The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea By C.L. Miller

The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea is another cozy murder mystery read that you will not be able to put down.

Favourite Quote: 

Before I could pose another question, Carole grabbed Betty’s hands and squeezed them. “We will get to the bottom of this. A murderer stealing a painting is just our thing. Freya has a lifetime of experience.” When I opened my mouth to object, Carole nudged me. “We are the very best women for the job!”

I beamed at Carole, because I actually believed that we were.  

Book Synopsis: 

When a painting vanishes from a maritime museum and a dead body is found nearby, the newly established Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency, Freya Lockwood and her Aunt Carole, are called to investigate.

Following a lead that takes them aboard a glamorous antiques cruise sailing toward the Red Sea in Jordan, they quickly discover that the ships art gallery is filled with stolen antiquities. Each antique is also listed in Freya’s late mentor’s journals that detail unsolved cases. In chasing a murderer with a stolen painting, they may have found something more sinister than they could’ve imagined…

Their hunt soon turns deadly when they learn the enigmatic and dangerous art trafficker named The Collector could be on board. But on a ship full of antiques enthusiasts—plus some unexpected familiar faces—will Freya and Carole be able to discover the Collector’s identity and stop his murderous plans before the ship docks? Or will the killer strike again?

Review: 

There is nothing better than a well-written murder mystery. I adored the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to read this book. I’m happy to report that this book lived up to all my expectations. Now, this book would be considered a cozy murder mystery, like those old British murder mystery shows or even an Agatha Christie novel. There is little to no blood or gruesome violence on the pages, and heck, there is barely any swearing. It’s just a good old-fashioned mystery. You are on this hunt with Freya and her aunt Carole as they try to find a missing piece of artwork and a murderer.   

I thought the overall story was incredibly interesting. We start off with a murder in a small coastal English city and a missing painting that is somehow connected to Arthur, Freya’s mentor, who was murdered in the first book. This appears to be a small case, but as the story progresses, you realize that this murder and missing painting is connected to a larger plot that seems connected to the infamous Collector. I devoured all the plot twists and turns. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the author would throw in this twist that would have me throwing out all my theories. It was an entertaining and well-thought-out mystery. The last bit of the book has this faster pace, and the author takes readers on this wild ride that has you at the edge of your seat.  

I loved the setting and all the characters. For this book, we spend most of our time on a cruise ship travelling on the Red Sea. This cruise is geared towards people who like antiques, and some antique experts lead talks about various kinds of antiques. Freya and her aunt find themselves on this cruise because the stolen painting has somehow made its way to the ship and is not part of the gallery collection. The setting was a great way to force a group of people together, all of whom seemed to have their own hidden motivations for being on that cruise. Fans of the previous book will be delighted to know that some of the secondary characters make an appearance in this book. Aunt Carole continues to be an absolute gem and is well and truly a hoot to be around. Freya is starting to grow into her new role as an antique hunter. This is her first true case, and though she stumbles around a bit, it was great watching her grow in confidence as an investigator.  

The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea is a twisty, cozy murder mystery that was hard to put down. 

Thank you, Simon and Schuster Canada, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.