyone safe and catch The Collector as well.
Very entertaining read.

This was a book of two halves for me. Started off slow, picking up around halfway, but the ending felt a little bit abrupt. Still a solid addition to the series and nice to see the characters developing.

The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea is a fun and exciting cosy mystery - whilst it is booked two of the Antique Hunter’s series, it can be read as a standalone however I would recommend starting with book one.
This instalment follows antiques dealer Freya Lockwood and her lively Aunt Carole as they set off on an antiques-themed cruise from Egypt to Jordan. Their task is to find a stolen painting, but they soon get caught up in a bigger mystery involving smuggling, hidden identities, and even murder.
The story is full of twists, with crime, treasure hunting, and even a hint of romance with FBI agent Phil.

With great characters, a fast-moving plot, and plenty of surprises, this is a perfect read for fans of cosy mysteries!

The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea is the second instalment in a cosy mystery series featuring antiques dealer Freya and her (fabulous!) aunt Carole, but I feel it could be read as a standalone if you missed the first one. While I had some issues with the first book (ICYMI), I had a great time with Freya’s second outing.

What changed, you might ask. And well, for one, I think I went in with the right expectations. While C.L. Miller clearly knows what she’s talking about antiques-wise, I now knew not to expect many details and intricacies of the business itself, although one does pick up a few things along the way.

The setting worked for me as well, I do love bookish travel and I loved that The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea took me all the way to Egypt and Jordan. The many mysteries to solve on this trip kept up the pace and kept me glued to my Kobo.

I think Freya is really finding her feet in this new business she’s inherited and one cannot help but love Carole. Their interactions and banter often made me smile and I found I really enjoyed spending time in their company. I also gobbled up the will-they-won’t-they thing between Freya and Phil, and I loved the scene in which the entire town comes to the rescue together.

With its strong female characters, strong plot, fast pace and many mysteries and threats, The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea is an engrossing, somewhat cosy, mystery, reminiscent of the Golden Age mysteries and detective fiction. Recommended to fans of the genre.

Massive thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the DRC. All opinions are my own.

A fabulous sequel, I loved the setting, the mystery and the twists and turns with the plot. The characters are so much fun and it’s just a perfect read for me. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

Last year, I picked up a copy of CL Miller's The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder. I was expecting a gentle cosy mystery, and that's how it started out. Protagonist Freya Lockwood is called back to where she grew up, as her Aunt Carole's best friend, Arthur Crockleford, has been found dead.

What starts out with a dead body in a village antiques shop leads to uncovering a massive international black market antiques operation. In doing so, Freya rediscovered her independence and strength and begins to rebuild her life post-marriage. Now the joint owner of Crockleford Antiques with Aunt Carole, Freya also decides to return to investigating missing antiques; work that she used to do decades ago with Arthur, before they became estranged.

This second book in the series sees Lockwood Antique Hunters Agency pick up their first case, with a painting stolen from a small Lowestoft museum (the dead body found behind the museum is of lesser concern to the curator!). The painting is tracked down to an exhibition on an exclusive antiques cruise through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea, where Freya secures an invite onboard as an antiques expert, accompanied of course by Aunt Carole.

We're taken on a high-stakes adventure at sea and through historic sites on land, as Freya and Carole find more evidence of shady antique dealing and art theft, and the sinister mastermind behind years of high profile thefts could be on board the ship.

I love that Freya is slowly regaining her confidence, and Aunt Carole is just a fabulous character - providing light relief and wise counsel in equal measure.

Part mystery, part adventure, fast paced and twisty - I found myself completely immersed in this book, stopping only to web search images of the antiques and places mentioned. I always feel I've learned something after I've read one of CL Miller's books; she hooks the reader into wanting to know more, giving key information without overwhelming and slowing down the story.

I'd recommend reading the first book before diving into this one, as it sets up the premise of the series and introduces all the characters, and is a great read in itself. This second book sees the series really hit it's stride, making me hungry for more adventures.

The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea by C L Miller is out on February 13th.