The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea is the second book in a series by C. L. Miller and this time we find Freya Lockwood and her plucky Aunt Carol further embroiled in the unpleasant doings of the underworld of the black-market art and antiquities trade. This time, the hunt for a missing maritime painting, which disappeared from a small village museum, takes them on a cruise from the eastern Mediterranean to the Red Sea and overland to Petra in Jordan. Freya and Aunt Carol encounter charming and dastardly characters as the murder mystery unfolds, getting themselves in and out of all manner of dangerous situations along the way. As an art and antiquities professional myself, I enjoyed following them on yet another high-stakes adventure. While at times the plot seemed a trifle predictable and the number of identical vampire brides at a costume ball was utterly inconceivable, I appreciate the less-cozy setting of these mysteries and relish the escapism. I also long for more scenes of Freya’s audacious Aunt Carol—a sassier, sexier, 21st-century, Miss Marple wanna-be. She is fantastic! Anyway, 3.5 stars rounded up for this one and I look forward to their next adventure.

A painting disappears from a maritime museum and Freya's new antique-hunting agency is called to investigate. When the clues lead to a cruise specializing in antiques and Freya and Carole realize that the ship's art gallery is filled with stolen antiques and not copies, their search for the missing painting lands them in a very dangerous situation, one in which they have no idea who they can trust.

The is the second book in this series, and unfortunately I didn't like it as much as the first book. It didn't help that the Kindle version I received was the text of the first book rather than the new installment. W hen I attempted to re-download the book, the Kindle option was no longer available, forcing me to read the book via Adobe Digital Editions, a format I find cumbersome and inconvenient. Putting all that aside, I really didn't care much for Freya and cared even less for and about Carole, who seemed especially ditzy and clueless.

There were so many other characters it was hard to keep track of them all, and the multitude of red herrings made my head hurt. I gave up trying to figure out precisely what was going on and who was behind it all, but I wasn't surprised when it all was revealed at the end of the book.

I don't know if there will be another book in this series, and I'm not sure I'll read it, but if I do, I'll be sure to temper my expectations.

I enjoyed the first book in this series, which introduced antiques specialist Freya Lockwood and her goal of becoming an antiques investigator. This second installment is Freya's first case: an antiques cruise to Jordan, on which a mysterious underworld art trafficker known only as The Collector is rumored to be operating. Freya and her delightful aunt Carole join up to solve the puzzle.

I appreciate the expertise with which the author approaches the antiques element of these books. I also love Freya and Carole together and the overarching series plot about Freya's former mentor that teases future antiques mysteries. The writing is serviceable and the mystery appropriately intriguing, but nothing too puzzling to figure out. I do question Freya's survival skills (she often runs right into danger with little to no plan) but things always turn out fine.

Overall a charming series that's a comfort to read.

The 2nd book of the Antique Hunters Series. I am already ready for the next one! I loved all the fun historical elements in the antiques and pieces of jewelry. The characters are relatable and real. I thought the first book was a little better but still enjoyed this one! A series worth getting your hands on! 3.75 stars/5 rounded up.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

"In this follow-up to the USA TODAY bestselling "utterly charming mystery" (Robyn Harding, author The Party) The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder, Freya Lockwood and Aunt Carole are on the hunt once again to return priceless stolen antiques and catch a dangerous criminal abord a cruise ship.

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?"

If you have't read the first book in this series which made so many best of lists last year you're in for a double treat with a dash of Lovejoy.

It took a few chapters for this installment of the Antique Hunters to get rolling. There are a lot of characters to sort. Once invested though, I found that things move along at a good pace. I’m not sure that I liked it as much as the first book but I still enjoyed it.
Thank You to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

After the success of their last foray into the illicit world of antique sales, Freya and Aunt Carole have begun “The Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency,” landing their first case to recover a stolen painting which will take them on a cruise to Jordan.

A C. L. Miller book is like a suspenseful warm hug in the best kind of way. While you could read this as a standalone, I think it’s better if you read in order as you’ll appreciate the character dynamics more (especially one in particular). This series I could sink into again and again with Freya’s steady determination, Aunt Carole’s bold personality, Sky’s hacking skills, a certain handsome man who looks good in a uniform, and a wild card character whose deviousness and sense of quirkily unexpected loyalty are oh-so-fun.

I love the mystery of Arthur’s journals and the intricacies of the painting.  I thoroughly enjoy the description and breadth of antique knowledge that CL Miller expertly shares through her writing.  I especially love the advice (which is actually advice from Miller’s mother) which Freya shares, “buy [antiques] because you love them.”

Miller writes endearing complex characters with a main cast who is strong, independent, wholly supportive of each other, and intent on finding justice. I cannot wait to see what this motley and capable crew will come up with next as they tackle the mysteries found within the third of Arthur’s journals. And the power dynamics, misdirection, jealousy, and mistrust of the devious and diverse antique underworld will also intrigue.

