2.7 stars - originally a 2.4, but the ending was quite settling and sweet. Something I didn't expect after 200+ pages of yearning for the end.

It pains me to write such a poor review for a book I wanted to like so much. The comps for this book were Agatha Cristie and... Indiana Jones - poor comp title. I guess the only aspect of this book that was slightly Jones-ish were the flashbacks in Cairo and maybe the concept of returning artifacts to their rightful homes. I don't know.

So, let's talk about the prose first:

This book is written by a debut author. And I have a soft spot for debuts because they are fresh off achieving that dream they've been chasing for quite some time, and all around are a mess of emotions. So, I try to ease up on debut authors.

I don't know how much previous editing was done here, but this sometimes reads like a ground-zero draft. Now, it is an ARC copy, so some grammatical errors and sloppy prose were expected, but, holy hell! I hope the editors fix all these issues by February. Fragmented sentences are all over the place. Two sentences mixed into one, where the author had one thought but finished it another way: almost like they spliced two thoughts together. Incorrect verb usage. Misspelled words. I overlooked a lot of these errors, but it did soak into my opinion of the story.

Another thing I didn't like about the writing? The swap of POVs between like ten people. Freya was in first-person, while everyone else was in third? Oh, hell. That was as jarring as a one-armed fight with Mike Tyson in a merry-go-round.

Freya was... not my favorite. I liked her little backstory of her husband being the demise of her adventurous side and her relationship with her daughter in the States, but other than that? Just a boring character who feels the need to bring up the past every other paragraph.

So, the story? Ehhhhh:

The first 40 pages or so were airy and had that British feel to it that I had expected and loved. But the rest of the book just fell flat.

Why?

Characters I didn't really care for, and a boring plot line. Slow aching plot progression and pacing issues. And much more. Now, I partially think the progression spur was because of forced fillers and the reminiscing character of Freya. For example; we didn't find out until nearly 120 pages in why she had such a grudge against Arthur, despite every other paragraph being her bringing up the past and how shitty it was because of him. Never gave insight as to why it mattered. Something happened in Cairo, and she wasn't the same after - we get it. And this was beat over our heads like a billy club all the way to the end. I didn't like that.

The actual story was rather boring - forgettable. We're thrown into a manor with some flat characters (except Bella) and that's it. I don't remember anything about the plot other than something of a bird and some vaults. The boyfriend Asim. Oh, and the FBI agents working as undercover employees - a gardener and a maid - just pissed me off.

Filler on top of filler. It seemed like we moved two rooms in the span of thirty pages.

So here's what I did like:

Arthur's excerpts at the beginning of the chapters. They were very wise and elegant.

The character Bella. She was spicy and sneaky. The scene where she killed Giles and gave you a taste of what Freya COULD HAVE BEEN was written VERY well. Good exposition and great pacing for an action scene.

Carole was all right. Had some humorous moments and seemed like a dear. Though, I was hoping there would be a backstory to her and Arthur romantically more than just dear English friends.

Overall, just a poor-paced book with not a lot happening. I think it would have been better placed during the younger Freya days. This story may be great for others, but it felt like crossing a mud-filled lake with a weighted suit on after the 50-page mark.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Atria) for the advanced copy in exchange for my thoughts. My opinions are entirely my own and do not reflect those of the publisher or the author.

Thanks for reading!

First, I would like to thank NetGalley, C.L. Miller and Atria Books (Simon & Schuster) for the opportunity of reading and reviewing an advanced copy of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder. At first I had wished that I could give half star ratings and settle with a 3.5 but after some reflection I have to say for a debut C.L. Miller did a great job. It was a great adventure whether you are a lover of antiques or not. It felt a little like Indiana Jones. mixed with Antiques Roadshow.
Freya and her Aunt Carole team up to solve the murder of their beloved family friend, Arthur Crockleford who was a dear friend to Carole and Freya's estranged mentor in the antiques world. There were a few times that the book seemed a little repetitive for me but was not so bad that it would make me not want to continue, I was always looking forward to what was going to happen. My favorite part of the book was the clever quotes from Arthur that lead each chapter as if he was mentoring the reader as well.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC of this cozy title.**'

While this book was not my favorite by a long shot, I did enjoy the cozy mystery feel of it all, especially on the grounds where the retreat weekend took place.

