Really enjoyed this follow up to The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder. Looking forward to the series continuing.

The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea is the second book in the Antique Hunter's Series and it does not disappoint. This cozy mystery had me intrigued from the beginning and I could not stop reading it. All of the characters are enjoyable in this and I liked Freya the most. It was written well and I can't wait to read the next one in the series. This was a fast and fun read that I highly enjoyed. I would recommend this one to any reader who likes mystery. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this read in exchange of my honest review of The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea by C.L Miller.

Following the establishment of the Lockwood Antique Hunter's Agency, Freya Lockwood and her Aunt Carole are called to investigate a stolen painting from a maritime museum, coinciding with a nearby murder.
Their lead takes them aboard a luxurious antiques cruise heading toward the Red Sea in Jordan. Onboard, they discover the ship's art gallery is filled with stolen antiquities, all listed in Freya's late mentor's journals of unsolved cases. As they pursue the enigmatic art trafficker known as "The Collector," Freya and Carole must navigate a ship full of antiques enthusiasts and familiar faces to unmask the killer before the voyage ends.

I liked the 1st book better. This one keeps going in circles in the middle, it doesn’t feel like a lot of hunting, Freda was definitely not in control of anything.vAnd really didn’t do anything. #TheAntiqueHunter’sDeathontheRedSea #NetGalley

I am rating "The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea" 3.5 stars, rounded up. I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment in this series, so I was looking forward to this sequel for almost a year! I am so sad to say that I was disappointed with it. The mystery plot was extremely convoluted, even more so than #1. There were so many characters it was hard to follow, and I had to keep stopping to really think about which character was which, which detracted from the story.

I do really enjoy the manner in which C.L. Miller writes - besides the confusing plot, this book was easy to get through and still a page-turner. Miller did a masterful job in #1 with interweaving her web of characters and their history, relationships, and motives. This one in particular was just ... TOO convoluted and confusing ... and a bit messy, which I HATE to say, because I saw in the author's acknowledgements the emotional difficulty of writing after her mother's passing. The concept was so strong and intriguing, I just found the execution to be a bit muddled, unfortunately. It was hard to follow motives with all the shifting POVs. A recent re-read of #1 would have been helpful as the first couple chapters I had to keep rereading to try and remember characters and figure out what was happening.

I did enjoy the continued budding romance between Phil and Freya.

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I still have so many questions. If the murder in the title is referring to Laura's, that didn't even occur until about 75% through the book. As for the ending, is Bella just "good" now? How could she possibly justify helping Freya's firm (and through extension, the FBI) which will in no way compensate her like she's used to. Is everything good with Sky? There was resolution with her. The ending was tied up in a neat little bow, but there were so many plot threads which didn't seem fully explained. What even was the mystery? I thought it was going to center more around a death on the ship and finding the murderer, but the painting, the vase, the sword, the shipwreck ceramics, all stolen. Freya didn't even really recover these items, they kind of just fell in her lap. How did we go from Patricia being The Collector (which is what I assumed all along) to suddenly Luke? If the trip to Petra was a bucket list item, these people are multi-millionaires, they could go literally every other weekend if they wanted to? Same with the meeting at the Egyptian museum, like why did they need to go to these places for meetings they could have just had on the ship behind closed doors? A lot just didn't make sense to me.

Freya figures out the meeting was never for a "vote" for the new Collector, that they were going to use them (I'm assuming Carole and Freya) to take everyone else down. How? The rest of the characters even said they assumed Freya was on board to take up Arthur's position helping them. So if that was the impression they were under, how could Luke & Chris anticipate using the girls to take down the rest? I guess the explanations could have just gone over my head, but I was just mostly confused. I also came across many spelling and grammar issues in the print version as well.

Overall, I did enjoy my time spent reading this book and will continue reading this series in the future because I like the characters, the antiques, and the settings. I just feel awful saying it (especially since the author is dealing with grief and loss), but this one was just too all-over-the-place and convoluted for me to enjoy it as much as the first one. I'm counting down to the release of #3!