Cozy, fast paced, and entertaining; I cannot wait for the next book! If you are an Agatha Christie fan you will love these books. And even if you aren’t but like mysteries, suspense, strong female characters, or antiques then you’ll find yourself delighting in this series. I really hope I can return to the world of Freya and Aunt Carole who feel like old friends many more times.

My copy has pride of place on my bookshelf!

The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea by C.L. Miller is the second in the series and just as entertaining as the first. Freya and her aunt are lured into more dealings with “The Collector” as they try to follow clues left by Freya’s late uncle and mentor. A painting theft and murder at a local museum are followed by treachery on an antiques cruise to Egypt and Jordan.

I really love Aunt Carole and her devil-may-care attitude especially along with brave but more restrained Freya. In fact, all of the female characters are strong women in their own ways with expertise in antiquities, business, archaeology, manipulation and more. Even though everyone was stuck on a ship there were enough different personalities and events to keep things exciting.

The plot is pretty well paced, with a couple of slow spots. Luckily the information about antiques does not weigh down the plot and is really fascinating. I have to admit I was surprised by the big identity reveal; there were plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the eARC.

The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea is the second in the series and it’s probably better to read them in order. You’ll get a better feel for the characters and why Freya ends up in her current position.

We learned in the first book that Freya and her Aunt Carole inherited Arthur Crockleford’s antique shop when he was murdered. They are also trying to continue his project of hunting down stolen treasurers and making sure they’re returned to their rightful owners. Freya and Carole have officially founded “The Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency,” and the first case that comes their way is a painting that was stolen from a small semi-local Maritime Museum was stolen. The police are concentrating on the murder that accompanied the theft and the museum volunteer is afraid the painting will be forgotten. It turns out Arthur had donated the painting to the museum, making it even more interesting to Carole and Freya. The two follow the trail and end up on a specialty cruise, filled with Antiques Roadshow type celebrities, lesser known art experts, collectors, and a private collection of marine-themed exhibits. And an undercover FBI art crimes agent, Phil from book #1, they happen to recognize.

Of course it’s not smooth sailing. Turns out there’s something big happening on board. The legendary “Collector,” infamous on the black market, is turning over the reigns of his empire to a successor. Maybe Freya, Carole, and Phil can take down the whole operation.

There’s a lot going on and few people aboard the shop are who they seem to be. Freya and Carole are not just dealing with murder, stolen antiquities and blackmail – someone is determined to find out what the pair know and will take whatever means necessary to get the information.

We have some great characters here. Freya is dedicated and determined, if a bit naive. Carole is full of life, a bit eccentric and nosy, but more intelligent than she wants people to think. There are several other fabulous women characters, both good and bad and in-between. And we get some lessons on antiques, which I found interesting. The author clearly understands antiques and the world that revolves around them.

I’m looking forward to the next in the series, especially now that Freya and Carole have a group around them that they can trust.

This was such an amazing sequel! I loved every page of it and I can say it officially was the first 5 star read of 2025! I liked a lot that the antiques were on the centre stage in this one and less a murder itself. That really emphasised the ANTIQUE hunter part of the title. I liked how I felt I learned something while reading this book but also some moments of recognition when I already knew a place or a story.

In addition Arthur still payed a role in this 2nd book which contributed to a twisted and engaging storyline while the characters from book 1 were enriched with some new faces in addition. Freya is the main character and I liked her a lot. She is very determined and does not give up when she decided to solve a case. I like how she trusts her gut and does not forget her brain in the process. Carole is Freya’s aunt and helps her in this investigation again as her co-antique-hunter and investigator. I still enjoy her personality a lot, as she is quite cheerful and brings a light mood to the dreariest situation, and I feel she did contribute to this storyline similarly much as in book 1. Phil gets more spotlight in this 2nd book and I like that he was an integral part of the story. He is one of the newer faces in the cast and is a caring character. He wants the best for Freya and Carole. There are more characters who are new(er) to the story, but speaking about them would feel as if I am spoiling the story, so I won't mention more of them.

All in all, I like a lot that the book lived up to my expectations and to how much I loved book 1. In addition I feel it was edited well and there is no surplus storyline. I hope book 3 won’t take too long to be published as I really love Freya and Carole’s adventures!

(A review will be posted on my accounts closer to pub day.)

** “All I had to do was stop doubting myself, have faith in my own instincts, and go wherever they led me.” **

C.L. Miller continues her fun mystery series with “The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea,” a story with a present-day Indiana Jones vibe featuring a strong female lead.