Unfortunately, the characters in this book lacked depth and despite being told about their backgrounds and feelings, I didn't ~feel~ any of that or connect with them in anyway.

There were also just too many points where the reader is asked to suspend disbelief for the sake of fiction, and I wasn't invested enough in the characters or story to do so.

Overall, I think this would be a great hit with people who enjoy cozy mysteries and just want an easy quick read!

This was a good first book in a potential series. The overall mystery was interesting and led me down a couple of different roads to whom the killer would be. It read as well-researched and, for a first book, it was a fully realized world with future stories to tell.

In terms of written structure, the author switches between first and second person and between characters. Unfortunately, with this switching this there is no consistency, and it can be hard to follow at times.

I found the main character a bit like Agatha Raisin so if you are a fan of MC Beaton, this might be a good series to read. I would say this is a series I would continue to read in the future, if it became one, however, because of the structure it is not one that I plan to revisit.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller.

This review was made possible via an ARC through NetGalley

The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder is a murder mystery focusing on the niece-aunt team, Freya and Carole, as they investigate the murder of antique dealer Arthur. Arthur was Carole’s dear friend and Freya’s former mentor who forced Freya out of the antique business. Carole and Freya have two very different opinions on Arthur and the interplay between them, and Arthur trusting Freya to solve his murder, made for the mystery feeling personal and more on the cozy side.

The mystery felt wrapped up pretty cleanly by the end and Freya and Carole both felt quite fleshed out. I appreciate the author mentioning repatriation of artifacts and making it clear that cultures have a right to their own antiques.

Content warning for the death of a SWANA man in flashback.

I would recommend this to readers looking for a British mystery that is more cozy.

Well this definitely put me in a reading slump. I was sooo excited for this, the premise sounded so fun but wow what a letdown. This was just so boring and the writing felt clunky. There were so many seemingly random characters that felt unnecessary. I felt myself skimming or constantly rereading paragraphs to figure out what was going on because my mind drifted. Definitely not for me.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

"In this irresistible and thrilling debut novel, a former antique hunter investigates a suspicious death at an isolated English manor, embroiling her back in the dangerous 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 and her instincts 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?"

An isolated English manor having an antiques weekend? YES!

The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder is a new book that releases in February. Thanks to netgalley and Atria books for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book follows Freya, a woman who was involved in tracking down stolen antiques with her aunts best friend Arthur. When something happens in Cairo twenty years earlier, Freya is forced out of the business of antique hunting. When Arthur is killed, Freya and her aunt go hunting for the killer.

This book was so boring to me. I’m not sure if it was because of the antiques or what. I had a hard time finishing this book, it felt like it dragged on a lot. I didn’t really care about the mystery because I was already bored from it. Unfortunately, this book was not for me.

I did like the characters and the premise did sound interesting. I just don’t think a lot happened so i was very bored. I also don’t remember a lot that happened because not a lot stood out to me.

