The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder: A Novel

A former antique hunter investigates the suspicious death of her estranged mentor at an isolated English manor and is drawn back into the dangerous world of repatriating stolen artifacts in this irresistible mystery debut for fans of Richard Osman.

Freya, it’s up to you to finish what I started…

Freya Lockwood has avoided the quaint English village where she grew up for the last twenty years. That is, until her eccentric Aunt Carole breaks the news that Arthur Crockleford, antiques dealer and Freya’s estranged mentor, has unexpectedly died.

Then Freya receives a letter from Arthur, sent just days before his death, warning her that she is in danger. Suspecting he may have been murdered, she and Carole begin to investigate. When they discover Arthur’s journals and an invitation to an antiques enthusiasts’ weekend, Freya finds herself pulled back into a life she swore to leave behind.

Once more Freya is on the hunt. Following the clues and her rusty antique hunting instincts, she and Carole attend the retreat at an old manor where all is not as it seems. The antiques are bad reproductions, and the other guests are menacing and secretive.

Can Freya and Carole solve the mystery before the killer strikes again?

C.L. Miller started working life as an editorial assistant for her mother, Judith Miller, on the Miller’s Antique Handbook and Price Guide and other antiquing guides. She lives in a medieval cottage in Dedham Vale, Suffolk, with her family.

ISBN: 9781668032381
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: February 06, 2024

“Irresistible, immersive, and completely unputdownable. Think 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 Reese's Book Club pick The Club“[A] pulse-pounding and laugh-out-loud mystery . . . Set in the surprisingly cutthroat, dangerous world of antiques, 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. . . . A fascinating read!”
— SAMANTHA M. BAILEY, USA Today and #1 bestselling author of Woman on the Edge and Watch Out for Her“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, #1 bestselling author of The Drowning Woman“[A] fun, fascinating, and satisfying read in a giddy and compelling take on an old manor mystery . . . with two fantastic female leads who will deeply delight fans of Sue Grafton and Agatha Christie.”
— AMBER COWIE, internationally bestselling author of The Off Season and Last One Alive“A propulsive mystery, Miller’s stand-out debut is an all-consuming ride! Expertly paced with an indelible cast of characters . . . 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“[A] bold, bright, and delightful jaunt back to the golden age of detective fiction . . . 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, internationally bestselling author of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels“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“It’s a delicious read—packed with fascinating details in a picture-perfect setting. Who could resist a treasure hunt with murder at its core?”
— S.J. BENNETT, bestselling author of Murder Most Royal “It’s a delight!”
— KATIE FFORDE, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of One Enchanted Evening“What a treat! A unique and compelling debut by an outstanding author—I couldn’t stop turning the pages! The fabulously drawn characters leapt from the page and drew me into this engrossing murder mystery.”
— KATHRYN CROFT, bestselling author of The Lie and The Suspect