The second installment of Miller's Antique Hunter series follows beloved Freya as she continues her mission to recover stolen artifacts and take down a black market antiques ring. This time she follows Arthur's clues to a cruise where she is surprised to find items listed as stolen and major players in an elusive and dangerous group working for a legendary dealer called 'The Collector'. As Freya tries to solve the mystery of who the collector is and why they are on this cruise, she faces dangers and intrigue she never could have imagined.

I really enjoyed this book and thought Miller did an excellent job of making this book both stand on its own but also be a cohesive continuation of the characters and plot I loved in the first book.

After being contracted to find a painting that was stolen from a local museum, Freya and her Aunt Carole manage to board an antiques cruise as subject matter experts (after previously being told their services were not needed). They then become entangled in various murders and an FBI manhunt for the mysterious collector, the ringleader of black market art trafficking. We see some characters return from the first novel, and many new and interesting characters as well. Again the mystery is full of twists and turns as the author sets up the various facets of what’s going on. This is very slow paced and detailed, something you really want to take your time with and examine all the facts. This leads me to think of it as more of a traditional mystery with the locked room aspect, but still manages to incorporate some cozy elements. I also like the development of a possible romantic interest for Freya, as it shows her development from the first book. Seems like a third book is on the horizon so I’m excited to see where we go from here

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria books for this e-ARC that I chose to read and review

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second in a series. It's like a modern day Indiana jones-esqu story. I love the locked room feel of this one. Freya and Aunt Caroline are such a fun duo and I loved spending more time with them.

I'm OBSESSED with this author. They really know how to capture a multi dimensional cozy mystery. I would probably categorize this more as a traditional mystery blended with cozy mystery. It was such a fun read. I was not able to figure out the ending which was an exciting challenge. Lots of twists. I can't wait until C.L. Miller comes out with a third book! I ended up purchasing a copy to give to someone I loved it so much. I also really love the cover. It's vintage and really cool.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy. My opinion is 100% my own.

We pick up the story in this next entry when a painting is stolen from a maritime museum, and a dead body found nearby. Freya and her flamboyant Aunt Carole are asked to investigate.

And pretty soon, Freya realizes this theft has something to do with her dead mentor Arthur's activities, and the painting likely provides a clue to a dangerous art trafficking ring he was investigating. Freya not only inherited Arthur's antique store, but also Arthur's secret journals, which encouraged her to establish the Lockwood Antique Hunter's Agency.

Freya is eager to pursue her lead to a cruise full of antiques enthusiasts and collectors, and likely people involved in the art trafficking ring, especially The Collector, a near-mythical individual Arthur and the authorities have been on the hunt for for years.

Like the first book, the pacing is on the slow side, but it works for this book, as author C.L. Miller carefully establishes details about the art trafficking ring, and provides the suspects, many of whom are on the cruise (which travels to Egypt and Jordan).

There are several individuals whose veracity and identities are suspect, and each time Freya and Carole make a little progress forward, it seems someone else gets hurt or dies.

The mystery is compelling, particularly as I was eager to find out who the Collector really was. There were a couple of likely suspects, one of whom I mistrusted as soon as they appeared on the page.

There's also an FBI agent undercover on board, and he's also on the hunt for the Collector, though his search is rather more revenge-fuelled than strictly for his organization, as The Collector murdered his mentor at the Bureau.

This was an enjoyable story, and I look forward to what Freya, and Carole, get up to next with their Agency. There's also the hint of developing romance for Freya, and maybe that will progress further in a coming instalment?

Thank you to Netgalley and to Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

This is book 2 in the Antique Hunter's guide to murder series. C.L. Miller does a good job of catching you up from book 1 in Chapter 1. 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?

Freya Lockwood and Aunt Carole are back in action this time on the high seas. I love the mishaps and adventures of these two. I was hoping for more Bella and more romance, but I'll take what I can get. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. These cozy mysteries hit the right spot of a light fun read.

The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea is a dazzling, suspenseful mystery that sweeps readers into a glittering world of priceless antiques, stolen secrets, and deadly deception — all aboard a cruise ship shimmering with danger. Freya Lockwood and her indomitable Aunt Carole are the perfect sleuthing duo: sharp, witty, and utterly fearless as they navigate glamorous halls hiding some very dark corners.