Freya Lockwood, “part of a rapidly growing fine arts sector working to return stolen works to their rightful owners and items of cultural significance to their country of origin,” is set to sail on a special antiques cruise, one her former mentor Arthur Crockleford recommended her for. As she and her aunt Carole realize there’s more than meets the eye on this cruise, they rush to figure out who the mysterious and nefarious Collector is, and can they stop their evil deeds in the antiques world?

What follows is another fun and zany mystery, reminiscent of an Agatha Christie story like “Death on the Nile” or “Murder on the Orient Express.” Filled with several suspects, can Freya and Carole solve the secret identity before more and more deadly events occur?

Miller does a great job of developing a plot with many twists and turns, as well as equally inspiring and loathsome characters. She also includes several great themes, like the impact and importance of legacy; having a combined purpose; damage doesn’t equal worthlessness; and having faith in one’s own instincts.

Fans of mysteries, especially like those of Miss Christie, will love “The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea,” which is due out Feb. 18.

Five stars out of five.

Atria Books provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea was the second installment in the Antique Hunter’s series. However, it can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone.

I adored The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder and was excited to delve back into Freya Lockwood and Aunt Carole’s world.

This book was smartly written, compelling and easy to get into. I also really enjoy that the series focuses on the antiquing underworld. It helps make the plot feel fresh and exciting, without being dry.

There was somewhat of a different feel from the first novel. It was less of a cozy mystery and more of a thriller. However, this didn’t bother me in the least. It actually reminded me of Daniel Silva’s writing, which I’ve long enjoyed.

I loved seeing Freya’s growth since the last story. She was more confident and self-assured, and I’m sure that’ll continue as the series carries on.

With that being said, Aunt Carole remains my overall favorite character. She’s so fun and glamorous, and her antics never cease to make me laugh. While her POV was briefly introduced into the story, I would’ve liked to see more from her.

All in all, this was a great addition to the series and I can’t wait to see what shenanigans Freya and Aunt Carole are up to next.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Atria books for the opportunity to read this e-ARC!

Read if you like:

✨Antiques
✨Smartly written storylines
✨Daniel Silva books
✨Whirlwind endings

The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea is the second book in the Antique Hunter's series. Freya Lockwood and her aunt Carole are once again on the case when a painting goes missing with a dead body close by. Their investigation finds they boarding a cruise ship. Freya begins to notice the ship is filled with stolen artwork that all had been documented by her former mentor in his journals. Freya's second surprise on the ship is discovering that the art crimes FBI agent, Phil, that she met previously is also on the case. When a death occurs on the ship Freya, Carole and Phil must solve the crime before the killer gets to them.

I have had a great time with this series. The mysteries are well plotted and paced. There is always something particularly fun when a mystery is set on a cruise ship or train. Freya is smart and determined. Aunt Carole remains completely charming and her eccentricities add a lightness to the story. I like that the journals from Arthur are tying the books together so far. I was very happy to be back with this crew and look forward to reading what comes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hey there, mystery lovers! Grab your magnifying glass and life jacket, because we're about to set sail with "The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea." Trust me, this book is like Agatha Christie meets Indiana Jones on a luxury cruise ship – and it's just as wild as it sounds!

Our dynamic duo, Freya Lockwood and her Aunt Carole, are hot on the trail of a stolen painting. But hold onto your sunhats, because this isn't your grandma's antique show. We're talking murder, mayhem, and a ship full of suspects!

Now, I don't know about you, but I love a good locked-room mystery, and what's more locked than a cruise ship in the middle of the Red Sea? The author really cranks up the tension by trapping our sleuths with a boatload of antique enthusiasts – and possibly a dangerous art trafficker known as The Collector. Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place!

What really got me hooked was how this isn't just your run-of-the-mill whodunit. Freya and Carole aren't just solving a murder; they're on a mission to recover stolen antiquities. It's like a treasure hunt with deadly stakes! And let me tell you, the reveal of The Collector's identity? Mind. Blown.

I've got to give a shout-out to our heroines. Freya and Carole aren't your typical mystery-solving duo. They've got this awesome aunt-niece dynamic, and their backstory with the late Arthur Crockleford adds this layer of intrigue that had me totally invested.

The pacing is spot-on, keeping you guessing right up to the last page.

If you're into mysteries that blend history, danger, and a dash of family drama, "The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea" is your ticket to adventure.

Thank you, Atria Books and NetGalley, for my free book.

This is the second book in this mystery series about antiques dealer, Freya Lockwood, and her eccentric aunt, Carole. It is readable as a standalone mystery. Five months after the death of their friend, Arthur Crockleford, Carole and Feya have joined forces to honor Carole’s inheriting Arthur’s antiques shop by founding the “Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency”. When the theft of a painting coincides with the discovery of a body, Freya and Carole are off on quite the adventure, including a Red Sea cruise that features stolen antiquities and a large cast of suspects. Fun adventures with this intrepid duo.