I was given the opportunity to preview this book before it was published through NetGalley. Thank you Atria Books for the advanced copy.
We see throughout the book that the main character, Freya, has had her whole life go a different direction that she intended when younger, and the entire blame lies with Arthur. This is mentioned many times and you can see that this one incident in the past, has affected Freya more than anything else.
As the book progresses, you get more and more information on what happened and finally why. And I admit, what happened would have changed my life entirely as well.
The story centers around this past event and current doings are as a result. The story progresses nicely, with bits and pieces of information given to you at the right speed and amount to allow you to digest them and put them together in your mind.
There are a number of scenes with excellent writing that force you to keep reading so as to learn what happens next. I may have had a couple of late nights. You are left guessing a lot of the time and it isn't until the end that you learn the full story.
The chapters are often told from a different character's perspective, which I quite enjoyed. Even though the story is told in the first person, having the occasional chapter told from someone else's point of view gives you a little more insight into their motives and past. An interesting way to share those important pieces of information.
I do have to say that I would rate this book higher if it were not for Aunt Carole. She was a wholly unlikeable character who distracts from the story, often adding useless and unneeded commentary. She is affected by her loss of Arthur, but seems to be fine, focusing on clothes, entertainment, setting up her niece for dates, food and tea. She is a needed character to build Freya's past, but I wish she had been done differently.

I can see more novels being written to follow this story as there is a good background established and the promise of more having been extended.

Enjoyable quick, cozy read. It was fun having two female protagonists in Freya and her aunt, Carole. I loved the interplay between those two. One of my favorite things about the book was Freya remembering who she was by the end of the book. The family dynamics and main characters all worked nicely together. It was a fun mystery read.

As someone who loves old stuff and murder mysteries, this piqued my interest off the bat. A young former appraiser is thrust back into the dangerous lifestyle of antiquing when her former boss is found dead in his antique shop. It's up to her and a few dependable characters to uncover what happened to her boss, what he was trying to hide, and why.

This was a cute, easy, relatively simple storyline, Miller wrote descriptively of wet castle grounds, oddly empty and cheap manor rooms, and hot Moroccan streets. A nice mystery.

Hey, guys! I just finished reading “The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder” by C.L. Miller, and I’m here to give you the lowdown.

First off, let me tell you that this book is like a real-life mystery game. You know, like those Escape Room things that are super popular now? It’s like that, but instead of being in a room, you’re in a whole world of clues and suspects and motives, and you have to figure it all out.

The story centers around an antique hunter (duh) who gets caught up in a murder investigation. I’m not gonna give away any spoilers, but let’s just say it’s a wild ride. There are twists and turns everywhere, and just when you think you know what’s going on, BAM! Something new comes up, and you’re like, “Whoa, didn’t see that coming!”

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Antiques? Really? That sounds so boring.” But trust me, it’s not. The author knows their stuff, and they make all the vintage stuff really cool and interesting. You’ll be like, “Who knew old stuff could be so fascinating?”

The characters are also super well-written. The main character is someone you can root for, and the supporting cast is all unique and suspicious in their own ways. You’ll be trying to figure out who did it along with the protagonist, and you’ll be like, “Is it this person? No, wait, maybe it’s this other person!”

The writing style is also super easy to get into. It’s like having a conversation with someone who’s really into this stuff, but not so into it that they make you feel dumb. You know what I mean? It’s like having a cool older friend who knows all the secrets and is willing to share them with you.

All in all, “The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder” is a super fun read if you’re into mysteries and stuff. Even if you’re not, it’s still a great story that’ll keep you guessing until the end.

Many thanks to Netgalley and publisher for my advance copy♥️

Thank you Netgalley, author, and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this e-arc. I look forward to reading more.

I know absolutely nothing about Antiques! But was attracted to this book because I enjoy a good mystery and thought I might learn a few things. And, I did!!! C.L. Miller has written a delightful debut novel in which the search for stolen antiques and antiquities collide with murders, and along the way we are treated to a host of characters from Freya, who is the lead protagonist of the story, to her Aunt Carole, her semi-grandfather Arthur who got her started in the antique profession over 20 years ago and who eventually caused her to leave the profession until she is suddenly pulled back in.
The mystery takes us to an English Manor, and we learn about antique "banks" as we are joined by a shady group of characters who are all trying to find the valuables that appear to be hidden in the house. Nobody is as they appear, and everyone has their own agenda as the group meets for a weekend gathering where all things are hopefully going to be resolved.
A very well plotted book with believable characters, this is a fast paced book that is easy to read and hard to put down. The author does a very good job of keeping us guessing as to the murderer, and I must admit that I was fooled!