From the moment a stolen painting and a chilling murder intertwine, the tension crackles through every scene. You can practically feel the ship's polished decks sway beneath your feet, hear the clink of champagne glasses masking whispered conspiracies, and see the shadowy figures slipping between the art displays, hiding secrets worth killing for. The hunt is layered and clever — every antique has a story, and every story peels back another layer of the sinister world Freya’s late mentor was desperate to expose.

The looming specter of "The Collector" ratchets the suspense to a delicious fever pitch, as Freya and Carole race against time to unmask a villain who could be hiding in plain sight. The luxurious cruise setting only heightens the stakes — an isolated, closed environment where anyone could be the next target and escape is impossible until the ship reaches port.

Brimming with high-stakes twists, charming banter, and rich historical intrigue, The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea is a pure delight for mystery lovers. It’s an irresistible blend of danger and sophistication, with heart, humor, and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last breathtaking reveal.

I am a sucker for a mystery series, and I want to start by saying that I am glad to have another series to look forward to consistently. Keep 'em coming!

That said, I did not love this book quiiiiiite as much as I loved the first one, though I do adore the relationship between Freya and Aunt Carole just as much. The plot was solid and kept a good pace which I do feel like is a sticking point for a lot of mysteries. A couple of the twists felt a bit predictable, but I do have a high bar for being caught off guard I think.

If you liked the first book, if you like cozy mysteries, if you're looking for something to read by the pool or on a cruise this summer, this just might be the book for you.

I was excited to see there would be a sequel to “The Antique Hunter..”. Although I preferred the first novel, this one was still a good read!
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoy this series and this has been one of my favorite characters to come out of reading. I’m always intrigued to see what the next adventure is going to hold if you’re looking for a good cozy crime book the series is for you.

This cozy mystery novel unfortunately didn't hold my attention like I hoped it would, but I am walking away with some new learnings on antique and vintage collectibles (looking at you, shipwreck ceramics and Georg Jensen neck rings).

My biggest gripe here is a lack of accessibility for first-time readers, both in terms of the story and the world of antiques.
It would certainly be helpful and highly recommended to read the first in the series before reading this, but did I do that? No of course not, that would make too much sense.
That said, this story needed so much more exposition!! More re-introduction to established characters and their context in the series would be helpful to all readers, I think.
Also, the author mentions particular antique items and expects readers to be familiar with them already rather than describing them, which I didn't love. Antiques may be niche, but they don't need to be inaccessible to readers here.

Now I'm off to eBay to look at vintage Georg Jensen neck rings.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance review copy.

The suspense was quite interesting in the beginning, and the author has done a wonderful job tying it up with the history of the artifacts. However, I just couldn't keep up with the storyline - it felt a bit cluttered with too many characters and an overload of information. The characters felt out of depth, and it was frustrating to see them repeat the same mistakes over and over.

Two thumbs up for this cozy antique themed spy thriller. I enjoyed the first book in this series but the second has really turned it up! It was much more a spy thriller. Lots of fast paced action as Freya and Carole once again join forces with Phil the CIA agent on the hunt for stolen antiquities and figuring out who the illusive, shady "Collector" is.

Freya and her aunt Carole make a great team. They have taken up the challenge of finding stolen art and antiques from Arthur Crockleford. He has left them clues in the form of journals as well as some hidden clues in other formats. This time the mystery takes them aboard an antique themed cruise where apparently the next "Collector" will chosen as the current one retires.

I loved the locations they visited and the spy thriller scenes in the museums and historic locations. Lots of twists and turns, unexpected allies, and shady characters keeps the reader engaged throughout.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this e-arc. A recommended read.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for the free ARC ebook of The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea. Although I received an ARC of this book, I ended up checking it out from the library once it was published as I didn’t want to read it on my phone and it was only available via the NetGalley app.

Freya and Aunt Carole are back for another mystery. This story follows their adventures as they set out for antique hunting on the red sea but their trip gets complicated when someone is found dead on their ship. They are such a fun team as they work together to solve the crime.

I am really enjoying this series. I love when an author balances humor and suspense well. There are also a few great twists! If you enjoy mysteries, fun, adventures, history, and treasure hunting - then this is the book for you!