Auctioneer Felicia Grant has moved back to Stamford & her best friend, Mayor Cassandra Lane has talked her into helping with the town’s annual Georgian Fair. When the fair’s headline speaker turns up dead in the hook-a-duck pool, and more murders follow in quick succession, she finds herself investigating a serial killer for the second time in less than a year.
The second book in the series & it could easily be read on its own but to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order. I really like Felicia & like how her relationships with her ex-husband Dexter, son Algernon, DS Pettigrew are developing. There were red herrings as well as the usual twists & turns, I didn’t work out who the murderer was & I must admit it came as a bit of a shock as I liked the murderer. Quite a long book which held my interest all the way through, I look forward to more from Felicia & friends
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Another fantastic mystery novel in the series! This book carries on not long after the last one left off, and there are references to the previous book in the series within this story, but it isn’t necessary to have read that one to understand this story; it can be read as a standalone. The village is having a Georgian festival, but a body is discovered before it begins, and it becomes a whodunnit. There were several murders in this book, and I did guess early on who had caused them, but didn’t get the reason why until it was revealed. I do enjoy this series, though don’t know how the author will release another in the series with so many deaths, as it’s turning into another midsommer murders

There’s just something totally fabulous about British cozy mysteries, and this series is an example of why I love them so much. The only thing is that I felt this century was a little jerky compared to the first entry. I know it’s hard to get a Series going and I don’t even keel, so I’m looking forward to the third entry and hoping that will set everything right and propel the series forward on a more even keel.

After eagerly anticipating the next installment following last year's series debut, I had my expectations high when I received an Advanced Reader Copy of Murder Most Antique. Unfortunately, this story fell flat and I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to.

The mystery behind the murder kept me guessing till the end and the revelation of the killer's identity was a shocker, as they weren't on the suspect list. It was uncovering a wolf in sheep's clothing. The fact that the murderer was closer than Felicia had anticipated added an extra layer of difficulty and challenge to her investigation.

So what didn't work for me in Murder Most Antique? Firstly, the story structure - there were too many characters and I struggled to keep track, particularly the secondary ones. Secondly, Felicia's son Algernon plays a minimal role when compared to the debut. In the first book, Algie was pivotal in solving the case and even face potential danger as the killer's next victim. In this installment, his curiosity is fleeting, leaving all the sleuthing to his mum, Felicia.

When it comes to sleuthing, Murder Most Antique fell short when compared to its debut Unnecessary dialogs and conversations added to the book's length, making the read somewhat tedious. In brief, this felt like too much information with insufficient emphasis on actual sleuthing.

Overall, Murder Most Antique by E.C. Bateman was an okay read. While I enjoyed the ending, the plot-to-story development fell short.

This cosy murder mystery would definitely be a great book to read on a weekend away in Stamford. The descriptions of the Georgian town are beautiful. This book is the second in the series and I think the reader would benefit from reading the books in order. There are many characters and I found it difficult to keep up with them all and the plot at times.

You are certainly left in no doubt that the setting is Stamford as you get street by alley blows of people moving from A to B. The Georgian Fair, at least not 'Fayre', is in full throw with amusements, stage offerings and dressing up. Again, a lot of descriptions about corsets and wigs, somewhat repetitive I'm afraid. There are murders too, being investigated by the daughter of the local auctioneer (out of action with a broken leg). As the second in a series I guess I've missed some of the background since daughter and father are somewhat at odds. I suppose I could say that the story progresses a bit like real life - stops, starts, jerks, different threads, but that makes it not always easy to follow. Of course there are annoying loose ends so another episode is likely on the way. At the moment I'm not sure that I can bothered with another story. but that might change with my mood. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

It was a pleasure to return to Stamford in the company of Felicia, Cassie, Algernon and the rest. In Murder Most Antique, EC Bateman's second book in her series set in the town, Felicia once again becomes involved in solving a murder or two. In spite of warnings from the local Detective Sergeant she is inexorably drawn to find out why the main attraction at the Georgian Fair has drowned in the hook-a-duck pool.

I enjoyed this sequel and I hope there will be more to follow. And that seems likely as there are certainly loose ends waiting to be tied up.

A great follow-up to Death at the Auction. This cosy mystery is set in the beautiful town of Stamford and the wuthor really brings this pretty place to life. Great plotting and the characters are beautifully developed and have enough complexity to be engaging. A great read!

I found this book to be chaotic. It was all over the place with the settings, investigating, suspects and well everything. I liked the kid, the rest not so much. Their personalities are all over the place. #MurderMostAntique #NetGalley