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

The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea by C.L. Miller
Published by Aria on February 18, 2025
Source: NetGalley
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 304
Format: eARC
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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?

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.

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 52 Books in 52 Weeks 2025
• Cloak and Dagger 2025