This book is reminiscent of a cozy Da Vinci Code. It had a very similar set up, where a woman who's fallen out with her paternal figure is dragged back into his work when he leaves cryptic clues shortly prior to his death. I really enjoyed the antique hunting storyline, and was super invested in finding out who killed Arthur and why. However, I wasn't at all fond of the main character, Freya. She struck me as extremely entitled and self centered. She seems to be stuck in her 20s in spite of now being in her 40s. She spends almost the book criticizing her ex husband for wanting to sell their marital house now that her daughter has moved out and he has no obligation to continue paying the mortgage. She also blames him for her decision to leave the antiques field and become a more demure person, even though they've been divorced for 9 years and she'd left the field before they'd even married. I also don't agree with her continued grudge against Arthur. She never was open to reconciliation even 20 years, a marriage, a child, and a divorce later. My other qualm with this book was the switching between first and third person. I found it to be very jarring and at times confusing. I did really appreciate Carole as a character. I thought she was very charming and funny, even if she was dramatic at times. All together this was a fun book to read, but I couldn't get past my issues with the main character.

The premise of this new series is a good one. Freya’s aunts friend, and her ex mentor antique dealer Crockleford dies and although ruled natural causes her aunt is convinced it’s murder and she’d like Freya to investigate. Once an antique hunter with Crockleford, Freya is loath to be swept back into this life, but something is clearly wrong. As I said the premise is a good one but I couldn’t get into the story or the authors style of writing. The writing did not keep my interest and I found myself skimming the pages.

Freya has spent her last years living as a doormat for her daughter Jade and her soon to be ex, James. But she wasn't always so timid-in fact she used to be a powerhouse antiques hunter. Her joy was tracing lost or stolen antiques and antiquaries and returning them to their rightful owners, or repatriating them to their home countries. When she gets a letter from Arthur Crockleford, noted antique dealer and her estranged teacher who ended Freya's career in Cairo, she is shocked. Arthur asks her to attend a weekend at an old manor estate and value their collection in his stead. How could he have known that he would die in a fall down the stairs of his antique shop? Freya and Carole. her crafty aunt and Arthur's pal, go to the estate and meet the family who stands to inherit a bundle. But Freya immediately knows that something is wrong-why is the furniture knockoff Chippendale, and why are there no family pictures on the mantlepiece? What happened to all of the antiques that should be at the manor? What happened in Cairo to torpedo Freya's career? And was Arthur's death an accident or a murder...and who is next?
Author C.L. Miller is the daughter and editorial assistant of antique guide author, Judith Miller, which gives her real creds to write this story. Somewhere between a cozy and an international thriller, Antique Hunter's Guide gave me a great window into the refined world of antique appraisal and how it can go awry. Perfect for reading by the fire on a cold winter night!

The descriptions of this book sound completely amazing & fun. A mystery plot involving letters sent by the deceased, antiques, a creepy manor house, and a cast of eccentric characters... sounds like so much fun!

However, for me this book did not quite live up to the descriptions. Some of the book dragged, some of the prose was a bit clunky, there were too many characters to keep up... I just didn't love it unfortunately.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of the e-book to read before publication.

I was so looking forward to this. I wouldn't say I am an antique fanatic but I do love walking through antique stores and watching shows about antiques. I understand that this was a debut but it was too noticeable. I read my fair share of mysteries but this one was hard to follow. As I kept reading, I was losing interest. The characters were not explained and I could not get my self to care about them. Also, I think this would have been better as a stand-alone. Not everything needs to be a series and writing this with the intention of writing sequels, I think, was a mistake. I will be happy to check out other books, not in this series, that this author writes to see how they progress. For now, though, I'm disappointed.

What an absolutely fun and wild ride! Stolen artifacts and museums make for a different and amazing new sleuth novel. I enjoyed every page.