Author: C.L. Miller
Genre: Cozy Mystery / Amateur Sleuth / British Crime Fiction
Perfect For: Fans of antiques, Agatha Christie, found family tropes, and slightly grumpy heroines
Every once in a while, a cozy mystery comes along that manages to be both clever and comforting—equal parts brain-teaser and blanket. The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller is exactly that kind of read. It’s witty, whimsical, and filled with enough twists, secrets, and scandal to satisfy even the most seasoned armchair detective.
This delightful debut (yes, debut!) blends classic mystery vibes with modern storytelling flair. If you love murder mysteries with antique flair, eccentric side characters, and a heroine who’s just figuring out how capable she really is, The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder is going to be your next obsession.
Why I Picked It Up
The title alone had me hooked. I mean—antiques and murder? Say less. But it was the premise that really reeled me in. An estranged goddaughter returns to her late godfather’s home only to find herself entangled in a web of secrets, missing treasures, and—of course—a suspicious death? Yes, please. Add in a stately English setting and a colorful supporting cast, and this was basically a literary catnip cocktail.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Freya Lockwood is still reeling from a bitter falling-out with her godfather, Arthur Crockleford, a legendary antiques dealer with a nose for trouble and a heart of gold. When Arthur dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances, Freya—still bruised from a recent divorce and unsure of her place in the world—is drawn back to the quiet English village of Maudsbury to settle his affairs.
What she finds is anything but a peaceful goodbye.
Arthur has left behind more than dusty books and a cluttered cottage. There’s an unsigned letter, a suspicious death, and whispers of a legendary lost treasure that might just still be out there. Joined by Arthur’s longtime friend and former sidekick—an absolute firecracker of a woman named Aunt Carole—Freya must use her knowledge of antiques, her intuition, and a fair bit of snooping to uncover the truth.
What follows is a delightful unraveling of clues, rivalries, and long-buried truths that lead to one very satisfying reveal.
Narrative Style: Cozy, Clever, and Just a Bit Snarky
Miller writes with a charming, conversational tone that’s immediately disarming. The prose is snappy but never flippant, and the dialogue is full of dry British humor that’s pitch-perfect for the genre. There’s something particularly satisfying about the way Miller balances charm and tension—you feel safe in her hands, but you’re still eager to know what happens next.
Freya’s narration is wry and self-aware, and her character arc is refreshingly grounded. She’s not an action hero or a savant detective—just a woman rediscovering her voice after years of putting everyone else first.
Characters: Quirky, Layered, and Endlessly Entertaining
Freya is a reluctant heroine, and that’s part of what makes her so endearing. She’s not swooping in to solve a mystery for fun—she’s doing it because it matters. To Arthur. To herself. To the life she’s trying to rebuild.
Then there’s Aunt Carole, the true scene-stealer of the novel. She’s eccentric in the best way—outspoken, flamboyant, and deeply loyal. She smokes, swears, and has no time for fools, but she also carries her own quiet grief for a friend she clearly loved. Together, Carole and Freya make an unlikely but utterly delightful investigative duo.
The rest of the cast is just as vivid: rival antique hunters, shady dealers, protective villagers, and people who are much less innocent than they seem. Each character brings their own secrets to the story, and trying to piece them all together is half the fun.
Themes: Legacy, Second Chances, and the Stories Objects Hold
Beneath the murder and mischief, this novel is really about the emotional weight of the things we keep—and the people we lose. Arthur’s death forces Freya to reckon with more than just a mystery. She has to face the unresolved tensions in their relationship, the fragments of her own identity she’s left behind, and the possibility of building something new.
Antiques aren’t just a backdrop in this story—they’re central to the plot, the mystery, and the theme. The novel invites you to think about the history embedded in everyday objects. Who held this? Who loved it? Who lied about it?
It’s a gentle reminder that our pasts shape our present more than we realise—and that sometimes, you have to return to where you began to understand where you’re meant to go.
You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy…
- The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths – for its blend of mystery and history
- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – for its quirky, found-family dynamic and dry humor
- Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz – for its meta approach to the classic whodunit
- The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont – if you enjoy murder mysteries with rich emotional undercurrents
If you’re looking for a cozy crime novel with charm, brains, and just enough bite, The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder will scratch that itch—and then some.
Final Thoughts: A Cozy Classic in the Making
The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder is the kind of mystery that feels like a Sunday afternoon in book form—warm, witty, and satisfying in all the right ways. But don’t let its gentle tone fool you—this book is smart, tightly plotted, and layered with just enough emotional depth to make it memorable.
C.L. Miller delivers a pitch-perfect debut that feels both familiar and fresh. It’s a love letter to antique hunters, amateur sleuths, and anyone who believes it’s never too late to start over, solve the puzzle, or find your voice.
Whether you’re a longtime lover of British mysteries or simply looking for a clever escape into a world of hidden clues and charming characters, this is a book you’ll want on your shelf—and in your suitcase, your beach bag, or your favorite reading nook.