Highly recommend for mystery lovers! While I enjoyed the first one in the Antique Hunter's series, I loved the second installment. A mystery set aboard a cruise ship is like catnip for me and this did not disappoint. The story opens up a bit after the first and Freya and Aunt Carole have now taken over running the antique store they inherited while also hunting down antiques. A new case comes in and leads them to a cruise on the Red Sea filled with other antique lovers and murder. Miller did a great job with the plot, setting, and characters, building this fun-filled world of antique hunters. There were a lot of twists and red herrings, making it even more of an adventure. I cannot wait for more!

The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea sees the return of Freya Lockwood and her charming but somewhat eccentric Aunt Carole who I just love.

A painting is missing, the rumours are out there that the Collector is soon to retire and the competition is fierce.

Freya and Carole are off on a cruise where there is danger around every corner.

Dont trust anyone is the theme.

Except Phil who is back undercover.

The pace is fast, the tension mounts as the trio do their best to solve the mystery of not only the painting but the Ming Vase that is also missing.

This series gets stronger with every book and I cant wait to see what misadventure Freya and Carole get themselves into.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea.

Intrepid antique dealer Freya Lockwood and her flamboyant Aunt Carole are back in this fast-paced contemporary mystery set in the world of fine antiques. Freya is still working in the long shadow cast by her late mentor Arthur Crockleford. When she is invited as Arthur’s successor to go on an antiques-themed cruise as a resident expert, she and Aunt Carole uncover a secretive and dangerous ring of international thieves. Several other characters from the first book also turn up, some to help and some to hinder the investigation.
This book is a pleasure from start to finish. The characters are interesting and varied. The settings, from the antique shop to the cruise ship and everywhere in between, are vividly drawn. The action is just on the edge of probability, which makes it fun. And just as in the previous book, I came away with a little more knowledge about the wide world of antiques. By the end of the story, Freya Lockwood has emerged from Arthur’s shadow and her fledgling Antique Hunter’s Agency is all set to take on another case. I can’t wait! Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book.

Charming and eccentric Aunt Carole and determined but reasonable Freya Lockwood are back in a second installment of “The Antique Hunters” series.
It’s been five months since British antiques dealer Arthur Crockleford had the darker side of the antiquities world catch up with him. In his will, he left his store to his best friend Carole (on the “wrong” side of 70) and her niece Freya, formerly his decades ago companion in hunting down stolen treasures, but more recently a 40-ish divorced empty-nester who helped solve his murder in the previous book.

Freya has found Arthur’s seven hidden journals in his shop detailing lost and stolen heirlooms, which he hoped to discover and return to their rightful owners. Not sure where to start, Freya and Carole have officially founded “The Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency.” A seemingly innocuous painting that Arthur donated to a Maritime Museum was stolen, but the police are concentrating on the dead body left behind. More concerned about the weird theft, Freya and Carole follow a path that puts them on a specialty cruise, filled with Antiques Roadshow type celebrities, lesser known art experts, collectors, and a private collection of marine-themed exhibits. And, surprise, an undercover FBI art crimes agent they happen to recognize.

Eventually, attention turns to “The Collector,” a mythical art thief mastermind, who eventually chooses a new heir to continue his syndicate of antiquities thievery. Both Freya and FBI guy, Phil, are thrown together to investigate whatever crimes that the cruise is covering up or abetting and if the Collector and his minions really exist.

As in the previous book, we get all sorts of esoteric information on antiques — this time including a category known as shipwreck ceramics (think barnacles on Ming vases lost at sea), which add to the enjoyment of this book. The fact that the author’s parents really were well known antiques experts helps.There are at least six journals (including that third one about a Scottish collection that art thief Bella covets) that should have mysterious clues about more lost treasures and, therefore, more books in the series.

I honestly enjoyed this book more than the first, probably since I’m now familiar with Freya and Carole (good people), Phil (not so mysterious this time), the late Arthur (who had his own forays in the black market trade that he wanted to escape from), and even Bella (on her own path, but still vulnerable to affairs of the heart). 5 stars! I hope we can expect more in the The Antique Hunter series!


Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): Not a character, but a gold serpent ring that has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO We’re on a boat, generally devoid of growing green things. And then we’re off the boat in the middle of the desert.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

This is the second in The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder series. Once again we are following Freya Lockwood as she finds herself in the midst of another crime that needs to be solved.
Freya is set upon a lead that places her aboard a ship where she runs into many familiar faces as well as meeting new suspicious ones. And someone from either group could be who she is searching for.
While this was an enjoyable second in a series, the plot did lean a tad predictable at times, I still found it quite a pleasure to read.