Publication Date: 06th Feb 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery
3 Stars
One Liner: Interesting premise, clunky execution
Freya Lockwood has troubles of her own when Aunt Carole calls to inform her that Arthur Crockleford has died. He was her estranged mentor and responsible for her love of antiques. However, something happened that pushed Freya away from her village and Arthur. She decides to go back upon her aunt’s insistence.
Soon, the duo begins to investigate the case using the cryptic clues left behind by Arthur. There’s a lot to find out. But can Freya and Aunt Carole uncover the truth before they end up like Arthur?
The story comes in Freya’s first-person POV and the limited third-person POV of multiple characters.
My Thoughts:
How can I ignore a book that combines antique hunting and a murder mystery? Naturally, I didn’t, and the results are mixed.
The setting is well done, be it the village or the manor where most of the action happens. The vibes are spot on.
It helps that I don’t need to know anything about antiques to follow the plot. That part is kept simple enough for a novice reader to follow. A definite plus.
Carol is a decent character- a lively, OTT, dramatic aunt in her seventies. Even if the humor isn’t funny, Carol manages to stand out.
The premise of a 50-something woman getting her life back and doing what she loves is cool. Freya’s backstory is sad enough to make me empathize with her. But I couldn’t, and there lies the biggest problem. It’s hard to enjoy a book when I can’t feel for the MC.
The repeated references to the past (what happened in Cairo) got a bit too much since the reveal didn’t happen until later. And when we do know, it was underwhelming. Not because the events were bland; the narration lacked the punch.
The mystery is okayish. The other random POVs add a bit of intrigue, but the characters are boring, except Bella. I wouldn’t have minded if we got more of her POV. That’s someone I’d want to read.
There was a lot of filler which affected the pacing and made it a slow read. I realized towards the end that this is likely to be a series. It explains the details we get throughout the book. I wouldn’t mind reading the next one to see how it goes. Freya seems to be getting back to her previous self.
Still, I like the theme of MC’s story from her childhood to the present times. Her relationship with Aunt Carole is beautiful. I’d have loved it if Freya’s POV was done better.
And oh, the quotes by Arthur (the dead man) at the beginning of each chapter were perfect. I enjoyed those the most (even more than the chapters).
To summarize, The Antique Hunter's Guide has a decent premise but is hampered by choppy execution. With some good editing and stronger characterization, it can be a worthy cozy mystery.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for the eARC.
#NetGalley
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