Description
In this “irresistible, immersive, and completely unputdownable” (Ellery Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author) debut novel, a former antique 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?
My Thoughts
When I was a reference librarian, I adored Miller’s Guide to Antiques, so when I learned the author of this delightful mystery is part of the Miller family, it was a bonus reading experience!
Miller has delivered a clever mystery featuring two endearing and super-smart characters in Carole and Freya. The author does an excellent job with dialog, description, plotting and pacing although I admit I got a little irritated with the numerous references in the early chapters to the dirty deed done to Freya in Cairo. Just tell us what it was, for goodness sake! (I am an impatient reader sometimes!)
The deeper I got into the book, the more engrossed I became because the mysterious elements abounded! Observant readers will figure out at least two of the villains early on, but that won’t detract from the sheer pleasure of this delightful book. I hope this becomes a series with Carole and Freya going on all sorts of adventures.
Nicely done.
Publication Date: February 6, 2024
Published By: Atria Books
Thanks to Netgalley for the review copy
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